The Best Roadside Attraction in Each State

Alabama – Ave Maria Grotto

This four-acre park is in an old quarry off Highway 278 in Cullman, Alabama. It sits on the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey and includes a garden with more than 120 miniature replicas of famous religious structures around the world. Joseph Zoetti, a former monk, built the reproductions between 1912 and 1958.

Alaska – Santa Clause House

If you’re ever driving down Highway 2 near Fairbanks, stop and check out the Santa Clause House at the North Pole! This Santa Clause-themed house features Christmas decor, a Santa statue, made-in-Alaska items, delicious pastries, and a gift shop.

Arizona – The Thing Museum

This Arizona roadside attraction is along I-10, where you will find signs advertising its existence between El Paso and Tucson. This exhibit showcases many oddities, such as unusual wood carvings, historic Western items, a Rolls-Royce that may have been used by Adolf Hitler, and human mummified remains.

Arkansas – Popeye’s Garden

Located in Alma, Arkansas, the Popeye Garden is a scenic stop with a bronze Popeye statue, fountains, a garden, benches, and a gazebo. The town of Alma is known for its spinach and spinach festival, so Popeye and his open can of spinach is a fitting mascot.

California – Cabazon Dinosaurs

Known locally as the “World’s Biggest Dinosaurs,” the Cabazon Dinosaurs is an attraction in Cabazon, California off I-10 showcasing two giant steel and concrete dinosaurs. The dinosaurs change appearance based on the seasons, even wearing Santa suits for Christmas.

Colorado – Bishop Castle

Located in Central Colorado in Custer County, Bishop’s Castle is a popular attraction centered around an elaborate and eclectic castle. Named after Jim Bishop, the castle was built by one man over decades and even features a dragon.

Connecticut – PEZ Visitor Center

This unusual visitor center is a museum dedicated to the PEZ candy, providing guests with history, memorabilia, and trivia related to this classic treat. You will find this PEZ museum in Orange, Connecticut off the turnpike.

Delaware – Air Mobility Command Museum

This military aviation museum is at the Dover Air Force Base and features exhibits surrounding the history of military air transport. Along with aircraft collections, you will find a flight simulator and a commemoration park.

Florida – Coral Castle

Located on the South Dixie Highway in Homestead, Florida, the Coral Castle is a structure created from oolite limestone by one man, Edward Leedskalnin, an eccentric Latvian-American during the early 1900s. Legend says Leedskalnin used reverse magnetism or supernatural powers to move and carve the giant stones.

Georgia – Georgia Guidestones

The Georgia Guidestones were granite slabs that had inscriptions etched in them to supposedly guide humanity in the aftermath of nuclear or social calamity. There were many conspiracy theories surrounding their existence and they became heavily damaged during a bombing in 2022. There are potential plans to rebuild the guidestones.

Hawaii – Pineapple Garden Maze

Located along Kamehameha Highway in Honolulu County, the Pineapple Garden Maze is an enormous pineapple-shaped garden and maze centered around Hawaiian plants. It was declared as the largest maze in the world and stretches over three acres.

Idaho – Idaho Potato Museum

Situated in a former train depot in Blackfoot, Idaho, the Idaho Potato Museum offers exhibits on the history of potatoes in the state. Outside of the museum, you will find a giant potato and inside there is a cafe and gift shop. Stop by and take pictures and learn all about the Idaho potato!

Illinois – Leaning Tower of Niles

The Leaning Tower of Niles is a replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, except for half its size. Located on Touhy Ave in Niles, Illinois, this smaller leaning tower is part of an employee recreation park of an electric ventilating company.

Indiana – RV Museum and Hall of Fame

Located in Elkhart off the Executive Parkway, the RV Hall of Fame & Museum is a 10,000-square-foot facility displaying old-school and historical recreational vehicles, along with some newer models. While it’s not free, this museum is an excellent spot for those who appreciate the history of RVs.

Iowa – Albert the Bull

Get up close to the world’s largest fake bull in Audubon, Iowa. Built in 1964, Albert the Bull stands 28 feet tall and weighs 45 tons due to his sold concrete frame. If you’re in Western Iowa, hop off the interstate and check out this enormous bull.

Kansas – World’s Largest Ball of Twine

The largest ball of twine is a classic icon of Kansas and a finalist as one of the state’s eight wonders. Frank Stoeber began winding twine in 1953, with neighbor farmers pitching in. In 1961, the ball was relocated to a shelter, where people to this day still add their own pieces of twine. You will find this gigantic twine ball on the south side of US 24 in Downtown Cawker City.

Kentucky – Wigwam Village

Located on the North Dixie Highway in Cave City, Kentucky, Wigwam Village offers a fun sleeping experience for travelers. for the last 84 years, Wigwam Village has delighted road trippers with its white teepees, fire pits, and retro playground. You can spend a night or two, or pull over and snap a pic!

Louisiana – Abita Mystery House

This self-guided folk art showcase is a popular roadside attraction in Abita Springs, Louisiana. The historic town is near New Orleans and offers visitors a fun place to stop and stretch their legs. Check out thousands of unique objects, homemade inventions, and a miniature Southern town.

Maine – Giant Paul Bunyan Statue

Known as the birthplace of Paul Bunyan and the lumber industry, Bangor, Maine features a giant statue of the axe-wielding legend. It stands in front of the Bangor Civic Center in Bass Park, where it towers more than 30 feet high and weighs 3,700 pounds!

Maryland – The Cider Barrel

Situated in Germantown, Maryland, The Cider Barrel is a historic attraction that sells fresh cider along Route 355. Getting its start in 1922 selling alcohol-free cider during prohibition, this little cider stand withstood the test of time for almost a hundred years. While it was closed for ten years, a historian preserved and reopened it in 2022.

Massachusetts – The Paper House

The historic Paper House Museum is in Rockport, Massachusetts, where it was built between 1922 and 1924. The engineer Elis Stenman constructed the house and left its walls exposed, showing only its varnished newspaper insulation. All of the furniture in the house is also made with newspapers – about 100,000 of them.

Michigan – Da Yoopers Tourist Trap

True to its name, Da Yoopers Tourist Trap traps tourists seven days a week off US Highway 41 in Ishpeming, Michigan. Along with the usual rest stop features, like RV parking and restrooms, you will also find an unusual museum, gift shops, and unique displays, such as a giant chainsaw and shotgun. Stop by this quirky tourist area the next time you’re in the area!

Minnesota – Jolly Green Giant

Towering more than 55 feet tall, the Jolly Green Giant in Minnesota is one of the tallest roadside attractions in America. This green vegetable giant stands near Interstate 90 and beckons travelers to come snap a picture. Did you know his smile stretches for 48 inches and he wears a size 78 shoe?

Mississippi – Elvis Presley Birthplace

Calling all Elvis fans! Tupelo, Mississippi is the birthplace of Elvis Presley, one of the most famous rock stars on Earth. This two-room house was built by Elvis’ grandfather and is now a historic museum site and part of the Mississippi Blue Trail.

Missouri – World’s Largest Rocking Chair

Located off State Highway ZZ near Route 66 in Cuba, Missouri, the former World’s Largest Rocking Chair is now the World’s Largest Rocking Chair on Route 66. Unfortunately, it lost its title in 2015 to a behemoth rocking chair in Illinois. Nonetheless, this chair is still enormous, towering more than 40 feet.

Montana – Our Lady of the Rockies

This 90-foot statue features the likeness of Mary, the mother of Jesus. It sits atop the Continental Divide and overlooks Butte, Montana, where it is the fourth-tallest statue in America. Our Lady of the Rockies weighs over 50 tons and was erected on the mountain in 1985.

Nebraska – Carhenge

Unique and quirky, Carhenge is Nebraska’s Stonehenge. These car art sculptures are arranged perfectly like the real deal. You will find this wonder in the High Plains region of Alliance, Nebraska, where it’s a popular picture spot. When you’re done, check out the downtown area of town and grab a bite to eat.

Nevada – Goldwell Open Air Museum

This outdoor sculpture park is near the Rhyolite ghost town in Nevada. The Goldwell Open Air Museum is 7.8 acres in the Amargosa Valley and features a variety of permanent artworks. Artists will find an art center in a red barn, where they can let their creative juices flow.

New Hampshire – Clark’s Trading Post

Clark’s Trading Post, also known as Clark’s Bears, is a tourist attraction in Lincoln, New Hampshire off the Daniel Webster Highway in the White Mountains. This attraction is known for its 30-minute steam-powered train raid and trained bears. During the summer, you can check out the circus, complete with acrobats and jugglers.

New Jersey – Lucy the Elephant

Constructed of wood and tin in 1882, Lucy the Elephant is a long-standing spectacle in Margate City, New Jersey. This six-story elephant is along the beach in Josephine Harron Park, where you can walk around inside and take pictures. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop!

New Mexico – UFO Museum

Located in the historic district of Roswell, New Mexico, the International UFO Museum and Research Center is an exhibit centered around the 1947 Roswell Crash and other UFO incidents. If you love all things aliens and conspiracy theories, you must check out this Nevada roadside attraction.

New York – Big Duck

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Big Duck has stood since 1931. It was once a retail shop that sold ducks and duck eggs, but today it sits as a relic of the past and a great place to take pictures and pick up a souvenir.

North Carolina – World’s Largest Chest of Drawers

Located in “the furniture capital of the world” of High Point, North Carolina, the World’s Largest Chest of Drawers is a building shaped like a Victorian dresser. The area is also part of the hosiery industry, hence the enormous socks hanging from one of the drawers. Stop by this unique attraction that stands 36 feet high.

North Dakota – The Enchanted Highway

Beginning at Exit 72 on Interstate 94 and progressing for 32 miles, The Enchanted Highway is not just one attraction, but many. This unique experience gives visitors a chance to drive past many creative sculptures and other artworks, such as giant grasshoppers and other larger-than-life installments.

Ohio – World’s Largest Picnic Basket

You won’t even need to get out of your car to see this attraction! If you drive down Route 16 just east of Newark, you won’t miss this gigantic picnic basket. Built in 1997, this unique basket-shaped building stands 192 feet and is 126 feet wide. The building is actually the headquarters of a basket-making company called Longaberger.

Oklahoma – Blue Whale of Catoosa

The Blue Whale of Catoosa is one of the most memorable attractions on Route 66. You will find this colorful marine animal in Catoosa, Oklahoma, where it has sat since 1972. Situated on a pond, it was once a popular spot for children to swim and families to picnic. While the blue whale is no longer used for swimming, visitors still love stopping by and snapping a pic.

Oregon – Enchanted Forest

If you want an unforgettable experience for the whole family, check out the Enchanted Forest in Turner, Oregon. It’s situated next to Interstate 5 in a hilly wooded area, featuring a fairytale theme park. You will find many attractions from your favorite nursery rhymes and stories, such as Alice in Wonderland, Snow White, and Hansel and Gretel.

Pennsylvania – Haines Shoe House

Just like its name suggests, the Haines Shoe House is a shoe-shaped house, about 25 feet tall and 48 feet long. You will find this odd abode in York, Pennsylvania near the Lincoln Highway. You can take a tour of the quaint shoe home and stop by the small diner for amazing treats!

Rhode Island – Newport Tower

If you’re a history buff, you must check out the Newport Tower in Touro Park. This tower is the remains of a windmill completed in the mid-17th century. This old corn mill remains mysterious as there are many theories as to who built it, but no one really knows for sure.

South Carolina – South of the Border

This South Carolina landmark has stood for nearly 70 years along the highway in Homer. South of the Border is a classic freeway tourist trap built in the 1960s. While it may be a bit cringy in modern times, this Mexican-themed roadside attraction offers food, lodging, and other themed attractions.

South Dakota – Mount Rushmore

While you most likely have heard of Mount Rushmore, this iconic sculpture carved into a giant mound of granite deserves a spot on this list of roadside attractions. You will find this towering masterpiece in Keystone, South Dakota, where it has stood since 1941. Don’t forget to check out the museum!

Tennessee – Titanic Museum

Located in Pigeon Forge, the Titanic Museum features hundreds of artifacts inside of a building shaped like the RMS Titanic. While the building is only about half-scale, this attraction is still impressive, especially for those who love history.

Texas – Cadillac Ranch

If you’re a car aficionado who appreciates modern art installations, check out Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo. Built by two members of the art group of Ant Farm in 1974, Cadillac Ranch features an installation of ten Cadillacs doing nose dives into the ground.

Utah – Hole N” the Rock

This unique roadside attraction is in San Juan County, where it features tours of a home carved into a sandstone cliff. A man created the home in the 1940s and his family lived there until his passing. Inside you will find rooms complete with furniture and a gift shop.

Vermont – World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet

This art installation is in Burlington, Vermont, where it stands as the largest filing cabinet on Earth. It was completed by Bren Alvarez in 2002 and symbolizes the delay in building the Southern Connector. The art piece is made from actual filing cabinets welded together.

Virginia – Dinosaur Land

Established in 1963, Dinosaur Land is a fun attraction along Stonewall Jackson Highway in White Post, Virginia. There are more than 50 dinosaur species that have changed over the years with new anatomical knowledge.

Washington – Fremont Troll

This colossal troll is a public sculpture in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. You will find it under the George Washington Bridge, where it stands 18 feet tall. Four artists created the Fremont Troll in 1990 after they won a competition.

West Virginia – Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold

Located in Moundsville, West Virginia, Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold is a religious wonder of the United States and also one of the most beautiful places to visit in the country. Step into the palace for a tour or have brunch in the Rose Garden.

Wisconsin – House on the Rock

Designed by Alex Jordan in 1960, House on the Rock is a tourist attraction that allows people to tour a complex of very distinct and unique rooms, streets, and gardens. Visitors can also stay at a world-class resort, golf course, and spa!

Wyoming – Fossil Cabin

Standing along the road since 1932, the Fossil Cabin is a building completed with more than 5,7000 excavated dinosaur bones. This historical landmark is near Medicine Bow, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. However, it is interesting nonetheless.

Next, check out this article on the most breathtaking drives in the United States.