The Best U.S. Roadside Attractions: 10 Quirky Sights to See On a Road Trip Across the United States by Sheri B Doyle

Road trips are the trip of choice for many who choose to travel during the pandemic. With summer fast approaching, why not plan a road trip? Get out and explore the quirky, crazy and cool sights around the country. 

Here are 10 fun spots to explore, safely, with the family:

Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Burlington, Vermont: Is there any food more associated with summer than ice cream? At the Ben & Jerry’s flavor graveyard you can pay tribute to all of the flavors that have come and gone. Each time a flavor is retired there is a pint burial and ceremony. Grab a pint of ice cream and pay homage to all of your favorites.

The World’s Biggest Ball of Twine in Cawker, Kansas: The biggest ball of twine has been a running battle between four states. Head out to see what is believed to be the biggest, or better yet, visit all four and try to settle the score yourself.

UFO Watchtower in Hooper, Colorado: Spend a night trying to spot a UFO at the UFO Watchtower. Thousands of people flock there each year to try see a UFO for themselves. Just make sure to bring a video camera.

Dog Bark Park Inn in Cottonwood, Idaho: If you have a thing for dogs then a trip to this B&B is a must! Shaped like a giant Beagle, this B&B is a barking good time in Idaho.

Leaning Tower in Niles, Illinois: If you can’t make it to Pisa, Italy, this year, don’t worry, you can still see the Leaning Tower. Built to store public pool water this replica is rumored to have three of its five bells from Italy.

Minister’s Treehouse in Crossville, Tennessee: Want to feel like a kid again? On Beehive Lane an 80-foot tall tree stands as the foundation to a 97-foot-tall treehouse. The man who built it claims God commanded him to build the structure. It is definitely worth a visit to the treehouse which houses a church that doubles as a basketball court.

Dorothy’s House & Land of Oz in Liberal, Kansas: If you have “Wizard of Oz” fans in your family don’t miss Dorothy’s House and Land of Oz this summer. Guides, dressed as Dorothy, will take you through the property, including the tornado room.

Big Duck in Flanders, New York: Christie Brinkley and Billy Joel once lived in a Big Duck. Now you can visit it and see the welcome video she recorded for this shop which once sold ducks and eggs.

Skunk-Ape Research Headquarters in Ochopee, Florida: Hop down to Florida to tour the Skunk Ape Research Headquarters. The Skunk Ape is Florida’s version of Bigfoot. So, if you are interested in looking for mystic animals but don’t like the cold this trip is for you.

Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas: Who would think in the Texas desert you could find a ranch with half buried Cadillacs? These cars are buried in the ground at the same angle as the Pyramids of Gisa. Unlike its Egyptian counterpart you can actually leave your mark on this monument.

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