Looking For The Ultimate Detour?
Long drives can be tiring, but America's highways always have a way of keeping things interesting—if you know where to look! Scattered across the country, you'll find unexpected attractions that can make your drive a lot more fun, interesting, and even downright bizarre. Ready to take the scenic (and strange) route? Well, here are the 20 best roadside attractions in America you need to check out.
1. Dinny The Dinosaur And Mr. Rex: Cabazon, California
These enormous dinosaurs have been delighting travelers for decades near Palm Springs. Originally built to attract customers to the Wheel Inn restaurant, the place now houses a museum and a fun dinosaur walk. Whether you're snapping a photo or climbing inside, this prehistoric pit stop is a must-see.
2. Lucy The Elephant: Margate City, New Jersey
Towering six stories high, Lucy the Elephant has been a beloved New Jersey landmark since 1882. Visitors can climb inside the massive structure for a unique guided tour with panoramic views. As one of America’s oldest roadside attractions, Lucy continues to amaze.
3. International Car Forest: Goldfield, Nevada
Dozens of upturned, graffiti-covered cars are scattered across the Nevada desert. They create an eerie yet mesmerizing outdoor art gallery. This surreal junkyard of color and creativity is an Instagrammer's dream. It's a must-stop for lovers of weird and wonderful roadside attractions.
Exploring the International Car Forest in Nevada by Through My Lens
4. Chester Teapot: Chester, West Virginia
Once part of a thriving pottery industry, Chester's claim to fame is the world's largest teapot. The bright red kettle-shaped landmark stands as a tribute to the area's ceramic history. Chester Teapot draws visitors who can't resist a quirky photo opportunity.
5. Carhenge: Alliance, Nebraska
Imagine Stonehenge, only made entirely of cars. That's exactly what you'll find in Alliance, Nebraska, where vintage automobiles have been stacked in a perfect replica of the ancient monument. It's both bizarre and brilliant, making it a road trip essential.
Richard J Woodland on Wikimedia
6. Mermaid City Of Weeki Wachee: Weeki Wachee, Florida
Since 1947, Weeki Wachee has dazzled visitors with its famous underwater mermaid shows. Performers glide effortlessly through crystal-clear springs, creating a magical, otherworldly spectacle. This one-of-a-kind attraction remains a must-visit for those seeking a touch of whimsy and nostalgia.
7. Salvation Mountain: Niland, California
A vibrant explosion of color in the middle of the desert, Salvation Mountain is a 50-foot-tall masterpiece covered in biblical messages and bright murals. Built by artist Leonard Knight, the folk art landmark is a spiritual and artistic wonder.
8. The Enchanted Highway: Regent, North Dakota
The highway stretches 32 miles through North Dakota's plains and is lined with gigantic metal sculptures of grasshoppers, geese, and even a towering tin family. Each one is handcrafted by a local artist. It can be among the most memorable spots on your simple journey.
9. The Corn Palace: Mitchell, South Dakota
A building covered in corn may sound odd, but this one in South Dakota has been pulling in crowds since 1892. Every year, artists create massive murals using multicolored corn kernels here, which makes it the only place in the world where the walls are literally edible art.
10. Cadillac Ranch: Amarillo, Texas
Half-buried nose-first in the Texas dirt, these 10 colorful Cadillacs have been attracting curious travelers since the 1970s. Many visitors get excited to bring spray paint and leave their mark at this ranch. So, it has become a constantly changing work of art which you would love to see.
scott1346 from Mechanicsville, MD, USA on Wikimedia
11. The Blue Whale: Catoosa, Oklahoma
It's one of Route 66's most beloved oddities. The huge blue whale was built as a lakeside play structure in the 1970s. Today, it's a perfect place to stretch your legs and snap a picture next to one of America's most cheerful roadside destinations.
Ben Turover (Turover at en.wikipedia) on Wikimedia
12. The World's Largest Ball Of Twine: Darwin, Minnesota
This legendary ball of twine is so massive that it has its own gazebo! Started by Francis A. Johnson in the 1950s, the twine ball reached its final size of 17,400 pounds by 1979 and is now celebrated with an annual Twine Ball Day festival. It's a delightful stop for many road trip enthusiasts.
13. One Of The Tallest Forks In The World: Springfield, Missouri
Standing at a whopping 35 feet, you can see this giant stainless-steel fork outside an office building in Springfield. It was originally built for a restaurant. Now, it serves as a fun spot for whoever passes by.
14. Uranus Fudge Factory: Uranus, Missouri
The Uranus Fudge Factory is famous for its sweet treats. Moreover, the humor of this place keeps visitors coming back. With cheeky signs and playful puns at every turn, it makes for a memorable stop filled with laughs, souvenirs, and, of course, delicious fudge.
15. Bigfoot Museum: Cherry Log, Georgia
In the North Georgia mountains, you'll get to see the Bigfoot Museum. It's a must-visit for believers and even the skeptics. Packed with footprint casts, eyewitness reports, and eerie exhibits, the museum takes the legend (and your imagination) to the next level.
EXPEDITION BIGFOOT | CHERRY LOG, GA by As They Grow Up
16. Hoover Dam: Arizona/Nevada
One of America's greatest engineering marvels, Hoover Dam, is a breathtaking stop. Towering over the Colorado River, it offers spectacular views, fascinating history, and even a chance to stand between two time zones. This is one detour you won't regret taking.
17. Fremont Troll: Seattle, Washington
This troll hides under a bridge in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood. At 18 feet tall, it clutches an actual Volkswagen Beetle in its stony grip. Constructed in the 1990s, the fascinating sculpture adds a touch of whimsy to the area and has since become a famous roadside attraction.
18. South Of The Border: Hamer, South Carolina
With its oversized sombrero tower and neon signs, this kitschy spot is impossible to miss. Originally a simple rest stop, it has grown into a sprawling complex featuring restaurants, gift shops, and even a reptile lagoon. It's pure Americana!
19. Lackawanna Coal Mine: Scranton, Pennsylvania
Take a trip 300 feet underground at this historic coal mine, where you can explore tunnels once used by miners in the 1800s. Here, guided tours offer a fascinating look into America's coal industry, making it one of the most unique roadside stops in the country.
20. Devils Tower: Wyoming
The Devils Tower rises dramatically, and it's a sight to behold. Made famous by Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Devil's Tower is a geological wonder as well as a sacred site for Indigenous tribes. It's a jaw-dropping way to end any road trip.
