A Trip To Remember: The 20 Weirdest Roadside Attractions Across America
Weirdest Roadside Gems
Hit the open road and leave the ordinary behind, as America is home to some of the quirkiest, most bizarre roadside attractions you'll ever lay your eyes on. These are the kind of places that get you laughing and make you question you're in some kind of altered state of mind. So, if you're tired of the same old tourist traps, these 20 weird stops are just begging to be explored.
1. The Mystery Spot (Santa Cruz, California)
Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this spot is famous for its gravitational anomalies. Visitors experience strange phenomena, like tilted walls and objects that appear to roll uphill. A must-see for those who are fascinated by the unexplained, this attraction has amazed visitors since 1940.
2. Carhenge (Alliance, Nebraska)
Inspired by England’s Stonehenge, Carhenge features 39 vintage cars arranged in a circle. Built in 1987 by artist Jim Reinders, this tribute to automobiles reflects Nebraska’s rural charm. Stop by to snap a pic of this odd, metal monument.
Brian W. Schaller on Wikimedia
3. The World’s Largest Ball Of Twine (Cawker City, Kansas)
Cawker City’s giant ball of twine tips the scales at over 20,000 pounds. Started in 1953 by Frank Stoeber, this quirky, record-breaking marvel keeps growing year after year. It’s strange, it’s charming—and absolutely worth a stop to see how massive it’s become.
Visiting the Worlds Largest Ball of Twine - Cawker City Kansas by Mike Less - Farmhand Mike
4. The Thing? (Benson, Arizona)
What exactly is The Thing? Located on the outskirts of Benson, Arizona, the mystery surrounding what’s hidden inside its building continues to intrigue. Plus, for years, rumors of ancient artifacts or extraterrestrial evidence have swirled.
BowlinTravelCenters on Wikimedia
5. The International Cryptozoology Museum (Portland, Maine)
Enjoy the world of cryptozoology at the International Cryptozoology Museum. Home to exhibits about creatures like Bigfoot, the Mokele-Mbembe, and the Loch Ness Monster, this offbeat spot is a haven for believers and skeptics alike.
The International Cryptozoology Museum: Bigfoot, Sea Monsters, and More! by New England Escapades
6. The Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, Texas)
Spray-painting on half-buried Cadillacs—yes, it’s encouraged! Cadillac Ranch is an art installation created in 1974, where 10 classic cars stand nose-down in the Texas dirt. It’s a funky tribute to American culture, attracting tourists from across the globe.
7. World’s Largest Collection Of World’s Smallest Versions Of World’s Largest Things (Lucas, Kansas)
At the heart of Lucas, Kansas, you’ll find a surprisingly extensive collection of miniature buildings showcasing everything from tiny homes to mini barns. With over 60 structures, it’s a perfect stop for those who appreciate fine detail.
8. The UFO Welcome Center (Bowman, South Carolina)
In search of extraterrestrial life? Head to South Carolina’s UFO Welcome Center, where an alien-themed structure awaits your arrival. Built in 1994 by Jody Pendarvis, this roadside oddity is both weird and welcoming. Maybe you'll get a visitor from beyond Earth during your trip!
Inside the Homemade UFO Welcome Center in South Carolina by VICE
9. The World’s Largest Frying Pan (Brandon, Iowa)
In Brandon, Iowa, you’ll find a 14-foot-wide frying pan, standing as the world’s largest. Originally created for a local festival in 2003, it’s used for community events like pancake breakfasts and local cooking contests. This unusual piece of kitchenware certainly stands out on any road trip route.
The Worlds Largest Frying Pan - Brandon, Iowa by GOOD TIMES OUTDOORS
10. World’s Tallest Thermometer (Baker, California)
How tall does a thermometer need to be? In Baker, California, apparently 134 feet. The World’s Tallest Thermometer honors Death Valley’s scorching 134°F record from 1913. Built in 1991, this quirky landmark flashes with red neon and stands as a salute to the desert heat.
11. House On The Rock (Spring Green, Wisconsin)
For an unforgettable roadside detour, visit House on the Rock. This architectural wonder, built by Alex Jordan, features rooms filled with eccentric collections. It’s an immersive experience that feels like stepping into a dream.
12. The Giant Cowboy Boots (San Antonio, Texas)
Standing proud outside the NorthPark Center in Dallas, the Giant Cowboy Boots are a Texas-sized tribute to the Lone Star State’s culture. At over 20 feet tall, these boots are a perfect stop for anyone looking to embrace Texas pride.
13. The Corn Palace (Mitchell, South Dakota)
The Corn Palace, situated in Mitchell, South Dakota, is an iconic building made entirely of corn. Each year, it’s redesigned with new murals and artistic displays made from dried corn, which displays the region’s agricultural pride.
14. World's Largest Rubber Stamp (Cleveland, Ohio)
Planted in downtown Cleveland’s Willard Park, the World’s Largest Rubber Stamp is an absurdly delightful sculpture. Measuring 48 feet long, this steel and aluminum behemoth spells out “FREE” as a nod to Civil War emancipation and was created by Claes Oldenburg.
World's Largest Rubber Stamp Located In Downtown Cleveland Ohio. by Mr. Goody
15. The Enchanted Highway (Regent, North Dakota)
Regent’s Enchanted Highway is a 32-mile stretch of road adorned with the world’s largest collection of metal sculptures. From a giant grasshopper to a towering pheasant, these art pieces add an eccentric charm to this quiet stretch of the North Dakota region.
16. Devil’s Kettle Waterfall (Judge C. R. Magney State Park, Minnesota)
Where does the water go? Devil’s Kettle Waterfall, located in Minnesota’s Judge C. R. Magney State Park, features one of nature’s greatest mysteries. Half of the waterfall’s water disappears into a strange hole, leaving a riddle that’s yet to be solved.
August Schwerdfeger on Wikimedia
17. The Largest Fork (Springfield)
Springfield is home to the world’s largest fork, a towering 35-feet sculpture. Installed in 2010 at the Big Swoosh restaurant, it’s part of a fun promotional effort, but today it serves as a quirky roadside attraction. The oversized fork is an eye-catching landmark for travelers seeking out the unusual.
World’s Largest Fork by World Scholarship Forum
18. World’s Largest Fire Hydrant (Columbia, South Carolina)
This gigantic fire hydrant, towering 40 feet in the air, is an unexpected sight in Columbia, South Carolina. Standing as the world’s largest, it’s a playful tribute to the city’s fire department. It’s one of those oddball landmarks that stops you in your tracks.
The World’s Largest Working Fire Hydrant! by THE ROBB ZIPP SHOW
19. World’s Largest Basket (Newark, Ohio)
Standing tall in Newark, Ohio, the World’s Largest Basket is actually a seven-story building shaped like a giant picnic basket. Originally the headquarters of the Longaberger Basket Company, it’s 160 times larger than the company’s Medium Market Basket.
World’s Largest Longaberger Baskets - Dresden & Newark, OH by The Tolle Road
20. World’s Largest Wind Chime (Casey, Illinois)
At 56 feet tall, the World’s Largest Wind Chime in Casey, Illinois, offers both a visual and auditory treat. The chime, which rings in the breeze, is an ode to American craftsmanship. Stop by and enjoy the peaceful sounds of this creation.
