The Country’s Quirkiest Roadside Attractions

Route 66 Museum

We've all heard the saying, "Life is a journey, not a destination," but in today's world of planes, super highways, and ultra-fast vehicles, the journey typically involves getting to the destination quickly. However, for those of us who like to take things slowly and stop along the way, roadside attractions still provide the perfect distraction to a never-ending highway, and oftentimes are free or cost less money than renting a DVD for your car.

Route 66 is where America's fascination with roadside attractions really began, and even though most of the old highway has been replaced by interstate, the Mother Road still stands as one of the greatest roadside attractions ever created. One of the best places to learn about its history is at the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, Oklahoma. Admission is $5, and includes a walk down memory lane as you wander an exhibit of the old highway decorated with memorabilia and artifacts of its glory days.

Photo: Kate Hamman

The Margate Elephant

Not far from the clinking slot machines and glitzy casinos of Atlantic City sits a peaceful beast of unusual proportions known as Lucy, the Margate Elephant. This six-story structure has been wowing visitors with its size for more than 124 years. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976 as the oldest remaining example of "zoomorphic architecture" left in the United States, visitors can take a guided historical tour inside and climb to the howdah on her back for $5.

Photo:Kate Hamman

Enchanted Highway

North Dakota may be the last place you'd ever expect to find an Enchanted Highway, but that's exactly where it is. This 32-mile stretch off Interstate 94, near Regent is magical because of the six massive structures that occupy it. From a giant family of farmers to prancing deer caught in mid-leap, visitors will feel like a tiny ant traveling through a massive world. Gary Greff is the lone local artist who has created and continues to create these impressive structures. Even though there's no entrance fee, you can help Greff continue his work with a donation.

Photo: Kate Hamman

The Corn Palace

Located in downtown Mitchell, South Dakota, you'll find an ingenious use of maize. The Corn Palace is creatively designed by covering the exterior with the year's harvest of corn, grains, wheat, and straw to honor South Dakota's agricultural heritage through art. Each year, a new mural is created, meaning you'll never see the same palace twice. It's free to visit, and it's quite a feat to witness the intricate detail of each colored kernel working alongside millions of others to create this masterpiece.

Photo: Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce

South of the Border

As you near the North Carolina/South Carolina border along I-95, billboards beckoning you to stop at South of the Border begin popping up everywhere. By the time you actually reach the giant sombrero in the sky, you'll more than likely have to stop to quell your curiosity. You may think you've wandered into a funky Mexican oasis along the Southern highway, and you wouldn't be far off. With novelty shops, a small theme park, restaurants, motor inns, and campsites, South of the Border is a haven from the endless road. It's free to browse.
Photo: South of the Border

Wall Drug

The Wall Drug Store originally began by offering free ice water to road-weary travelers during the Depression. The same friendly service still applies today, which is why thousands of visitors come to this South Dakota drugstore each year. However, the place has expanded a bit since those early days, now offering memorabilia, shopping galore, restaurants, and an art gallery. It's free to enter, and you can still get a complimentary glass of ice water to quench your thirst before hitting the open road.

Photo: Wall Drug

Paul Bunyan statue

The story of Paul Bunyan and his pet blue ox Babe is a tall tale of gigantic proportion. However, it's somewhat of a mystery why there are so many statues of him scattered across the country. It's clear many are in homage to his massive efforts in creating the landscape of the surrounding areas, but it's a bit strange finding this huge lumberjack far from any actual landmarks. This is the beauty of Paul Bunyan, as he's always where you never expect him and it doesn't cost a dime to visit him. Try searching RoadsideAmerica.com to find a Paul Bunyan near you.

Photo: CalTour/Robert Holmes

Bob's Java Jive

For more than 75 years, the concrete teapot known as Bob's World Famous Java Jive has attracted travelers to Tacoma, Washington, with its quirky exterior and outlandish interior. Visitors will find an eclectically decorated bar inside, which hosts many local bands and artists. This funky structure has starred in several films, and you can even find actors' names such as River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves carved into the wooden walls. You may not find a decent cup of coffee here, but for the price of a beer, you will be highly entertained.

Photo: Kate Hamman

The Ball of Twine

Probably the most well-known of roadside attractions, the World's Largest Ball of Twine has been attracting curious and skeptical wanderers to Kansas for more than 50 years. The title of world's largest may exchange hands as rival towns compete for recognition, but Cawker City is the current champion with a ball of twine that weighs a little more than 18,000 pounds. Visitors will also feel a sense of pride exemplified by the many reproductions of the ball in local paintings and artwork throughout the downtown. It's free to visit, but the memory of such an unusual hobby transformed into a national landmark is priceless.

Photo: Linda Clover

Randy's Donuts

Everyone in Los Angeles is looking to make it big. Well, Randy's Donuts started out that way when it was constructed in 1952. This giant donut shop has been in several movies, and is a favorite stop among fans, especially those with a sweet tooth. With a wide variety of donuts and cakes, you can enjoy this landmark for less than the price of breakfast.

Photo: Randy's Donuts