One of the best parts about road-tripping in an RV is the ability to explore off the beaten path and find quirky things to see. My family loves doing this and some of our favorite memories come from stopping to see strange and interesting roadside attractions. That said, it’s not always easy to know where to find such attractions. That’s where this article comes into play.
Below, I’ve listed some of the best quirky roadside attractions in the US. Some of these are things I’ve stopped to see. Others are things that are on my must-see list. In both cases, I feel like all of these attractions are worth adding to a trip itinerary to add a little spice to your travels.
Why Quirk Belongs on Your RV Itinerary
Not sure why you might want to stop at some of these silly roadside attractions? Honestly, they’re mostly just for fun. They are easily accessible, perfect for breaking up long driving days and stretching your legs, and are often low-cost.
In many cases, roadside attractions also have big-rig parking, making them easy stops for RVers. You might also find that these stops offer plenty in the way of food and gas options, making them even more appealing.
A Coast-to-Coast Hit List of Iconic Oddities
Like I said before, finding roadside attractions before you set out can be tricky. Lucky for you, you’ve come to the right place! Read on to learn about some of the best silly roadside stops in the country, sorted by region.
West Coast & Pacific Northwest
The Mystery Spot — Santa Cruz, California
At The Mystery Spot, tour guides demonstrate “gravitational anomalies” that are actually just clever optical illusions. Really though, it does feel like some sort of strange magic. The narrow road to this location makes it difficult to take a big rig, so I recommend parking at a nearby campground before checking it out.
Giant Paul Bunyan and Babe — Klamath, California
No visit to the Redwoods is complete without checking out Paul Bunyan and his trusty ox. Sometimes Paul even talks to visitors! There’s room for RVs to park in the Trees of Mystery complex—making this an easy stop—and nearby camping means you can stay a while and check out all the other awesome things in the area.
Fremont Troll — Seattle, Washington
If you visit Seattle, you absolutely must see the Fremont Troll. This is a massive troll under the Aurora Bridge. He is holding a real VW Beetle and makes for an excellent photo op.
I do NOT recommend driving an RV into the city. We much prefer to park in a campground outside of the city and take the bus in.
Salvation Mountain: Niland, California
Salvation Mountain is a strange stop that is a must-do for any RVer who visits SoCal. This is a technicolor folk-art mound built from adobe, hay bales, and a whole lot of love. Parking is informal on the dirt approach, so if you come with your rig, you should be able to find someplace to put it.
Bonus: Combine this stop with a visit to Slab City for a truly offbeat desert day (mind the roads after rain and bring plenty of water).
Southwest
Cadillac Ranch: Amarillo, Texas
One of the most iconic quirky roadside stops, Cadillac Ranch features 10 vintage Caddies nose-down in the dirt. Every inch of these cars is layered with visitor graffiti, and every visitor is encouraged to add to the art piece using a can of spray paint that they bring along (or one of the partially used ones on the ground).
Marfa Lights: Marfa, Texas
The Marfa Lights are a bizarre mystery that nobody can explain. Out on the high desert, mysterious orbs will often appear, seemingly out of nowhere. There’s an official viewing area with plenty of space for rigs, so you can park the RV and then set out your camp chairs to wait.
Even if the lights don’t show, you’ll get a pretty sunset, some great stargazing, and plenty of awesome memories.
RV tip: There’s a large shoulder parking area, making it easy to pull in with your rig. If you’re worried about fitting, arrive early or near sunset for fewer crowds.
International UFO Museum: Roswell, New Mexico
Another Southwest oddity that I love? The International UFO Museum. Here you can lean into the lore with crash-site dioramas and news clippings galore. Main Street is wide enough for downtown parking in many spots, and there are several nearby RV parks, so this is a great stop for RVers.
The International Car Forest of the Last Church: Goldfield, Nevada
Looking for yet another vehicle-centric attraction? The International Car Forest of the Last Church might be just the spot. Here, dozens of vehicles are planted at wild angles and painted like giant canvases. Dirt roads lead in, so I recommend visiting sans RV. If you must drive the RV in, take it slow.
Midwest
Carhenge: Alliance, Nebraska
Carhenge is exactly what it sounds like: Stonehenge, but made with cars. The vehicles are painted gray and set in a circle like megaliths, creating an ideal photo op. To make a good thing even better, there is plenty of parking available, meaning it should be okay to visit in your RV.
House on the Rock: Spring Green, Wisconsin
The House on a Rock is a bizarre labyrinth of rooms crammed with all sorts of colorful, musical, and improbable collections. There is no end to the sensory input the place offers and you’re sure to enjoy wandering the collections.
On-site parking handles large vehicles, but it isn’t a quick stop. You’ll want to budget several hours to explore because this place is huge.
Uranus Fudge Factory: St. Robert, Missouri
This is one you’re sure to notice thanks to the endless billboards encouraging you to make the stop. Yes, it’s cheeky, and you’ll absolutely giggle at the register banter. To top it off, the fudge is great. This location has generous parking and makes for a good rest stop on a long drive.
World’s Largest Ball of Twine: Cawker City, Kansas
Okay, so technically, there are competing balls of enormous twine in other states, but Cawker City’s is the largest created by a single person, and locals will happily explain the nuance. Street parking fits many rigs—especially on weekdays—so you don’t need to worry about where to put the rig. If you come during the annual Twine-a-thon, you might even get to add a strand to the ball!
Corn Palace: Mitchell, South Dakota
In my opinion, Corn Palace is something you won’t want to miss as you drive through South Dakota. This is an arena sheathed in elaborate murals made of corn and other grains, which are redesigned annually. Downtown parking is workable for RVs, and there are multiple campgrounds within a short drive.
Spam Museum: Austin, Minnesota
Spam is a pretty weird thing in and of itself, but the Spam Museum is on a different level entirely. A surprisingly fascinating (and free) tribute to canned meat, this museum is a must-see no matter how you feel about the product it is promoting. Sizable downtown streets and nearby lots make parking straightforward.
Enchanted Highway: Regent, North Dakota
You won’t get to stretch your legs while checking out this 32-mile driving art gallery. That said, the display of enormous scrap-metal sculptures (geese, grasshoppers, a tin family) is well worth the detour. RVers can comfortably drive this scenic stretch of road and there is boondocking nearby for a quiet, star-filled night.
East and Southeast
Foamhenge: Natural Bridge, Virginia (transplanted and sometimes seasonal)
Foamhenge is another interesting stop. This is an exact-size foam replica of Stonehenge that moves locations from time to time. It may not always be open to the public, so you’ll want to check before detouring. When it is accessible, there’s typically room nearby for RVs to pause and snap pics.
Lucy the Elephant: Margate, New Jersey
An 1880s six-story elephant-shaped building you can tour, Lucy the Elephant is one that’s been on my list for a while. From what I understand, parking can be difficult, so it’s better to park at one of the nearby campgrounds and time your visit shoulder-season to avoid summer congestion.
Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Weeki Wachee, Florida
I absolutely love the live “mermaid” shows at Weeki Wachee Springs. This is retro Florida at its finest, and it is magical. The state park has parking lots that accommodate larger vehicles, so you can definitely bring your RV. Just be aware that it does get crowded, so you’ll want to arrive early on weekends.
How to Plan a Quirk-Forward RV Trip
Embrace Micro-Detours
Most attractions add 15–60 minutes to your day and live just off major routes (I-40, I-80, I-90, old Route 66). We like to add two or three into each travel day, breaking up the drive and adding some extra fun to your trip.
Cross-Check Hours and Seasonality
Some sites change yearly, while others operate seasonally or close midweek. We always check the official website of the city tourism website for the most up-to-date hours of operation.
Think Like a Photographer
I like to take photos of the quirky attractions we visit. If you feel the same way, build your route to hit attractions at dawn or dusk for the best lighting. You might also want to carry a small stepstool to frame shots over crowds, and a microfiber cloth for dusty lenses.
Budget for Small-Town Spending
Many of these attractions are free to visit, but the towns they are located in still depend on visitor dollars. Buy a slice of pie, a magnet, or a museum ticket!
Pack a “Roadside Kit”
You may also want to put together a kit for visiting these silly roadside attractions. It could include the following:
- Foldable step or mini ladder for photos
- Gloves for spray paint residue or dusty installations
- Trash bags (leave it cleaner than you found it)
- Headlamps for twilight viewing areas
- Cash for donations
Sample Quirky Itineraries
Looking for some sample itineraries. Here are some I have used in the past.
Route 66-Flavor (Oklahoma to Arizona, 6–8 days)
- Catoosa, OK: Blue Whale—perfect picnic stop.
- Amarillo, TX: Cadillac Ranch + Route 66 Historic District for neon signs.
- Tucumcari, NM: Mural walk and vintage motel photos.
- Albuquerque, NM: National Museum of Nuclear Science & History (nerdy detour).
- Holbrook, AZ: Wigwam Motel photo op.
- Seligman, AZ: Birthplace of Route 66 revival—grab a malt at Delgadillo’s.
Great Plains & Prairie Whimsy (Nebraska–Dakotas–Minnesota, 5–7 days)
- Alliance, NE: Carhenge.
- Mitchell, SD: Corn Palace.
- Wall, SD: Wall Drug (more than a drugstore; expect jackalope statues and free ice water).
- Regent, ND: Enchanted Highway drive.
- Austin, MN: Spam Museum finale.
Desert Dreamscape (SoCal to West Texas, 5–6 days)
- Niland, CA: Salvation Mountain & East Jesus art.
- Joshua Tree, CA: Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum.
- Goldfield, NV: Car Forest (optional northern detour).
- Roswell, NM: UFO Museum.
- Marfa, TX: Prada Marfa (photo stop) + Marfa Lights viewpoint.
Keeping It Respectful
Leave no trace. If spray painting is part of the attraction, keep paint on the art—not the ground or fences—and pack out empties. Ask before using drones, keep noise down, don’t block driveways, and patronize local businesses. Finally, make sure to protect fragile art. Don’t climb unless signs invite you to, and remember that folk art often looks sturdy but can be delicate.
Safety & Practicalities
Remember that these oddities are often very rural. Make sure you have enough fuel and water, and expect areas without cell coverage. You’ll also want to keep time zones in mind as you plan your stops.
Roadside attractions are a super fun way to make your RV trips more interesting and exciting. Why not add a few of these to your next trip to break up your drive?