Uncovering America’s 20 Strangest Local Attractions

America: where creativity and eccentricity collide in the most public way possible. From coast to coast, the U.S. doesn’t just flirt with the bizarre—it takes it out for dinner and a movie. Here’s a countdown to the strangest local attractions across the nation, proving that sometimes, you just have to build it, and they will come—no matter how weird it is.

20. The Paper House, Massachusetts

 
shutterstock 2403943963 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Yingna Cai

A house made entirely of newspapers, because recycling can sometimes be taken very, very seriously. It’s the perfect blend of eco-consciousness and fire hazard.

19. Carhenge, Nebraska

shutterstock 675559585 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / marekuliasz

Imagine Stonehenge, but constructed from vintage cars. It’s either a brilliant piece of Americana or a testament to what happens when you have too many cars and time on your hands.

18. The Corn Palace, South Dakota

shutterstock 2398763625

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dennis MacDonald

A palace decorated with murals made from corn. It’s as if a kernel had a Cinderella moment, and instead of turning into popcorn, it became architecture.

17. The World’s Largest Chest of Drawers, North Carolina

shutterstock 1695383101 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jstengel

Because when you’re the furniture capital of the world, you obviously need a 32-foot-tall chest of drawers as a trophy.

16. The SPAM Museum, Minnesota

shutterstock 1435892324 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jacob Boomsma

An entire museum dedicated to canned meat. It’s like the Louvre if the Mona Lisa were made of pork and preservatives.

15. The Mystery Spot, California

shutterstock 1073456294

Image Credit: Shutterstock / JHVEPhoto

Is it a gravitational anomaly or just clever engineering? Either way, it’s where physics goes to take a holiday.

14. Hole N” the Rock, Utah

shutterstock 1175897785 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / RuslanKphoto

A 5,000-square-foot home carved into a rock. It’s like the Flintstones decided to upscale.

13. Carvana, Various Locations

shutterstock 1496985935 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jonathan Weiss

A car vending machine, because why buy a Snickers bar when you can buy a Subaru? Welcome to the future, folks.

12. The Big Banana Car, Michigan

shutterstock 2300625817 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / anek.soowannaphoom

A street-legal motor vehicle shaped like a banana. It’s what happens when your love for fruit and driving intersect.

11. Salvation Mountain, California

shutterstock 496102960 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nagel Photography

A man-made mountain painted with biblical quotes and religious imagery. It’s either an act of devotion or an extreme love for arts and crafts.

10. Foamhenge, Virginia

shutterstock 2080907722

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Alizada Studios

Another Stonehenge replica, but this time made out of foam. Because nothing says “eternal mystery” like styrofoam.

9. The House on the Rock, Wisconsin

shutterstock 2020240637 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Aaron of L.A. Photography

A house filled with eclectic collections, from the world’s largest carousel to a giant sea creature. It’s like a garage sale got out of hand and became a tourist attraction.

8. The Museum of Bad Art, Massachusetts

shutterstock 371888023 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / lunamarina

Art too bad to be ignored. It’s the place to ponder whether a portrait’s eyes following you around the room is a skill or just creepy.

7. Cadillac Ranch, Texas

shutterstock 1947027514 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / TLF Images

A row of Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground, all spray-painted in vibrant colors. It’s Andy Warhol meets Texas farmland.

6. The Clown Motel, Nevada

shutterstock 1185011005 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / melissamn

A motel filled with clown figurines and adjacent to a cemetery. Because nothing screams “restful night’s sleep” like clowns and tombstones.

5. The Enchanted Highway, North Dakota

shutterstock 2182506099 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / JWCohen

A 32-mile stretch of road adorned with giant scrap metal sculptures. It’s where art meets the urge not to fall asleep at the wheel.

4. The Fremont Troll, Washington

shutterstock 1081477391 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / spoonphol

A giant troll sculpture under a bridge, clutching a real Volkswagen Beetle. It’s what childhood nightmares aspire to be when they grow up.

3. East Jesus, California

shutterstock 1023551251 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / yhelfman

An off-the-grid art installation in the desert. It’s like Mad Max decided to settle down and take up sculpture.

2. Dog Bark Park Inn, Idaho

shutterstock 1207965919 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Charles Knowles

A bed and breakfast shaped like a beagle. Because why stay in a boring hotel when you can sleep inside a giant dog?

1. The Toilet Seat Art Museum, Texas

shutterstock 220743916 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / f11photo

Art made from toilet seats proves that inspiration can strike anywhere—even in the bathroom. It’s the epitome of American ingenuity and, perhaps, a sign we have too much time on our hands.

A Quirky Conclusion

shutterstock 1901642428 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Roberto Galan

There you have it, a countdown to America’s strangest attractions, each more bizarre than the last. Whether you’re into art, history, or just plain weirdness, there’s a roadside stop out there that’s sure to pique your interest—or at least raise an eyebrow.

More Articles Like This…

Mastering Underwater Photography on Your Travels

One Day in…Ayutthaya, Thailand

Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations According to Tripadvisor 2024

The post Uncovering America’s 20 Strangest Local Attractions was republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / JWCohen.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

Tips for Trip Success

Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.

Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.

You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations. Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Tripimage 9133145 14418597

PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.

03a9a9872ea4140f9e8c4d7fd9ee74b3?s=150&d=mp&r=g
+ posts