10 Quirky Roadside Attractions in the U.S. You’ll Actually Want to Visit
Not all roadside attractions are tourist traps. Some are genuinely weird—in a good way. Whether it’s a giant peanut or a museum to barbed wire, these stops offer something rare: stories you’ll still laugh about years later. Here’s where to pull over.
The World’s Largest Ball of Twine – Cawker City, Kansas
What started in 1953 as one man’s backyard project has become a record-breaking roadside legend. The ball now weighs over 20,000 pounds and continues to grow with help from visitors. Every August, the town hosts a “twine-a-thon” where you can add to the ball yourself. It’s odd, endearing, and deeply Midwestern—plus, it’s free to visit and makes for a surprisingly wholesome photo stop.
Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo, Texas
Ten vintage Cadillacs, nose-down in the Texas dirt, covered in decades of graffiti—this art installation isn’t just for looking at, it’s for interacting with. Visitors are encouraged to bring spray paint and leave their mark. The cars face west, perfectly aligned for dramatic sunset photos. Started by a San Francisco art group in 1974, it’s one of the most iconic (and evolving) pit stops in the U.S.
Lucy the Elephant – Margate, New Jersey
Built in 1881, Lucy is six stories tall and once served as a hotel, tavern, and private home. Today, she’s a walk-in attraction where you can climb a spiral staircase inside her legs and get a view from her howdah. Painted gray with red trimmings, Lucy is both a local treasure and a National Historic Landmark. Quirky, historic, and ocean-adjacent—it’s a memorable detour from Atlantic City.
Enchanted Highway – Regent, North Dakota
Stretching 30 miles from I-94 to the tiny town of Regent, the Enchanted Highway features massive metal sculptures rising out of prairie grass—giant geese, deer, and even a full-on Tin Family. Artist Gary Greff built them to bring tourism to his hometown, and it worked. Each stop has its own pull-off and photo op. It’s one of America’s most creative stretches of open road.
The Mystery Spot – Santa Cruz, California
This strange hillside shack in the redwoods seems to defy gravity—balls roll uphill, people appear to lean sideways, and your sense of balance goes haywire. Is it a magnetic anomaly or just clever illusion? Either way, it’s fun, baffling, and very selfie-worthy. Guided tours are short and interactive, and while science-minded visitors might scoff, most leave smiling and scratching their heads.
Carhenge – Alliance, Nebraska
Think Stonehenge, but made of 39 old American cars spray-painted gray and arranged in a circle on the plains of Nebraska. Built in 1987 by artist Jim Reinders as a tribute to his father, Carhenge is free to visit and weirdly beautiful at golden hour. The site also includes additional car-based sculptures nearby. It’s a perfect example of heartfelt oddity—and pure Americana.
The Museum of Clean – Pocatello, Idaho
Don’t let the name fool you—this museum is surprisingly fun. It celebrates all things clean, from antique vacuum cleaners and brooms to hands-on exhibits about sustainability and sanitation. You’ll find five floors of artifacts, including a full replica of a clean home and a children’s area. It’s tidy, yes, but full of personality. If you’re looking for quirky with depth, this is your place.
The Fremont Troll – Seattle, Washington
Under a bridge in the Fremont neighborhood lurks a massive troll made of concrete, gripping a real Volkswagen Beetle in one hand. Created by local artists in 1990, this public art piece has become a beloved oddity. It’s free to visit, endlessly photogenic, and totally unexpected—especially when you stumble upon it without warning. Whether you’re a fan of folklore or just weird public sculpture, this Seattle stop won’t disappoint.
Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum – The Colony, Texas
Created by a retired plumber with a passion for storytelling, this museum features over 1,000 hand-decorated toilet seats—each themed, labeled, and full of personality. Topics range from Elvis to 9/11 to wedding proposals. Originally in Smith’s garage, the collection now lives in a dedicated space. It’s wacky, heartfelt, and oddly inspiring—showing creativity knows no bounds (or mediums).
The Shoe Tree – Middlegate, Nevada
Along the “Loneliest Road in America,” you’ll find a desert tree hung with hundreds of old shoes. No one knows exactly how it started—stories range from romantic breakups to road trip dares—but it’s grown into a strange, beloved symbol of Nevada road culture. Travelers stop to toss a pair, take a photo, or leave behind a little mystery of their own.
