20 Bizarre American Attractions You Need to See to Believe
Are you ready for a road trip unlike any other, a journey through America’s underbelly of the bizarre? We’re not talking dusty museums or quaint Main Streets. This is a wild ride through a parallel universe of roadside oddities, where giant fiberglass animals mingle with mummified amusement parks and wax museums with questionable theology. From coast to coast, we’ll unearth the hidden gems (or should we say, grit) of American roadside culture, the places that make you slam on the brakes, gape in disbelief, and mutter, “Wait, what?”
Massachusetts: The Paper House, Rockport
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In 1922, a man named Ellis Stenman decided to see if newspapers could be used as insulation. What began as an experiment became an obsession, resulting in a house entirely built (except for the frame, floors, and roof) with over 100,000 newspapers. Talk about a novel use for recycled materials!
Michigan: Da Yoopers Tourist Trap, Ishpeming
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Yoopers, for the uninitiated, is the affectionate term for residents of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This quirky tourist trap celebrates all things Yooper, from kitschy folk art (including the world’s largest working chainsaw!) to hilarious odes to the region’s love for fishing and cars. There’s even a section dedicated to the universal language of…well, farting.
Minnesota: The SPAM Museum, Austin
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Minnesota boasts a giant Paul Bunyan statue, a colossal Jolly Green Giant, and a ball of twine that is so epic it inspired an entire Weird Al song. But the true champion of weirdness here is the SPAM Museum. This surprisingly modern museum delves into the fascinating history of SPAM, exploring its global popularity and cultural significance. You might even be tempted to purchase a can of pumpkin spice SPAM (we’re not judging).
Mississippi: Margaret’s Grocery, Vicksburg
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A true oddity rather than strictly weird, Margaret’s Grocery is a roadside icon unlike any other. This captivating blend of folk art and Byzantine aesthetics is a local landmark in desperate need of restoration. While currently closed, its mesmerizing exterior is worth a stop to admire its unique charm.
Missouri: Red Oak II, Carthage
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Take a detour off Route 66 in Carthage and stumble upon a bizarre time capsule. Red Oak II is a meticulously crafted miniature village built by artist Lowell Davis in homage to his childhood hometown, Red Oak. Every detail, from the retro diner to the dusty blacksmith shop, is a testament to a bygone era. It’s a nostalgic snapshot of Americana, meticulously recreated brick by brick.
Montana: Havre Beneath the Streets, Havre
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This isn’t your typical roadside attraction. Beneath the bustling town of Havre lies a forgotten world – a network of underground tunnels preserving the remnants of a bygone era. Explore the preserved remains of a Chinese laundry, opium dens, and even a bordello, offering a glimpse into the town’s fascinating (and slightly creepy) past.
Nebraska: The Rest Area, Box Butte-Wright-Lake Election Precinct
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Let’s be honest, rest areas are rarely exciting. But Nebraska throws a curveball with this entry. Sure, the Wi-Fi is free, but the non-flushing toilets add a touch of…uniqueness. It might not be fancy, but it’s a reminder that the journey can be just as interesting as the destination.
Nevada: Goldwell Open Air Museum, Beatty
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The harsh beauty of Death Valley provides the backdrop for this truly bizarre open-air museum. Sculptures with a distinctly ghoulish theme, like a reinterpretation of da Vinci’s Last Supper with shrouded figures, dot the Amargosa Desert landscape. It’s an unsettling yet oddly captivating experience.
New Hampshire: Chicken Farmer Rock, Newbury
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This heartwarming story scrawled on a rock by a lovestruck young man has become a local legend. “Chicken Farmer, I Love You” remains a testament to his enduring affection, a message that has been lovingly maintained by the community over the years. It’s a quirky reminder of the simple power of love.
New Jersey: Lucy the Elephant, Margate City
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Pre-dating even the Statue of Liberty, Lucy is a six-story elephant built in 1881 to attract tourists to Margate City. This National Historic Landmark has weathered storms, lightning strikes, and various ownership changes. Climb Lucy’s leg and enjoy the view from her unique vantage point!
New Mexico: Basically Everything in Roswell
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Calling Roswell a “roadside attraction” might be an understatement. This entire town has embraced its extraterrestrial connection. From UFO-themed restaurants and makeshift spaceships to alien autopsy exhibits (of questionable authenticity) and gift shops overflowing with alien memorabilia, Roswell is a celebration of the weird and the wonderful.
New York: The Big Duck, Flanders
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Take a wrong turn on the way to the Hamptons, and you might be surprised by this colossal avian landmark. The Big Duck, a 30-foot-tall cement duck, was built in 1931 as a way to advertise a local farmer’s Pekin ducks. With its glowing red eyes made from car taillights, this enduring symbol of quirky roadside advertising is a fun and unexpected stop.
North Carolina: World’s Largest Chest of Drawers, High Point
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High Point isn’t shy about its title: Home Furnishings Capital of the World. And what better way to celebrate furniture than with a giant dresser? This 38-foot behemoth, complete with two colossal socks, was built in 1926 and stands as a testament to the city’s dedication to all things drawers, knobs, and upholstery.
North Dakota: The Enchanted Highway, Regent
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Driving through the vast North Dakota plains can be a monotonous experience. But fear not, weary traveler! The Enchanted Highway, a 32-mile stretch of Highway 21, is here to break the spell with whimsical metal sculptures. From towering grasshoppers and giant deer to fantastical underwater scenes, these creations by artist Gary Greff will keep you entertained and engaged on your journey.
Ohio: BibleWalk, Mansfield
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While Ohio has its fair share of quirky attractions, BibleWalk takes the cake (or perhaps the communion wafer) for sheer unexpectedness. This wax museum isn’t your typical Madame Tussauds. Here, you’ll find scenes from the Bible recreated in wax, featuring depictions of martyrs, Reformation figures, and other biblical characters. Keep an eye out for repurposed celebrity likenesses – rumor has it Clark Gable and Liz Taylor might make an appearance!
Oklahoma: The Blue Whale, Catoosa
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In the heart of Oklahoma, far from any ocean, lies a giant blue whale. Built as a gift from a husband to his wife, this friendly leviathan became the centerpiece of a roadside attraction called The Animal Reptile Kingdom (A.R.K.). Though the A.R.K. itself has fallen into disrepair, the Blue Whale remains vibrant and photogenic. It’s a charmingly odd landmark that has puzzled and delighted Route 66 travelers for decades.
Oregon: The Enchanted Forest, Turner
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Equal parts amusement park and folk art wonderland, the Enchanted Forest offers a whimsical escape for all ages. Nestled alongside Oregon’s I-5, this creation by artist Roger Tofte features fantastical elements like a crooked castle, a spooky forest filled with fairytale characters, miniature villages, and a giant witch’s head with a slide coming out of its mouth. It’s a delightfully bizarre and psychedelic experience, perfect for letting your imagination run wild.
Pennsylvania: Vintage Electric Streetcar Company (Windber Trolley Graveyard), Windber
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Journey into Pennsylvania’s coal country, and you might stumble upon a sight that is equally fascinating and eerie. The Vintage Electric Streetcar Company, more commonly known as the Windber Trolley Graveyard, is a collection of 14 abandoned trolleys. Trolley enthusiast Ed Metka brought these beauties here, creating a unique scrapyard accessible only by private tour. It’s a chance to step back in time and admire these once-majestic vehicles.
Rhode Island: The Fantastic Umbrella Factory, Charlestown
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Don’t let the name fool you—The Fantastic Umbrella Factory is an explosion of all things whimsical and wonderful. This sprawling roadside attraction offers a treasure trove of artisanal wares, from locally made crafts and vintage eyeglasses to organic vegetables and live animals (goats, emus, chickens, and ducks!). There’s even a bamboo forest, a seasonal cafe, and a petting zoo, making it a one-stop shop for a truly unique shopping experience.
South Carolina: South of the Border, Hamer
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What began as a simple beer stand catering to thirsty travelers has morphed into a roadside behemoth. South of the Border is a full-fledged complex featuring a restaurant, motel, souvenir shops, a fireworks store, a barber shop, a drug store, a post office, and even a go-kart track! It’s a kitschy wonderland with something for everyone. But the true star of the show is Pedro, a 104-foot-tall mascot and the largest indoor reptile display in the U.S. Expect a sensory overload of kitsch, food, and unexpected surprises.