1. The Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma
For a quick Route 66 photo stop, the Blue Whale is an easy fit for road trips through northeastern Oklahoma. It’s a large blue whale sculpture beside a pond, so you can take in the landmark without turning the visit into a full-day outing. Check current access information before setting out.
2. The World’s Largest Catsup Bottle, Illinois
This oversized water tower in Collinsville makes a memorable roadside pause on an Illinois drive. It’s best treated as a brief photo stop, paired with another nearby destination rather than a major excursion. If you’re mapping a longer route, browse our guide to the best road trips in the United States for first-time travelers for help choosing a manageable trip scope.
3. International UFO Museum, Roswell, New Mexico
Roswell’s UFO museum offers a distinctly unusual indoor stop, with exhibits centered on UFO stories and related history. Set aside more time than you would for a roadside photo, and check the museum’s current hours before adding it to your driving day. For New Mexico routes, consider whether the museum fits naturally between your overnight stops.
4. Wall Drug, South Dakota
Wall Drug combines food, shopping, and quirky displays, making it a practical break on a South Dakota drive. It can fit into a Black Hills-area itinerary, but plan around your meal and other stops rather than assuming the visit will be brief. Check current opening hours and allow extra time if you want to explore beyond the main stop.
5. House on the Rock, Wisconsin
House on the Rock is an eccentric attraction that calls for more than a quick roadside pause. Its sprawling collections and themed spaces make it a better fit for a day with fewer driving miles. Check current visitor information before you go, then decide how much of the visit fits your schedule.
6. The Big Texan Steak Ranch, Amarillo
The Big Texan Steak Ranch pairs a recognizable roadside stop with regional food in Amarillo. Plan to visit around a meal, and check current dining hours before building it into your drive. This works best when you can pause properly rather than squeeze dinner into an already long day behind the wheel.
7. The Field of Dreams Movie Site, Iowa
For travelers interested in film history, the Field of Dreams Movie Site offers a reason to take a rural Iowa detour. It can add a memorable stop to an Iowa route, especially if you’re already exploring the area. Check current access details before driving out, and leave room for the visit in your day’s mileage.
8. Seven Magic Mountains, Nevada
Seven Magic Mountains is an outdoor art installation south of Las Vegas and a photogenic detour for a Nevada drive. Treat it as a short visit, but check access conditions before setting out because they can change. Add the stop to a route that already passes nearby, rather than making a long out-and-back drive for a quick look.
9. The Mystery Hole, West Virginia
The Mystery Hole is a quirky West Virginia stop for travelers who enjoy attractions that are hard to explain from the roadside. Its unusual character makes it an appealing addition to a regional drive, but don’t count on it being open without checking first. Confirm current hours and access before taking a detour.
10. Catch the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta can make a New Mexico trip especially memorable, but it requires more planning than a roadside photo stop. Check the event dates, access information, and traffic guidance before building a route around it. If you’re comparing route styles, our guide to road trip ideas for every travel style can help you decide what kind of trip suits your plans.
Roadside Attraction FAQs
What are some of the most unusual roadside attractions in each state?
There’s no single official list, but unusual stops range from oversized landmarks and quirky museums to outdoor art and film locations. Choose by region, then confirm each attraction’s location, access, and hours.
What are the top 20 tourist attractions in the United States?
There isn’t one definitive top 20 because the answer depends on whether you prefer cities, nature, history, or roadside oddities. For a road trip, choose attractions that fit your route and available days rather than trying to cover a nationwide list.
What are some of the best roadside attractions in the US?
Good choices include the Blue Whale of Catoosa, the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle, Wall Drug, and Seven Magic Mountains. The best fit depends on your route, interests, and how much time you can spare.
What is the best app for finding roadside attractions?
No single app is best for every trip. Use a map app to locate stops along your route, then check the attraction’s official website or contact details for current hours and access information.
How much extra driving time should I allow for a roadside attraction?
Allow for the round-trip detour, time to park, and time at the attraction—not just the estimated drive to its entrance. A quick photo stop may need little time on site; museums and larger attractions need a more generous block.
Are roadside attractions usually free to visit?
Some roadside landmarks can be viewed from a public area without an admission charge, while museums, restaurants, and other attractions may have costs. Check the specific site’s current visitor information before you go.
When is the best time of year to visit roadside attractions in the USA?
The best time varies by region, attraction, and event schedule. Check seasonal hours and local conditions before traveling, especially for outdoor sites and annual festivals.
How can I check whether a roadside attraction is open before I go?
Check the attraction’s official website or current social media updates, and call if the information is unclear. Reconfirm close to your visit, particularly for seasonal sites or attractions outside major towns.
Recommended next steps
Choose one region and connect a few nearby stops instead of trying to cross the country for every attraction. Then set a realistic daily mileage target, confirm opening details, and use our guide to plan a road trip by trip length to shape the itinerary.