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18 Bizarre Roadside Attractions in the U.S. You Have to See to Believe

The U.S. is packed with quirky and eccentric roadside attractions that will make you do a double-take. From giant sculptures to strange museums, these outlandish sights are scattered across the country, waiting to be discovered.

Whether you’re on a cross-country road trip or just looking for something fun and unusual, these bizarre landmarks offer a unique twist on American culture. Here are 18 of the most bizarre roadside attractions you’ve got to see to believe!

The World’s Largest Ball of Twine – Cawker City, Kansas

Image Credit: Robby Virus / Flickr

This massive ball of twine is as absurd as it sounds—yet oddly fascinating. Weighing over 20,000 pounds and measuring over 40 feet in circumference, this roadside oddity is the result of a local tradition started in 1953.

It’s a perfect stop for anyone fascinated by quirky, homemade attractions. If you time it right, you might even catch the annual Twine-a-thon!

Carhenge – Alliance, Nebraska

Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Imagine Stonehenge, but with cars instead of stones. That’s exactly what Carhenge is: a mysterious and captivating collection of vintage cars arranged in the same formation as England’s famous megalithic monument.

It's both a tribute to the American automobile and an eccentric piece of art. You’ll be left marveling at the creativity (and oddity) of it all.

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The Mystery Spot – Santa Cruz, California

Image Credit: DepositPhotos- Santa Cruz CA USA May 21, 2017: Entrance to Mystery spot museum in Santa Cruz — Photo by spvvk

At the Mystery Spot, gravity seems to have a mind of its own. Visitors can experience strange optical illusions where they appear to defy physics, with objects seemingly rolling uphill and people standing at impossible angles.

It’s been baffling tourists for decades and remains a classic stop for anyone curious about mind-bending phenomena.

The Thing? – Dragoon, Arizona

Image Credit: Jasperdo / Flickr

What exactly is “The Thing”? It’s a mystery, and you’ll have to pay to find out. This attraction promises an answer, but it’s up to you to unravel it.

Is it a mummified body? A relic from ancient times? The suspense draws travelers from far and wide, making it one of the strangest and most intriguing stops on Route 66.

The Giant Statue of the Jolly Green Giant – Blue Earth, Minnesota

Image Credit: Tim Stewart / Flickr

Standing at 55 feet tall, this oversized Green Giant is hard to miss. Located in Blue Earth, Minnesota, the statue honors the brand that made the town famous.

It’s a fun photo op and a playful nod to America’s love for quirky roadside attractions. The Green Giant’s friendly smile and enormous size make this one a must-see!

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World’s Largest Potato – Blackfoot, Idaho

Image Credit: otaku / Flickr

Idaho is known for its potatoes, and what better way to showcase them than with a giant potato? Standing proudly along Interstate 15, this oversized spud is an eye-catching symbol of the region’s agricultural pride.

You’ll be tempted to pull over and snap a photo of this oddly appealing roadside attraction.

The International Cryptozoology Museum – Portland, Maine

Image Credit: sporst / Flickr

Home to artifacts and exhibits on mythical creatures like Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and the Chupacabra, this museum is a treasure trove for fans of the weird and the unexplained. It’s a small museum packed with fascinating exhibits that dive deep into the world of cryptozoology, offering a fun experience for anyone interested in legendary creatures.

Devil’s Kettle – Judge C. R. Magney State Park, Minnesota

Image Credit: slywy / Flickr

Devil’s Kettle is a mysterious spot where one side of the Brule River disappears into a hole, never to be seen again. No one knows where the water goes, adding an eerie mystique to the area.

It's a great place for nature lovers, but the mystery behind the kettle is what truly makes it a memorable stop.

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The Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo, Texas

Image Credit: DepositPhotos – Amarillo USA – September 14 2015; Cadillac Ranch Routee 66 roadside attraction of old cars standing field buried head first Texas, United States — Photo by brians101

This quirky piece of art consists of ten classic Cadillacs buried nose-first into the Texas soil. It’s a funky and interactive site where visitors are encouraged to add their own spray paint to the cars.

The bright colors and odd positioning of the vehicles make Cadillac Ranch a fun and colorful roadside spectacle.

World’s Largest Chest of Drawers – High Point, North Carolina

Image Credit: Jacob / Flickr

In High Point, you’ll find a massive chest of drawers—literally. This giant furniture piece stands 36 feet tall and is the perfect homage to the city’s status as the “Furniture Capital of the World.”

With oversized buttons and intricate detailing, this quirky landmark is both a playful and practical representation of the area’s craftsmanship.

The Largest Lava Lamp – Effingham, Illinois

Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Standing over 17 feet tall, this gigantic lava lamp is the largest of its kind in the world. It’s the perfect stop for anyone who loves retro kitsch.

Watching the slow-moving wax blobs float up and down inside the lamp feels like a blast from the past, making this stop both mesmerizing and nostalgic.

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Giant Muskie – Hayward, Wisconsin

Image Credit: Jesse Lisa / Flickr

The Giant Muskie is a 14-foot sculpture celebrating the area’s obsession with fishing. It sits on a lakeside dock, towering over passersby and offering a perfect photo op for anglers and tourists alike.

This oversized fish is a tribute to the legendary muskie, a prized catch in the region.

World’s Largest Ghost Story – Shelbyville, Kentucky

Image Credit: robert e weston jr / Flickr

For fans of ghost tales, the World’s Largest Ghost Story is a fascinating stop. Located at the Old Shelbyville Courthouse, it’s said to be haunted by the spirits of early settlers.

You’ll find odd, spooky artifacts, and hear chilling stories that make this an eerie but exciting attraction to check out.

The Shoe Tree – Fallon, Nevada

Image Credit: LeeAnne Adams / Flickr

The Shoe Tree is exactly what it sounds like: a tree covered in hundreds of shoes, with new ones added every year. This bizarre sight started as a quirky tradition and has now become a must-see oddity in Nevada.

Whether you're curious about the backstory or just want to admire the unusual sight, it’s a fun, offbeat stop.

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Wall Drug Store – Wall, South Dakota

Image Credit: DepositPhotos – Wall, SD, USA – May 1 2023: Wall Drug Store front in Wall South Dakota — Photo by [email protected]

What started as a small pharmacy in the 1930s is now a sprawling roadside attraction offering everything from quirky gifts to a giant T-Rex. Wall Drug is packed with retro signs, Wild West souvenirs, and a playful atmosphere that draws in travelers from across the country.

Don’t miss the free ice water sign—you’ll see it everywhere!

World’s Largest Pencil – Steeleville, Illinois

Image Credit: DepositPhotos

This oversized pencil stands at a whopping 30 feet tall. While it’s simple, it’s a classic example of the quirky roadside attractions scattered across America.

Steeleville proudly claims the pencil as its own, and it’s certainly a sight to behold if you’re passing through. A quirky monument to the art of writing!

The Big Duck – Flanders, New York

Image Credit: j. Rolfe / Flickr

The Big Duck is a giant duck-shaped building that has served as a roadside farm stand for decades. This fun and kitschy landmark has become an iconic piece of Long Island history, standing tall and proudly welcoming tourists and locals alike.

It’s the kind of place that will make you smile and take a photo!

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The UFO Welcome Center – Bowman, South Carolina

Image Credit: Eiki Martinson / Flickr

If you’re a fan of extraterrestrial phenomena, this quirky UFO-shaped building in Bowman, South Carolina, is a must-see. Built by one man as a tribute to UFOs, the center offers a strange and fun stop with plenty of alien-themed memorabilia.

It’s a great place to stretch your legs and take in some out-of-this-world weirdness!

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