Unique Roadside Attractions Across the USA

There is a sense of humor around every corner when you’re driving in the USA. How else to explain those wacky, way-out-in-left-field roadside attractions you’ll stumble upon? Sculptures made of cars, energy vortexes, and oversized household items are just the beginning. Here are our favorite offbeat stops.

1. Cadillac Ranch – Texas

In 1974, local eccentric millionaire Stanley Marsh planted 10 Cadillacs (vintage 1949 to 1963) headlights down in a deserted stretch of dirt outside Amarillo. This installation, known as Cadillac Ranch (I-40 between exits 60 & 62), serves as a salute to Route 66, highlighting cars that represent the golden age of car travel.

The accepted practice today is to leave your own mark on the art by drawing on the cars. Remember to bring spray paint as a tribute; you might find others have also left their mark. The cars occasionally receive a makeover, such as when they were painted pink in honor of breast cancer awareness. To reach Cadillac Ranch, park along the south feeder road a couple of miles west of Loop 335, and walk the well-worn path. While it’s an exciting place to visit, there’s a sort of forlorn feel to the site.

2. World’s Largest Ball of Twine – Minnesota

There’s much ado about which ball of twine holds the record these days, but why not pay your respects to the original that started all the fuss? Behold the World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Darwin, Minnesota, on US 12, 62 miles west of Minneapolis. To be specific, it’s the “Largest Built by One Person” – Francis A. Johnson wrapped the 17,400-pound whopper on his farm over the course of 29 years. You can gawk at it in the town gazebo and, for an added experience, visit the nearby museum.

3. Unclaimed Baggage Center – Alabama

Head into downtown Scottsboro, Alabama, on Hwy 279 and follow the signs to the Unclaimed Baggage Center. This massive retail space is the final destination for many unclaimed bags in the US. After 90 days, airlines send lost luggage here, and it’s your chance to discover all sorts of unique items, including Tumi luggage, cameras, and golf clubs—all at a fraction of retail price.

4. Wall Drug Store – South Dakota

A tourist trap par excellence, Wall Drug Store is famous for its roadside billboards that advertise “free ice water” miles away, but it’s an unexpectedly worthwhile stop. You can enjoy 5-cent coffee, free ice water, and a variety of quirky attractions, including animatronic dinosaurs.

5. Coral Castle – Florida

This fascinating stop in Homestead is a man’s kitschy do-it-yourself testament to love. Latvian immigrant Ed Leedskalnin dug up over 2.2 million tons of coral rock to build Coral Castle, which took him nearly 30 years (1923-1951) to complete. Its construction remains a mystery, much like the emotional story behind it.

6. Lucas – Kansas

“Outsider art” flourishes in the tiny town of Lucas. Samuel Dinsmoor started this movement in 1907 by filling his yard with enormous concrete sculptures portraying his eccentric philosophies. While the Garden of Eden is visible from the sidewalk, paid admission allows for an enriching experience filled with stories and history.

7. Lucy the Elephant – New Jersey

While you drive around the beach communities just south of Atlantic City, something large and gray will catch your eye: Lucy the Elephant, a 65-foot wooden pachyderm constructed in 1881. Originally built as a marketing gimmick for real estate, Lucy has been used as a hotel, cottage, and tavern but now stands proudly as a beloved part of the city and recognized as a historic landmark.

8. The Shoe Tree of Middlegate – Nevada

Located on the “Loneliest Road in America,” the Shoe Tree of Middlegate symbolizes love and reconciliation. The original tree was chopped down by vandals in 2010, but a second tree has since taken its place, inviting travelers to toss their shoes and contribute to this unique tradition.

9. Roswell – New Mexico

No list of quirky American attractions is complete without Roswell. In 1947, a mysterious object crashed nearby, leading to a military cover-up that ignited intrigue and conspiracy theories regarding aliens. The city has transformed into an extraterrestrial-friendly hub, with themed street lamps and attractions for both believers and curious visitors alike.

10. Meteor Crater – Arizona

The second largest impact site in Arizona, the Meteor Crater, was formed by a fiery meteor nearly 50,000 years ago. This colossal crater spans nearly a mile across and is 600 feet deep. While you can’t hike to the bottom, there are several lookout points, and the informative visitor center offers engaging educational opportunities.

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