There’s something about a good roadside attraction. Not the Grand Canyon, not a famous landmark—just something weird enough to make you say, wait, what? and pull over. Maybe it’s a giant fiberglass prairie dog, a traffic light that’s upside down on purpose, or a drive-thru tree that is so interesting, you drive through twice.
Some of these spots are total tourist traps. Some have actual history behind them. And some are just there, existing, waiting for the right kind of traveler (a.k.a. you) to appreciate their oddness.
So, if you’re the type who likes detours, weird photo ops, and stories that start with “You’ll never guess what I saw on the side of the road…”—this list is for you.
Arizona
World’s Largest Kokopelli – Camp Verde, Arizona
Kokopelli, the flute-playing trickster spirit, is a common symbol in the Southwest—but this 32-foot-tall version is the biggest one you’ll find. It was originally built to advertise a gift shop that has since closed, but the giant figure still stands, flute in hand, welcoming travelers. If you’re into quirky photo ops or roadside oddities, this one is a must. And if Kokopelli doesn’t call you, maybe the excellent tacos in the shopping center will.
California
Glass Beach – Fort Bragg, California
A beach made of glass? Kind of. Back in the early 1900s, Fort Bragg used this area as a literal dumping ground for old bottles, ceramics, and other trash. Over time, the ocean did its thing—grinding down the glass and leaving behind millions of smooth, colorful pieces that now cover the shore. It’s a perfect example of nature turning human mistakes into something beautiful. Just don’t take any of the glass home—it’s illegal, and honestly, the beach deserves to keep its sparkle.
Coyote’s Flying Saucer Retrievals and Repairs – Jacumba, California
If you’ve ever wanted to see a UFO repair shop, you’re in luck. Located in the middle of the Southern California desert, this bizarre roadside stop features several large flying saucers, mysterious structures, and an otherworldly vibe that makes it feel like something out of a sci-fi movie. Created by Coyote, a desert dweller and self-proclaimed UFO enthusiast, this roadside oddity is a mix of art, alien lore, and desert weirdness. While it’s not a full-blown attraction with a gift shop or guided tours, it’s the kind of place that makes you question reality for a second—just the way a good roadside stop should.
Jacumba Desert View Tower – Jacumba, California
Built in 1922 as a tribute to pioneers who braved the brutal desert landscape, this 70-foot-tall stone tower offers a panoramic view of the surrounding terrain. But the real hidden gem? Boulder Park, a nearby area filled with hand-carved rock sculptures of animals and mythical creatures—crafted during the Great Depression by an out-of-work engineer named Merle Ratcliff.
Oh, and you know what’s really funky? On the way in you’ll pass Coyote’s Flying Saucer Retrievals and Repairs. That’s a whole roadside attraction worth driving through itself.
Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree – Leggett, California
A 276-foot-tall redwood tree with a 6-foot-wide by 6-foot-9-inch-high tunnel carved through its base, allowing cars to drive right through. Estimated to be around 2,400 years old, this tree earned its name because of its massive branches that resemble a chandelier. Its limbs start 100 feet above the ground and can reach up to 7 feet in diameter. Once a common roadside attraction gimmick, only a few of these drive-thru trees remain. Turns out boring a giant hole in a tree is pretty bad for it (said with sarcasm).
Tour-Thru Tree – Klamath, California
Located near Redwood National Park, this redwood with a car tunnel was cut in the 1960s to attract visitors to the region. The tree itself is still alive, continuing to grow despite the massive hole in its trunk. Unlike the Chandelier Tree, which has a more symmetrical cut, the Tour-Thru Tree has an uneven, more rugged feel, adding to its charm.
Paul Bunyan and Babe/Trees of Mystery – Klamath, California
If you’ve ever wanted to stand under a 49-foot-tall Paul Bunyan while his 35-foot-tall blue ox, Babe, watches over you, this is your stop. This massive fiberglass duo greets visitors at the entrance to Trees of Mystery, a redwood forest attraction in Northern California.
Also, the Mystery of Trees is fantastic. Take the SkyTrail gondola up the mountain and enjoy incredible views of the redwood forest, then take the scenic hike back down. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Cathedral Trees, a cluster of redwoods that naturally form a stunning outdoor chapel, and the Brotherhood Tree, a 297-foot giant. The Mystery of Trees is exactly that—an experience where nature meets folklore, making it one of the most unique stops on Highway 101.
Dragons of Chinatown – Los Angeles, California
A pair of giant golden dragons, stretching across Broadway, mark the entrance to Chinatown. Installed in 2001, these towering creatures actually mist in the air, making them feel like they belong in an ancient legend (or at least a really cool movie scene).
Robo Lights – Palm Springs, California
An absolute fever dream of lights, robots, and holiday decorations. Artist Kenny Irwin Jr. created this surreal display, using giant robots, neon sculptures, and recycled materials to turn a standard Christmas lights show into something from another dimension. And it’s so great, that it’s up all year.
Florida
Gatorland – Orlando, Florida
Dubbed the “Alligator Capital of the World,” Gatorland is part roadside attraction, part wildlife park, and fully one of the quirkiest places to see Florida’s famous reptiles up close. Founded in 1949, this 110-acre park is home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles, including rare leucistic (white) alligators. Visitors can watch live feeding shows, walk through an elevated boardwalk over a gator-infested swamp, or even zip-line over the enclosures. It’s pure, classic Florida at its finest.
Funny story. I went here by myself on a worktrip and went on the zipline with a family meeting up for a reunion, and ended up having a blast as an honorary member of their family. They even invited me to the restaurant after (though, I had to go to a work event).
Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter – Lecanto, Florida
Ever wanted to meet a real mermaid? Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter brings fantasy to life with interactive mermaid shows, an up-close look at Florida’s marine life, and even the chance to try on a custom-made mermaid tail. The founder, Eric Ducharme, has been designing mermaid tails for films, performers, and enthusiasts since he was a teenager. Whether you’re here for the mermaids, the touch tanks, or just to embrace the weird and wonderful side of Florida, it’s an unforgettable stop.
Side note: I took my 15 month old daughter here and she was absolutely enthralled.
Michigan
Joe Louis Fist – Detroit, Michigan
A 24-foot-long bronze fist, suspended in midair, honors boxing legend Joe Louis. Unveiled in 1986, this sculpture serves as a powerful symbol of strength and resilience, both inside and outside the ring. Created by sculptor Robert Graham, the piece was commissioned by Sports Illustrated and donated to the city of Detroit. The fist is meant to symbolize Louis’ impact on boxing, but also his fight against racism and injustice. It’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city.
45th Parallel Sign – Gaylord, Michigan
Ever wanted to stand exactly halfway between the Equator and the North Pole? This unassuming sign marks the spot. There are multiple 45th Parallel markers in the U.S., but this one in Gaylord, Michigan, is conveniently located off the highway, making it an easy roadside stop. The sign may not look like much, but it’s a fun geographical quirk that reminds you just how far north (or south) you are.
Large Ski Bum Statue – Bessemer, Michigan
Towering at the entrance to Big Powderhorn Mountain, this giant fiberglass skier welcomes winter sports lovers to one of Michigan’s best ski destinations. Bessemer and the surrounding Upper Peninsula are known for their heavy snowfall, making it a prime location for skiing and snowboarding. The statue, posed mid-action with skis and poles, is a fun tribute to the region’s reputation as the “Skiing Capital of the Midwest.”
Cross in the Woods – Indian River, Michigan
This 55-foot-tall redwood crucifix is one of the largest in the world and serves as the centerpiece of the National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods. Completed in 1954, the towering sculpture was created by Michigan artist Marshall Fredericks, who is also known for the Spirit of Detroit statue. The shrine draws thousands of visitors each year, both for its religious significance and its peaceful, scenic setting among the trees. Whether or not you’re religious, it’s an unusual and impressive stop along the way.
Montana
Polebridge Mercantile & Bakery – Polebridge, Montana
Tucked away near Glacier National Park, Polebridge Mercantile is an off-the-grid general store that has been serving travelers and locals for over 100 years. The store runs entirely on generator power, with no electricity in sight, adding to its rustic charm. But the real reason to stop? Huckleberry bear claws. These legendary pastries draw road-trippers, hikers, and adventurers from miles away. The bakery also offers fresh-baked bread, sandwiches, and homemade goods, making it the perfect stop before heading into the wild. If you’re lucky, you might even catch some live music outside on the deck while enjoying the fresh mountain air.
New York
Upside-Down Traffic Light – Syracuse, New York
Why is this traffic light flipped upside-down? Green on top and red on the bottom? Blame (or thank) the Irish. In the 1920s, Irish immigrants in the Tipperary Hill neighborhood weren’t too happy about “British red” sitting above “Irish green”, so they repeatedly smashed the traffic light with rocks until the city finally gave in and flipped it. Nearly a century later, it remains one of the quirkiest traffic signals in the country and a proud symbol of Irish heritage in Syracuse.
North Carolina
Blowing Rock – Blowing Rock, North Carolina
A geological oddity and local legend, The Blowing Rock is known for its strong upward winds that create the illusion of objects—like snow or leaves—floating back up into the air. The legend behind the rock tells of a Cherokee brave who leaped from the rock but was saved by the wind, carried back up to his love. Beyond its mystical qualities, Blowing Rock offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is a peaceful, scenic stop along the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. Also, it’s dog friendly!
World’s Largest Chest of Drawers – High Point, North Carolina
Standing 38 feet tall, this massive chest of drawers is a nod to High Point’s status as the “Furniture Capital of the World.” Originally built in 1926 by the High Point Chamber of Commerce, it started as a 20-foot-tall structure meant to symbolize the city’s dominance in the furniture industry. It was later expanded to 38 feet and has been refurbished multiple times to maintain its iconic status. The detail that makes it even funnier? Two giant socks dangle from one of the drawers, representing High Point’s role in the hosiery and textile industry as well. This quirky landmark remains one of the city’s most beloved and photographed roadside stops.
World’s Largest Highboy – Jamestown, North Carolina
Just a few miles from High Point, Jamestown boasts its own claim to furniture-related fame: the World’s Largest Highboy. This 85-foot-tall dresser, styled like an 18th-century Chippendale highboy, was originally built as an advertising centerpiece for Furnitureland South, the world’s largest furniture store. Unlike High Point’s chest of drawers, this highboy was never a freestanding sculpture but rather built into the showroom’s facade.
Rose Creek Mine – Franklin, North Carolina
Ever wanted to find your own gemstones? At Rose Creek Mine, you can sift through dirt and rocks to uncover rubies, sapphires, garnets, and other gems. Franklin, NC, is known as the “Gem Capital of the World,” thanks to its history of gemstone mining. While modern-day visitors aren’t exactly striking it rich, there’s something oddly satisfying about washing off a handful of dirt and realizing you’ve found a shiny treasure. Plus, they provide all the equipment, so even beginners can feel like expert prospectors.
Andy’s Trout Farm – Otto, North Carolina
If you’ve ever wanted to catch your own dinner without actually having to work too hard, Andy’s Trout Farm is your place. Established in 1965, this family-owned farm offers stocked trout ponds, making it easy for even the most novice angler to reel one in. After catching your fish, you can have it cleaned on-site and either take it home or cook it up at their picnic area. It’s part of that old-school, simple fun that road trips are all about—no fancy gimmicks, just a fishing pole, a pond, and the satisfaction of a fresh catch.
Oregon
Face Rock – Bandon, Oregon
Legend has it that Face Rock is the frozen profile of an ancient Native American princess, turned to stone by an evil sea spirit. Located along the Oregon Coast in Bandon, this rock formation genuinely looks like a face staring up at the sky. Whether or not you believe the legend, the view from the cliffs above Face Rock is stunning—especially at sunset when the shadows bring out the details in the rock’s “face.”
Also, take some time here to explore the beach, the tide pools, and the rock formations. It’s a very cool spot and worth spending a few hours here.
Sea Lion Caves – Florence, Oregon
The largest sea cave in the U.S. and its massive natural chamber is home to hundreds of sea lions who lounge on the rocky outcroppings inside. Discovered in 1880, the cave stretches 125 feet high and is only accessible by a special elevator that takes visitors down 208 feet into the cavern. During winter, it’s packed with sea lions escaping the stormy Pacific. In the summer, you might just get a scenic (but much quieter) ocean view.
Devils Punch Bowl – Otter Rock, Oregon
At first glance, it looks like a giant collapsed cave, with waves constantly crashing into its hollowed-out center. The Devils Punch Bowl is a natural rock formation that fills with swirling seawater, making it look like a bubbling cauldron when the tides are high. No one knows for sure how it formed, but some say it was a sea cave that eroded over time. During stormy weather, it’s a dramatic and powerful sight, but at low tide, you can actually explore the caves around it.
South Dakota
Dignity: Of Earth & Sky – Chamberlain, South Dakota
Standing 50 feet tall, this breathtaking stainless steel statue depicts a Native American woman holding a quilt of blue diamond-shaped panels. The sculpture, created by artist Dale Lamphere, was dedicated in 2016 as a tribute to the Indigenous people of the Great Plains. Overlooking the Missouri River, Dignity represents strength, grace, and cultural heritage, making it one of the most powerful roadside stops in South Dakota. At sunrise and sunset, the light reflects off the quilt’s metallic surfaces, making the entire sculpture seem to glow.
Six-Ton Prairie Dog – Near Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Towering at 12 feet tall, this giant prairie dog statue is a classic roadside attraction that celebrates South Dakota’s abundant prairie dog population. Located near Badlands National Park, this friendly oversized rodent has been posing for tourist photos for decades. Whether you’re a fan of prairie dogs or just love a good roadside oddity, this stop is worth a quick visit.
Wall Drug – Wall, South Dakota
Wall Drug is more than just a roadside stop—it’s a legendary Western-themed shopping, dining, and entertainment complex that started as a small pharmacy in the 1930s. The store gained fame by offering free ice water to travelers, and the rest is history. Today, Wall Drug is filled with unique shops, quirky statues, and even a giant dinosaur. Whether you’re grabbing a five-cent coffee and homemade donuts or snapping a photo with the jackalope statue, Wall Drug is a must-visit when traveling through South Dakota.
Washington
Bigfoot Statue – Kid Valley, Washington
Washington is Bigfoot country, and if you’re looking for a massive tribute to the legendary cryptid, this 28-foot-tall concrete Bigfoot near Mount St. Helens is it. Built in the 1980s, the statue stands near the North Fork Survivors Gift Shop, a business dedicated to commemorating the catastrophic 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption. The original Bigfoot statue was wooden and slightly smaller but burned down in the mid-’90s. The owners rebuilt it in concrete, ensuring that Bigfoot would remain standing for good. If you’re a fan of Sasquatch lore, this is a must-see roadside stop.
Buried A-Frame House – Kid Valley, Washington
When Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980, it sent a 70-mph wall of mud and debris down the valley, burying everything in its path—including this newly built A-frame house. Instead of demolishing it, the owners left it partially buried as a reminder of the sheer power of the eruption. Today, the house serves as a small roadside attraction near the North Fork Survivors Gift Shop. The ground floor is now completely underground, and visitors can see firsthand just how much land the mudflow displaced. It’s a haunting, fascinating piece of history tucked away in the forest.
The Joy of the Unexpected: Why We Love Roadside Attractions
There’s a reason people pull over for giant fiberglass animals and bizarre museums: they make the journey just as fun as the destination. Roadside attractions are a little chaotic, often over-the-top, and sometimes unexpectedly meaningful. Some are pure kitsch, some hold fascinating history, and others are just downright weird in the best way possible.
These stops remind us to slow down, embrace curiosity, and appreciate the wonderfully random creativity that exists along the open road. Because at the end of the day, the best stories rarely come from sticking to the plan—they come from the places you never expected to find.
So, what’s the weirdest roadside attraction you’ve ever stumbled upon? Tell me—I might just need to add it to my list.
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