Over 50 Unique Roadside Attractions in the U.S. to Slam on your Brakes For (2024)

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Tonya Prater, Owner

A 2018 Ohio Travel Leadership Academy graduate, Certified Travel Ambassador, published author, and founder of the "Day Trips in Ohio" private Facebook group, Tonya is a former full-time RVer and aspiring van camper who balances her time between traveling with her husband's job, cherishing moments with her grandkids, and plotting her next road trip.

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Here are 50+ unique and quirky roadside attractions across America that will make you hit the brakes on your next road trip. From a giant coffee pot building to a concrete field of corn to fire-breathing dragons.

Close your eyes and imagine that you’ve embarked on a cross country road trip with your family. You haven’t stopped the car in hours, everyone is hangry, the kids are fighting and you’re afraid if you drive one more mile you’re going to pee your pants. Sound familiar? Chances are, we’ve all been there.

I’m sure at some point in our lives we’ve all been on a road trip that we thought would never end.

But road trips don’t have to be that way. With regular stops to stretch, grab a bite to eat and yes, visit the facilities, a road trip can be enjoyable, and dare I say fun? Yes, I’ve actually used the “F” word to describe a road trip.

I don’t want to sugar coat the road trip experience. I’ve certainly traveled enough and road tripped enough with my husband, children and even by myself to know they aren’t always pleasant. Yet, if I have the time, road tripping continues to be my favorite mode of transportation. Why? Because of the unique and quirky things I can see along the way.

The things that make you scratch your head and say “What the – —?”, “That’s pretty cool!” or “I wish I would have thought of that!”

There are hundreds, if not thousands of unusual sites to see across the United States! Chances are you won’t have to travel far from home to see anything from a giant coffee pot building to a concrete field of corn to fire-breathing dragons.

To help you get started, we’re sharing some of the roadside attractions we’ve visited over the years. We hope you’re inspired to visit a few on your next road trip and maybe even slow down, stop your vehicle for a closer look.

I'm sure at some point we've all been on a road trip that we thought would never end. You haven't stopped the car in hours, the kids are fighting and you're afraid if you drive one more mile you're going to pee your pants. Sound familiar? Chances are, we've all been there. But road trips don't have to be that way. With regular stops to stretch, grab a bite to eat and yes, visit the facilities, a road trip can be enjoyable, and dare I say fun?

3 Flying Saucer Roadside Attractions to See in Pennsylvania

You may believe in aliens or not, but one of these roadside attractions in Pennsylvania makes for a pretty good case for UFO's.

The World's Largest Basket (Building)

The former headquarters of the Longaberger Company, this building was built in the shape of their best selling basket.

The Giant Orange of Melbourne, Florida

You'll find plenty of orange groves in Florida so it makes sense to have a roadside attraction shaped like an orange, right?

The Cross at the Crossroads of Effingham, Illinois

This giant cross can be seen from I-70 when traveling through Illinois, but a quick stop will allow you to stretch your legs and view the stations of the cross as well.

An Unusual Amish Horse and Buggy ATM

No need to look twice! The horse and buggy replica really is a drive-up ATM in Oberlin, Ohio.

The World's Largest Eagle's Nest Replica in LaGrange, Ohio

This giant nest was modeled after a nearby eagle's nest that fell to the ground after the tree it had sat in for decades was destroyed.

Wind Turbine Blade in Weatherford, Oklahoma

This turbine blade located in a city park in Weatherford may not be what you have in mind when you think of roadside attractions along Route 66.

Gumby and Pokey

Gumby and his faithful sidekick, Pokey, can be seen when driving by this private residence in California. Now all they need are a couple Blockheads.

Apple Boulders of Perris, California

These giant apple boulders sit just off the highway near Perris and if you look closely, you may see another piece of boulder art hopping along.

5 Must See Kissimmee Roadside Attractions

Probably one of the most iconic of roadside attractions in Florida, Orange World has been the World's Largest Orange since 1984.

Giant Quarter Roadside Attraction in Pennsylvania

You'll find plenty of parking near the giant quarter that sits along the historic Lincoln Highway so you can hop out of the vehicle and pose for a photo.

Handless Jacques a Roadside Attraction in Marblehead

This handless giant stands a few miles from the Lake Erie shores.

USS George Bancroft Roadside Attraction

When was the last time you took a walk on a submarine?

The Leaning Water Tower Roadside Attraction along Route 66

No, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you. This water tower really is leaning.

The Big Shoe Repair Shop Roadside Attraction in Bakersfield California

You won't miss this shoe-shaped building in Bakersfield.

Say Cheese! A Frankenmuth Roadside Attraction

This gigantic chunk of cheese is a popular photo opp in Frankenmuth.

The World's Largest Fire Hydrant Roadside Attraction

This may be one of the things your dog dreams about.

Johnny Kaw: Kansas Tall Tale and Roadside Attraction

Johnny Kaw is a legend in Kansas click here to find out why!

The Giant Dancing Hares of Dublin Roadside Attraction

This piece of art can be viewed from afar but to truly experience it, you'll need to get a bit closer.

A Pet Cemetery for Horses? Why this Roadside Stop along I-75 in Kentucky is a Must!

Located two minutes from the Interstate, this stop is a must for horse lovers.

Kissimmee, Florida Monument of the States Roadside Attraction

This interesting piece represents each state to form the United States.

Field of Corn (with Osage Orange Trees), a Roadside Attraction in Dublin

You won't want to sink your teeth into these ears of corn but they are fun to see.

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

This chicken is so large that planes used to use it to help them navigate.

Find the World's Largest Drumsticks in Ohio

Small town boy to world-class drummer. This entire alley is dedicated to David Grohl of the Foo Fighters.

A Glimpse at the Creepy Interior of the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio

If you though the Ohio State Reformatory looked imposing from the outside, wait until you peek inside.

An Overnight Stay in the Ultra-Retro Wigwam Motel in Kentucky

Arizona's not the only place where you can sleep in one of the original Wigwam Motels.

Constant Vigilance: The First Memorial to Honor K9's Killed in the Line of Duty

The only memorial dedicated to honor military canines killed in the line of duty.

The Blue Whale of Catoosa on Route 66

Can you believe this was built to be a secret anniversary present?

Route 66 Rocker: Former World's Largest Rocking Chair along Historic Route 66

Once the world's largest rocker, the big Orange rocker is still world famous.

Leaving our Mark on Cadillac Ranch

An iconic stop along Route 66 where you can get hands-on.

The Smallest Church in America has been Welcoming Motorists Since 1949

This tiny chapel draws big crowds.

Beer Bottle House in Death Valley

Man can make a shelter out of anything and this proves it.

The Topiary Park in Columbus Ohio

The only topiary garden in the world modeled after a famous painting.

Ave Maria Grotto- Cullman, Alabama

How one man turned trash into art into an impressive art collection.

Peek inside the Cathedral of the Plains

This historic cathedral can be spotted on the way to Colorado along I-70 and is known as one of the 8 wonders of Kansas.

Dolly Parton Statue in Sevierville Tennessee

This statue of Sevierville's favorite hometown hero sits outside the courthouse.

The World’s Largest Bat

Hit a home run when you stop to see this roadside attraction.

Photos of the Big Muskie in Miners' Memorial Park Then and Now

View all that remains of what was once the world's largest dragline.

The World’s Largest Paint Can in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania

Enough paint to paint the neighborhood in one can!

The World's Largest Cuckoo Clock

This operational cuckoo clock can draw quite a crowd in Ohio's Amish Country.

The World’s Largest Geode

Step inside the world's largest geode on Ohio's South Bass Island.

The World’s Largest Gavel

There will be order in the court with this gavel.

The Giant Coffee Pot of Bedford, Pennsylvania

This is for the mornings when you have a hard time waking up.

This Old Stone Fort near Coshocton Ohio is Shrouded in Mystery

No one knows who built this stone fort or why.

Gospel Hill Lighthouse in Warsaw, Ohio

This may be the only lighthouse NOT built near water.

Monument Rocks: One of the 8 Wonders of Kansas

You won't be able to believe you're still in Kansas when you see these giant rocks rise from the ground.

Visiting the Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum in Corbin Kentucky - The First KFC

The original KFC in Corbin Kentucky is a fun and tasty stop!

Things to do in Alabama: Coon Dog Cemetery

The famous Coon Dog Cemetery as seen in the movie Sweet Home Alabama. Kind of.

The Chicago Bean

This iconic Chicago landmark is a must when visiting the city. And we share how to photograph it without the crowds. It's not difficult. Or is it?

Photos of the Controversial Gravesite of Johnny Appleseed

The grave of Johnny Appleseed can be found in Fort Wayne. Or is it?

The Varsity World's Largest Drive-in Restaurant- Atlanta, Georgia

Hungry for a Naked dog? You can get it here.

The Hartman Rock Garden is Springfield Ohio’s Most Unique Tourist Attraction

This is what happens when you have too much time on your hands.

The Moonville Tunnel is a Remote and Scary Tunnel Located in Southeastern Ohio

Visit this spooky attraction in Hocking Hills if you dare.

Did you glean some inspiration for your next road trip? How many of these roadside attractions have you seen or want to see?

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