6 Roadside Attractions for the Ultimate Cross-Country Road Trip

Whether you’re cruising down the highway with the windows down or answering “Are we there yet?” for the millionth time, summer road trips are as American as baseball and apple pie.  Flying can be a quicker way to travel long distances, but there’s nothing quite like seeing our country from the driver’s or passenger’s seat.  Car travel experienced something of a renaissance thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, with visits to national parks like Arches proving so popular that reservation systems have been implemented to avoid overcrowding.  If you’re planning a summer road trip but are looking for some more unusual sites to see, we’re happy to report that the tradition of quirky roadside attractions is alive and well!  Keep reading for our suggestions for your itinerary, with several car-themed options (we couldn’t help ourselves).

Iowa 80 – World’s Largest Truck Stop

If you’re driving a long distance, chances are you’ll pull over at a rest area or truck stop sooner or later.  Certain chains have developed cult followings, like Buc-ee’s in Texas (awarded cleanest restrooms in 2012!), but only one can hold the title of largest truck stop on the planet.  On the eastern edge of the state, Iowa 80 has been delighting truckers and traveling families alike since 1964.  The stop ticks several “world’s largest” boxes, including the property’s acreage (225), its retail square footage (about 100,000), and its number of truck parking spots (900).  Stretch your legs in the gift shop and Super Truck Showroom, wash your laundry or your pooch, or get your spine sorted out from all that sitting at the onsite chiropractor’s office.  Iowa 80’s modern amenities include free wifi and electric/hybrid car chargers.

World’s Largest Tire

To continue the “world’s largest” theme, head to Allen Park, Michigan to experience the world’s largest tire.  Perched near the Detroit airport, the 80-foot Uniroyal also has its origins in 1964: it functioned as a Ferris wheel at the New York World’s Fair.  Fun fact: the tire isn’t actually made of rubber, but rather reinforced polyester resin.

Enchanted Highway

What makes this 32-mile stretch of I-94 in North Dakota so magical?  The larger-than-life sculptures of local Gary Greff stand out against the flat prairie and big blue sky.  Gary was troubled as he watched small communities fade into ghost towns, and took action to bring some tourist dollars to his rural community of Regent.  The result is seven whimsical metal works, with two more currently under construction.  The sculptures depict everything from regional fauna (including pheasants and deer) to Teddy Roosevelt, who enjoyed spending time in the scenic Badlands before his presidency.  Side note: several additional sites in the Dakotas pay homage to Teddy, including Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Cadillac Ranch

Way down in the heart of Texas – Amarillo, to be precise – you’ll find a “ranch” unlike any other.  There, on historic Route 66, ten classic Cadillacs rise out of the ground, tilted at an angle and covered with colorful graffiti.  Cadillac Ranch is the collaboration of Texan Stanley Marsh and an art collective that he invited to create a public art installation on his property.  Since 1974, this monument of sorts has been open for viewing and photo ops 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  The vehicles supposedly lean at the same angle as the pyramids at Giza, but even if you don’t bring your protractor to measure, it’s still a sight to behold.

Carhenge

You can’t drive across the Atlantic to the original in England, but you can drive to Nebraska’s “answer to Stonehenge.”  The Carhenge website tells the colorful story of how a family reunion in 1987 led to this replica of the prehistoric British monument, using upcycled vehicles rescued from local farms and junkyards.  Its creators and caretakers, the Reinders family, continue to maintain the sculpture along with running its gift shop and active social media presence.

Art Cartopia

The newest attraction on our list, the Art Cartopia Museum opened in Trinidad, Colorado in late 2018.  This museum was created to collect and display entries in ArtoCade, the town’s annual art car parade and festival.  Art Cartopia playfully defines an art car as “hard to define,” but you can get an idea by browsing the photos on their Facebook page: vehicles covered in elaborate murals and mosaics, featuring skeletons and dragons and even an armadillo.  Be sure to check out the “Happenings” page before your visit to see if you can catch one of the kooky events Art Cartopia holds throughout the year.

Every attraction we’ve listed is free to visit and family-friendly, with some being pet-friendly as well.  If auto-themed attractions aren’t quite your jam, there are practically endless alternate options.  Check out websites like Atlas Obscura, Only In Your State, and Roadside America to plan your perfect Great American Road Trip.  Happy driving!