Sometimes, all you need in life is a cross-country trip, far from your concerns and daily obligations. If you find yourself wondering about all the destinations out there worthy of a picture, then perhaps it is time to consider a road trip through our country’s best roadside attractions.

Luckily, there is no shortage of picturesque pit stops throughout the United States. All you need is a plan, money, an RV rental, and a mindset ready for exploration. In this guide, we’ll look at some unique road trip attractions you can visit.

Top 10 Roadside Attractions in the U.S.

It is no surprise our country’s towns and cities offer fascinating roadside oddities. Let’s take a look at each one. 

1. Hole N” The Rock

Located in Moab, Utah, the Hole N” The Rock is a 5,000-square cave phenomenon that is sure to impress travelers. Not only are there guided bus tours of the cave, but there are also several establishments nearby. These include art exhibits, a general store, a trading post for Native American pottery, and a zoo. Best of all, they are open seven days a week.

2. Cano’s Castle 

Rising 40 feet from the ground, Cano’s Castle in Antonito, Colorado, is something out of the ordinary. Composed of cut-down beer cans, metal materials, and scrap aluminum, this castle is one of the best road trip attractions you can find. Dominic Espinosa (Cano), a Native American Vietnam veteran, built the two towers as a tribute to surviving the Vietnam War. 

If you decide to check out the castle, remain on the roadside since the attraction is on private property.    

3. Foamhenge 

Drive to Centreville, Virginia, and you’ll find Foamhenge — a replica of England’s Stonehenge made of styrofoam. Created by artist Mark Cline in 2004, Foamhenge is a work of art that made its debut at Cox Farms in 2017. Keep in mind that access is limited throughout the year. If you’re planning a visit between April 30th and August 20th, note that open hours are between 1 and 2 pm on Saturdays. Check out the website for more details.

4. Seattle Gum Wall

Usually, the gum on a wall is something most people would want to avoid. The Seattle Gum Wall is the exception to that attitude. Covered in thousands of pieces of chewing gum under Pike Place Market in Seattle, this 50-foot Gum Wall fascinates locals and visitors with its germ-infested features. As far as weird roadside attractions go, the Gum Wall takes the top spot. However, don’t let its oddness discourage you from stopping by for a visit. 

5. Cadillac Ranch

The Cadillac Ranch has 10 Cadillacs with their engines buried beneath the desert. Visitors will admire the artistic talent behind these creations. The vehicles are covered in bright graffiti, which makes for a perfect Instagram picture. The ranch is located in Amarillo, Texas, and is open 24/7. Pets are welcome in the area too.

6. Nuclear Waste Adventure Trail and Museum

No list of unique roadside attractions would be complete without mentioning the Nuclear Waste Adventure Trail in Missouri — a 75-foot pile of rubble composed of buried hazardous waste. However, there is no need to worry. The radioactive waste is sealed inside a 41-acre disposal cell, making it a safe tourist attraction. The trail to the top of the disposal cell is a mere 47 steps.

7. Enchanted Highway

Located in western North Dakota between Gladstone and Regent, the Enchanted Highway is unique for its seven massive sculptures, perfectly lined up for passing vehicles. Marvel at the brilliant work of Gary Greff, which includes grasshoppers, a Teddy Roosevelt figure on a horse, and geese in flight.  

8. Salvation Mountain

Located in Imperial County in Southern California, the Salvation Mountain is a colorful football-sized hillside designed as a tribute to love and God. Covered in flowers, trees, religious scripture, and biblical quotes, the mountain is an impressive phenomenon that captivates visitors with its wholesome message.

9. The Paper House

Built in the 1920s by mechanical engineer Elis F. Stenman, the Paper House is iconic for one reason: most of the house was made from newspapers. Everything from the furniture, the desk, the chair, and even the walls were built with over 100,000 newspapers. Talk about the power of creativity!     

10. UFO Landing Port

If you want an up-close view of a man’s fascination with aliens, look no further than the UFO Landing Port in Poland, Wisconsin. Built by Bob Tohak, the port is a 42-foot-long fuel tank with a steel landing platform and flashing blue lights. If aliens decide to visit us someday, we’re sure that this landing port will be their first stop.

Discover Roadside Attractions With Cruise America

When it comes to roadside attractions, America has a lot to offer. As you plan your destinations, you’ll want to reserve a high-quality recreational vehicle for your trip. Cruise America can get you started.

We offer multiple-sized RV rentals complete with home-style amenities. Now you can travel comfortably on the road! Contact us for more information.