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12 Top U.S. Roadside Attractions You Must Add To Your Next Adventure

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9 months ago

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The United States is home to a plethora of eccentric and captivating roadside attractions, each offering a unique blend of quirkiness and cultural significance. From towering sculptures to peculiar museums, these attractions dot the American landscape, inviting travelers to embark on a journey of discovery and delight. Whether it’s exploring the mysteries of gravity-defying houses or marveling at giant replicas of everyday objects, these roadside wonders captivate the imagination and spark curiosity. Join us on a virtual tour as we uncover the charm and eccentricity of some of the most intriguing roadside attractions across the country.

Carhenge – Alliance, Nebraska

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Carhenge in Alliance, Nebraska, is a quirky roadside attraction replicating England’s famous Stonehenge but with cars. Created by Jim Reinders as a memorial to his father, Carhenge consists of vintage cars painted gray and arranged in a circle to mimic the arrangement of stones at Stonehenge. It has become a beloved oddity and draws visitors from around the world to marvel at its unique concept and take memorable photos.

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

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Located in Cawker City, Kansas, the World’s Largest Ball of Twine is a testament to human ingenuity and eccentricity. Started by Frank Stoeber in 1953, the ball now weighs over 20,000 pounds and continues to grow as visitors add to it. It’s a beloved roadside attraction, inviting tourists to contribute to its size and admire its quirky charm.

The Mystery Spot – Santa Cruz, California

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The Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz, California, is a gravitational anomaly that defies the laws of physics. Visitors experience bizarre phenomena such as balls rolling uphill and distorted perspectives that challenge their sense of reality. While scientists debate its cause, visitors flock to this mysterious spot for a mind-bending experience and to ponder the mysteries of the universe.

Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo, Texas

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Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, is an iconic roadside art installation featuring a row of Cadillac cars buried nose-first in the ground. Created in 1974 by the art group Ant Farm, the cars are covered in graffiti and serve as a unique canvas for artistic expression. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own spray paint and contribute to the ever-evolving artwork, making it a dynamic and participatory experience.

The Clown Motel – Tonopah, Nevada

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The Clown Motel in Tonopah, Nevada, is a delightfully eerie accommodation adorned with hundreds of clown figurines and decorations. It has gained a reputation as one of the world’s creepiest motels, attracting brave travelers and curious visitors alike. Despite its unsettling ambiance, the Clown Motel offers a unique and unforgettable lodging experience for those seeking something out of the ordinary.

The Paper House – Rockport, Massachusetts

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Located in Rockport, Massachusetts, the Paper House is a remarkable structure made entirely of newspaper. Built in 1922 by Elis F. Stenman, the house features walls, furniture, and even curtains crafted from rolled-up newspapers. It stands as a testament to Stenman’s ingenuity and dedication, attracting visitors who marvel at its unconventional construction and unique history.

The International Cryptozoology Museum – Portland, Maine

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The International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland, Maine, is dedicated to the study of creatures from folklore and cryptozoology. Founded by Loren Coleman, a prominent cryptozoologist, the museum houses exhibits on Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and other legendary beings. It offers a fascinating glimpse into humanity’s enduring fascination with the unknown and the creatures that inhabit our imaginations.

The House on the Rock – Spring Green, Wisconsin

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The House on the Rock in Spring Green, Wisconsin, is an architectural marvel and eccentric tourist attraction. Built atop a chimney rock, the house features unique rooms filled with eclectic collections of antiques, mechanical instruments, and fantastical displays. It’s a place where imagination runs wild, offering visitors a surreal journey through a labyrinth of curiosities.

The Museum of Jurassic Technology – Los Angeles, California

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The Museum of Jurassic Technology in Los Angeles, California, is a peculiar institution blending fact with fiction in its exhibits. Visitors are transported to a world where scientific marvels and historical oddities intertwine, blurring the line between reality and imagination. It’s a place of wonder and curiosity, inviting guests to explore the boundaries of belief and skepticism.

The Museum of Salt and Pepper Shakers – Gatlinburg, Tennessee

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The Museum of Salt and Pepper Shakers in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a charming tribute to the humble kitchen utensils. With over 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers on display, the museum celebrates their diversity and cultural significance. It’s a delightful journey through culinary history, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship found in these everyday objects.

The Leaning Tower of Niles – Niles, Illinois

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The Leaning Tower of Niles in Niles, Illinois, is a smaller-scale replica of Italy’s famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Built in 1934 as a water tower, it was later converted into a tourist attraction and landmark. Despite its unintentional tilt caused by settling soil, it stands as a testament to human perseverance and ingenuity.

The World’s Largest Pistachio – Alamogordo, New Mexico

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The World’s Largest Pistachio in Alamogordo, New Mexico, is a colossal nut sculpture standing proudly as a symbol of local pride and agricultural abundance. Standing 30 feet tall and weighing over 8,000 pounds, it’s an eye-catching roadside attraction that celebrates the region’s pistachio industry. Visitors can marvel at this larger-than-life nut and learn about the area’s agricultural heritage.

Bubblegum Alley – San Luis Obispo, California

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Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, California, is a quirky and colorful attraction where visitors contribute chewed bubblegum to the walls of a narrow alley. Stretching over 70 feet long and covered in layers of gum, it’s a testament to human creativity and a popular spot for photos and selfies. Despite its unusual nature, Bubblegum Alley has become a beloved landmark in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo.

The Museum of Osteology – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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The Museum of Osteology in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is dedicated to the study of bones and skeletons from around the world. With over 300 skeletons on display, the museum offers a comprehensive look at vertebrate anatomy and evolution. It’s a fascinating destination for both educators and curious visitors interested in the natural world.

The Tree That Owns Itself – Athens, Georgia

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The Tree That Owns Itself in Athens, Georgia, is a beloved local landmark with a unique claim to fame. Legend has it that in the early 19th century, the tree’s owner, Colonel William H. Jackson, deeded the tree and the land within an eight-foot radius to itself. Despite the legality of such a deed being questionable, the tree and its story have captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike, making it a must-see attraction in Athens.

The Enchanted Highway – Regent, North Dakota

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The Enchanted Highway in Regent, North Dakota, is a stretch of road adorned with larger-than-life metal sculptures created by local artist Gary Greff. Spanning over 30 miles, the highway features sculptures depicting various themes, including wildlife, Americana, and the spirit of the Great Plains. It’s a magical journey through the North Dakota countryside, offering travelers a unique blend of art and adventure.

The Winchester Mystery House – San Jose, California

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The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California, is a sprawling mansion known for its eccentric architecture and paranormal legends. Built by Sarah Winchester, heiress to the Winchester rifle fortune, the house features staircases that lead to nowhere, doors that open into walls, and other mysterious features designed to confuse spirits. It’s a fascinating destination for ghost hunters and history buffs alike, offering a glimpse into the eccentricities of one woman’s obsession with the supernatural.

The Coral Castle – Homestead, Florida

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The Coral Castle in Homestead, Florida, is a mysterious and enigmatic monument built by Edward Leedskalnin. Using only simple tools and sheer determination, Leedskalnin single-handedly carved over 1,100 tons of coral rock to create this stunning masterpiece. Despite the lack of modern equipment or assistance, the Coral Castle stands as a testament to one man’s incredible craftsmanship and dedication.

The Big Duck – Flanders, New York

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The Big Duck in Flanders, New York, is a beloved Long Island landmark and an iconic example of roadside architecture. Built in the 1930s, the duck-shaped building served as a retail store selling ducks and duck eggs. Today, it stands as a quirky reminder of a bygone era and continues to attract visitors who flock to take photos with this oversized poultry-inspired structure.

The UFO Welcome Center – Bowman, South Carolina

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The UFO Welcome Center in Bowman, South Carolina, is a quirky roadside attraction built by Jody Pendarvis. Consisting of a homemade spaceship-like structure, the center invites visitors to experience the extraterrestrial in a rural setting. It’s a testament to human imagination and the enduring fascination with the possibility of life beyond Earth.

The Lucy the Elephant – Margate City, New Jersey

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Lucy the Elephant in Margate City, New Jersey, is a beloved Jersey Shore landmark and a testament to the whimsy of American roadside attractions. Built in 1881, Lucy stands 65 feet tall and has served various purposes over the years, including a summer home, a tavern, and a tourist attraction. Today, she continues to delight visitors with her charming presence and quirky history.

The National Mustard Museum – Middleton, Wisconsin

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The National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin, is a shrine to the beloved condiment and a paradise for mustard enthusiasts. With over 6,000 mustards from all 50 states and more than 70 countries, the museum offers a comprehensive exploration of mustard’s history and diversity. It’s a quirky and flavorful destination that celebrates the tangy goodness of this kitchen staple.

The Idaho Potato Museum – Blackfoot, Idaho

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The Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot, Idaho, pays homage to the state’s most famous agricultural product. With exhibits on potato farming, harvesting, and processing, the museum offers a fascinating look at the history and impact of the humble potato. It’s a spud-tacular destination for potato lovers and anyone interested in learning more about Idaho’s agricultural heritage.

The Museum of Pez Memorabilia – Burlingame, California

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The Museum of Pez Memorabilia in Burlingame, California, is a nostalgic tribute to the iconic candy dispensers loved by generations. With exhibits showcasing vintage Pez dispensers, advertisements, and collectibles, the museum offers a sweet journey through pop culture history. It’s a delightful destination for Pez enthusiasts and anyone with a taste for whimsical nostalgia.

The Neon Graveyard – Las Vegas, Nevada

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The Neon Graveyard in Las Vegas, Nevada, serves as a captivating testament to the city’s luminous past. As visitors wander through this outdoor museum, they encounter a dazzling array of retired neon signs once adorning the bustling streets of the Las Vegas Strip. Each sign tells a story of bygone eras, from the glitz and glamour of the Rat Pack era to the flashy extravagance of the 1980s. Preserved amidst the desert landscape, these neon relics offer a nostalgic journey through the vibrant history of Sin City.

Conclusion

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As we come to the end of our journey through the quirky and fascinating world of American roadside attractions, one thing becomes clear: these landmarks are more than just oddities—they are testaments to human creativity, ingenuity, and the enduring spirit of exploration. Whether it’s a museum dedicated to mustard or a gravity-defying house, each attraction tells a story and invites us to see the world in a new light. So, the next time you find yourself on the open road, keep an eye out for those offbeat signs and quirky detours—you never know what wonders you might discover along the way.
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