10 Quirky and Fascinating Roadside Attractions in the USA

Humor is found at every turn while driving through the USA. From bizarre sculptures to oversized household items and mysterious energy vortexes, the wacky roadside attractions are just the start. Here are our top picks for offbeat stops.

1. Cadillac Ranch – Texas

In 1974, local millionaire Stanley Marsh, known for his eccentricity, placed 10 vintage Cadillacs (from 1949 to 1963) headlights down in a remote dirt patch outside Amarillo, moving them further out in 1997 to avoid urban sprawl. He created what’s now known as Cadillac Ranch (I-40 between exits 60 & 62) as a tribute to Route 66, showcasing cars that symbolize the golden era of road travel.

Today, visitors are encouraged to leave their artistic mark on the cars. It’s a good idea to bring spray paint in case supplies are low. Occasionally, the cars receive a fresh coat, like when they were all painted pink for breast cancer awareness. To visit, park along the south feeder road a couple of miles west of Loop 335 and follow the well-trodden path. While it's a unique experience, there’s a hint of melancholy in the air.

2. World’s Largest Ball of Twine – Minnesota

Amid the debate over which twine ball claims the title today, why not pay homage to the original that sparked the excitement? Visit the World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Darwin, just 62 miles west of Minneapolis on US 12. Specifically, it’s the “Largest Built by One Person” – a record held by Francis A. Johnson, who spent 29 years wrapping this 17,400-pound marvel on his farm. Admire it from the town gazebo, and don’t miss the adjacent museum, where you can pick up your own twine ball starter kit in the gift shop.

3. Unclaimed Baggage Center – Alabama

Head into downtown Scottsboro, Alabama, via Hwy 279 and follow the signs to the Unclaimed Baggage Center. Is that your iPhone? The one you accidentally left in the seat pocket during your flight from Poughkeepsie? Quite possibly! This massive retail space, comparable to a Macy’s, is where most of the unclaimed luggage in the US ends up. After 90 days, airlines send your lost bags here. It requires some thrift shop-level patience, but you might uncover Tumi luggage, Kate Spade bags, Bruno Magli loafers, cameras, laptops, golf clubs – you name it – all at a fraction of the original price.

4. Wall Drug Store – South Dakota

A classic tourist trap, this drugstore in South Dakota is renowned for its roadside billboards advertising “free ice water” that you’ll see several states away. Yet, it’s an unexpectedly worthwhile stop. They truly offer 5¢ coffee, free ice water, and enough attractions to delight any lover of kitsch. Be sure to check out the animatronic dinosaurs.

5. Coral Castle – Florida

This quirky attraction in Homestead is a testament to one man's bittersweet romance. Latvian immigrant Ed Leedskalnin excavated over 2.2 million tons of coral rock to construct this whimsical castle, a project that took him nearly 30 years (1923-1951) to finish. The construction methods were shrouded in mystery, particularly since this heartbroken architect worked alone at night and didn’t use any mortar. Some even suggest that the structure possesses strange electromagnetic qualities.

6. Lucas – Kansas

The term “outsider art” refers to creations made outside traditional cultural frameworks, and it has thrived in the small town of Lucas. It all began in 1907 when Samuel Dinsmoor transformed his yard into a gallery of massive concrete sculptures that reflect his unique philosophies. While his Garden of Eden can be seen from the street, paying for admission reveals fascinating stories and allows you to see his remains preserved in a glass-topped coffin.

7. Lucy the Elephant – New Jersey

As you drive through the beach towns just south of Atlantic City, you'll be captivated by something large, gray, and wonderfully kitsch: Lucy the Elephant. This 65-foot wooden creature was constructed in 1881 as part of a quirky marketing plan to entice land buyers. Over the years, she has served various purposes, including a hotel, beach cottage, private mansion, and even a tavern, though rowdy patrons nearly led to her downfall. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Lucy is a cherished landmark.

8. The Shoe Tree of Middlegate – Nevada

Situated along the 'Loneliest Road in America,' the Shoe Tree of Middlegate symbolizes love and reconciliation. Legend has it that a man, desperate to prevent his girlfriend from leaving after a quarrel, tossed her shoes into a tree. After they made up, the couple enjoyed a happy life together. Since then, many traveling couples have tossed their shoes into the tree as a sign of their love. Though the original tree was cut down by vandals in 2010, a replacement was planted in 2017.

9. Roswell – New Mexico

No list would be complete without mentioning Roswell, New Mexico. If you subscribe to the idea that 'The Truth is Out There,' this is your destination. In 1947, a strange object crashed on a nearby ranch. While it might have been a mere footnote, the military's overzealous attempt to suppress information only fueled speculation that aliens had indeed arrived!

A mix of international intrigue and local creativity has turned this city into a quirky haven for extraterrestrial enthusiasts, with bulbous white heads illuminating the downtown street lamps.

For believers and lovers of kitsch, the International UFO Museum & Research Center is a must-visit, showcasing documents that hint at a cover-up alongside a variety of eccentric art and exhibits. The annual Roswell UFO Festival lights up the July 4 weekend with a costume parade, guest speakers, workshops, and concerts that feel truly out of this world.

10. Meteor Crater – Arizona

The second most remarkable crater in Arizona was created by a blazing meteor that hurtled through the atmosphere around 50,000 years ago, during the era of giant sloths. Located 40 miles east of Flagstaff, Meteor Crater is a fantastic destination for those with a touch of imagination. Spanning nearly a mile and plunging 600 feet deep, it features lookout points around its rim, though hiking to the bottom is not permitted. Be sure to visit the engaging visitor center for more insights.

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