The BIG State-by-State List of U.S. Roadside Attractions

One of the things I like best about road trips is the roadside attractions that we see along the journey. I love roadside attractions – the quirkier, the better! Check out this huge list of United States roadside attractions.

WARNING: Read at your own risk! This list may result in sudden and uncontrollable desires to road trip across the United States (also known as Road Trip Fever).

It appears that I am not alone in my love for these cheesy roadside tourist lures. When I shared that I was compiling a list of interesting roadside attractions throughout the United States, I was overwhelmed by the number of people who wanted to contribute to it. Friends, family, travel bloggers, and tourism bureaus across the nation submitted photos and descriptions of road trip points of interest.

As a result, we have compiled an epic list of nearly 100 unique roadside attractions from all across the United States!

United State Roadside Attractions

For your convenience, this list is organized by regions of Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and West. Use the links within this table of contents if you would like to jump ahead to a specific region or state. Enjoy!

 

Midwest Region

 

Illinois Roadside Attractions

 

Superman Square

Did you know that the hometown of Superman is located in southern Illinois? If you make the drive into the small town of Metropolis, be sure to stop in the center of town at Superman Square. You are going to want a picture with the giant 15-foot Superman statue there.

 

Leaning Tower of Niles

What a surprise to discover this leaning tower in Chicago! This half-sized replica of the infamous Leaning Tower of Pisa can be found at 6300 Touhy Avenue in Niles, Illinois.

 

World’s Largest Catsup Bottle

Roadside attraction submitted by Val at Silly America

“The World’s Largest Catsup Bottle stands at 170 feet tall in Collinsville, Illinois. Unfortunately, this roadside attraction isn’t actually filled with ketchup. Instead, the giant condiment once served as an operation water tower for Brooks Tomato Products Company.”

 

Route 66 Muffler Men

Route 66 is infamous for interesting roadside attractions including its Muffler Men. These oversized fiberglass men were used for advertising purposes back in the Mother Road’s heyday. The two iconic muffler men featured in the picture is the Gemini Giant (pictured left) and Bunyon Giant. The Gemini Giant can be found on the site of the now closed Launching Pad drive-in restaurant in Wilmington, Illinois. Bunyon Giant can be seen holding a hot dog in Atlanta, Illinois.

 

World’s Largest Covered Wagon

Lincoln, Illinois is home to the world’s largest covered wagon, the Railsplitter. Riding atop this wagon is a statue of Abe Lincoln. And of course, the president is reading a book! The Railsplitter Covered Wagon is a fun stop for all ages and a great addition to your itinerary if you are already traveling to nearby Springfield for the Lincoln Presidential Museum.

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Indiana Roadside Attractions

World’s Largest Ball of Paint

Roadside Attraction submitted by Amy at Visit Indiana

“Along a gravel road in Alexandria, Indiana, I became a part of history. I painted a layer of the World’s Largest Ball of Paint. In a shelter built exclusively for the ball the paint, I added a layer to the growing mass, which hung by a large chain from the ceiling. The enormous ball actually started as a baseball that Mike Carmichael and his son painted. And now, almost 40 years later, people from all over the world head to this rural part of Indiana to see and paint it. You can too. Just call and make an appointment, it’s free. The owners do accept donations to cover the cost of supplies. You will get to walk away with a souvenir paint chip carved from the ball.”

 

New Harmony Labyrinths

The small utopian town of New Harmony is home to two distinctly different labyrinths. Both of these quiet, beautiful areas meant to encourage mindful contemplation are located roadside and open for public use. The Harmonist Labyrinth is made of hedges and is located at 1239 Main Street. The New Harmony Cathedral Labyrinth is made of granite  and can be found at 309 North Street.

 

Heritage Trail Quilt Gardens

A lovely roadside attraction for the spring and summer months is a tour of Indiana’s Quilt Gardens. The Indiana Heritage Trail weaves through several communities throughout northern Indiana including Elkhart, Goshen, Nappanee, Wakarusa, Middlebury and Bristol. Along with the 15+ gorgeous quilt gardens, the Heritage Trail also features over 20 hand-painted large wall murals.

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Iowa Roadside Attractions

Albert the World’s Largest Bull

Roadside Attraction submitted by Megan at Olio in Iowa

“Albert the Bull is not only Iowa’s hugest Hereford, but he’s also sure to steal your heart. Located in Audubon, Iowa, Albert weighs in at 45 tons and towers 30 feet above the rolling cornfields. This beautiful bull was built in 1963, and even had his own cameo in a 2018 Super Bowl commercial.”

READ MORE:  Albert the Bull – Olio in Iowa

 

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

The Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a full city block of impressive sculptures in the heart of Des Moines. Located at 1330 Grand Avenue, this free attraction is open to the general public from sunrise until sunset. It features more than 30 large sculptures by world famous artists such as Keith Haring, Ai Weiwei, and more.

READ MORE:  Your Family Will Love Pappajohn Sculpture Park!

 

Giant Wind Turbine Blade

Travelers along Westbound I-80 can examine a wind turbine close up close when they stop at the rest area between Adair and Casey (near mile marker 80) in Iowa. This rest area offers educational displays about alternative and renewable energy sources including a wind turbine blade on display outside of the building. It’s hard to wrap your mind around just how big these blades are until you are standing next to one. The blade is 148 feet tall. That’s almost the height of a 15-story building!!

 

 

Jesse James Train Robbery Historical Site

Hop off Interestate 80 in Adair, Iowa to check out a Jesse James Historical Site. At 1156 Anita-Adair Road, you can see the site where Jesse James and his outlaw pals pulled off their first train robbery on July 21, 1873. The event is commemorated with a small stretch of railroad tracks, a train wheel on display, an informational plaque and a sign.

READ MORE:  Jesse James Historical Site in Adair, Iowa  

 

World’s Largest Truck Stop

Hop off I-80 at exit 284 to check out the Iowa 80 Truckstop – the World’s largest Truck Stop.  More than just a truck stop, the large grounds also features a Trucking Museum and often hosts concerts and festivals. Best of all, the truck stop and museum are free! The Iowa 80 Truckstop is located at 755 W. Iowa Road in Walcott.

LEARN MORE:  Iowa 80 Truckstop

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Kansas Roadside Attractions

Cars on the Route

Cars on the Route in Galena, Kansas has an interesting connection with the animated Cars movie. This renovated Kan-O-Tex service station is home to Tow Tater, a 1951 International Boom truck that inspired the beloved Tow Mater character in the movie. Cars on the Route has restored vehicles displayed that resemble other favorite characters from the Cars movie as well. The entire family will enjoy stopping here for a bit.

RELATED ARTICLE: Cars the Movie and Route 66

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Michigan Roadside Attractions

 

Eiffel Tower

Did you know there is a small city named Paris in Michigan? It even has its own replica of the Eiffel Tower! You can find the 20-foot Eiffel Tower replica at Paris Park (22090 Northland Drive).  The tower was built in the 1980s by high school students, and the material used was leftover steel from the bed frames of an old CCC bunkhouse. The grounds were used as a state fish hatchery from 1881 until 1964. Bring some quarters with you so you can feed the trout still on site. Also, look around for an 8-foot tall wooden Native American on the premises as well.

READ MORE:  20-Foot Tall Eiffel Tower – Roadside America

 

Giant Adirondack Chair

Few things better represent life by the great lakes in the summertime better than an Adirondack chair, and in Michigan’s upper peninsula city of Munising, you can find a giant one of these chairs in front of the AmericInn Lodge and Suites. Stop by, have a seat, and snap a picture!

 

Santa’s Workshop

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is home to a host of fun family-friendly stops including a gift shop called Santa’s Workshop in a merry little town named Christmas. While you are there, pick up some souvenirs and holiday décor. Then, pose for a few pictures with the roadside attractions found on the grounds – the World’s Largest Santa, the World’s Largest Concrete Snowman, and the Old Lady Who Lives in a Shoe.

 

Dinosaur Gardens

Near Alpena, you can walk amongst prehistoric creatures at Dinosaur Gardens. Children and adults alike will marvel at the enormous life-like recreations – over 20 dinos in all! You can even walk into the belly of a brontosaurus!!  While you are there, you may want to enjoy a round of dino mini-golf and mine for some gems. Dinosaur Gardens is located at 11160 US 23 South in Ossineke, Michigan.

READ MORE:  Visit the Ancient Past at Dinosaur Gardens – Wagon Pilot

 

Hell

Did you know there is a town in Michigan named Hell? It’s true! And, your family is sure to enjoy a quick visit to this small town.  It features fun photo opportunities, the Hell Hole Diner, a Locks of Love Bridge, and tourist attractions like putt-putt golf and ice cream.

But, mostly, it is just fun to say that you have literally been to Hell and back.

READ MORE:  A Visit to Hell (and Other Unique Michigan Day Trips)

 

The Mighty Mac (Mackinac Bridge)

The Mackinac Bridge is the ultimate Michigan roadside attraction. Opened in 1957, this 5-mile bridge spanning over the Straits of Mackinac is the 5^th longest suspension bridge in the world. The Mighty Mac is located along I-75 and can be accessed from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. There are several nearby places to view the impressive suspension bridge on both sides. Every Labor Day, the bridge is closed to public vehicular traffic for part of the day in order for Michigan to host its Annual Bridge Walk. Between 25,000 and 65,000 people attend this event every year.

RELATED:  Best Views of the Mackinac Bridge

 

Lakenenland Sculpture Park

Lakenenland is a privately-owned sculpture park where Tom Lakenen displays his scrap iron creations. It’s free to visit, open 24/7, and conveniently located right on highway M-28 just a little east of Marquette. From dragons and UFOs to sunflowers and mermaids, the entire family will enjoy this wonderland of whimsical creations!

 

Da Yooper Tourist Trap

Da Yooper Tourist Trap in Ishpeming is a pretty amazing gift shop. This tourist attraction features more than just the usual assortment of gift shop novelty items. It also features a wide assortment of fossils, minerals and precious stones… AND it’s a wonderland of oversized roadside attractions like Gus the world’s largest chainsaw and Ernie the world’s largest working rifle.

Additionally, there are displays and photo opportunities that will make the entire family chuckle. (Do your children find flatulence funny? Then, there is a special area of Da Yooper Tourist Trap that they are going to want to see!)

 

 

Ravenna Caboose and Water Tower

While at the Musketawa Trail staging area in Ravenna, be sure to admire the caboose, bicycle art and the 100-year old rebuilt railroad water tower. These points of interest pay tribute to the trail’s history and its current recreational purpose. The Musketawa Trail is an abandoned rail line that has been turned into an all-season recreational trail. Find these roadside attractions right off from the trail parking lot on the corner of Blackmer Rd and Crockery Creek Dr in Ravenna.

READ MORE:  Musketawa Trail and Thatcher Park

 

Fantasy Forest

If visiting the Battle Creek area, be sure to check out Leila Arboretum – home to a Fantasy Forest (as well as other interesting sights). In the Fantasy Forest, you can find wizards, tree spirits, griffins, and more. My children’s favorite is a large sculpture of Groot from the movie, Guardians of the Galaxy. Plus, it’s free! Leila Arboretum is located at 928 West Michigan Avenue in Battle Creek.

 

Battle Creek’s Historic Bridges

Hop off I-94 just southeast of Battle Creek to visit Historic Bridge Park – six historic Michigan bridges have been restored and rehomed to this small park. It’s a great place to stretch your legs, enjoy river views, and take in a little history. Historic Bridge Park is located at 14930 Wattles Road in Battle Creek.

 

National Trout Memorial

The National Trout Memorial can be found roadside along the main drag of Kalkaska, Michigan. This water fountain featuring a large 17-foot trout has delighted onlookers of all ages since 1966. Watch for it as you drive through town along 131 (also known as Cedar Street).

 

World’s Largest Lugnut – Lansing

Having grown up in Lansing, Michigan, I never thought of the big lugnut attached atop a smoke stack as a roadside attraction… until someone from out of town once said “Oh, you are from Lansing – the home of the World’s Largest Lugnut?” Ummm. Yeah. I guess it is.

This giant lugnut was affixed to the top of a factory smokestack in the late 1990s in honor of the city’s new minor league baseball team, the Lansing Lugnuts. The World’s Largest Lugnut is easily visible from the Cooley Law School Stadium (505 E. Michigan Ave, Lansing) where the baseball team plays home games.

 

St. Ignace Mystery Spot

The St. Ignace Mystery Spot is a peculiar little area. People claim that things just don’t balance right there. Is this a trick or optical illusion? Or, is there a mysterious magnetic force at work there? Either way, you will have a lot of fun seeing these peculiarities for yourself!

On site, you will also find other fun activities including ziplines, a large human maze, putt-putt golfing, and a souvenir photo booth. The St Ignace Mystery Spot is located on Highway US-2 about 5 miles west of the Mackinac Bridge.

 

Shaftsburg Flying Saucer

In the small town of Shaftsburg, look for a flying saucer at the corner of Woodbury Road and Lansing Road (exit 98 off from I-69). According to one entry on the Roadside America website, this flying saucer was the first of three UFOs created by Allen Boertman. I wonder where the other two flying saucers ended up. You can find a life-size Big Foot on the grounds as well.

 

The Tridge

Tri + Bridge = Tridge. What else would one call a three-legged bridge?? This popular roadside attraction spans the water where the Tittabawassee and Chippewa Rivers come together in Midland, Michigan. From this three-way bridge, you can access Chippewassee Park, the Farmer’s Market and St Charles Park. It also serves as a trailhead for the Pere Marquette Rail Trail and the Chippewa Nature Trail. If driving there, parking can be found at the Midland Area Farmer’s Market (111 W. Main Street)

READ MORE:  Midland’s Tridge – City of Midland

 

Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland

Frankenmuth is home to the world’s largest Christmas store! The address for Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland is 25 Christmas Lane. (I know, I know! Even the address is adorable!) Inside the building, you can experience the sights and sounds and spirit of Christmas year round. On the grounds outside of the store, you will find festive novelties and photo opportunities like giant nativity scenes and stacks of oversized Christmas ornaments. Stop on by for the sights and for all of your Christmas décor/novelty needs!

READ MORE:  Guide to Visiting Bronner’s – Thyme and Love

 

Silent Night Memorial Chapel

Silent Night was first sung in an Austrian chapel in 1818. You can find a 56-foot tall replica of this chapel outside of Bronner’s (25 Christmas Lane, Frankenmuth). There is no charge to visit this memorial chapel, and it is open daily. There are signs along the chapel’s walkway that share additional historical information. The Silent Night Memorial Chapel has even hosted small services where “Silent Night” is sung accompanied only by guitar (just as it had been all those years ago).

READ MORE:  Silent Night Chapel at Bronner’s

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