Asking a roadside attraction enthusiast to choose their favorite roadside attraction is like asking a parent to choose their favorite child. It’s an impossible feat. And once a roadside attraction junkie, always a roadside attraction junkie so that list of favorites is likely to change with each new road trip you embark on. I know mine has.
Still, I’m a fan of lists. I like to read someone’s opinion of the “10 Best Road Trips”, “7 Places you Should Never Visit after Dark”, or “3 Beaches You MUST Visit in Florida”. Lists are often concise, to the point and give me some great ideas when planning trips for my family, which is why I have decided to return the favor and share my favorite roadside attractions.
10 Roadside Attractions you don’t want to Miss
The Saturn V Moon Rocket in Huntsville, Alabama
The first time I laid eyes on this attraction, I think I may have gotten butterflies in the pit of my stomach. Seriously, at 363-feet tall, it’s impossible to miss this impressive icon that can be seen by those passing by along I-565 (with a smaller replica at the Alabama Welcome Center along I-65).
You’ll find this and more notable roadside attractions, like the Grave of Miss Baker, one of the first monkey’s to be launched into space at the US Space and Rocket Center, home of Space Camp.
The Coon Dog Cemetery near Tuscumbia, Alabama
Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard is the only cemetery of its kind in the world so it must be worth the trip, right? Well, it didn’t make this list for nothing! It’s off the beaten path, but worth the drive.
The Big Chicken in Marietta, Georgia
This Big Chicken near Atlanta is a legend, a landmark and a roadside attraction all rolled into one. Believe me when I say you won’t miss this one.
The World’s Largest Basket near Newark, Ohio
I’d heard of this amazing attraction for years before I finally took a road trip in my home state of Ohio to see this huge basket shaped building.
The Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas
I kid you not, my teens gave me a ton of grief over visiting this attraction. Turns out mama really does know best because this roadside attraction in Amarillo, Texas is not only one of my favorite stops, but theirs as well.
The Wig Wam Village in Holbrook, Arizona
Not only do I love roadside attractions, I’m also a fan of unusual lodging. When I heard about these Wig Wam Motels, I knew I wanted to spend the night in one of their tee pees. Though once popular, there are now only three of these establishments in the US and though I’ve managed to stop by and see them during the day, I have yet to spend the night in one.
The World’s Largest Bat in Louisville, Kentucky
This attraction is a popular stop, good luck snapping a photo with no one else in the photo. It’s also popular with baseball fans and sports fanatics. This is a fun stop for the man of the house.
The USS George Bancroft in Georgia
You’ll find this attraction at the entrance of a Navy base a short detour from I-75. Not only does it provide a fun stop, it also offers a great place for families to stretch their legs and take some fun family photos.
The Giant Cross in Orlando, Florida
This cross is pretty impressive and has caused a bit of controversy because it’s so large. This is an easy on/off from the highway and if you don’t want to stop, once again, it’s highly visible.
The Field of Corn in Dublin, Ohio
This is one of my favorites, not only because it’s so fun and quirky, but also because I remember this as one of the first roadside attractions I ever visited with my children. Sentimental value aside, this is one great stop.
Do you love roadside attractions? What would you include on your Top 10 list?
Marvin Sowers
Thursday 21st of January 2016
Great list and will have to add some of these to our destination list. My only additions would be the world's largest catsup bottle in Collinsville, Illinois and the world's largest rocking chair in Fanning, Missouri.
Tonya
Tuesday 26th of January 2016
I think I need to do a second version of this post. My husband and I recently returned from a road trip to Colorado (from Ohio) and we stopped a bunch more really fun roadside attractions. Thanks for the suggestion. The catsup bottle is one I want to see, and rumor has it their is another rocking chair giving Fanning a run for its money. http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/43104
Michele {Malaysian Meanders}
Sunday 23rd of March 2014
I haven't seen any of these. I think Cadillac Ranch is at the top of my wish list since it's in Texas. I'm wondering if my parents just quickly bypassed it during all my childhood road trips from Houston westward since I'm rather sure we must have been in the vicinity. My favorite roadside attractions are the ones we just accidentally stumble upon. I remember driving out to Mesa Verde National Park and passing what must have been 20-30 foot arrows that were stuck in the ground at an angle.
Stacey
Wednesday 19th of March 2014
Wow! A lot of comments on this one! I finally just got around to reading it! Nice list!!
Ty
Monday 17th of March 2014
Great list! I'd love to see some of these.
jeanae
Sunday 16th of March 2014
The Saturn V & big chicken have always been near & dear to my heart... 1) I am from a family of space geeks; 2) I'm an Atlanta native. "Pass the big chicken, and turn right..." It always cracked me up to hear directions given that way. There were 2 on the list that I've never seen... it looks like my family needs to take a road-trip soon, so that we can check them out. :)