At ReachTV, we believe that the best journeys aren’t always about the destination. They’re about the moments in between—the unexpected detours that lead you down a gravel road to a giant monument, a bizarre piece of art, or a piece of local folklore.
The roadside attraction, in all its kitschy glory, is a celebration of the unique and the wonderfully strange. It’s a testament to human creativity and a reminder that even in the most desolate stretches of highway, there’s always a story waiting to be found.
So, put down the GPS, ignore the most direct route, and let yourself get a little lost. This is your guide to the world’s most rewarding roadside attractions—quirky monuments that prove the journey truly is the adventure.
The World’s Largest Ball of Twine: A Humble Ode to Perseverance
In the small town of Cawker City, Kansas, a simple act of tidiness grew into one of the world’s strangest landmarks. In 1953, farmer Frank Stoeber started rolling excess twine into a ball. Over time, his little bundle ballooned into a massive sphere weighing more than 20,000 pounds with a circumference of over 40 feet.
The Story: What makes this attraction special isn’t just its staggering size—it’s the spirit behind it. After Stoeber’s death, the town took over care of the twine. Every August, residents and visitors come together for a “Twine-a-thon,” adding new strands and ensuring the ball continues to grow. It has become a living community project, a piece of Americana stitched together one string at a time.
Why It’s a Rewarding Detour: This stop isn’t about flashy technology or grand spectacle. Instead, it’s a reminder that passion, persistence, and small-town pride can turn something ordinary into a global curiosity. It’s simple, it’s humble, and that’s exactly why it’s unforgettable.
Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Texas: A Canvas for the People
Along historic Route 66 in the Texas Panhandle, ten Cadillacs sit buried nose-first in the desert, tilted at the same angle as the Great Pyramid of Giza. Created by the art collective Ant Farm in 1974, the installation was originally meant as an homage to the golden age of American automobiles. Over the years, it has become one of the most famous roadside attractions in the United States.
The Story: Unlike traditional art meant to be preserved, Cadillac Ranch is designed for change. Visitors are encouraged to grab a spray paint can and leave their own mark. Layers of graffiti pile up over time, creating a vibrant, chaotic collage of personal expression.
Why It’s a Rewarding Detour: This is your chance to interact with art, not just observe it. It’s playful, rebellious, and free—everything that embodies the open road. More importantly, it’s never the same twice. Whether you’re stopping for five minutes or an hour, Cadillac Ranch captures the constantly evolving spirit of travel itself.
The Big Things of Australia: An Ode to Local Pride
If you’ve ever driven the highways of Australia, you’ve likely encountered one of its famous “Big Things.” From the Big Banana in New South Wales to the Big Pineapple in Queensland and even the Big Prawn in Ballina, these oversized sculptures have become a quirky national tradition.
The Story: The trend began in the 1960s as a marketing gimmick for roadside businesses hoping to lure travelers. Over time, these kitschy giants became cultural icons. Today, Australia boasts more than 150 Big Things, each celebrating a local industry, product, or piece of folklore. They aren’t just photo ops—they’re community pride cast in fiberglass and steel.
Why It’s a Rewarding Detour: Chasing Big Things across Australia is a lighthearted way to experience the country’s vast landscape. These monuments encourage travelers to stop in smaller towns, meet locals, and discover hidden gems they’d otherwise pass by. Whether you’re snapping a selfie with a giant pineapple or stumbling across a big koala, each stop adds a dose of joy and curiosity to your journey.
The Mystery in the Desert: The Thing, Arizona
On Interstate 10 in Arizona, travelers are teased for miles with billboards asking a simple yet irresistible question: “The Thing?” For decades, these signs have lured drivers off the highway into one of America’s most mysterious roadside attractions.
The Story: Once you pay your small entry fee, you’re led through a winding exhibit filled with oddities—strange sculptures, cryptic messages, and curious relics. Each shed builds anticipation until you finally reach “The Thing.” The reveal may not live up to the suspense for some, but that’s part of the fun. It’s about the journey, the mystery, and the storytelling more than the object itself.
Why It’s a Rewarding Detour: The Thing is a reminder that curiosity is often more powerful than spectacle. It shows how humor, mystery, and a clever idea can create an enduring attraction. You’ll leave with a smile—and maybe a few laughs about the hype along the way.
Carhenge, Alliance, Nebraska: Stonehenge Meets Detroit
In a field near Alliance, Nebraska, visitors find a peculiar sight: a full-scale replica of Stonehenge, built not from ancient stones but from spray-painted cars. Created by artist Jim Reinders in 1987 as a memorial to his father, Carhenge uses 39 automobiles arranged in the same pattern as England’s prehistoric monument.
The Story: At first, Carhenge divided locals—was it art or just junk in a field? But over time, it became a beloved landmark, drawing tens of thousands of visitors every year. Today, it stands as both a parody and a celebration of human creativity, proving that even the quirkiest ideas can inspire a cult following.
Why It’s a Rewarding Detour: Carhenge is delightfully absurd and deeply American. It’s playful, photogenic, and a perfect reminder that the roadside attraction is as much about the imagination as the object itself. Plus, it’s one of the most Instagrammable detours you’ll ever find in Nebraska.
Your Guide to the Perfect Detour
So, how can you turn your next road trip into an adventure filled with roadside wonders? Here are a few practical tips:
Embrace the Unknown: Leave extra time in your itinerary for spontaneous stops. Some of the best memories come from surprises.
Follow the Signs: A hand-painted billboard or odd sculpture on the horizon is often worth checking out.
Ask the Locals: Gas station attendants and café owners usually know the quirkiest attractions nearby.
Use the Right Tools: Websites like Roadside America or Atlas Obscura can help you plan your own quirky treasure hunt.
Conclusion: The Journey Is the Destination
Roadside attractions aren’t just giant bananas, balls of twine, or painted cars in a field. They’re reminders that travel isn’t just about where you’re going—it’s about what you find along the way.
These quirky monuments invite you to pause, laugh, and marvel at the wonderfully strange things people dream up. More importantly, they remind us that the open road is a canvas for curiosity, creativity, and connection.
At ReachTV, we know the best adventures often happen when you least expect them. So next time you’re driving across town, across state lines, or across a continent—take the detour. The world’s weirdest wonders are waiting just around the bend.
