Roadside Attractions: Guide to Uniquely Odd Tourist Attractions
Roadside attractions are a uniquely American phenomenon. They are kitschy, bizarre, and often downright strange, but they also offer a glimpse into our shared history and culture. From giant fiberglass dinosaurs to corn palaces, roadside attractions are a reminder of our collective imagination and our willingness to celebrate the absurd.
There are many different types of roadside attractions, but some of the most common include:
- Giant sculptures: These attractions are often made of fiberglass or concrete and depict everything from mythical creatures to historical figures. Some of the most famous giant sculptures include the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues in Bemidji, Minnesota, and the Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz, California.
- Oddities museums: These museums display all sorts of strange and unusual objects, from shrunken heads to two-headed animals. Some of the most popular oddities museums include the Museum of Jurassic Technology in Los Angeles, California, and the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum chain.
- Corn palaces: These structures are made entirely of corn stalks and other agricultural materials. They are often decorated with elaborate designs and sculptures. Some of the most famous corn palaces include the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota, and the World’s Largest Corn Maze in West Salem, Wisconsin.
- Dinosaur parks: These parks feature life-sized models of dinosaurs, often made of fiberglass or concrete. Some of the most popular dinosaur parks include the Dinosaur World in Cave City, Kentucky, and the Cabazon Dinosaurs in Cabazon, California.
Roadside attractions have been around for centuries, but they really took off in the United States in the early 20th century. This was due in part to the rise of the automobile, which made it possible for people to travel long distances and see these attractions. Roadside attractions also flourished during the Great Depression, when they offered a cheap and entertaining way for people to escape their troubles.
Today, roadside attractions are still popular, but they face increasing competition from online entertainment. However, there is still something about these kitschy and bizarre attractions that captures the imagination of people of all ages. They offer a glimpse into our shared history and culture, and they remind us that there is still room for wonder in the world.
Here are some of the most famous roadside attractions in the United States:
- The Mystery Spot: This attraction in Santa Cruz, California, is said to have strange gravitational forces that make people appear to walk uphill and buildings appear to lean at strange angles.
- The World’s Largest Ball of Twine: This ball of twine is located in Darwin, Minnesota, and it is made up of over 600,000 skeins of twine.
- The Corn Palace: This palace in Mitchell, South Dakota, is made entirely of corn stalks and other agricultural materials. It is decorated with elaborate designs and sculptures.
- The Cabazon Dinosaurs: These giant fiberglass dinosaurs are located in Cabazon, California. They are a popular tourist destination and have been featured in several movies and television shows.
- The Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues: These giant statues are located in Bemidji, Minnesota. They depict Paul Bunyan, a legendary lumberjack, and his ox, Babe.
These are just a few of the many roadside attractions that can be found across the United States. They are a unique part of our culture and history, and they offer a glimpse into our shared imagination. If you’re ever on a road trip, be sure to keep an eye out for these quirky and fascinating attractions. You might just be surprised at what you find.