Drive down any American highway, and you’ll encounter a billboard for a giant ball of twine or a muffler man waving hello. The US practically invented the quirky roadside attraction, and these offbeat gems inject a dose of humor and wonder into any road trip.
From car-based creations to outlandish oddities, here’s a peek at some of the wackiest, most unforgettable road trip attractions to add to your route.
Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
24266 National Trails Hwy, Oro Grande, California Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, a two-acre wonderland near Oro Grande, California, is a must-visit for anyone cruising down Route 66. Created by artist Elmer Long (1946-2019), this roadside attraction boasts over 200 shimmering bottle trees.
It’s a forest crafted from metal pipes, each branch adorned with colorful recycled glass bottles. Unique toppers like a handmade rake, an electric guitar, and even a gumball machine grace these vibrant trees. Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, a delightful dose of roadside eccentricity, is open from sunrise to sunset.
Carhenge
2151 Co Rd 59, Alliance, Nebraska
Nebraska boasts a truly unique roadside attraction: Carhenge. This quirky replica of England’s Stonehenge is built from 38 vintage American automobiles, all painted gray. Erected in 1987 by artist Jim Reinders as a tribute to his father, Carhenge stands at an impressive 96 feet in diameter. Each car is carefully positioned, mimicking the layout of the original Stonehenge. Beyond the main attraction, the Car Art Reserve boasts additional sculptures crafted from colorful, repurposed vehicles.
The Shoe Tree of Middlegate
41763 Lincoln Hwy, Fallon, Nevada
Love and footwear collide on the “Loneliest Road in America” at the Shoe Tree of Middlegate. Legend has it a newlywed couple’s argument led the fuming husband to toss his wife’s shoes into a tree. After they reconciled, they started a tradition of adding their shoes to the branch. Over the years, travelers followed suit, turning the tree into a quirky symbol of love and resilience. Though the original tree fell victim to vandalism, a successor has taken its place, continuing to be adorned with footwear from couples across the country.
World’s Largest Ball of Sisal Twine
719 Wisconsin St, Cawker City, Kansas
In 1953, a Kansas farmer named Frank Stoeber sparked a bizarre and enduring roadside attraction in Cawker City. What began as a simple act of frugality – rolling up leftover sisal twine from his barn – has become the world’s largest ball of sisal twine. This massive marvel now boasts a circumference of over 40 feet and continues to grow thanks to the community’s annual “Twine-A-Thon.” So, if you’re ever cruising down a Kansas highway, be sure to check out the world’s largest ball of Sisal twine.
Hammer Museum
108 Main St, Haines, Alaska
Nestled along the scenic Haines Highway in Alaska lies an unusual museum dedicated to the hammer. Established in 2002, it is the world’s first museum dedicated solely to hammers. Step inside and explore a collection exceeding 2,500 hammers, spanning centuries, and showcasing the evolution of this essential tool. You’ll find hammers employed by blacksmiths, carpenters, stonemasons, and specialized tools for specific materials. If you find yourself on the Haines Highway, keep an eye out for the impressive 20-foot hammer marking the museum entrance.
Dog Bark Park Inn
2421 Business Loop 95, Cottonwood, Idaho
The Dog Bark Park Inn in Cottonwood, Idaho, offers a unique stay. This isn’t your standard hotel; it’s a 30-foot-tall beagle sculpture named Sweet Willy. Built by chainsaw artists, the Dog Bark Park Inn aimed initially to be solely an art attraction. However, its success led to the creation of a cozy B&B inside the beagle, offering lodging for up to four guests. Book well in advance to snag a night in this world-record-holding canine haven.
The Paper House
52 Pigeon Hill St, Rockport, Massachusetts
Massachusetts boasts a unique roadside attraction in Rockport: The Paper House. Built as a summer home experiment in 1922, this house is constructed entirely from newspapers – walls, furniture, and all. Created by Elis Stenman, a resourceful engineer, the Paper House uses over 100,000 newspapers glued together and varnished for insulation. Though not initially intended for public view, the house’s quirky nature turned it into a must-see for anyone looking for an oddity on their travels.
Hole “N The Rock
11037 S Highway 191, Moab, Utah
In Utah’s Canyonlands Country lies Hole “N The Rock, a 5,000-square-foot home carved directly into a massive sandstone cliff. In the 1940s, Albert Christensen embarked on the remarkable project of creating a home for his family within the rock face. He continued to expand upon it until he died in 1957. Today, visitors can explore this dwelling through guided tours. The home has 14 rooms carved from the rock, including a bathroom nicknamed the “toilet in a tomb.” Inside, you’ll find the original furniture and artwork used by the Christensen, offering a glimpse into their lives.
Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park
301 Goldsboro St, Wilson, North Carolina
North Carolina’s Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park is a must-see for fans of the whimsical. This park showcases giant, colorful whirligigs (wind-powered sculptures) created by Vollis Simpson from scrap metal. During his retirement, Simpson crafted these playful works of art, some reaching 60 feet tall. Originally scattered across private property, the whirligigs have found a permanent home in the park, ensuring their enjoyment by visitors for years to come.
World’s Largest Basket Building
1500 East Main St., Newark, Ohio
In Newark, Ohio, you’ll find the world’s largest basket, and it’s not for picnics. This quirky attraction is the Longaberger Basket Building, the former headquarters of a successful basket company. The seven-story building, built in 1997, replicates a giant version of their signature basket, complete with handles. So, snap a selfie with this woven wonder and experience a unique roadside oddity.
Bishop Castle
12705 CO-165, Rye, Colorado
While traveling through Central Colorado’s San Isabel National Forest, you may stumble upon the Bishop Castle. This captivating structure is Jim Bishop’s ongoing life project. Explore the castle’s unique medieval architecture, featuring a towering 160-foot structure and a fire-breathing dragon perched on its peak. The castle welcomes visitors to roam freely, climb the tower for breathtaking views, or browse the gift shop for souvenirs.
Cadillac Ranch
13651 I-40 Frontage Rd, Amarillo, Texas
Driving down Route 66 near Amarillo, Texas, prepare to be greeted by an unexpected sight of Cadillac Ranch. This quirky roadside attraction features ten classic Cadillacs (1949-1963 models) nose-down in the desert ground. The brainchild of eccentric millionaire Stanley Marsh, it’s a tribute to the “golden age” of American car culture. Visitors are encouraged to add their own artistic touch with spray paint, making the ever-evolving Cadillacs a living piece of pop art. So grab a can, snap a photo, and leave your mark on this unique Texas landmark.