7 of the oldest and most iconic roadside attractions in the U.S.

Celeste Polidori
May 16, 2025

From elephants to massive buffalo, some of these roads are home to monuments built decades ago that still stand as local wonders.

At first glance, U.S. highways may seem long and monotonous, but many hide secrets that, for those in the know, offer the perfect escape from routine. Across the country, countless routes feature curious and unexpected stops, ideal for tourists or anyone looking to break up the journey.

From elephants to massive buffalo, some of these roads are home to monuments built decades ago that still stand as local wonders. If you ever travel through these areas, here are a few unique places worth visiting.

7 of the Oldest Roadside Attractions in the U.S.

1. Lucy the Elephant – Margate City, New Jersey

Built in 1881 by American inventor James V. Lafferty Jr., Lucy the Elephant is a six-story attraction located in Margate City. This giant elephant, complete with a howdah (seat) on its back, was designed to attract visitors and potential buyers to Lafferty Jr.’s real estate properties. Today, Lucy is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

2. Big Duck – Flanders, New York

Martin Maurer and his wife Jeule were duck farmers in Riverhead. In 1931, they decided the best way to sell their ducks to passing motorists was by constructing a giant duck-shaped building. The result was the “Big Duck,” measuring 30 feet from beak to tail and standing 20 feet tall—a quirky creation that quickly gained popularity.

3. Historic Teapot Dome Gas Station – Zillah, Washington

Between 1921 and 1923, during President Warren G. Harding’s administration, the infamous Teapot Dome scandal unfolded, involving the illegal sale of federal oil reserves. As a nod to this event, a teapot-shaped gas station was built in 1922. Today, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

4. World’s Largest Pheasant Sculpture – Huron, South Dakota

Huron, South Dakota, is known as the pheasant capital of the world. To honor this title, a 28-foot-tall, 22-ton pheasant sculpture was erected in 1959, made from fiberglass and steel. This towering bird has become one of Huron’s most popular photo spots.

5. World’s Largest Ball of Twine – Cawker City, Kansas

Created in 1953 by farmer Frank Stoeber, this massive ball of twine began as a solution to the excess string cluttering his barn floor. In 1961, it was donated to Cawker City, and by 1973, it earned a Guinness World Record as the largest ball of twine at the time.

6. World’s Largest Chest of Drawers – High Point, North Carolina

A dresser fit for giants. Built in 1926 and standing 36 feet tall, this oversized piece of furniture was designed to draw attention to High Point’s status as the “Furniture Capital of the World.” As a distinctive touch, two giant socks hang from the drawers, paying tribute to the region’s hosiery manufacturing history.

7. World’s Largest Buffalo Monument – Jamestown, North Dakota

Standing 26 feet tall and weighing 60 tons, this colossal buffalo statue has towered over Jamestown since 1959. Recognized as the largest buffalo in the world, it welcomes visitors to the National Buffalo Museum and Frontier Village, as well as the live buffalo herd that roams nearby.

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