America’s highways and byways are dotted with attractions that defy explanation, challenge gravity, and showcase the beautiful eccentricity of American creativity. From massive balls of twine to cars arranged like ancient monuments, these quirky landmarks represent the spirit of roadside Americana that has captivated travelers for generations. While the Grand Canyon and Statue of Liberty draw millions each year, these unusual attractions offer something different: a glimpse into the wonderfully weird corners of American culture. Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or simply looking to add some unconventional stops to your travel itinerary, these head-scratching, smile-inducing landmarks promise experiences you won’t find in typical tourist brochures. Pack your sense of humor and curiosity as we embark on a journey through America’s most delightfully bizarre attractions!
Background and Context: America’s Love Affair with Roadside Oddities
The golden age of American road trips during the 1950s and 60s sparked a nationwide phenomenon of roadside attractions designed to lure travelers into small towns and businesses. As the interstate highway system expanded and automobile travel became the preferred method of transportation, savvy entrepreneurs and eccentric visionaries alike capitalized on the captive audience of passing motorists by creating increasingly outlandish sights.
These roadside oddities served multiple purposes: they broke up long drives, boosted local economies, and gave small towns a distinct identity. Some were built as marketing ploys, others as passionate personal projects, and a few as genuine artistic expressions. What they all share is their ability to transform an ordinary journey into something memorable.
Today, despite the rise of GPS navigation and interstate travel that often bypasses smaller communities, these attractions have experienced a renaissance in the age of social media. The perfect backdrop for an Instagram photo or TikTok video, these landmarks have found new relevance with travelers seeking authentic, offbeat experiences that contrast with mass-market tourism. Organizations like the Society for Commercial Archeology and the Roadside America website have worked to document and preserve these cultural treasures, recognizing their importance to American folk art and cultural history.
Now, let’s hit the road and explore some of the strangest, most wonderful roadside attractions America has to offer!
1. World’s Largest Ball of Twine – Cawker City, Kansas
Description
What began in 1953 as farmer Frank Stoeber’s practical solution for storing leftover twine has evolved into one of America’s most celebrated oddities. The massive ball, now measuring over 40 feet in circumference and weighing more than 20,000 pounds, continues to grow as visitors are encouraged to add their own pieces of twine. The community hosts an annual “Twine-a-thon” every August, during which the ball grows even larger through collective effort.
Location
Located in downtown Cawker City at Wisconsin Street and Lake Drive, the ball sits beneath a protective open-air gazebo that allows visitors to appreciate its enormity from all angles.
Travel Tips
The ball is accessible 24/7, and there’s no admission fee. Bring your own piece of twine to contribute to this ongoing community project! The nearby Lakeside Museum offers context about the history of the area. For the full experience, visit during the annual Twine-a-thon celebration.
Best Time to Visit
Summer months provide the most pleasant weather, with the third weekend in August being particularly special due to the Twine-a-thon festivities. Spring and fall offer fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures for those seeking a quieter experience.
2. UFO Watchtower – Hooper, Colorado
Description
Founded by Judy Messoline in 2000, this cosmic observation deck rises from the floor of the San Luis Valley—a region renowned for frequent UFO sightings. The 10-foot high platform offers unobstructed views of the vast Colorado sky, while the attached gift shop sells alien-themed souvenirs. Perhaps most fascinating is the “Garden of the Gods”—not to be confused with the famous park in Colorado Springs—a collection of objects left by visitors that supposedly marks a powerful energy vortex where multiple dimensions intersect.
Location
The UFO Watchtower sits at 2502 County Road 61 in Hooper, Colorado, approximately 22 miles north of Alamosa in the heart of the mysterious San Luis Valley.
Travel Tips
Bring binoculars for daytime sky-watching and a good camera for nighttime stargazing. Camping is available on-site for a small fee, offering the chance for extended overnight observation. The watchtower is open year-round, with admission costing around $5 per person (though prices may vary).
Best Time to Visit
Summer nights offer warm temperatures for extended stargazing, while winter provides the clearest skies for serious UFO hunters. The annual UFO conference in July attracts enthusiasts from across the country and features speakers, workshops, and shared stories of extraterrestrial encounters.
3. Gravity Hill – Manistee, Michigan
Description
One of America’s strangest natural phenomena, Gravity Hill creates the mind-bending illusion that your car is rolling uphill when in neutral. This optical illusion, often called a “magnetic hill,” occurs when the surrounding landscape obscures the true horizon line, making a slight downhill slope appear to go upward. Local legends attribute the phenomenon to everything from magnetic anomalies to supernatural forces, but the scientific explanation doesn’t make the experience any less thrilling.
Location
Found at 7015-7018 Putney Road in Arcadia, Michigan, about 15 miles southwest of Manistee. Look for the small “Gravity Hill” sign marking the spot.
Travel Tips
For the full effect, position your car at the designated starting point, put it in neutral, and watch in amazement as it appears to roll uphill. Visit with a full car of friends to maximize the collective astonishment. Remember to be cautious of other traffic, as the road remains open to vehicles.
Best Time to Visit
The illusion works year-round, but summer and fall provide the most comfortable conditions for repeated experiments. The optical effect can sometimes be more dramatic in the softer light of early morning or late afternoon.
4. Carhenge – Alliance, Nebraska
Description
In 1987, artist Jim Reinders created this automotive homage to England’s Stonehenge using 39 vintage cars, all painted gray and arranged in the same proportions and orientations as the ancient stone monument. Built as a memorial to Reinders’ father, this automotive art installation has expanded to include other car-based sculptures in what’s now called the “Car Art Reserve.” The precision of the astronomical alignments and the sheer audacity of the concept make Carhenge a must-see American art installation.
Location
Carhenge stands at 2151 County Road 59, three miles north of Alliance, Nebraska, visible from Highway 87.
Travel Tips
Entry is free, though donations are appreciated for maintenance. The site is open year-round from dawn to dusk. A visitor center provides background information and souvenirs. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the entire monument in photographs.
Best Time to Visit
Summer solstice (June 21) offers the chance to witness the same astronomical alignment effects as the original Stonehenge. The Alliance Car Show in early July brings additional automotive enthusiasts to the area, while the annual “Galaxy of Lights” in December transforms Carhenge with holiday illumination.
5. The Eye – Dallas, Texas
Description
This surreal 30-foot tall sculpture of a human eyeball has quickly become one of Dallas’s most photographed landmarks since its installation in 2013. Created by artist Tony Tasset, the fiberglass, steel, and resin sculpture features a strikingly realistic blue iris, bloodshot veins, and a staring pupil that seems to follow visitors around the plaza. Originally created as a temporary installation in Chicago, “The Eye” found a permanent home in Dallas where it continues to startle and fascinate visitors.
Location
The giant eyeball is located in downtown Dallas at 1601 Main Street, occupying a prominent spot in the garden of The Joule hotel.
Travel Tips
The sculpture is freely accessible to the public and makes for striking photos at any time of day. Visit surrounding attractions like the Dallas Museum of Art and Klyde Warren Park to make a full art-focused day. The nearby Forty Five Ten department store and CBD Provisions restaurant offer shopping and dining options.
Best Time to Visit
Fall and spring provide the most comfortable temperatures for exploring downtown Dallas. Halloween creates a particularly fitting atmosphere for visiting this somewhat eerie sculpture. The sculpture is dramatically lit at night, creating an entirely different viewing experience.
6. World’s Largest Rocking Chair – Casey, Illinois
Description
Standing an impressive 56 feet tall and weighing 46,200 pounds, this enormous rocking chair is part of Casey’s collection of “Big Things in a Small Town.” Built in 2015 by local businessman Jim Bolin, the chair held the Guinness World Record for largest rocking chair until 2016. Unlike many oversized roadside attractions, this giant actually rocks—though it requires specialized equipment to set in motion. The chair is just one of Casey’s numerous record-breaking big items, including the world’s largest wind chime, golf tee, mailbox, and pencil.
Location
The massive chair towers over 108 E. Main Street in Casey, Illinois, conveniently located just off Interstate 70.
Travel Tips
While you can’t climb on the chair itself, there are plenty of photo opportunities from various angles. Plan to spend at least half a day exploring Casey’s collection of oversized objects, most within walking distance of each other. The town has embraced its “big things” identity, with themed souvenirs available at local shops.
Best Time to Visit
Summer and early fall are ideal for exploring the outdoor attractions. The annual Casey Popcorn Festival in September features activities centered around the town’s big attractions. Winter visits offer fewer crowds but may limit time spent at outdoor displays.
7. Lucy the Elephant – Margate, New Jersey
Description
Built in 1881 as a real estate promotion, Lucy is America’s oldest surviving roadside attraction and one of the few remaining examples of “zoomorphic architecture.” This six-story elephant-shaped building has served as a tavern, cottage, and tourist office throughout her 140+ year history. Visitors can climb stairs in one of her legs to reach rooms inside her body, including an observation deck in her howdah (the carriage on her back) that offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Margate shoreline.
Location
Lucy stands at 9200 Atlantic Avenue in Margate City, New Jersey, just a few blocks from the beach and approximately five miles south of Atlantic City.
Travel Tips
Guided tours lasting about 30 minutes are available for a fee (approximately $8-10 for adults). Advance reservations are recommended during summer months. Free parking is available nearby. After visiting Lucy, enjoy the adjacent beach or explore Margate’s charming downtown.
Best Time to Visit
Lucy is open year-round, but summer offers the full beach town experience. September and October provide pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Lucy receives special decorations during holidays, with Christmas light displays being particularly festive.
8. The Mystery Spot – Santa Cruz, California
Description
Discovered in 1939, this “gravitational anomaly” has been baffling visitors for over 80 years. Within the boundaries of this 150-foot diameter circle, the normal laws of physics seem distorted—balls appear to roll uphill, people seem to stand at impossible angles, and heights appear to change depending on where you stand. While scientists attribute these effects to clever optical illusions and forced perspective, the guided tour maintains the mystery with entertaining demonstrations that will leave you questioning your senses.
Location
The Mystery Spot is nestled among redwoods at 465 Mystery Spot Road in Santa Cruz, California, about 10 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz.
Travel Tips
Tours run daily and last approximately 45 minutes. Tickets cost around $8-10 per person, with an additional parking fee of $5. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer and weekends. Wear comfortable shoes as the tour involves walking on uneven terrain. Bring water, as the mystifying effects can be even more disorienting on hot days.
Best Time to Visit
The attraction operates year-round, with spring and fall offering smaller crowds and moderate temperatures. Winter visits can provide a misty, atmospheric experience among the redwoods, while early morning tours generally have the shortest wait times regardless of season.
9. The Thing? – Dragoon, Arizona
Description
For decades, mysterious billboards along Interstate 10 have teased travelers with the simple question: “WHAT IS THE THING?” After paying a small admission fee, visitors follow yellow footprints through three warehouse-like buildings filled with odd collections before finally discovering “The Thing” itself. Recently reimagined with an alien conspiracy theme, the attraction now tells a story of extraterrestrial influence throughout human history, leading to the mysterious mummified centerpiece. The gift shop and convenience store provide additional desert highway amenities.
Location
The Thing is located at 2631 N. Johnson Road in Dragoon, Arizona, right off Interstate 10 at Exit 322, approximately 40 miles east of Tucson.
Travel Tips
Admission is approximately $5 per person and the self-guided tour takes about 30 minutes. The attached Dairy Queen, gift shop, and gas station make this a convenient rest stop regardless of whether you choose to solve the mystery. Don’t forget to pick up a bumper sticker to prove you’ve seen “The Thing.”
Best Time to Visit
The climate-controlled buildings make this a year-round attraction. Winter months bring pleasant desert temperatures and increased highway traffic of snowbirds heading south. Early mornings offer the quietest experience, while the mystery feels appropriately enhanced during evening visits.
10. The Big Duck – Flanders, New York
Description
A pioneering example of “duck architecture” (buildings shaped like the products they sell), this 20-foot tall, 30-foot long concrete duck was built in 1931 by duck farmer Martin Maurer to sell his Pekin ducks and eggs. The duck’s eyes are made from Model T taillights that glow red at night. After changing locations several times, the Big Duck found its permanent home in Flanders, where it now serves as a gift shop and information center for Long Island tourism.
Location
The Big Duck resides at 1012 Route 24 (Flanders Road) in Flanders, New York, on eastern Long Island.
Travel Tips
The interior gift shop is small but charming, selling duck-themed souvenirs and local products. While the attraction itself requires only a brief visit, the surrounding Big Duck Ranch park offers picnic areas and informational displays about Long Island’s once-thriving duck farming industry.
Best Time to Visit
Summer and fall are ideal for combining a visit with explorations of nearby Hamptons beaches and wineries. The annual “Duck Lighting” ceremony in December transforms the Big Duck with holiday decorations and draws locals for a festive celebration.
11. Blue Whale of Catoosa – Catoosa, Oklahoma
Description
Built by Hugh Davis between 1970 and 1972 as an anniversary gift for his wife (who collected whale figurines), this smiling 80-foot concrete whale quickly became a beloved Route 66 landmark. Situated alongside a small pond, the whale features slides, diving platforms, and a hollow interior with portholes, allowing visitors to experience being “swallowed” by Jonah’s nemesis. After years of neglect following its closure as a swimming hole in the 1980s, community preservation efforts have restored the Blue Whale to its former glory.
Location
The Blue Whale welcomes visitors at 2600 N. Highway 66 in Catoosa, Oklahoma, just east of Tulsa along historic Route 66.
Travel Tips
Admission is free, though donations for maintenance are appreciated. While swimming is no longer permitted, visitors can picnic on the grounds, explore the whale’s interior, and fish in the pond with a valid Oklahoma fishing license. The small gift shop offers Route 66 memorabilia and whale-themed souvenirs.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall provide ideal temperatures for exploring this outdoor attraction. Summer visits offer extended daylight hours but Oklahoma heat can be intense. The whale’s bright blue exterior pops beautifully against clear skies for perfect photo opportunities.
Quirky Travel Tips for Roadside Oddity Enthusiasts
- Document Your Visits: Create a roadside attraction passport and collect photos, brochures, or stamps from each location. Many attractions offer certificates or stickers to commemorate your visit.
- Plan Flexible Itineraries: The joy of oddity hunting often comes from unexpected discoveries. Leave room in your schedule for unplanned stops when you spot intriguing billboards.
- Support Local Economies: These attractions are often maintained by small towns or passionate individuals. Purchase souvenirs, leave donations, and patronize nearby businesses to help ensure these treasures survive for future generations.
- Research History: Understanding the stories behind these landmarks enhances appreciation. Many were built by colorful characters with fascinating motivations—learning these backstories adds depth to the experience.
- Connect with Fellow Enthusiasts: Online communities like the Roadside America website or social media groups dedicated to unusual attractions can provide up-to-date information and additional recommendations.
- Verify Hours: Many smaller attractions have limited or seasonal operating hours. Always call ahead or check websites to avoid disappointment.
- Embrace the Journey: The roads leading to these destinations often pass through small towns and scenic landscapes that deserve attention. The journey itself is part of the authentic American road trip experience.
Hidden Gem Bonus: Toilet Seat Art Museum – San Antonio, Texas
Description
For over 50 years, plumber Barney Smith decorated and displayed more than 1,400 toilet seats, transforming them into artistic canvases commemorating historical events, personal milestones, and quirky themes. Though Smith passed away in 2019 at age 98, his unique collection has been preserved at a new location where visitors can marvel at toilet seats featuring everything from the Berlin Wall fragments to NASCAR memorabilia. Each seat includes handwritten notes explaining its significance, creating an unexpectedly moving testament to one man’s creative vision.
Location
Originally housed in Smith’s garage, the collection was purchased and relocated to The Truck Yard at 2430 N. St. Mary’s Street in San Antonio, Texas, where it continues to welcome visitors.
Travel Tips
Admission is free, though donations are appreciated. Allow at least an hour to appreciate the collection’s diversity and detail. The Truck Yard offers food and beverages, making it easy to refresh after exploring this unusual museum. Don’t be shy about asking staff for stories about Barney and his most famous creations.
Best Time to Visit
The indoor location makes this a year-round attraction, perfect for escaping San Antonio’s summer heat or winter rain. Weekday visits typically offer a quieter experience for appreciating the detailed craftsmanship.
Final Thoughts
America’s roadside oddities represent more than just quirky photo opportunities—they’re expressions of individual creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and community pride that form an essential part of our cultural landscape. In an era of increasingly homogenized travel experiences, these one-of-a-kind attractions offer authentic encounters with the extraordinary imaginations of ordinary Americans.
Whether you’re a dedicated oddity hunter or simply looking to add some unexpected joy to your travels, these landmarks remind us that sometimes the most memorable experiences come from embracing the weird, the wonderful, and the inexplicable. From giant animals to gravity-defying hillsides, America’s quirkiest landmarks invite us to step outside conventional tourism and discover the delightful strangeness that awaits just off the highway.
So pack your sense of wonder, set your GPS for the unusual, and hit the road—there’s a world of weirdness waiting to be discovered, one bizarre attraction at a time!
/ photo credit: TwineBallCawkerKs / Big Duck / Entrance of mystery spot,USA / Lucy the elephant / Catoosa Blue Whale /
