Heading out on a road trip is one of the most American things you can do. However, it’s not just finishing the journey that makes it so enjoyable. Sometimes it’s the bizarre things you see along the way. Luckily, the United States has its fair share of roadside attractions that will add intrigue to your trip. Here are a few of the most famous.
1. Carhenge
If you love strange attractions, there’s no way you can pass up Carhenge. Located in Alliance, Nebraska, this “sculpture” features cars buried in the ground to resemble the exact specifications of Stonehenge. There’s not a lot to see in the town other than this, but to get here, you can take the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway, which is often regarded as one of the most beautiful drives in the country. If you’re traveling from east to west, get off I-80 in Grand Island and follow the signs for Nebraska Route 2. It’s an unforgettable trip that ends with one of the most outlandish things you’ll see.
2. World’s Largest Chest of Drawers
Although High Point, North Carolina, is primarily known for the prestigious High Point University, there’s another attraction that brings people from far and wide. On Hamilton Street, you’ll find a 38-foot high dresser that looks like it’s made for a giant, and it even has socks hanging out from one of the drawers. In case you’re wondering, the dresser is an homage to High Point’s reputation as the “Furnishings Capital of the World.”
3. Cano’s Castle
Those that use the Interstate as their primary means of travel and don’t like exploring the old highway system might object to a trip to Antonino, Colorado. However, you’d miss out on Cano’s Castle. This one-man art project is a four-story castle built entirely of beer cans and scrap metal. Creator Dominic Espinoza, who many consider a bit odd, started building the structure in 1987 as a home for his neighbor, Jesus. Yes, he really believes the King of Kings live next door. If you’re lucky, you might get a chance to meet Espinoza, but if not, you can still soak in his weird yet awesome piece of art.
4. World’s Largest Catsup Bottle
Whether you spell it catsup or ketchup, the condiment is one of the most American things of all time. People put it on just about everything, and the average American consumes about 71 pounds of ketchup every year. In Collinsville, Illinois, Brooks catsup is still one of the most popular regional brands, so the company set about immortalizing itself. To do this, they painted a local water tower to look exactly like a bottle of ketchup, standing more than 70 feet tall. It’s such a strange landmark that this 65-year-old tower is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
While you might not pass these landmarks on your next road trip, they’re definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area. So pack up the car and set out on one of the best photo opportunities you’ll find.