15 Wild Roadside Attractions Worth Stopping For

Road trips are about more than just reaching your destination. Sometimes, the journey holds the best surprises! Across the U.S., quirky roadside attractions offer a chance to explore something wonderful and downright unforgettable. Here’s a look at 15 unique stops that turn any road trip into an adventure! 

Lucy The Elephant, New Jersey

Ever seen a six-story elephant? Head to Margate for Lucy, an enormous pachyderm-shaped building that has entertained visitors since the 1800s. Originally built to attract tourists, Lucy now hosts tours and lets you explore this piece of history from the inside out. She’s a true New Jersey marvel!

The Coral Castle, Florida

Made entirely of coral rock, this mysterious castle in Homestead amazes visitors with its massive, hand-carved structures. Created by one man over 28 years ago, the Coral Castle raises questions about how he moved the huge stones alone. This place keeps Florida’s history alive in a big way. 

Cadillac Ranch, Texas 

Driving through Amarillo? Watch out for colorful cars buried nose-down in the dirt! Cadillac Ranch features ten cars partially buried in a line, creating a wild, ongoing art project that encourages visitors to add their own spray-painted designs. It’s a must-see roadside pop-art display in Texas. 

The Leaning Tower Of Niles, Illinois

Forget Italy—Niles, Illinois has its very own Leaning Tower! Standing half the size of Pisa’s famous landmark, this replica brings a piece of European charm to the Midwest. Built in 1934, the leaning tower offers a quirky photo-op and celebrates Niles’ connection to its Italian sister city.

The Mystery Castle, Arizona

Arizona keeps it mysterious! Found in the foothills of South Mountain in Phoenix, this quirky castle has rooms made from old bottles, auto parts, and rock. Built by a man for his daughter in the 1930s, the Mystery Castle now draws curious visitors to explore its odd, handmade charm. 

World’s Largest Ball Of Twine, Kansas

Cawker City houses a small-town wonder: the largest ball of twine. Measuring thousands of feet around, this massive ball started with one man’s dream. Today, visitors can add their own twine and contribute to a roadside attraction that just keeps growing. Only in Kansas! 

Foamhenge, Virginia

Originally located in Natural Bridge, Virginia, it was relocated to Cox Farms in Centreville in 2017. Visitors can explore this whimsical attraction during Cox Farms’ seasonal events. Foamhenge is a full-scale replica of England’s Stonehenge, constructed entirely from foam. 

Wall Drug, South Dakota

What started as a small-town drugstore now covers over 76,000 square feet of pure Americana. Wall Drug in South Dakota draws tourists with free water, quirky displays, and Western souvenirs. It’s more than a store—it’s an experience that turns a pit stop into a memory-filled adventure. 

The Clown Motel, Nevada

If clowns don’t scare you, the Clown Motel in Tonopah might intrigue you! Filled with hundreds of clown dolls and decorations, this unique stop appeals to fans of the strange and creepy. Sitting beside an old cemetery, the Clown Motel adds a haunting vibe to Nevada’s roadside. 

The World’s Largest Rocking Chair, Missouri

Perfect for a roadside selfie, the chair brings a giant slice of Americana to Missouri’s roadsides. Cuba, Missouri, holds a spot in the record books with a 42-foot-tall rocking chair. Once a functional chair, it now stands as a towering landmark you can’t miss on Route 66. 

Prehistoric Gardens, Oregon

Step back to the age of dinosaurs in Oregon’s Prehistoric Gardens. This roadside attraction features life-sized dinosaur statues situated among lush greenery and takes visitors on a journey through time. Located along the coast, it’s a quirky stop that brings natural history to life for kids and adults alike. 

The Longaberger Basket Building, Ohio

Now a local icon, the “big basket” turns heads for sure. If you love baskets, Ohio has the ultimate: a seven-story building that looks like a picnic basket! Once the headquarters of the Longaberger Company, this attraction in Newark celebrates America’s love of creative design and quirky architecture. 

Abita Mystery House, Louisiana 

Filled with oddities like alligator hybrids and bizarre art, Louisiana’s Abita Mystery House in Abita Springs offers pure weirdness. This “museum of the strange” features collections of unique items, quirky creations, and interactive displays that boggle the mind. It’s like stepping into a fun, surreal world. 

The Mindfield, Tennessee

Brownsville, Tennessee holds the giant Mindfield, a wild maze of metal sculptures built over decades. Constructed by one artist as a tribute to his father, the sprawling artwork features a mix of old signs and crossbeams, which makes it a powerful expression of art and memory. 

The Fremont Troll, Washington

Situated under a bridge in Seattle’s quirky Fremont neighborhood, the Fremont Troll is a larger-than-life sculpture gripping an actual Volkswagen Beetle. Created in 1990, this iconic troll is both a fun photo-op and a local landmark and brings a whimsical twist to Seattle’s roadside attractions.