Road trips can include long stretches of highway, where most of your sights include grass and grazing cows. However, some roadside attractions deserve a stop and a few photographs. Where can you find these spectacles? Here are the six best roadside attractions in the United States.
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1. Lucy the Elephant
Start on the East Coast by visiting Lucy the Elephant in Margate City, New Jersey. This roadside attraction is only a few miles south of Atlantic City, so prioritize a stop on your way to the beachside town. Lucy the Elephant has existed since 1881 and is a staple for locals and tourists.
How special is the statue? Lucy received national historic landmark status in 1976, only five years before her 100th birthday. The prized elephant is six stories tall and is large enough for people to explore inside. Guided tours are available to learn more about Lucy and her nearly 150 years of history. Take the family on a beach trip, as you’re only steps away from the Atlantic shore.
2. Paul Bunyon Hot Dog Statue
Paul Bunyan statues are abundant, especially as you travel the Midwest. Which one should you stop and see? Check out the one in Atlanta, Illinois, on historic Route 66. While Atlanta is a small town, the people take pride in their statue of Paul Bunyan holding a hot dog. However, they spell it Paul Bunyon because the name derives from a nearby hot dog stand in Cicero.
Despite being 19 feet tall, this statue may be hard to spot because of the surrounding greenery. What else can you see in Atlanta? The town plans to build the American Giants Museum to commemorate America’s roadside attractions.
3. The Possum Monument
Another animal-themed attraction on your itinerary is the Possum Monument in Wausau, Florida. Possums are a big deal in the South, especially the Sunshine State. Wausau is the possum capital of the world and commemorates the creature with a monument. This attraction is in front of Wausau Fire and Rescue and should be on your Florida Panhandle bucket list.
How much does Wausau love possums? Each August, the city has a festival dedicated to the animal. Head to the small Florida town during the first weekend of August to enjoy live music, learn about possums and eat delicious treats. 2023 marked the 54th festival, and Wausau plans for the 55th in 2024.
4. Iowa 80
Convenience stores are popular stops on road trips to get food and fuel. Visits to these stores are usually short because you want to get back on the road. However, some stops require a few hours or an overnight stay because they’re special. What businesses deserve this designation?
Iowa 80 is a spectacle because it’s the largest truck stop in the world. This gigantic facility serves 5,000 customers daily despite its rural location. How does it attract so many visitors? The truck stop includes a movie theater, library, workout rooms and other amenities to make drivers comfortable during their breaks. You can even get a haircut and do your laundry at Iowa 80.
5. The Thing
Arizona is a famous road trip destination because of its natural beauty and warm weather. Visiting the state deserves a weeklong trip as you explore the Grand Canyon, Sedona and Horseshoe Bend.
I-10 is one way to traverse the southern side of the state, as this interstate highway stretches from Los Angeles to Jacksonville, Florida. Dragoon, Arizona, is worth a pit stop because it’s home to The Thing Museum. This roadside attraction is unique because it’s a gas station with mysterious sights inside.
The museum’s star attraction is The Thing. Homer Tate crafted this mummified mother and son, and Binkley Prince purchased it to create The Thing Museum. The attraction also features various sideshows and strange exhibits to satisfy your curiosity.
6. Pops 66 Soda Ranch
Do you call it soda, pop, soda pop or cola? Regardless, carbonated beverage lovers enjoy Pops 66 Soda Ranch in Arcadia, Oklahoma. This roadside attraction is on Route 66, just outside Oklahoma City. Stop here and grab a soda on your way to the state capital.
It’s hard to miss the site because a 66-foot pop bottle is outside the shop. Stop by at night to see the monument lit up with beautiful neon lights. While the large bottle is attractive, the store has plenty for beverage enthusiasts to enjoy. Pops 66 Soda Ranch has numerous drinks and souvenirs you can bring back as gifts for your friends. The shop also has deli favorites and desserts for a worthwhile stay.
Stopping for American Spectacles
America is a vast land of road trip opportunities. Nationwide highways and historic routes leave plenty of room for quirky roadside attractions. Which ones stand out the most? These six spectacles should be on your travel itinerary.
