Road trips can be a lot of fun. They can also be long and boring. I’ve been on both. But my favorite are the trips that allow me the freedom to get off the beaten path and seek out the fun and quirky attractions that are found along the best road trip routes in the U.S.
For me, Roadside Attractions have the ability to brighten every trip and turn it into something memorable. That’s why I often plan my route around as many Roadside Attractions as I can find.
Whether they are the world’s largest, a collection of folk art (like the Springfield Rock Garden), a historic landmark or simply something weird and unusual like this UFO, roadside attractions make a great pit stop when traveling long distances.
My family now know when they travel with me, they can expect to stop at each and everyone we pass. I guess you could say that I love Roadside Attractions! My Obsession with Roadside Attractions Began as a little girl and hasn’t waned. Here I am nearing 50 and I still look forward to checking out these weird unusual road trip sites.
How to Find Roadside Attractions
If you’re asking how you can find Roadside Attractions, you’ve come to the right spot. I have an entire post on my process—-> How to Find Roadside Attractions in the U.S. and other stops worth Visiting
My favorite tool when it comes to seeking out these crazy stops is Roadtrippers. I pay for the premium version, Roadtrippers Plus, which allows me to plan longer trips with up to 150 stops (my kind of trip!), have access to offline maps, share your route and plan with friends, and gain access to exclusive deals and savings. Plus, this only costs you $24 for an entire year when you use the code TRAVELINSPIRED to save $5 off the annual membership. (affiliate)
The World’s Largest Roadside Attractions
These fun and quirky stops are a great way to liven up a road trip or at the very least, provide a fun photo opp and a place to stretch your legs. The following is a list of attractions that my family has visited. I am hopelessly behind so check back, I’ll be adding more to this list.
The World’s Largest Fire Hydrant Roadside Attraction
The World’s Largest Rocking Chair along Historic Route 66
The World’s Largest Rocking Chair along Route 66
The World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock
The World’s Largest Bat in Louisville, Kentucky
The Varsity: World’s Largest Drive-in Restaurant
Route 66 Roadside Attractions
The Leaning Water Tower Roadside Attraction Along Route 66
The World’s Largest Rocking Chair along Historic Route 66
Leaving our Mark on Cadillac Ranch
The Blue Whale of Catoosa – one of my favorites!
Roadside Attractions in the Midwest
The Giant Adirondack Chair Roadside Attraction
The Big Muskie in Miners’ Memorial Park
Field of Corn: An Amazing and Quirky Roadside Attraction
Cross at the Crossroads in Effingham, Illinois
The Topiary Park in Columbus, Ohio
The Cross at the Crossroads of Effingham, Illinois
The Old Stone Fort: Shrouded in Mystery in Coshocton County
Johnny Kaw roadside attraction in Manhattan, Kansas
Johnny Kaw: Kansas Tall Tale and Roadside Attraction
Monument Rocks: One of the 8 Wonders of Kansas
Three Fun & Quirky Roadside Attractions in Hocking Hills
Cell blocks at Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio
A Photo Tour of the East Cell Block of the Historic Mansfield Reformatory
Wind Turbine Blade in Weatherford, Oklahoma
Unusual Amish Horse and Buggy ATM in Ohio
World’s Largest Eagle’s Nest Replica in LaGrange, Ohio
Roadside Attractions in the Southeast
Monument of the States Roadside Attraction in Kissimmee, Florida
Things to do in Alabama: Coon Dog Cemetery Roadside Attraction
A Stop at the Giant Cross in Orlando
Monument of the States Roadside Attraction in Kissimmee, Florida
USS George Bancroft Roadside Attraction
Dolly Parton Statue: Roadside Attraction
RIP- This roadside attraction was once the World’s Second Largest Gator
The World’s Second Largest Gator Roadside Attraction in Kissimmee, Florida– Sadly, this attraction has been demolished since my visit.
Visiting the Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum in Corbin Kentucky- the First KFC
Big Chicken- Marietta, Georgia: Legend, Landmark or Roadside Attraction?
Roadside Attraction: the Giant Orange of Melbourne, Florida
Roadside Attractions in the Southwest
Rhyolite Ghost Town in Death Valley National Park
Tom Kelly Beer Bottle House Roadside Attraction
The Big Shoe Repair Shop Roadside Attraction in Bakersfield, California
Roadside Attractions in California: Gumby and Pokey
The Apple Boulders roadside attractions are a short road trip away from Los Angeles
Apple Boulders of Perris, California
A Quick Drive through Rhyolite Ghost Town in Death Valley
More Roadside Attraction Posts
Must-See Roadside Attractions Along I-70
Dinosaur Roadside Attractions Across the U.S.
50 of the Creepiest Roadside Attractions in the U.S. by State
Must See Roadside Attractions on Route 66
50 Quirky Things to See in Ohio that are FREE or Low-Cost
Must-Have Resources
I’ve been taking photos of roadside attractions for quite a few years now. Last year, I took those photos and used them to create and publish a Roadside Attractions Adult Coloring Book? Yep! I told you that I love roadside attractions. What better way to relive your travel memories (or to do some armchair traveling) than by coloring some of the places you’ve been to or want to go? Adult coloring books are a great stress reliever and ideal when we need to be indoors, stave off a long wait or just want something to calm us down.
This coloring book has 25 pages and was featured in Conde Nast Traveler!
Marsha Landin
Saturday 20th of November 2021
Would like to add the new Elegant Illusions Christmas Drive Through at Canfield Fairgrounds to your list.
Tonya Prater
Saturday 11th of December 2021
Thanks for sharing! I'll check it out. :)