25 Quirky American Landmarks You Need to Visit Once

Looking for something a little out of the ordinary on your next U.S. road trip? Beyond the typical tourist spots like the Grand Canyon and Statue of Liberty, America is packed with offbeat attractions that are as quirky as they are fascinating.

From giant statues to bizarre museums, these unique destinations offer a fun escape from the usual. Whether you’re seeking weird, wacky, or wonderful, these 25 offbeat U.S. attractions will give you a fresh perspective on the country’s hidden gems.

Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo, TX

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Image Credit: DepositPhotos

This quirky art installation features a row of vintage Cadillacs buried nose-first into the ground. Visitors are encouraged to spray-paint the cars, adding their own touch to the ever-evolving artwork.

It’s a perfect stop for those who love unique roadside attractions and art.

Carhenge – Alliance, NE

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Image Credit: DepositPhotos

A bizarre replica of England’s Stonehenge made entirely of old cars, Carhenge is both strange and iconic. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves eccentric roadside sculptures.

You’ll never look at cars the same way again.

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The Mystery Spot – Santa Cruz, CA

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Image Credit: Michael Gray / Flickr

At The Mystery Spot, the laws of physics seem to be bent. Objects roll uphill, and people appear to tilt at impossible angles.

It’s an optical illusion you have to experience to believe.

The Neon Boneyard – Las Vegas, NV

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Image Credit: DepositPhotos

This outdoor museum in Las Vegas showcases old neon signs from the city’s past. It’s a nostalgic, colorful stroll through history, featuring some of Sin City’s most iconic signs.

Perfect for anyone fascinated by vintage Vegas.

The International UFO Museum – Roswell, NM

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Image Credit: Kimble Young / Flickr

Dedicated to the infamous 1947 Roswell UFO incident, this museum is a must-visit for alien enthusiasts. It’s filled with exhibits on extraterrestrial sightings and government cover-ups.

It’s the perfect place to indulge your curiosity about life beyond Earth.

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The National Mustard Museum – Middleton, WI

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Image Credit: BobbbyLight / Flickr

Yes, an entire museum dedicated to mustard. It features thousands of mustard varieties from around the world and even has a tasting bar.

It’s quirky, fun, and surprisingly informative for food lovers.

The House on the Rock – Spring Green, WI

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Image Credit: Travel Wisconsin

A bizarre architectural wonder, The House on the Rock is filled with eclectic collections, from giant carousels to strange doll displays. It’s a surreal experience that feels like stepping into a different world.

You won’t find anything else like it.

The Corn Palace – Mitchell, SD

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Image Credit: DepositPhotos

This palace made entirely of corn and other grains is a testament to creativity. Every year, the Corn Palace is redecorated with new murals made from corn.

It’s a one-of-a-kind attraction that celebrates South Dakota’s agricultural heritage.

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The Giant Duck – Flanders, NY

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Image Credit: Allison Meier / Flickr

This enormous duck-shaped building once sold—you guessed it—ducks. Now, it’s a quirky roadside stop and visitor’s center.

It’s an offbeat, whimsical landmark that’s worth a quick visit.

The World’s Largest Ball of Twine – Cawker City, KS

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Image Credit: Heather Paul / Flickr

Who knew twine could be so impressive? This massive ball of twine has been growing for decades as visitors contribute to it.

It’s a quintessential example of quirky Americana.

Salvation Mountain – Niland, CA

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Image Credit: Kevin Dooley / Flickr

This colorful, painted hill in the desert is a massive folk art piece dedicated to love and faith. It’s an inspiring, surreal experience, with bright murals and messages of peace.

A visit here feels like stepping into a dream.

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The Jolly Green Giant Statue – Blue Earth, MN

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Image Credit: 4Neus / Flickr

Standing at 55 feet tall, this statue of the Jolly Green Giant is hard to miss. It’s a quirky nod to Minnesota’s agricultural roots.

Stop by for a fun photo op with this giant piece of Americana.

The Clown Motel – Tonopah, NV

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Image Credit: Ken Lund / Flickr

If you’re not afraid of clowns, this roadside motel filled with clown décor is a must-see. Known as one of the “scariest motels in America,” it’s both charming and creepy.

You’ll have an unforgettable, if eerie, stay.

Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard – Waterbury, VT

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Image Credit: Doug Kerr / Flickr

This whimsical graveyard is where Ben & Jerry’s retired ice cream flavors go to rest. Each flavor has a gravestone with a witty epitaph.

It’s a fun stop for ice cream fans who want to pay their respects to discontinued favorites.

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The Fremont Troll – Seattle, WA

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Image Credit: angela n. / Flickr

This giant concrete troll lurks under a bridge in Seattle, clutching a real Volkswagen Beetle. It’s a quirky piece of public art that’s become a beloved local landmark.

Don’t forget to take a selfie with the troll.

The Winchester Mystery House – San Jose, CA

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Image Credit: _MissBlondie / Flickr

This sprawling, maze-like mansion was built by Sarah Winchester, widow of the gun magnate, in a bid to ward off ghosts. Filled with staircases that lead nowhere and doors that open into walls, it’s a mysterious and eerie place to explore.

The World’s Largest Dinosaur – Drumheller, AL

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A giant T. rex statue, standing 86 feet tall, invites visitors to climb inside and take in the view from its mouth. It’s a towering tribute to America’s fascination with dinosaurs.

It’s great for families and anyone with a love for prehistoric creatures.

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Lucy the Elephant – Margate, NJ

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Image Credit: Jim, the Photographer / Flickr

Lucy is a six-story elephant-shaped building that’s over 130 years old. She’s been everything from a tavern to a summer home, and now she’s a museum.

Climb inside Lucy for a unique view of the Jersey Shore.

Foamhenge – Centreville, VA

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Image Credit: The Last Cookie / Flickr

A full-sized replica of Stonehenge made entirely of foam, Foamhenge is a lighthearted, whimsical attraction. It’s a fun and quirky photo op that will have you laughing.

You won’t believe your eyes when you see it.

The Leaning Tower of Niles – Niles, IL

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Image Credit: Lawrence Kestenbaum / Flick

You don’t have to go to Italy to see a leaning tower. This quirky half-size replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa leans just like the real thing.

It’s an unexpected piece of European flair in the middle of the Midwest.

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The Devil’s Kettle – Judge C.R. Magney State Park, MN

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Image Credit: Amy Meredit / Flickr

This waterfall in Minnesota features a strange phenomenon where half of the water disappears into a hole and seemingly goes nowhere. No one knows exactly where it ends up.

It’s a natural mystery that continues to baffle scientists.

The UFO Watchtower – Hooper, CO

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Image Credit: Larry Lamsa / Flickr

If you’re into UFOs, this is your spot. This quirky tower in the Colorado desert is dedicated to spotting extraterrestrial visitors.

The site is full of strange memorabilia and quirky exhibits about aliens.

The Museum of Bad Art – Somerville, MA

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Image Credit: Marlow Harris / Flickr

This offbeat museum is dedicated to showcasing art that didn’t quite hit the mark. From strange paintings to bizarre sculptures, the collection is as quirky as it gets.

It’s a lighthearted, fun stop for those who appreciate the weird side of art.

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The Cockroach Hall of Fame Museum – Plano, TX

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Image Credit: Atlas Obscura

This small museum features cockroaches dressed in miniature costumes, reenacting famous historical events. It’s both strange and hilarious, making it a must-see for anyone with a quirky sense of humor.

Bubblegum Alley – San Luis Obispo, CA

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Image Credit: flick off / Flickr

This narrow alley is covered from floor to ceiling in chewed bubblegum. It’s one of the weirdest and most colorful attractions in California.

It’s gross, it’s quirky, and it’s definitely memorable.

These offbeat attractions may not be the most famous, but they’re guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. From giant statues to quirky museums, these hidden gems are perfect for anyone looking for something different on their next road trip.  Happy exploring!

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