Whether you’re taking a road trip and planning a side adventure, or simply looking for a fun day trip, check out some of these unique roadside wonders across the U.S.
CARHENGE
Located just north of Alliance, Nebraska, Carhenge was created by car sculptor Jim Reinders as a memorial to his father. The 39-automobile sculpture, placed in the same proportions as Stonehenge, was completed in the summer of 1987. The circle measures about 96 feet in diameter.
Additional sculptures have since been constructed at the site, known as the Car Art Reserve, drawing more than 60,000 visitors a year from around the world. Admission is free.
DOG BARK PARK INN
Located in Cottonwood, Idaho, and named one of the top 20 most fun and exciting places to stay in the London Times, this bed and breakfast exists inside the World’s Biggest Beagle. Guests enter the body of the beagle from a second-story deck, and in the head of the dog is a loft room with additional sleeping space (sleeps four total).
The Inn was created by a husband and wife chainsaw artist team, who have been carving for over 30 years. Lodging season runs from April to October and yes, pets are welcome!
The 150-foot long Brontosaurus at Cabazon Dinosaurs
CABAZON DINOSAURS
Regarded as one of the most iconic roadside attractions, these steel and concrete dinosaurs have been hanging out in Cabazon, California since 1975. Located just west of Palm Springs, the 150-foot long Brontosaurus, Dinny, and 65-foot tall T-Rex, Mr. Rex, are visible from Interstate 10.
Mr. Rex’s Dinosaur Adventure includes a dinosaur exhibit featuring 50 lifelike dinosaurs, a dinosaur dig, fossil panning, and even a chance to climb inside Mr. Rex. If you’re feeling like a sweet treat, the Wafflesaurus Truck by Sweetosaur serves dinosaur-themed ice cream treats to go.
Admission prices are $13 for adults and $11 for children. Seniors and military members are $10.
BIG FISH SUPPER CLUB
Originally built in the late 1950s in Bena, Minnesota, this 65-foot long muskie is sure to draw the attention of passersby. With Coca-Cola signs for eyes and cedar posts for dagger teeth, the giant fish used to be a drive-in offering burgers and hotdogs.
In 2009 it was named one of Minnesota’s 10 Most Endangered Historic Places, which encouraged supporters to take action to repaint and bring it back to life. While you can no longer eat inside the muskie, it’s definitely a place to stop and take photos, and then grab a bite to eat at the restaurant next door.
Corn Palace
CORN PALACE
Mitchell, South Dakota, is home to the World’s Only Corn Palace, attracting more than 500,000 tourists each year. Established in 1892, Corn Palace is a celebration of South Dakota’s agricultural climate, growing season, and harvest.
If you’re around in late August, stop by for the annual Corn Palace Festival. Each year, a different theme is chosen and murals are designed to reflect that theme, decorated with naturally colored corn and other grains and native grasses.
Corn Palace is home to more than just the festival, though. You may find yourself there for an industrial exhibit, dance, stage show, meeting, banquet, prom, graduation or even basketball tournament.
MOTHER GOOSE MARKET
If you’re driving through Hazard, Kentucky alongside Route 476, you may come across a large stone building built to resemble a goose sitting on a nest. If you’re passing by at night, you’ll find its eyes, old-style automobile headlights, lit up.
Originally a produce market in the 1940s, it’s now a three-bedroom/one bathroom, bed and breakfast. Passed down from one generation to the next through the original builder’s family, it’s been featured on Oprah and HGTV’s Most Outrageous Homes.
