Planning your next road trip? Don’t just focus on the destination—there’s a world of wonder waiting for you along the way. From quirky landmarks to breathtaking natural sights, these 20 must-see roadside attractions will add a dash of adventure to your journey. So, buckle up and get ready to discover some of the most unforgettable stops that are just too good to miss!
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Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo, Texas
Cadillac Ranch is a striking art installation that features ten half-buried Cadillacs, nose-first into the ground, in a row along a Texas field. These cars are covered in layers of colorful graffiti, making them a constantly evolving canvas that invites visitors to add their own mark. It’s an iconic symbol of American road culture and a must-see for any road trip enthusiast.
Wall Drug- Wall, South Dakota
Wall, South Dakota: What started as a small-town pharmacy has grown into a sprawling tourist attraction covering 76,000 square feet. Wall Drug is famous for its free ice water and 5-cent coffee, but it also features a variety of shops, a quirky dinosaur statue, a giant jackalope, and a Western-themed arcade, making it a fun and eclectic stop for travelers of all ages.
The World’s Largest Ball of Twine -Cawker City, Kansas
This massive ball of twine, weighing over 20,000 pounds, is a testament to small-town ingenuity and persistence. Started by Frank Stoeber in 1953, it’s a quirky roadside stop that exemplifies the spirit of roadside attractions—fun, unusual, and slightly eccentric.
The Mystery Spot – Santa Cruz, California
The Mystery Spot is a gravitational anomaly where the laws of physics seem to go haywire. Visitors can experience bizarre optical illusions, such as objects rolling uphill, and people appearing to shrink or grow. It’s a mind-bending experience that leaves many questioning realities and is a must-visit for those intrigued by the unexplained.
Salvation Mountain – Niland, California
Salvation Mountain is a vibrant, hand-painted hill created by Leonard Knight to spread his message of love and faith. Made from adobe, straw, and thousands of gallons of paint, this colorful and artistic mountain stands out against the desert landscape and serves as a testament to one man’s devotion and creativity.
Foamhenge– Centreville, Virginia
Foamhenge is a full-scale replica of England’s Stonehenge, but with a twist—it’s made entirely of Styrofoam. Created by artist Mark Cline, this whimsical structure captures the essence of Stonehenge while adding a playful, tongue-in-cheek element that makes it a unique and entertaining stop.
The Corn Palace – Mitchell, South Dakota
The Corn Palace is an elaborate building adorned with murals and designs made entirely from corn and other grains. Each year, the theme and artwork change, showcasing the creativity and agricultural pride of the region. It’s a cultural landmark that celebrates South Dakota’s farming heritage.
Carhenge – Alliance, Nebraska
Carhenge is an American twist on the ancient Stonehenge, built from vintage cars painted gray to mimic the original stones. This quirky structure, set against the backdrop of Nebraska’s plains, is a tribute to both automotive history and human creativity, making it a memorable roadside attraction.
The Oregon Vortex – Gold Hill, Oregon
The Oregon Vortex is a mysterious area where strange phenomena occur, such as balls rolling uphill and people appearing to grow or shrink as they walk. The site has intrigued visitors for decades, offering a mix of science, legend, and optical illusion that creates an unforgettable experience.
Lucy the Elephant – Margate, New Jersey
Standing six stories tall, Lucy the Elephant is a giant, elephant-shaped building that has served as a hotel, office, and now a museum. Built in 1881, Lucy is a beloved symbol of the Jersey Shore and offers panoramic views from her howdah (a type of carriage). She’s a unique blend of history, architecture, and whimsy.
The Jolly Green Giant –Blue Earth, Minnesota
This towering 55-foot statue of the Jolly Green Giant is a tribute to the famous vegetable brand. Visitors can pose for photos with the friendly giant, making it a fun and nostalgic stop that pays homage to an iconic piece of advertising history.
The Shoe House – York, Pennsylvania
This giant shoe-shaped house was built in 1948 by shoe salesman Mahlon Haines as a promotional gimmick. The whimsical structure, complete with windows, doors, and multiple stories, offers tours that provide a glimpse into its quirky history and unique design.
The Neon Boneyard Las Vegas, Nevada
The Neon Boneyard is a museum of old Las Vegas signs, showcasing the city’s rich history of neon lights and glamour. Visitors can explore the outdoor exhibit filled with iconic signs from defunct casinos and businesses, offering a glimpse into the glitzy past of the Strip.
The Dinosaur Park – Rapid City, South Dakota
Perched on a hill overlooking Rapid City, The Dinosaur Park features life-sized concrete dinosaurs that have been delighting visitors since the 1930s. The park offers not only fun photo opportunities with the prehistoric creatures but also panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The Blue Whale of Catoosa – Catoosa, Oklahoma
This bright blue, smiling whale sits on a pond and has become an iconic Route 66 landmark. Originally built as an anniversary gift, it now serves as a whimsical and family-friendly stop where visitors can picnic, fish, and take photos with the cheerful sea creature.
The Enchanted Highway – Regent, North Dakota
The Enchanted Highway is a 32-mile stretch of road adorned with gigantic metal sculptures, including a family of grasshoppers, geese in flight, and a Tin Family. These impressive sculptures, created by artist Gary Greff, make the drive a magical experience, turning the open road into an outdoor art gallery.
Gatorland’s Giant Gator Mouth Entrance – Orlando, Florida
Gatorland’s entrance is a massive gator mouth that visitors walk through to enter the park. The toothy grin and realistic design set the tone for the gator-filled adventure that awaits inside. It’s an unforgettable entryway that captures the wild and fun spirit of the park.
Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox– Bemidji, Minnesota
These iconic statues of the legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan and his trusty companion Babe are beloved roadside attractions that celebrate Minnesota’s logging history. Standing at 18 feet tall, Paul and Babe make for an impressive and nostalgic photo op for visitors.
The Wigwam Motel– Holbrook, Arizona
The Wigwam Motel is a classic Route 66 attraction where guests can sleep in individual teepee-shaped rooms. Built in the 1950s, this kitschy, nostalgic motel offers a unique lodging experience that harkens back to the golden age of road trips.
The UFO Watchtower – Hooper, Colorado
This quirky attraction, located in the heart of the San Luis Valley, is a hotspot for UFO enthusiasts. The tower offers a panoramic view of the sky, making it an ideal spot for stargazing and hoping for an extraterrestrial encounter. The surrounding area is also filled with strange sculptures and a “UFO garden,” adding to its otherworldly charm.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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