18 Weirdest Roadside Attractions Across West America That Will Make You Do a Double Take

Ever driven down a highway only to do a double-take because you swear you just passed a giant rubber duckie or a mammoth ball of yarn? Well, you’re not hallucinating. America is a goldmine of the strange, the weird, and the absolutely wonderful when it comes to roadside attractions. 

From coast to coast, the US is sprinkled with objects and monuments that range from the profound to the profoundly nutty.

For years, I’ve vanlifed and road-tripped America’s highways and byways. I’ve found myself in places like the Museum of Vacumms, the largest but the second-largest rocking chair in the world, and a guy who lives in a retired Boeing 727.

But with so many quirky roadside attractions, how do you narrow down your list? As a lover of the bizarre, here are the top 18 weirdest roadside attractions across America that you don’t want to miss!

1. Meow Wolf, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Meow Wolf may sound like a cartoon cat, but it’s actually an immersive, interactive art experience that is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. That’s why it’s first on the list. With mind-bending installations, Meow Wolf is a trippy mix of art, technology, and pure imagination.

Born from a collective of over 100 artists in 2008, Meow Wolf’s mission was to disrupt the traditional gallery scene with something more dynamic and engaging. The result? An old bowling alley transformed into a fantastical world called the House of Eternal Return, where every room, secret passage, and interactive exhibit tells part of a mysterious narrative.

Imagine opening a refrigerator door and finding yourself in a luminous ice cave or crawling through a fireplace to discover a hidden forest. It’s a place where childlike wonder meets sophisticated storytelling, and I’m so happy they’re expanded across the country with new concepts.

 📖 Read Also: One Day in Santa Fe: Perfect Day Trip Itinerary

2. Salvation Mountain, Niland, California

Near the Salton Sea, what started as a small monument made of cement and paint has blossomed into a massive, candy-colored hill adorned with biblical quotes and flowered patterns, all dedicated to the concept of love. 

Made from adobe, straw, and thousands of gallons of lead-free paint, the artist, Leonard Knight, spent over three decades building and painting his masterpiece. Initially, he aimed to create a small monument. However, after the first structure collapsed, Knight took it as a sign to dream bigger, resulting in the Salvation Mountain we see today.

Nearby, other artists have taken up inspirational and have other equally whimsical projects on what’s become known as East Jesus, a 30-acre non-profit community art installation.

3. Bombay Beach, Niland, California

Another one of my Southern California favorites, Bombay Beach is not your typical beach getaway. It’s undeniably one of the most interesting and enigmatic places you could stumble upon while cruising through California. 

Once a thriving resort town in the ’50s and ’60s along the shores of Salton Sea, it faced ecological challenges that transformed it into a near-ghost town, which, paradoxically, is precisely what makes it fascinating today.

This relic of the American Dream gone awry is now experiencing a renaissance as artists and filmmakers flock to its desolate beauty, creating a quirky art scene amidst the ruins. It’s post-apocalyptic meets creative revival. Visitors can see the haunting beauty of deserted buildings and avant-garde installations. There’s even the famous Bombay Beach Biennale.

4. Boeing 727 Plane House, Portland, Oregon

A Boeing 727 aircraft has been transformed into a fully habitable home in the woods near Portland, Oregon. This off-the-grid abode belongs to Bruce Campbell, an innovative electrical engineer who saw potential in the retired jetliner. Acquiring it for around $100,000, Campbell has since turned it into his own personal sanctuary.

The plane sits on a 10-acre plot of land, where if he’s around, he’ll let you into his unusual home fully equipped with water, electricity, and a makeshift shower. He even let us boondock overnight right next to the plane!

 📖 Read Also: One Day in Portland Itinerary: Best of the City in 24 Hours

5. Prada Marfa, Valentine, Texas

In the middle of the Texas desert, miles from the nearest town, sits an unlikely luxury boutique, Prada Marfa. Don’t expect to do any shopping here, though. This art installation, created by artists Elmgreen and Dragset in 2005, mimics a real Prada store, complete with luxury goods and shoes inside, but its doors will never open for a customer.

Located off US Highway 90, near the small town of Valentine, Texas, Prada Marfa challenges the concepts of consumerism and the isolation of the desert. It’s built to withstand the elements and time, serving as a “pop architectural land art project.” The artists envision it gradually melding back into the earth, leaving no trace behind.

Visitors stopping by can expect an eerie, surreal experience, juxtaposing the high fashion of Prada with the rugged desert landscape. Nearby, Marfa is a walking contradiction of other oddball art installations, galleries, and the Marfa lights.

 📖 Read Also: 17 Unexpected Day Trips from El Paso That are Not as Remote as you Think

6. Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Texas

Cadillac Ranch is a testament to the evolution of one of America’s most iconic automobiles. Situated in Amarillo, Texas, this art installation consists of ten Cadillacs, dating from 1949 to 1963, buried nose-first in the ground. 

These classic cars are half-buried in a row in a field at an angle purportedly corresponding to that of the Great Pyramid of Giza. This public art piece symbolizes the golden age of American automobiles while also critiquing consumerism and the transient nature of modern goods.

Unlike most other art installations, you’re actually encouraged to leave your mark by spray painting the cars, making it an ever-evolving canvas of public expression.

7. The Winchester Mystery House, San Jose, California

The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California, unfurls a story as mysterious as its labyrinthine corridors. Constructed by Sarah Winchester, the widow of firearm magnate William Wirt Winchester, this sprawling mansion is an architectural wonder that has puzzled and fascinated visitors for over a century. 

Sarah Winchester began the continuous, round-the-clock construction of this mansion in 1886, believing she was guided by the spirits of those felled by Winchester rifles. There’s even a movie on Netflix about this. This belief led to the creation of a bewildering structure with staircases that lead nowhere, doors that open into walls, and secret passages hidden throughout. 

On a tour, You can experience its many mysteries firsthand, wandering its 160 rooms, beautifully bizarre architecture, and stunning gardens.

8. The Banana Museum, Mecca, California

In the small town of Mecca, California, in Riverside County, the Banana Museum is dedicated entirely to the world’s favorite yellow fruit. This irregular establishment boasts a collection of over 20,000 items related to bananas, ranging from banana-themed kitchenware and artwork to toys and even furniture.

The museum’s origins are traced back to a passionate individual who decided to create an homage to the banana after acquiring a record-breaking collection.

9. Roswell UFO Museum, Roswell, New Mexico

The peculiarness of Roswell extends to the whole town, but the UFO Museum in the center of it all takes the cake. In 1947, an unidentified flying object allegedly crashed nearby, leading to widespread speculation and conspiracy theories about aliens and government cover-ups.

Located in a former movie theater downtown, the museum explores the events of July 1947 with a blend of skepticism and belief. It displays an array of exhibits on UFO sightings, crop circles, and alien abductions.

10. Giant Redwood Drive-Thru Tree, North California

In the heart of California’s redwood territory, some giant sequoias have such an enormous girth and height, they can actually be driven through!

In the lush landscapes of Humboldt County, there are a few such trees that have been a popular tourist attraction for decades. Some, carved back in the 1930s, has witnessed countless cars and fascinated onlookers drive through its base. Just make sure to check the height of your car before attempting.

Beyond the joy of saying you drove through a tree, the surrounding areas are usually filled with hiking trails and educational exhibits about the redwood ecosystem.

 📖 Read Also: Perfect One Day in Redwood National Park Itinerary

11. Pike Place Market Gum Wall, Seattle, Washington

Behind the famous Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle lies an attraction that sticks out quite literally: the Pike Place Market Gum Wall. 

This colorful locale started its sticky saga in the early 1990s when patrons of the nearby Market Theater began sticking their used gum to the wall, along with coins embedded in the chewy lumps. Despite initial efforts to clean it off, the tradition persisted, and the wall has since evolved into a full-fledged tourist destination.

The Gum Wall stretches down Post Alley, completely plastered from top to bottom with thousands of gum pieces in every color imaginable. Contribute to the ever-changing artwork by adding your own chewed gum!

12. Alien Fresh Jerky, Baker, California

In the small desert town of Baker, California, known as the “Gateway to Death Valley,” lies an out-of-this-world destination. Founded in 2000 by Luis Ramallo, Alien Fresh Jerky offers a selection of gourmet jerky, including beef, buffalo, and other exotic meats, marinated in a variety of flavors, all with an extraterrestrial theme.

Ramallo started the business with a dream of creating a snack sanctuary for those traveling the lonely roads through the desert. He quickly incorporated an alien theme that capitalized on the public’s fascination with UFOs and extraterrestrial life, especially given its proximity to Area 51.

Beyond the wide range of jerky, you can get alien-themed merchandise and souvenirs in a store with a futuristic facade and alien figures.

13. The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, Arlee, Montana

You would never guess that in the small town of Montana, home to only a few hundred people, lies a Garden of One Thousand Buddhas. 

This spiritual destination was built by a Tibetan Buddhist organization that aims to spread peace and compassion through the teachings of Buddha. It’s comprised of one thousand white concrete Buddha statues. The garden is strategically located in the Jocko Valley, which many Native American tribes consider sacred ground.

Central to the garden is the stunning 24-foot tall statue of Yum Chenmo, or the Great Mother, symbolizing the perfection of wisdom. Beyond the statues, the garden features a series of murals and stupa monuments, providing a comprehensive insight into Buddhist philosophy and teachings.

14. The Fremont Troll, Seattle, Washington

Hiding under the north end of Seattle’s Aurora Bridge is a massive troll sculpture crushing a Volkswagen Beetle in its hand. The Troll, officially named “The Fremont Troll,” was created in 1990 by four local artists as public art for the annual Fremont Fair. The Troll was born from a community effort to rehabilitate the area under the bridge, transforming it from a spot of neglect into a canvas for creativity. 

When you check out The Fremont Troll, you’ll be greeted by this massive sculpture that’s over 18 feet tall. It’s a shout-out to Scandinavian folklore, nodding to Seattle’s Nordic heritage. And the giant’s got this cool hubcap for an eye, which really brings it to life in its own unique way.

15. The World’s Largest Elk Horn Arch, Afton, Wyoming

Wyoming is no stranger to impressive wildlife, and this arch made entirely of over 3,000 elk antlers in Afton is a testament to that. Spanning the width of US Highway 89, this massive structure stands at 75 feet tall and weighs over 15 tons.

Sourced from the nearby National Elk Refuge and the Boy Scouts of America’s fallen elk, this arch was first built in 1949 to celebrate the region’s abundant wildlife. Despite being reconstructed twice due to wear and tear, it remains a popular photo spot for travelers passing through Wyoming.

Beyond the impressive arch, Afton is also home to many other strange roadside interests, such as the Intermittent Spring and Star Valley Barn Quilts Trail.

 📖 Read Also: Perfect One Day in Grand Teton Itinerary for First-Timers

16. The World’s Largest Pistachio, Alamogordo, New Mexico

In the southern New Mexico desert just outside White Sands National Park, you’ll find a massive 30-foot-tall pistachio statue standing proudly in front of PistachioLand, the largest of its kind! The giant nut was built by Tom McGinn and his family, who have been growing pistachios since the early 1970s.

Not only is it an impressive roadside attraction, but PistachioLand also offers a variety of pistachio products, including different flavors of nuts and even wine made from pistachios. They’re delicious; I bought bags and bags of different flavors at home. Take a tour of the farm and learn about the harvesting process, then go for some local ice cream.

17. Toilet Seat Art Museum, San Antonio, Texas

Just outside the city of San Antonio, in the small town of Alamo Heights, the Toilet Seat Art Museum is one of those off-the-beaten-path attractions that epitomize quirky Americana.

Initially started by Barney Smith, a retired master plumber and an eclectic artist, this unique museum showcases rows and rows of decorated toilet seats, all hand-painted by the museum’s curator.

Smith began his unusual art project in 1992, and over the years, his collection grew to include over 1,300 decorated toilet seats, each telling its own story through themed decorations that range from pieces of the Berlin Wall to tributes to 9/11 and everything in between.

 📖 Read Also: One Day in San Antonio Itinerary: What to Do in 24 Hours

18. The Cockroach Hall of Fame, Plano, Texas

In Plano, Texas, you’ll find an unusual museum celebrating the mere cockroach. The Cockroach Hall of Fame is a small exhibit inside a pest control store that pays homage to these resilient creatures.

Created by Michael Bohdan, a former exterminator fascinated by these little critters, this museum features preserved roaches dressed up in costumes and posed as famous figures, such as Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe.

Despite the museum’s tongue-in-cheek nature, it also serves as an educational platform to learn more about the importance of cockroaches in the ecosystem. So next time you see a roach scurrying across your kitchen floor, remember that they, too, have their own hall of fame.

Final Thoughts: Strange Roadside Attractions

From alien-themed gas stations to giant nut statues, finding the best roadside attractions is my national sport. So, next time you’re on a road trip or traveling through small towns, don’t be afraid to take a detour and check out some of these oddball destinations. 

And if you’re looking for more West USA inspiration, find out if you’re en route to some of the country’s most beautiful lakes.

Before you Close That Tab…Looking for More Inspiration?

• The Top 8 Hardest Hikes in US National Parks and Why They’re Worth It
• 11 Dreamy Lakes in West USA That Will Take Your Breath Away
• 9 Overrated Tourist Traps in the US to Steer Clear of During Your Next Road Trip

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.