Unusual roadside attractions of the U.S.

Celeste Polidori
November 8, 2024

In addition to the stunning views and landscapes, U.S. highways hide authentic treasures that many are unaware of.

The highways of the United States stretch over 6 million kilometers, offering endless opportunities for unforgettable trips. To make those journeys even more special, there are several unusual attractions along the way that will add a unique touch to any family or friends’ adventure. In addition to the stunning views and landscapes, U.S. highways hide authentic treasures that many are unaware of. So, the next time you’re traveling by land or making a delivery, be sure to discover these curiosities along the way. Here’s a list of the most peculiar attractions in the United States:

8 of the most roadside attractions of the U.S.

Salvation Mountain – Niland, California

In the southern California desert lies one of the most unique attractions in the United States: Salvation Mountain. This creation was made by Leonard Knight, a man who wanted to express his religious devotion in a way that was accessible to everyone. Located along Highway 111, the mountain is made of adobe and clay, covered with thousands of gallons of vibrant-colored paint. On its walls, you can find murals, messages, and scenes representing Bible verses, creating a one-of-a-kind visual experience.

Hole N’ The Rock – Moab, Utah

Located on Highway 191, near Moab, is Hole N’ The Rock, a fascinating attraction that was once the home of a family. This house, which has 14 rooms and covers 5,000 square feet, was carved directly into the sandstone rock, requiring the removal of 50,000 cubic feet of material. Albert and Gladys Christensen, the original owners, lived there until 1957. Today, the house is uninhabited, but it remains a great stop along the way, where you can rest and explore its unique rock-carved architecture.

The Enchanted Highway – Regent, North Dakota

The Enchanted Highway is a 32-mile stretch of road adorned with metal sculptures created by local artist Gary Greff. Along the route, visitors can see a wide variety of figures, ranging from families to creatures like grasshoppers, fish, and geese. This road offers a unique visual experience for travelers. Greff’s original vision was to transform his hometown into a tourist attraction, and through his sculptures, he succeeded in turning this highway into an outdoor gallery.

Carhenge – Alliance, Nebraska

If a trip to England isn’t in your plans, Nebraska offers a unique alternative: Carhenge. This attraction is a replica of Stonehenge, but instead of stones, it’s made of classic American cars, painted gray to mimic the famous English monument. Carhenge is located in Alliance, Nebraska, right off Highway 87, and offers a clever adaptation of this UNESCO World Heritage site with a distinctly American twist.

The Paper House – Rockport, Massachusetts

In the 1920s, Elis Stenman built a house entirely made of newspaper. Using more than 100,000 varnished newspapers, Stenman created not only the walls but also the furniture and even the curtains of what is now known as The Paper House. In the 1930s, a porch was added around the house to protect the newspaper walls from the weather. Over the years, the house has been restored and varnished again, ensuring that the original paper remains unchanged. Located in Rockport, Massachusetts, The Paper House has become a popular attraction that welcomes numerous tourists every year.

Dinosaur Kingdom II – Natural Bridge, Virginia

The award for the most unusual attraction probably goes to Dinosaur Kingdom II, located in Natural Bridge, Virginia. This quirky place combines history, fantasy, and science fiction, featuring characters battling dinosaurs, such as soldiers, mad scientists, and even Abraham Lincoln. Dinosaur Kingdom II is located along the South Lee Highway, near Interstate 81. It’s certainly an attraction that promises to entertain people of all ages.

Bubblegum Alley – San Luis Obispo, California

San Luis Obispo’s Bubblegum Alley, as its name suggests, is a 70-foot-long and 15-foot-high wall covered in thousands of pieces of chewing gum. The tradition of adding gum to this wall began in the 1970s, and today, the exact number of gum pieces stuck to its walls is unknown. The alley is located on Higuera Street, between the Ambiance clothing store and Blast 825 bar, and is accessible 24/7, always awaiting new contributions.

Bedrock City – Coconino County, Arizona

In Arizona, you can visit a recreation of Bedrock, the town from the famous cartoon The Flintstones. Located about 40 miles south of the Grand Canyon, this replica includes the most iconic locations from the prehistoric town. You can also enjoy a Bronto burger at Fred’s Diner. The stop also offers camping spaces, allowing you to spend a truly prehistoric night.

So, now you know: the next time you travel along one of these highways, you’ll have the opportunity to discover some of the most unusual attractions in the United States, each offering a unique experience. Which one was your favorite?