Roadside attractions have long been a staple of American road trips, luring travelers off the main highways and into quirky, offbeat destinations that offer a unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment. But why not make the journey itself the destination? With so many amazing roadside attractions scattered across the country, it’s possible to plan a road trip that’s centered entirely around these iconic landmarks. From the towering sculptures of North Dakota’s Enchanted Highway to the organic coconut ice cream served out of a VW bus in Maui, Hawaii, these attractions offer more than just a photo opportunity – they’re a chance to experience the weird and wonderful side of America, one mile at a time. So pack your bags, gas up the car, and get ready for a road trip that’s sure to be full of surprises.
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Robert is Here 🚕 Homestead, Florida
Contributed by Angela DiLoreto of FittinginAdventure.com
Robert Moehling’s story of starting a roadside fruit stand at just six years old to help his family’s struggling farm is both inspiring and heartwarming. What started as a small operation has now turned into a thriving destination for travelers beginning their Florida Keys or Everglades drive.
As time passed, Robert’s small roadside stand continued to grow, becoming a fixture in the Homestead community. Today, “Robert is Here” has expanded to take up the entire corner, and the stand now offers a wide variety of exotic fruits and amazing shakes, attracting customers from all over the world.
One of the things that sets “Robert is Here” apart from other fruit stands is the personal touch that Robert and his staff provide. Customers are still greeted with a warm smile, and Robert himself is often on hand to explain how to cut and prepare the exotic fruits that they have chosen. This attention to detail and personal touch has helped to establish “Robert is Here” as one of the most popular and well-loved fruit stands in the country.
Coconut Glen’s 🚕 Haiku, Maui, Hawaii
Contributed by Jessica Schmit of Uprooted Traveler
Every Maui itinerary includes the epic Road to Hana, a 65-mile road that snakes through the eastern side of the island, winding through lush rainforests, past rushing waterfalls, and along pristine beaches. One of these stops includes Coconut Glen’s, tucked away in the hills of the jungle near Mile Marker 27 ½.
Here, you’ll find delicious scoops of organic coconut ice cream being served out of a vibrantly painted VW bus. There are usually about six flavors to choose from, with inventive and tropical-inspired flavors, like lemongrass ginger or chili chocolate. It’s cash only, though, so make sure you hit up the ATM before cruising your way to this iconic (and tasty!) spot.
Enchanted Highway 🚕 Regent, North Dakota
Contributed by Melissa of Parenthood and Passports
The Enchanted Highway in North Dakota is a 32-mile stretch of road in the western part of the state that is home to several larger-than-life, quirky roadside attractions. Along the scenic 2-lane Enchanted Highway, you’ll find 7 metal sculptures that seem like they’ve been placed in the middle of nowhere. Each sculpture stands at least 20 feet tall, with some towering as high as 40 feet.
The massive metal artwork was created by a retired school teacher from the tiny town of Regent. Over several decades, he designed and placed the sculptures along the road in hopes of drawing tourists off Interstate 94 to his small community to help stimulate the local economy.
One of the most popular and colorful sculptures along the Enchanted Highway is the “Tin Family,” which depicts a family of three farmers made from old oil tanks. Other sculptures include a giant grasshopper, geese in flight, and Teddy Roosevelt on horseback.
The impressive sculptures are all a nod to North Dakota’s rich cultural heritage and are worth the detour if traveling through North Dakota.
Center of the Universe 🚕 Wallace, Idaho
Contributed by Theresa L. Goodrich of The Local Tourist
For a roadside attraction that’s actually part of the road, visit Wallace, Idaho. That’s where you’ll find the Center of the Universe.
Instead of a grand monument befitting the title, the location is marked by a sewer access cover at the intersection of Bank and Sixth Streets. In 2004, Mayor Ron Garitone officially declared the spot after four friends came up with the idea. Their argument was that you can’t prove Wallace isn’t the Center of the Universe; therefore, it must be.
After you’ve taken your photo op in the middle of the street, there are a surprising number of other things to do in Wallace given its size, including a museum dedicated to a bordello. Adding this historic, quirky town to your itinerary is a must for anyone who likes to add a little kitsch to their adventures.
Mount Horeb Trolls 🚕 Mount Horeb, Wisconsin
Contributed by Lisa of Waves and Cobblestones
Whether you’re taking a road trip through Wisconsin, dropping your students off at the University of Wisconsin, or enjoying a relaxing weekend in Madison, you’ll want to make a short detour to Mount Horeb to see the trolls! Mount Horeb bills itself as the ‘Troll Capital of the World’. Stop by and see the more than two dozen trolls in the town, most of them easy to spot along ‘The Trollway’ (aka Main Street). Mount Horeb has woodcarver Michael Feeney to thank for the friendly trolls decorating the town — download a map of the trolls to help you find them all.
Mount Horeb really embraces its Scandinavian Heritage, and you’ll find many other troll-themed locations in town. Visit the Grumpy Troll Brewpub for a giant soft pretzel and a craft beer. For even more local fun, grab a pointy red hat and visit Mount Horeb in February for the Scandihoovian Winter Festival, with quirky events like frozen turkey bowling!
Whimzeyland 🚕 Safety Harbor, Florida
Contributed by Angela DiLoreto of FittinginAdventure.com
Whimzeyland is a unique and whimsical art installation located along Old Tampa Bay in Safety Harbor, Florida. This quirky outdoor art exhibit was created by two artists, Todd Ramquist and Kiaralinda, who transformed their front yard into a dazzling, colorful wonderland.
The artists began creating Whimzeyland in 1993, using found objects and recycled materials to create their sculptures and installations. They wanted to create a magical place where people could escape from the stresses of everyday life and immerse themselves in a world of color and creativity. Their visitors to Whimzeyland are amazed by the eclectic mix of sculptures and installations on display.
The Tree That Owns Itself 🚕 Athens, Georgia
Contributed by Alanna Koritzke from Periodic Adventures
Athens, Georgia is known as the college town for the University of Georgia Bulldogs (or Bulldawgs, if you’re a local) and is a quirky destination perfect for foodies, beer enthusiasts, and music lovers.
Hiding off the main road in Athens in a residential area is the most unusual attraction.
It’s called the “tree that owns itself” and it is quite literally a tree that has legal ownership of itself and all surrounding land. The original tree actually fell in 1942, but a new tree was grown from its acorns, so now technically you’d be visiting the “son of the tree that owns itself.”
It’s a whacky roadside attraction and unique to the quirky vibe of Athens. Don’t skip exploring the town and area because there is a lot to do in Athens including seeing a show at the Georgia Theatre, trying some local beer at Creature Comforts, or trying pimento cheese, a local favorite.
The Dinosaur Sculptures 🚕 Granger, Washington
Contributed by Lynli Roman of WanderBig.com
If you’re looking for an adventure to liven up your drive through the expanse of western Washington, drop a pin on the Dinosaur-populated town of Granger. A treat for those who venture off the interstate through the Yakima Valley, Granger is famous for its quirky roadside dinosaur sculptures.
As you drive into Granger, you’ll see them everywhere – giant, colorful dinosaurs towering over the roadside, welcoming you to town. Each one is a unique work of art bursting with it’s own personality and charm. Although archaeological bones were found in Granger decades earlier, it wasn’t until 1994 that Granger created its new mascot: the dinosaur. That’s when the community built its first dinosaurs out of wire mesh and concrete and began placing them throughout Granger.
Today, there are more than 25 dinosaur sculptures in the city park alone- most towering at least 1 story high. Each year, a new dinosaur is created during the Dino-in-a-Day festival. Visitors can join the fun by timing their visit for the first Saturday of June.
As you stroll through the town, keep your eyes peeled for the dinosaurs – they’re everywhere! Hatching eggs outside the library or nibbling on the leaves of a tree near a baseball field, these dinos are well worth pulling over for! Read more about visiting Granger, WA.
Nevada’s Art Highway 🚕 Nevada
Contributed by Angela DiLoreto of FittinginAdventure.com
A 500-mile stretch of wide open roads, #WeirdNevada, and a blank canvas awaits your camera and imagination. Stretching from Las Vegas to Reno an open-air art gallery dots the Nevada desert. Rather than rushing through the journey, visitors are encouraged to slow down and embrace their curiosity on and off Nevada’s eccentric slice of US-95.
Begin with the Seven Magic Mountains just south of Las Vegas. Hit Rhyolite’s open-air gallery and ghostly Last Supper. History lovers will appreciate the ruins of one of Nevada’s once-thriving towns too. As you head north to the Last Church of the International Car Forest In Tonnapah, you will find graffiti-painted cars and a full-size school bus extended to the sky from the Nevada desert.
The trip promises to take visitors on a camera-hogging adventure, from one art installation to the next.
Betsy the Lobster 🚕 Islamorada, Florida
Contributed by Charles McCool of McCool Travel
On your South Florida scenic drive between Miami and Key West on the iconic Florida Keys Overseas Highway, be sure to stop and see the world’s largest lobster. Betsy the Lobster statue sits in front of the Rain Barrel Village in Islamorada, Florida at MM 86 (mile marker 86 that is) and Gimpy Gulch Drive. During most daylight hours, especially during the winter months, parking might be at a premium but people are usually quick to take a photo and leave.
Betsy is a spiny lobster—also called a Caribbean lobster or Florida lobster—which is different from its more familiar northern cousin, the Maine lobster. Enjoy fresh local lobster during the Florida lobster season, between early August and the end of March. The Betsy the Lobster statue is about 30 feet tall and 40 feet wide and its claw can snap you in half; so make sure she is sleeping when you take a selfie!
Angel Oak 🚕 Charleston, South Carolina
Contributed by Angela DiLoreto of FittinginAdventure.com
The Angel Oak Tree in Charleston, South Carolina is a magnificent 65-foot tall 25-foot wide live oak tree that’s estimated to be between 400 and 500 years old. Located on Johns Island, just a short drive from Charleston, it’s a popular tourist attraction that draws thousands of visitors every year.
Surviving hurricanes, lightning strikes, and other natural disasters for centuries. Despite its age, the tree is still thriving and continues to grow, with new branches and leaves sprouting every year.
The Angel Oak Tree has become a symbol of the Lowcountry’s natural beauty and resilience. It’s a testament to the power of nature and the importance of preserving our natural resources for future generations.
Eagles Corner 🚕 Winslow, Arizona
Contributed by Sarah of Two Outliers
Before the construction of the major interstate I-40, Winslow, Arizona was once a bustling town that welcomed travelers from around the country due to its prominent location along Route 66. Legend has it that Jackson Browne, a songwriter for the Eagles, found himself stranded with a broken down car in Winslow, and the famous lyric “standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona” was born! First recorded with Glenn Frey as lead singer and released in 1972, the song “Take it Easy” was the Eagles’ first single and it immediately became a hit.
The Standing on the Corner Park at the corner of 2nd Street and North Kinsley Avenue in downtown Winslow Arizona now commemorates the famous lyrics and has become a popular stop for tourists traveling along Route 66. The park features a large mural of a girl in a flatbed Ford, a lifesize statue of a man holding a guitar named “Easy”, and a huge Route 66 sign painted across the intersection. The town of Winslow even hosts a Standing on the Corner Festival at the park each September, featuring food trucks, arts and crafts, games, and of course, country rock music! If you’re a rock and roll music fan on a road trip through Arizona, this quick stop off Route 66 is a fun roadside attraction to stretch your legs and snap a photo.
Little Ale’Inn 🚕 Rachel, Nevada
Contributed by Angela DiLoreto of FittinginAdventure.com
You’re wandering along Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway. Most of what you see is tumbleweeds and free-range cattle until a UFO saucer dangling from an old tow truck appears. You’ve reached the Little Ale’Inn. It s a small, quirky restaurant and motel located in Rachel, Nevada. The diner-style restaurant is a popular pit stop for travelers exploring the remote ET Highway.
The inn’s décor is filled with space and alien-themed memorabilia, and the walls are adorned with pictures of reported UFO sightings in the area. Visitors can purchase alien-themed souvenirs from the inn’s gift shop and maps to popular locations in the area.
While the Little Ale’Inn is a fun and quirky destination, it’s important to remember that the ET Highway and the surrounding area is a remote and unforgiving landscape. Visitors should come prepared with plenty of water, gas, reliable vehicle, and respect the boundaries of Area 51.
Smallest Post Office in the United States 🚕 Ochopee, Florida
Contributed by Lori Sorrentino of Travelinmad Slow Travel
Southwest Florida has many fun and unique roadside attractions, but one of the most unique of all is a tiny building in Ochopee with a big mission, to receive and deliver mail to this part of the world.
Officially this is the Smallest Post Office in USA and it’s one of those if you blink, you’ll miss it kind of places. Not that it’s hidden. Rather, it sits in plain sight in a gravel parking lot off the main road through the Everglades.
After the Ochopee General Store and Post Office burned down, the tiny building was erected and has been in service since 1953.
Being the size of a small backyard shed with an air conditioner hanging out the back, you wouldn’t think anyone could fit inside, let alone work. But pull the lever and “slide door for service” and you’re greeted by an official US postal employee usually sorting the mail for the few scattered residents in Ochopee.A favorite stop for tourists and stamp collectors wanting to get the Ochopee postmark, the post office sells postcards featuring the building itself that you can send to friends and loved ones back home.
Cadillac Ranch 🚕 Amarillo, Texas
Contributed by Victoria of Texas Travel 365
Located along the world-famous Route 66, Cadillac Ranch is an amazing roadside attraction that is also one of the best things to do in Amarillo. After all, it’s a truly unique place where visitors can see ten vibrantly colored, inverted Cadillacs sticking out of the ground.
See, this public art installation and sculpture was initially started by a group of artists known as The Ant Farm. They created this piece which has slowly changed over time with the addition of graffiti and paint to all of the vehicles by visitors.
Just be aware that Cadillac Ranch is no hidden gem. Therefore, expect a lot of people to be there. Also, be sure to bring your camera so that you can take lots of photos before using paint to add to the beauty of the car.
To get here just use the south access road off I-40, just east of the Arnot Road exit. It is open every day, year-round, with no admission fee.
Cabazon Dinosaurs 🚕 Cabazon, California
Contributed by Monica of This Rare Earth
The Cabazon Dinosaurs are an iconic roadside attraction complete with its own museum and gift shop. An easy stop between Los Angeles and Joshua Tree, the Cabazon Dinosaurs features two colorful, larger-than-life steel and concrete dinosaurs. Over 150 feet long is a brontosaurus, next to a Tyrannosaurus rex standing 65 feet tall. These dinosaurs are a fun stop for children and adults alike.
One fun fact, they are frequently repainted to depict upcoming holidays and themes. Catch a Santa Rex in December and Valentine’s dinosaurs in February, to name a few. These dinosaurs appeared in several movies, such as 1985’s iconic movie Pee Wee’s Big Adventure and the 1989 film The Wizard. The Cabazon Dinosaurs museum also features an open-air museum with fiberglass and robotic dinosaurs, too. Follow Interstate 10 through Cabazon and you are sure to catch a glimpse of them!
Blue Whale 🚕 Catoosa, Oklahoma
Contributed by Stephanie Craig of History Fangirl
The Blue Whale of Catoosa is one of the most famous things to do on Route 66. This giant roadside attraction is just a few minutes outside of Tulsa, so it’s also a popular day trip from Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
The whale was built to serve as a beautiful feature on a small swimming hole. Today there’s no swimming allowed, but visitors flock to it Catoosa to admire the whale as a great piece of American folk art.
Hugh Davis built the Blue Whale in the 1970s as a gift for his wife Zelta. Now that both have passed on, the artwork is owned by the city of Catoosa and is run as a roadside attraction. It is free to enter, and there are picnic tables and restrooms for weary travelers, as well as a gift shop full of whale souvenirs.
Marfa’s Prada 🚕 Marfa, Texas
Contributed by Angela DiLoreto of FittinginAdventure.com
Located on a desolate highway, the Marfa Prada art installation is a replica of its luxury boutique namesake, complete with a polished storefront, sparkling display cases, and Prada merchandise. However, there is a catch. The store is not functional, the doors are always locked and you cannot make a purchase at this “store.”
The installation was created in 2005 by artists Elmgreen & Dragset. The art installation was designed to challenge our preconceptions of art and commerce. By creating a high-end boutique in a remote location, the artists intended to evoke an incongruous and surreal experience for visitors.
Since its inception, the Marfa Prada art installation has become a popular tourist attraction. Drawing visitors from around the world who are intrigued by its unusual and enigmatic nature. The piece serves as a reflection of Marfa’s eclectic culture, and it has become a symbol of the town’s artistic spirit.
The Marfa Prada reminds us that art can be found in the most unexpected places, and it encourages us to question our assumptions and look at the world through a different lens. So if you find yourself in Marfa, Texas, be sure to stop by and experience this unforgettable work of art.
