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Roadside Attractions

Unusual Roadside Attractions

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

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 Basket

The World’s Largest Rocking Chair along Historic Route 66

The World's Largest Rocking Chair along 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

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 Across the US

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

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 Kansas

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

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

Dancing Hares of Dublin

Marblehead’s Handless Jacques

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

The World's Second Largest Gator is located in Kissimmee, Florida

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

Dinosaurs

Big Chicken- Marietta, Georgia: Legend, Landmark or Roadside Attraction?

Ave Maria Grotto

Bonjour from Paris

Roadside Attraction: the Giant Orange of Melbourne, Florida

Roadside Attractions in the Southwest

remains of the ghost town

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

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. :)

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