You’re cruising down a quiet highway in New Mexico when—boom—a spaceship crash scene appears in the middle of a field, complete with cardboard aliens and a farmer pointing at the sky.
That’s the beauty of roadside attractions: weird, wild, and totally unexpected.
We’re The Stromads. After 20+ years on the road, we’ve learned exactly where to find these blink-and-you ‘ll-miss-it gems—and how to make every quirky stop worth your time.
Roadside attractions are the quickest way to turn miles into memories.
Sometimes, they sit miles off your route. From folk art and roadside oddities to quirky museums and covered bridges, we have made it our quest to find the “biggest” everything. This guide shows you how to find them and make each stop simple, safe, and memorable
What you will get here
Real examples we have visited, with honest notes and quick context
Simple ways to spot new roadside attractions on any route
Friendly advice that respects property, people, and the place
Short lists you can use today and deeper guides you can read next
You keep rolling. We’re your eyes for the quirky stuff and the quick tips.
The Best Roadside Attractions in the USA (That Turn Drive Time into Story Time)
We’ve learned that road trips are much more fun when you add a quirky stop. Giant sculptures, odd museums, and perfect photo ops are everywhere—even at highway rest stops and crazy cafes.
Use this list to plan a few roadside attractions on every travel day. You’ll arrive with better stories to tell.
Why it’s cool
- Quick stops break up long drives
- Easy photo ops that feel like a win
- Local history that never makes the big brochures
What to look for
- Big, bold shapes (giants, neon, murals)
- A short walk you can do in 10–20 minutes
- A story hook: plaques, founder tales, local legends
Before you go
- Check hours or seasonal closures (many small spots close midweek)
- Screenshot directions in case the service drops
- Bring a small donation or cash for quirky museums
- Confirm rules on photos (some places limit flash or tripods)
Make it fun
- Set a “one odd stop per travel day” rule
- Do a quick photo theme: textures, signs, or doorways
- Write one sentence in your journal: what surprised you here
- Keep it respectful
- Stay on open paths and public areas
- Don’t touch fragile pieces or climb on art
- Pack out trash and leave it as you found it
Best Roadside Attractions in the USA — Quick picks (visited)
- Cadillac Ranch (TX): half-buried cars and a classic photo stop. Cadillac Ranch (TX): half-buried cars and a classic photo stop. Amarillo is the mecca of weird—see what else made our must-see list.
- Dignity Statue (SD): 50-foot stainless-steel Native woman overlooking the Missouri River—stunning quick stop
- Georgia Welcome Center: all-things-Georgia displays (yes, even a Forrest Gump bench) for a fast, fun photo break (I-95 Savannah)
- Seven Magic Mountains (NV): towering neon-bright boulder stacks in the desert—quick, high-impact photo stop
I can’t resist a roadside attraction, and Seven Magic Mountains is one of my all-time favorites.
The stacked boulders look like colorful marshmallows; they’re so massive you can see them from the interstate. Every time we’re in Vegas with friends or family, this is a must-see stop. No one forgets it.
Wild and Weird Roadside Oddities That Are Actually Worth the Detour
Giant sculptures. Quirky museums. Ghost towns with stories baked into the boards. These roadside attractions turn a long drive into a memory and give you quick, easy wins along the way.
Why it’s cool
- Surprise factor keeps the day fresh
- Bite-size Americana you won’t find in big brochures
- Perfect “five-minute story” for later
What to look for
- Story clues: plaques, old storefront signs, artifacts in place
- Photogenic textures: wood grain, rust, stone, faded paint
- A simple loop you can walk in 20–40 minutes
- Respect and safety
- Stay on open paths and public areas
- Don’t touch fragile structures or move artifacts
- Watch footing around nails, glass, and uneven ground
- Leave everything as you found it
Make it fun
- Do a “then and now” photo by matching a historic image to your frame
- Jot one detail you learned and one feeling the place gave you
- Pick a photo theme: doors, windows, or hand-painted signs
Quick picks (visited)
- Soda Springs: old mining/mineral-water towns; look for foundations, relics, and story signs
- Presidents’ Heads (Williamsburg, VA): towering presidential busts with eerie, unforgettable presence;( limited dates/by tour only)
- Drive-Thru Redwood (Northern CA): a true Americana bucket-list moment—nature’s grandeur with a playful twist
- Rhyolite, Nevada: gold-rush era streets, bottle house, wide-open desert views; larger-than-life art nearby
What could be more fun than seeing giant ghosts in a ghost town?
Rhyolite is a photographer’s dream—from the broken buildings to the surreal desert sculptures. It’s beautiful in the daylight, but at dusk, the whole place takes on a wonderfully eerie edge.
Open-Air Art and Folk Sculpture Stops That Make the Drive Worth It
From miles of whimsical roadside art to small-town sculpture parks, these routes mix art and open sky. Plan them as short side trips where the journey is part of the fun, stretch your legs, snap a few photos, and keep rolling with a smile.
Why it’s cool
- Big art under big sky
- Creative stories told with scrap, steel, and found objects
- Free or donation-based in many places
What to look for
- Clustered installations along a defined route or in a single yard or park
- Simple pull-ins or roadside turnouts marked by small signs
- Artist notes, kiosks, or plaques that explain the backstory
Before you go
- Check hours or access notes; some sites are appointment-only or closed on certain days
- Expect weather and wind on open plains or desert stretches
- Bring small bills for donation boxes and a quick thank-you
Make it fun
- Pick a photo theme like scale shots, silhouettes, or textures
- Choose a “favorite piece of the day” and jot why it wins
- Capture one close-up detail that tells the bigger story
Keep it respectful
- Stay on open paths and posted areas
- Don’t climb on artwork or move pieces
- Pack out any trash and leave a kind note or donation when appropriate
Quick picks (visited)
- Liberty Sculpture Park (CA): bold, large-scale works in the Mojave, striking forms against the desert sky, and strong storytelling on site
- Greenback Castle (TN): an evolving folk-art “castle” built from reclaimed materials, hand-made whimsy with tons of details to spot
- Cathedral of Junk (Austin, TX): towering backyard sculpture made from everyday objects, memorable and quirky; access is limited and typically by appointment
- Enchanted Highway (ND): a dedicated side route lined with giant metal sculptures, best as a planned detour with plenty of photo moments
A deserted highway lined with massive scrap metal sculptures? Yes, please. From giant grasshoppers and birds to the world’s largest tin family, I was absolutely enchanted by this stretch of roadside oddity.
Quirky Roadside Museums
with Surprising Collections
You’ll Remember
If you love surprises, imagine a quiet building off Main Street with a real execution device on display, cases of bizarre medical tools, and exhibits devoted to classic comfort foods. Every state keeps a few of these musuems, small, strange, and worth a quick stop.
Why it’s cool
- Small, focused collections with big personality
- Easy learning in bite-sized rooms
- Fun stories you will not find in the big brochures
What to look for
- Clear themes and memorable artifacts
- Short labels with a good origin story
- One or two rooms you can enjoy in 20 to 40 minutes
Before you go
- Check hours, many close midweek or for lunch
- Expect modest admission or a donation box, bring small bills
- Ask about photo rules and flash restrictions
- Older buildings may have stairs and narrow halls
- Gift shops often carry locally made oddities
- Some exhibits (especially medical) can be intense—consider age and sensitivity of your group
Make it fun
- Do a 20-minute treasure hunt for the strangest item and compare picks
- Capture close-ups of labels, textures, neon, and hand-painted signs
- Jot one surprising fact to share at dinner
Quick picks (visited)
- Jell-O Museum, New York: sweet slice of Americana with playful exhibits
- SPAM Museum, Minnesota: colorful, hands-on displays that make everyone smile
- Mütter Museum, Philadelphia: remarkable medical curiosities and anatomical specimens—fascinating and intense
- Holland Land Museum, New York: compelling local history with an original gibbet on display
For some weird reason, I find gibbets, gallows, and even hanging trees fascinating.
So when a local historian told me an authentic gibbet was tucked inside this museum, I had to see it for myself. It was creepy, yes, but unforgettable.
Alien Murals, Museums, and Main Street Weirdness in Roswell, NM
Roswell leans into the fun. There are murals, museums, and gift shops with green faces in the windows. It is walkable and easy to pair with food and photos.
Why it’s cool
- Playful, walkable downtown vibe
- A mix of kitsch, history, and legend
- Fast photo wins between longer drives
What to look for
- Street murals and alien window displays
- A compact museum with lore and artifacts
- Themed treats and souvenirs on Main Street
Before you go
- Check hours; some spots close midweek or for lunch
- Expect crowds during festivals and peak summer
- Bring small bills for admission, donations, and snacks
Make it fun
- Do a “find five aliens” photo hunt on one block
- Try a themed snack and rate it in your road journal
- Capture one mural wide and one close-up detail
Quick picks (visited)
- Downtown murals and alien storefronts: quick photo circuit
- International UFO Museum: lore-forward and easy to browse
- Bottomless Lakes State Park: our favorite: eerie legends and history meet striking sinkhole lakes, desert bluffs, and big-sky views
Roswell is quirky and fun with its UFOs and aliens, but the real surprise is just down the road.
Bottomless Lakes State Park stunned me. What I thought were lakes turned out to be deep sinkholes, surrounded by high canyon walls that made the place feel like a natural fortress. The color of the sky at sunset? Absolutely breathtaking.
Mothman, Skunk Ape, and More: Legendary Cryptids
with Roadside Vibes
Mystery adds spark to a travel day. From small-town legends to deep-woods sightings, these stops mix folklore, local pride, and just enough goosebumps to make great stories later.
Why it’s cool
- Playful blend of myth, history, and roadside fun
- Walkable photo ops plus short nature loops
- Easy conversation starters for the drive
What to look for
- Statues, murals, and museum corners devoted to the legend
- Local storyboards and first-person accounts
- Short trails, boardwalks, or overlooks with “what if” vibes
Before you go
- Check hours for visitor centers and small museums
- Festivals can crowd streets—scan dates ahead
- Night hikes sound fun, but stick to open, signed areas
Make it fun
- Do a “find five clues” photo hunt (tracks, signs, murals, souvenirs, story plaques)
- Record a 15-second “report” for your trip journal
- Rate each legend on a 1–5 “could it be real” scale
Quick picks (visited)
- Everglades, FL: Skunk Ape: quirky HQ vibes and swamp-edge stories that stick with you
- Ocala National Forest, FL: Sasquatch lore: pine and scrub country with long-running sightings and campfire chatter
- Salem, Massachusetts: Witch Lore & History: walkable museums, story-rich tours, and a downtown that leans into the legend without losing its New England charm
- Point Pleasant, WV: Mothman: statue, museum, and riverfront lore that turns a quick stop into a tale
The first time I heard of Mothman was about 15 years ago. I was sick with a fever, and caught a weird movie—The Mothman Prophecies.
I had no idea the film was based on the one and only Mothman of Point Pleasant. Once I discovered he was real, I had to go! The museum has so many nuggets, it’s a must-do for anyone who loves the cryptoids..
Chilling History Stops: Prisons, Hospitals, and Castles You Can Still Tour
Heavy history, strong architecture, and stories that stick. Short, guided-feeling stops that deliver texture and context without eating the day.
Why it’s cool
- The real place, not a replica
- Big textures for photos: stone, iron, tile, murals
- Bite-sized tours you’ll talk about later
What to look for
- Guided tours, timed tickets, or audio tours (most aren’t free-wanders)
- Well-marked exhibits with strong storytelling (cells, wards, chapels, towers)
- Realistic time window: 60–120 minutes for a solid visit
Before you go
- Check hours and special-tour days (many are seasonal)
- Some exhibits can be intense—know your group
- Confirm photo rules and bring small bills for donations
Make it fun (and respectful)
- Pick a photo theme: doors, bars, arches, patterns
- Note one human story you learned and one detail you’ll remember
- Follow all posted rules; skip restricted areas
Quick picks (visited)
- Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (WV): massive 19th-century complex with layered stories and striking interiors
- Alcatraz (CA): island fortress, cellblocks, and views that frame the whole story in one walk
- Eastern State Penitentiary (PA): towering walls and echoing cellblocks—powerful, well-interpreted history
- Boldt Castle & Boldt Yacht House (NY): Gilded Age romance and craftsmanship in the Thousand Islands
- Pennhurst State School & Hospital (PA): sobering grounds and surviving structures with difficult, important history
We opted for the history tour rather than a ghost hunt or haunted tour.
As we toured the grounds, I couldn’t help but feel like I was being watched. It wasn’t scary or creepy, but almost like the children were peeking out from their bedrooms. The facility is massive, and some areas are still completely original.
Small-Town Americana Gems That Feel Like Stepping Into a Postcard
Weathered brick and hand-painted signs. Wooden trusses over a quiet creek. Little town squares where the flag snaps, the stories are local, and time feels slower for a minute. This is quirky American history, and you can feel it under your feet.
Why it’s cool
- Storybook main streets and easy photo moments
- Local pride you can see in the details
- A gentle pace that pairs well with coffee and a stroll
What to look for
- Historic districts with plaques, murals, and small museums
- Craftsmanship: timber, ironwork, brick, and stone
- One walkable loop with a few quick stops
Before you go
- Check hours for museums/shops (many close midweek)
- Bring small bills for donation boxes and treats
- Note any seasonal festivals or street closures
Make it fun
- Do a “postcard hunt” for the most classic shot
- Collect one small story to share at dinner
- Keep a running list of favorite small-town finds
Quick picks (visited)
- Casey, Illinois: “Big Things Small Town”: a downtown full of playful, oversized everyday objects and easy photo ops
- Bucks County Covered Bridges (PA): a scenic loop through quiet backroads and classic wooden spans—pure Americana
- South of the Border (SC): roadside Americana at its most playful—bright signs, goofy photo ops, and nostalgic charm
- Crystal Cove, CA — Historic District: 1930s beach cottages, tidepools, and old-California vibes
Crystal Cove State Park is one of my favorite Americana Gems. Robb loves tunnels, and I was relieved to see the end in sight.
The wall paintings make it a fun walk. Once through, it’s easy to imagine yesteryear on the beach—families picnicking and playing together. The cottages are beautiful, and I super hope we can rent one someday (soon).
Roadside Diners and Iconic Eats Serving Up Stories with Every Bite
Chrome counters, pie under glass, and a bell that still rings when the door opens. Add a neon sign, a house specialty with a backstory, and you’ve got a roadside stop that turns lunch into part of the trip.
Why it’s cool
- Built-in break with real local flavor
- Easy photos with classic signage and interiors
- Memory makers: a dish, a server quip, a jukebox song
What to look for
- A signature dish with a story (pie, chili, fried pickles)
- Vintage details: tile floors, chrome, neon, old menus
- A minute or two of murals or Main Street to walk afterward
Before you go
- Check hours (many close mid-afternoon or midweek)
- Some are cash-only; bring small bills
- Expect lines at peak times—have a simple backup nearby
Make it fun
- Order the house specialty and rate it in your road journal
- Snap the sign outside and one detail inside
- Ask one “how long have you been coming here?” question
Quick picks (visited)
- Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner (Yermo, CA): retro booths, milkshakes, and jukebox corners—pure throwback fun
- Atomic Liquors (Las Vegas, NV): classic neon and atomic-age lore at a storied downtown bar
- Starlight Theatre (Terlingua, TX): desert-porch sunsets, local hangout vibes, and live music nights
- Big Texan Steak Ranch (Amarillo, TX): larger-than-life steakhouse energy, neon, and the famous 72-oz challenge—classic photo-and-dinner stop
- No Scum Allowed Saloon (White Oaks, NM): creaky floors, mining-town stories, and occasional live tunes—wall-to-wall character
Robb didn’t have to ask me twice if I wanted to go to one of the top 10 cowboy bars in US.
We were a little hesitant at first—walking into a bar in a town with a population of 15 people—but we were quickly treated like locals. It’s fun and quirky, but the hospitality and drinks are over the top!
Secret Bars and Hidden Speakeasies That Add Mystery to Your Route
Secret doors, low light, and a little theater, these spots turn a simple drink into a story. Some ask for a password or advance reservation, so plan ahead and enjoy the reveal.
Why it’s cool
- A bit of mystery without eating the whole night
- Character-rich spaces (tile, neon, wood, velvet) that photograph well
- Great pairings with murals, diners, or a short night walk
What to look for
- Clear house rules (reservations, dress code, photo policy)
- A signature cocktail with a backstory
- An entrance detail you’ll remember (no spoilers)
Before you go
- Check hours and reservation windows (many book up)
- Bring ID; some are 21+ only
- Plan a safe ride back (walkable loop, rideshare, or designated driver)
Make it fun
- Order the house classic and one “wild card”
- Snap one detail shot (sign, tile, menu typography) if allowed
- Note one line about how the place felt—cozy, theatrical, or buzzy
Quick picks (visited)
- Mathers Social Gathering (Orlando): burlesque-era vibe, vintage cocktails, and a secret bookcase—speakeasy theater without the fuss.
- The Laundry Room (Las Vegas): tiny, reservation-only hideaway inside Commonwealth—bespoke cocktails, hush-hush vibe, and a no-photos house rule.
- The Bookcase & Barber (Durango, CO): barbershop front, hidden bookcase entrance, classic cocktails—pure speakeasy charm
- Ranstead Room (Philadelphia, PA): dimly lit, hidden speakeasy known for its vintage vibe, plush interiors, and expertly crafted cocktails.
The Ranstead Room did not disappoint. We love secret bars and speakeasies.
They’re often hidden in plain sight—behind a false wall or tucked down a back alley. This one sits on a dark side street, marked only by a simple “R” on the door. Once inside, the vibe is quiet and sexy. It’s the perfect place for an early drink or a smooth nightcap.
Scenic Drives
That Become the Destination
Ribbon roads with big views, switchbacks, and story-soaked mile markers. Pair one of these drives with a couple of roadside attractions and the day feels epic without getting complicated.
Why it’s cool
- Built-in wow factor with easy photo pull-offs
- Natural rhythm: drive → quick stop → drive
- Layer-friendly with oddities, small towns, and short walks
What to look for
- Signed overlooks and short interpretive stops
- A 10–30 minute walk or boardwalk to break up the miles
- Nearby Main Streets for coffee, murals, or a tiny museum
Before you go
- Check seasonal openings and current conditions
- Expect grades, tight curves, and changing weather
- Have a simple “turn-back” point if conditions shift
Make it fun
- Give the day a theme: three overlooks, three photos
- Keep a one-line log at each stop (what surprised you)
- Rate the drive for views, vibe, and easy stops
Quick picks (visited)
- Tail of the Dragon (NC/TN): famous curves, forested views, and pure focus—memorable from the first mile
- Going-to-the-Sun Road (MT): alpine walls, waterfalls, and wildlife—summer-only magic with stand-and-stare moments
- Route 66 (multiple stretches): neon signs, vintage storefronts, murals, and classic roadside fun—walkable photo moments along the Mother Road
- Tamiami Trail (FL): sky, birds, alligators, and glades—pair with a quick nature stop or a dash of Skunk Ape lore
- Big Sur (CA): cliffs and coves with ocean drama—simple, stunning, and worth every pause. Explore our full guide to Big Sur’s coastal magic.
If I could have a favorite U.S. destination, without a doubt, it would be Big Sur.
Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to your west: what’s not to WOW about? The twists and turns are part of the experience; every pull-off is a chance to catch your breath as you take in the view.
Abandoned Places and Forgotten Relics That Give You Goosebumps
Ruins, relics, and spaces time is taking back. These stops are powerful and fragile. We keep our visits short, legal, and respectful. A little history in the open air, a lot of atmosphere, and photos that feel like a story.
Why it’s cool
- History where it happened, not behind glass
- Strong textures and mood for photos
- Small-dose stops that stay with you
What to look for
- Storyboards, historic markers, or ranger notes
- Clear public access (open paths, posted areas)
- One simple loop you can do in 10–30 minutes
Respect & safety
- Stay on public areas only, obey no trespassing signs
- Do not enter closed or unstable structures
- Watch for nails, glass, and uneven footing
- Take only photos; leave everything as you found it
Make it fun
- Do a “details only” photo set: paint, brick, pattern, shadow
- Note one human story you learned and one feeling the place gave you
- If there’s a historic photo onsite, frame a “then and now”
Quick picks (visited)
- Crandon Park Zoo Miami, FL: traces of an old zoo where nature is reclaiming the paths (beware of crocodiles)
- Big Bend Historic Hot Spring District: historic hot springs ruins along the river; layers of story in the stone. See our Full Guide to Big Bend National Park here.
- Seneca Mills Falls, Penn Yan, NY: an old mill site with evocative foundations and flowing water (we’ll update the name)
- Pennsylvania’s Former turnpike tunnels near Harrisburg; haunting, echoing engineering history
- Centralia, Pennsylvania: stark reminders of the underground coal fire and a town that moved on
- Lake Delores Waterpark, California: remains of a once-buzzy water park; sun-baked color and eerie quiet
Each time we drove from Las Vegas to Costa Mesa, I could see this abandoned space covered in graffiti.
After some research, I learned it was an old water park—completely open to explore. So off we went. The leftover energy of families playing there still lingered. It felt oddly alive, like the echoes of summer fun were baked into the colorful concrete.
Parking, Safety, and Respect at Roadside Stops
The best stop is the one that stays simple and kind. Think awareness first, photos second. Leave it better than you found it.
Quick checklist
- Follow posted signs and stay in open/public areas
- Skip anything that looks fragile, fenced, or questionable
- Be aware of traffic while you set up photos
- Watch footing (loose gravel, nails, glass, uneven ground)
- Keep visits short if others are waiting
- Pack out all trash—tiny scraps count
- Be courteous to locals and private landowners
- RVers: scan town approaches before you roll in. Watch for tight turns, low clearances, and length/weight limits.
👉 ProTip: Before we point the rig into any downtown, we run the route through RV Trip Wizard to check clearances, weight limits, and tight streets. It’s saved us a few headaches and keeps the day simple. If you’d like to try it, here’s our link:.
How to Plan a Road Trip Around Roadside Attractions (Without Overthinking It)
You don’t need a minute-by-minute plan, just a smart rhythm. Start each travel day with one sure thing (a giant sculpture, a small museum, a walkable main street). Then add one flexible oddity you can skip if time slips. That balance keeps momentum without losing the fun.
Why this works
- One guaranteed highlight rather than a “we drove all day for nothing” feeling
- One optional stop gives freedom to react to the weather, crowds, or energy
- Short, photo-ready pauses make better stories with the same miles
Plan the day in three moves
- Block the travel window. Pick a realistic drive time and stick to it. We like 2–4 hours of actual wheel time.
- Place your anchor. Put the sure thing at the start (fresh energy) or near the end (a rewarding finish).
- Add one flex stop. Drop it mid-route where it’s easy to skip if needed.
Use the light to your advantage
- Morning: murals, museums, interior spaces, small towns before crowds
- Golden hour: sculptures, outdoor folk art, overlooks, ghost towns
- Midday: quick oddities, welcome centers, quirky museums with AC
Our simple rule of thumb
- 3–2–1: 3 hours drive, 2 short stops, 1 sure thing
- 10–20–0: 10 minutes to decide, 20 minutes on site, 0 guilt if you skip the flex stop
Tools we use
- Satellite view to see approach/exit and general surroundings
- Offline maps for dead zones and “just in case”
- A running note with hours, phone numbers, and a one-line “why stop”
- Sunrise/sunset time to aim the photogenic stop at golden hour
- Weather check for wind, heat, or storms that could change the plan
What to capture in your notes (fast, no fuss)
- Name + town/state
- “Why stop” in one line (story, photo, quirk)
- Hours/seasonality (if any)
- A “skip if…” trigger (rain, closed, behind schedule)
Make it flexible (and fun)
- Set a time budget per stop (e.g., 20 minutes) and use a gentle timer
- Give each travel day a theme: “one giant + one small museum,” “one mural + one ghost town”
- Keep a rain plan list (indoor oddities) and a crowd plan list (quick photo stops)
Safety & respect reminders
- Follow posted signs; stick to open/public areas
- Keep photo setups quick and aware of traffic and other visitors
- Leave places better than you found them
Sample “pin-and-go” day (paste into your planner)
- Start: Coffee + quick main-street mural (10–15 min)
- Drive: 90 minutes
- Flex stop: Roadside oddity or welcome center display (10–20 min)
- Drive: 60–90 minutes
- Anchor stop: Small museum or outdoor sculpture (30–60 min)
- Arrive: Camp/hotel with enough light for a short walk
Our road-week formula that actually works
- 2 highlight days: one sure thing (giant art, small museum, or gem town) + one optional oddity
- 3 light-drive days: short miles, one quick stop, arrive with daylight to spare
- 1 true rest day: no driving—slow coffee, photo walk, catch up on notes
- 1 flex day: weather, repairs
Common pitfalls (and easy fixes)
- Too many stops: cap at two per travel day; save extras to a “future” list
- Chasing the clock: skip the flex stop guilt-free
- All highway, no story: add one oddity within 10 minutes of your route
FAQs
What exactly counts as a “roadside attraction”?
Anything quick, memorable, and easy to add to a travel day—giant sculptures, quirky museums, ghost towns, odd memorials, covered bridges, neon, welcome centers with surprises, even a great mural wall.
How do I find good ones on my route?
Start with one sure thing for the day (museum, sculpture, walkable main street), then add one flexible oddity you can skip if time slips. We also scan satellite view, check hours, and keep a running note with “why stop” in one line.
Do you share exact addresses or pins?
Only when it helps and access is stable (e.g., established museums, welcome centers). For fragile, seasonal, or tour-only places, we name the site and town and point you to the official page—no trespass-y pins here.
Is this guide “visited only”?
Yes. Everything we highlight is from our own stops. When we build deeper guides, we’ll link them here.
How long should I plan per stop?
Most quick hits are 10–30 minutes (photo, stretch, read a plaque). Larger museums or “odd history” sites (prisons, hospitals, castles) can be 60–120 minutes and often require tours or timed tickets.
Any safety or etiquette tips?
Stick to open/public areas, follow posted signs, don’t climb on art or move artifacts, and pack out trash. Keep photo setups quick and be aware of traffic and other visitors.
I travel by RV—any routing cautions?
Before turning into tight downtowns, scan approaches for low clearances and restrictions. Pro Tip: We check routes with RV Trip Wizard—clearances, weight limits, and tricky streets at a glance. If you’d like to try it, here’s our link: [your RV Trip Wizard link].
Can kids and dogs handle these stops?
Most outdoor oddities, murals, and bridges are easy family wins. Museums vary by age and interest. “Odd history” sites can be intense—know your crew. Always follow local pet rules and keep dogs off fragile surfaces.
What about accessibility?
Historic sites and folk art can mean stairs, gravel, or uneven paths. Call ahead or check the official page for accessibility notes; many museums list elevator access and exhibit layouts.
Best time of day for photos?
Golden hour makes sculptures, bridges, and murals sing. Midday is fine for quick oddities and interiors (museums, welcome centers). Cloudy days are great for neon and signage.
Do these cost money?
Plenty are free or donation-based; small museums often have modest admission. Bring a few small bills—donation boxes and gift shops are part of the fun.
Are speakeasies really “roadside attractions”?
They’re quick, character-rich stops that turn an evening into a story—so yes, they live here. Some require reservations or a password; check house rules and photo policies.
Can I suggest a place you should cover?
Yes, please. Reply to our newsletter or send a note with the town, state, and why it’s worth a stop. If we go, we’ll credit the tip.
Do you recap your own travels in the newsletter?
No diaries. Each issue is a tight mix of road-tested finds—destinations, roadside oddities, and practical route notes you can use right away.
How often do you update this page?
Regularly. Hours and access change, and we add new favorites as we publish deeper guides. Look for the “Last updated” note near the top.
Ready to Find the Good Weird (Without the Guesswork)?
Roadside attractions turn miles into memories, and we’re out there finding the ones worth your time. If you like real, road-tested tips (not recycled listicles), our weekly newsletter is for you.
- What you’ll get (a tight mix each week)
- A short, structured read highlighting destinations + roadside oddities we’ve actually seen
- Real talk on RV life and full-time travel (useful, no fluff)
- Fresh finds beyond the blog—maps to explore, small museums, folk art, ghost towns
(The mix changes weekly, but it’s always road-tested and worth your time.)Quick “pin and go” ideas you can add to any route
What you won’t get
- Vacation recaps or “look at us” diaries
- Stale copy you’ve seen everywhere
- Inbox clutter—just one solid email that earns its keep
Join us on the road (the smart way).
Subscribe to The Stromads newsletter and get the best quirky stops, small-town gems, and practical RV notes—delivered once a week.
Thanks for riding along
Roadside attractions are the quickest way to turn miles into memories—and you don’t need a complicated plan to enjoy them. One sure thing, one flexible oddity, a little curiosity, and you’re collecting stories instead of just stacking miles.
We’re out there every week finding the good weird, the small-but-mighty museums, the Americana moments, and the places where the sky and the art do all the talking.
Here’s to simple plans, quirky stops, and miles that feel like memories.
Travel Safe and Adventure Often,
Maureen and Robb, The Stromads
Maureen Wright and Robb Strobridge
The Stromads
Entrepreneurs, Wanderlusters, Constant travelers, and Full-time RV Nomads since 2016. We are fueled by life, love, and the pursuit of all things good. Thanks for joining our journey and we hope to see you down the road!
