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?
© 2014 – 2016, Tonya Prater. All rights reserved.
Marvin Sowers says
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 says
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} says
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 says
Wow! A lot of comments on this one! I finally just got around to reading it! Nice list!!
Ty says
Great list! I’d love to see some of these.
jeanae says
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. 🙂
Kait says
What a fun list!! I always wanted to go to the dinosaurs for the Pee Wee movie 🙂
Megan @ That Neat Blog says
I would love to see all of these. Especially the world’s biggest bat!
Jennifer H says
We haven’t been to most of these, but they sound like a fun experience during a road trip!
Singapore Mum Blog says
I’ve not seen any of these! 🙁 I wish for the opportunity! They all look like something I definitely don’t want to miss!
Mel {MamaBuzz} says
We love a good roadside attraction. Probably why we loved Route 66 so much. The Coon Dog Cemetery sounds interesting; cemeteries are so interesting to explore, so much history. If I were to make a top 10 list, I’d definitely include Gay Parita Sinclair Station & Garage on Route 66 in Missouri. And Sno Cap in Arizona.:) Pioneer Museum in Nebraska, though it might not really be considered a roadside attraction, is pretty cool too (or it was way back when). Great list, Tonya!
Tonya says
I haven’t been to any of those. You’re right, my love of roadside attractions is probably what made Route 66 so appealing to me as well.
Dianna @ Oy Vey a Day says
I’m going to pin this list for future reference. I, too, love roadside attractions – and many of these are near where I live, so maybe a weekend road trip to see a few is in my future!
I really do want to see the Longaberger basket building someday.
Tonya says
If you make it to see the Longaberger basket, let me know. I’ll point you to some other great attractions in the area.
Crystal says
We’re planning on taking a lot of road trips this spring/summer so I’ll definitely be keeping this list in mind. There are so many things that even I haven’t seen, let alone my kids.
Chelle @ oh just stop already says
I want to take a road trip that we can actually have time to visit attractions vs cross country driving for moves and time frames.
Tonya says
I understand. I have a lot of roadside attractions posts, but there have been many trips when we’ve not had time to stop either. The nice thing about roadside attractions is that if they are on your route, it typically only takes a couple minutes to check them out.
Barb @ A Life in Balance says
You’ve got me wondering what roadside attractions I can find in the mid-Atlantic area. I know we have the Margate elephant, though that might have been moved.
Tonya says
I hope it’s still there, I want to see it!
Arlene says
Lucy the elephant is still there. I have gone inside a few times when taking people there to see her. There is a great story behind her and there are guides that will take you thru and tell you her story. Great attraction.
Tonya says
I really wanted to see Lucy last time I was in NJ. It sounds like a great attraction.
Triplezmom says
There’s this place in Pennsylvania called – appropriately enough – Roadside America. It has miniature trains and landscaping and has not changed since the 80’s when my parents used to stop there on our way to my uncle’s. I love it! #typeaparent
Tonya says
Maybe I should plan my next road trip there! Sounds like a fun stop.
Rachel Young says
I used to drive by that big cross everyday!!
nicole @nicky_olea says
Like one needs a reason to take a roadtrip!
Tonya says
Exactly! I don’t think one ever needs a reason to road trip, but then, that’s just me.
Anne says
I’ve never seen any of these! I’d love to see Cadillac Ranch the most
Hanan says
I’m such a road trip newbie. We haven’t gone more than a state away, which is not even close to any of these places. Would be fun to do one day though!
LyndaS says
I have driven past the Huntsville Space Center who-know-how-many times. I love to see it and it is nice to visit.
Jenny says
oh i would love to see these!! my camera craves shutter fodder!!
Jessica says
I’ve only been to one of these. I’ve got to get busy! Great list!
Robin {Mom Foodie} says
The only states out of these I’ve even been to are FL & GA, and they were quick visits so I didn’t see much.
Muza-chan says
Interesting, I wish to visit someday…