14 Wonderfully Weird Roadside Stops to See in Texas

Everything’s bigger—and often weirder—in Texas. Beyond the usual cowboy boots and BBQ joints, the Lone Star State is full of delightfully odd roadside attractions that make any road trip more memorable. From giant legs in a field to a cathedral made of junk, these unexpected pit stops offer a quirky slice of Texan charm that’s equal parts fascinating and fun.

Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo

This iconic art installation just west of Amarillo is one of Texas’ most surreal roadside stops. Ten vintage Cadillacs are buried nose-first into the ground, with their tailfins proudly jutting into the sky. Visitors are encouraged to bring spray paint and add their own layer of graffiti, making this an ever-evolving canvas. It’s quirky, colorful, and oddly beautiful—a desert art piece that draws travelers from all over the country. It’s as much a participatory experience as it is a photo opportunity.

The Leaning Tower of Texas, Groom

Along I-40 in Groom, you’ll find a strange sight—an intentionally leaning water tower, designed as an eye-catching roadside attraction. The Leaning Tower of Texas tilts at a dramatic angle, stopping many travelers in their tracks. Originally a marketing gimmick for a truck stop, it has become a beloved oddity and photo op for tourists driving Route 66. The tower may look like it’s about to fall, but it’s firmly in place—and undeniably Texan in its flair.

Slug Bug Ranch, Conway

Think of this as a smaller, stranger cousin to Cadillac Ranch. At Slug Bug Ranch, five Volkswagen Beetles are half-buried in the ground, nose-down, just off I-40. Covered in graffiti and surrounded by prairie land, the installation feels delightfully out of place. It’s a must-see for fans of roadside Americana or anyone looking to stretch their legs and snap a fun, funky photo. You’re even encouraged to add your own spray-painted touch if you bring some paint.

Eiffel Tower with a Red Cowboy Hat, Paris

Paris, Texas has its own Eiffel Tower—but with a Texas twist. This scaled-down replica stands proudly at 65 feet tall, topped with a giant red cowboy hat perched right on top. It’s both hilarious and charming, a small-town way of saying “everything’s bigger (and better) in Texas.” The tower lights up at night and sits next to the Red River Valley Veterans Memorial, making it a weird yet respectful place to pause during your road trip.

World’s Largest Cedar Rocking Chair, Lipan

In the tiny town of Lipan, you’ll find what claims to be the world’s largest cedar rocking chair. Standing over 25 feet tall, it towers over visitors and feels more like a lumber sculpture than furniture. Built by a local craftsman, the chair is a celebration of Texas-sized creativity and the state’s love of record-breaking things. It’s located outside a general store and is impossible to miss if you’re passing through the area.

Dr. Pepper Museum, Waco

Waco may be better known for other attractions today, but the Dr. Pepper Museum holds a special charm. Housed in a 1906 bottling plant, the museum celebrates the oldest major soft drink in the U.S.—which just so happens to be a Texas invention. Explore quirky exhibits, vintage advertising, and soda-making equipment. There’s even a working soda fountain where you can sip a handcrafted Dr. Pepper the old-fashioned way.

Stonehenge II, Ingram

Located in the Hill Country town of Ingram, Stonehenge II is a quirky homage to the original monument in England. Created by two friends in the late ’80s, the structure features full-size replicas of the stone pillars, plus Easter Island-style heads nearby. The rural setting makes the display all the more surreal—it’s a peaceful, grassy field with ancient-looking stones rising unexpectedly. It’s one of the state’s most unusual and peaceful roadside stops.

World’s Largest Pecan, Seguin

Seguin is home to what it claims is the World’s Largest Pecan, and whether or not the title is accurate, the sculpture is a Texas favorite. Standing 5 feet tall and weighing over 1,000 pounds, the giant pecan sits outside the county courthouse. It celebrates the region’s pecan-growing heritage and is a fun, nutty place for a photo op. There’s also a smaller, older pecan statue at the Pape Pecan House nearby—just in case you want to compare sizes.

Museum of the Weird, Austin

Austin embraces its motto—“Keep Austin Weird”—with this oddball attraction tucked into a downtown gift shop. The Museum of the Weird showcases shrunken heads, mummies, cryptozoology exhibits, and curiosities galore. It’s part haunted house, part sideshow, and completely committed to its theme. Whether you’re into the paranormal or just in for a laugh, it’s a compact spot that lives up to its name and adds to Austin’s already unique vibe.

The Toilet Seat Art Museum, San Antonio

Yes, you read that right. The Toilet Seat Art Museum is exactly what it sounds like—and more. The late Barney Smith, a retired plumber, created art out of over 1,000 toilet seats, each decorated with objects, themes, and tributes to people and events. Now housed in the Truck Yard in San Antonio, the collection continues to draw curious visitors. It’s delightfully bizarre, strangely heartwarming, and definitely something you’ll only find in Texas.

Giant Squirrel Holding a Nut, Cedar Creek

Located outside Berdoll Pecan Candy & Gift Company, Ms. Pearl is a massive squirrel statue holding a pecan—because why not? Towering at 14 feet, she’s become a roadside mascot for travelers heading into or out of Austin. People stop to snap selfies, grab snacks, and marvel at the whimsy. It’s a perfect example of Texas’s playful approach to roadside marketing. Plus, you can get pecan pies from a 24-hour vending machine nearby.

The Big Texan Steak Ranch, Amarillo

This legendary Amarillo steakhouse is best known for its 72-ounce steak challenge, but its sheer presence makes it a must-see. With its Wild West-style exterior, giant cowboy signs, and carnival-like energy, the Big Texan is part eatery, part attraction. Whether you’re stopping for a meal or just to see the enormous steak cutout photo booth, it’s a Texan classic. Watch as brave souls attempt the steak challenge under the spotlighted dining stage.

Devil’s Rope Museum, McLean

Barbed wire might not sound fascinating at first, but the Devil’s Rope Museum in McLean makes it oddly compelling. This museum dives into the history of barbed wire—also known as “devil’s rope”—and its critical role in shaping the American West. The displays are extensive, featuring wire variations, fence tools, and branding artifacts. It’s unexpectedly rich in detail and a reminder of how the simplest tools shaped an entire region.

Futuro House, Royse City

Shaped like a flying saucer, this rare prefab home from the 1960s looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. One of only a few remaining Futuro Houses in the U.S., the Royse City example sits beside a local roadside business and draws UFO lovers and design geeks alike. It’s not open for tours, but it’s worth a visit just to marvel at its retro-futuristic look. A quirky symbol of mid-century imagination, it’s a standout roadside surprise.