20 Wacky Roadside Stops Across the U.S. That Are Worth the Detour
The United States is home to some of the most fascinating and quirky roadside attractions that add a touch of whimsy to any road trip. From giant statues to bizarre museums, these offbeat stops are fun, memorable, and guaranteed to break up the monotony of long drives.
If you’re planning a road trip or just looking for something quirky to add to your travel itinerary, these 20 U.S. roadside attractions are sure to surprise, entertain, and make you glad you pulled over.
1. The World’s Largest Ball of Twine – Cawker City, Kansas
Cawker City is home to the world’s largest ball of twine, a quirky and growing attraction that brings visitors from all over. Started in 1953 by Frank Stoeber, this massive ball now weighs over 20,000 pounds and continues to grow as visitors are encouraged to add more twine.
It’s an odd but iconic piece of Americana.
2. The Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo, Texas
Cadillac Ranch features ten half-buried, graffiti-covered Cadillacs standing nose-down in the Texas desert. Visitors are invited to bring spray paint and leave their mark on these colorful, art-filled relics of the past.
It’s an iconic stop on Route 66 that’s both artistic and quirky.
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3. The Mystery Spot – Santa Cruz, California
The Mystery Spot is an unusual gravitational anomaly where the laws of physics seem to be defied. Located in the redwoods, visitors experience bizarre effects such as tilted floors and objects appearing to roll uphill.
It’s a mind-bending experience that leaves you questioning reality.
4. Carhenge – Alliance, Nebraska
Carhenge is a quirky replica of England’s Stonehenge made entirely out of vintage American cars. The cars are painted gray to resemble stone, and the installation creates an eerie and amusing sight in the middle of the Nebraska plains.
It’s a fun twist on the ancient monument.
5. The Fremont Troll – Seattle, Washington
Located under the Aurora Bridge in Seattle, the Fremont Troll is a massive sculpture of a troll clutching a real Volkswagen Beetle. This playful and artistic sculpture has become an iconic symbol of the Fremont neighborhood, drawing curious visitors to take photos with the troll.
It’s a quirky and fun attraction that reflects Seattle’s artistic spirit.
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6. Lucy the Elephant – Margate, New Jersey
Lucy the Elephant is a six-story, elephant-shaped building that has been standing since 1881. Originally built to attract real estate buyers, Lucy is now a national historic landmark and a quirky roadside attraction.
Visitors can take guided tours inside the elephant and enjoy panoramic views from the top.
7. The World’s Largest Pistachio – Alamogordo, New Mexico
Standing 30 feet tall, the world’s largest pistachio is a giant statue located outside a pistachio farm in Alamogordo. It’s a fun photo-op for road trippers and a tribute to the region’s pistachio-growing industry.
The farm also offers tours and pistachio-flavored treats.
8. Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox – Bemidji, Minnesota
These massive statues of Paul Bunyan and his blue ox, Babe, are among the most iconic roadside attractions in the U.S. Standing proudly in Bemidji, they’ve been a popular stop for travelers since the 1930s and are a perfect photo-op for fans of folklore. Their towering presence adds a bit of whimsy to the area.
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9. Foamhenge – Natural Bridge, Virginia
Foamhenge is an exact replica of Stonehenge, but made entirely out of foam. This quirky creation was constructed by artist Mark Cline and has become a popular attraction for those looking to enjoy a playful and strange version of the ancient monument.
It’s a lighthearted and unexpected find in the Virginia countryside.
10. The Enchanted Highway – Regent, North Dakota
The Enchanted Highway is a collection of massive metal sculptures that line a 32-mile stretch of highway. From giant grasshoppers to towering pheasants, these sculptures bring a touch of whimsy to the otherwise quiet plains of North Dakota.
Each sculpture is larger than life and worth the detour.
11. The Corn Palace – Mitchell, South Dakota
The Corn Palace is an unusual building covered in murals made entirely out of corn and other grains. Each year, new murals are created using thousands of bushels of corn, making it a constantly evolving attraction.
It’s both a celebration of agriculture and a quirky roadside stop.
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12. The Unclaimed Baggage Center – Scottsboro, Alabama
The Unclaimed Baggage Center is a one-of-a-kind store where travelers can buy items that have been left behind in airports and never claimed. From clothing to electronics, you never know what strange or valuable items you might find here.
It’s a quirky shopping experience that’s truly unique.
13. The World’s Largest Rocking Chair – Casey, Illinois
Standing at over 56 feet tall, the world’s largest rocking chair in Casey is a giant piece of roadside Americana. This small town is known for its “big things,” with other oversized attractions like the world’s largest wind chime and mailbox.
It’s a fun and whimsical stop that celebrates all things giant.
14. The International UFO Museum – Roswell, New Mexico
Located in the heart of Roswell, this museum is dedicated to the infamous 1947 UFO incident. Visitors can explore exhibits about the crash, alien encounters, and government conspiracies.
It’s a quirky, must-see attraction for anyone fascinated by extraterrestrial lore.
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15. Wall Drug – Wall, South Dakota
What started as a small drugstore in 1931 has become a sprawling complex of shops, restaurants, and quirky attractions. Wall Drug offers free ice water, massive roadside signs, and quirky attractions like a giant jackalope and animatronic dinosaurs.
It’s a quirky piece of Americana that draws millions of visitors each year.
16. The Wigwam Motel – Holbrook, Arizona
The Wigwam Motel is an iconic Route 66 attraction where guests can stay in one of several teepee-shaped rooms. This retro motel offers a unique and quirky lodging experience, complete with vintage cars parked outside.
It’s a nostalgic throwback to the golden age of American road trips.
17. The Shoe Tree – Middlegate, Nevada
The Shoe Tree is a bizarre yet fascinating roadside attraction where travelers have been tossing their old shoes into the branches for decades. This quirky tradition has resulted in a tree covered in hundreds of pairs of shoes, creating a strange and memorable sight in the middle of the desert.
It’s a true piece of Americana.
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18. The Jolly Green Giant Statue – Blue Earth, Minnesota
The Jolly Green Giant statue towers over the town of Blue Earth as a tribute to the iconic vegetable mascot. The statue has become a beloved roadside attraction, drawing visitors from near and far to snap a photo with the giant.
It’s a quirky and nostalgic stop for lovers of Americana.
19. The Paper House – Rockport, Massachusetts
The Paper House is a small cottage made entirely out of layers of newspaper. From the walls to the furniture, everything inside this quirky house is constructed from paper, making it a fascinating and unique roadside attraction.
It’s an unusual but impressive feat of creativity.
20. The Big Duck – Flanders, New York
The Big Duck is a giant, duck-shaped building that was originally built in the 1930s to sell ducks and duck eggs. Today, it serves as a quirky gift shop and a beloved roadside attraction on Long Island.
Its whimsical design makes it a fun and memorable stop for travelers.
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