As truckers, we spend a lot of time on the road, and if you’re doing long hauls, there’s a good chance you’re getting to see a lot of this beautiful country of ours. There are many scenic highways that are incredible to view all on their own – I mean, who doesn’t feel at ease watching the sun sink below the horizon while all the colors of the sky are reflected on your hood and the road unfolds before your truck? While the road itself will sometimes offer us plenty, we thought we’d share a few fun roadside attractions across the U.S. that might make your journeys a little more interesting.
The World’s Largest Ball of Twine – Cawker City, Kansas
The town of Cawker City is home to the world’s largest ball of twine, weighing over 17,000 pounds. It was started by a local farmer in 1953, and since then, people have been adding to it every year during the town’s annual twine-a-thon. This roadside attraction is a great photo opportunity and a fun way to break up a long drive.
Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo, Texas
Cadillac Ranch is an art installation located in Amarillo, Texas, that features ten Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground. Visitors are encouraged to bring spray paint and leave their mark on the cars. The installation has been around since 1974 and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
The Big Duck – Flanders, New York
The Big Duck is a 20-foot-tall duck-shaped building that was originally built in 1931 as a store selling duck eggs and poultry. It has since been restored and turned into a museum about Long Island’s duck farming history. This quirky roadside attraction is a great place to stretch your legs and learn something new.
Carhenge – Alliance, Nebraska
Carhenge is a replica of Stonehenge made entirely out of old cars. It was built in 1987 by a local artist as a tribute to his father and has since become a popular roadside attraction. Visitors can walk around the cars and take pictures, and there is even a visitor center with information about the site.
The Leaning Tower of Niles – Niles, Illinois
The Leaning Tower of Niles is a half-size replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, located just outside of Chicago. It was built in 1934 as a water tower and was later turned into a tourist attraction. While it may not be as famous as its Italian counterpart, it is still a fun and unique stop for truckers passing through the area.
The World’s Largest Collection of Smallest Versions of Largest Things – Lucas, Kansas
This roadside attraction is a museum in Lucas, Kansas, dedicated to the “smallest versions of largest things.” It features miniature replicas of some of the world’s largest objects, such as a six-foot-tall ball of twine and a 40-foot-long fiberglass cow. It’s a quirky and fun stop for truckers looking for something out of the ordinary.
The Corn Palace – Mitchell, South Dakota
The Corn Palace is a building in Mitchell, South Dakota, that is covered in murals made entirely out of corn. The murals are changed every year, and the building also hosts events such as concerts and sporting events. It’s a unique and colorful stop that’s worth a visit.
The Enchanted Highway – Regent, North Dakota
The Enchanted Highway is a 32-mile stretch of road in North Dakota that features a series of large metal sculptures, including the world’s largest scrap metal sculpture, the Geese in Flight. Each sculpture is designed by local artist Gary Greff and adds a touch of whimsy to an otherwise mundane drive.
The Foamhenge – Natural Bridge, Virginia
Located in Natural Bridge, Virginia, the Foamhenge is a replica of the famous Stonehenge, made entirely out of foam. Created by artist Mark Cline, this roadside attraction is a fun and quirky stop for truckers who want to take a picture with a unique replica of an iconic landmark.
The House on the Rock – Spring Green, Wisconsin
The House on the Rock is a unique architectural wonder located in Spring Green, Wisconsin. This massive complex features a variety of attractions, including a giant indoor carousel, a massive whale sculpture, and even a room filled with automated musical instruments. It’s a surreal and unforgettable experience that truckers won’t want to miss.
While the life of a trucker can be tiring, there are plenty of things about the gig that you just can’t get behind a desk, such as the opportunity to see more of our nation and visit some of the most interesting places our country has to offer. From giant balls of twine to quirky museums, there are plenty of must-see stops for truckers. So the next time you’re on the road, be sure to take a detour (time permitting) and check out some of these amazing attractions.
