Rolling Along Down the Highway

Alaska

When in Alaska on Ada Island stop by to see the Adak National Forest. Sure it only has a grove of 33 pines that have survived the Alaskan climate but there is a nice sign that says “You are now entering and leaving the Adak National Forest as you drive by. You might want to stop and take a picture. It seemed like a good idea when there was only one tree and others could be planted. During WW II US Army General Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr. decided it would be a good idea to start a tree-planting program. The program was meant to boost the morale of the soldiers who were stationed at this remote Alaskan outpost. Unfortunately, the planted trees could not thrive in the harsh climate but a grove of 33 trees finally survived.

Florida

In Oak Hill, Florida you’ll find the Uncomfortable Fisherman. This is the statue of Captain J. Goodrich depicted sitting upon his ship’s wheel.

He can be seen outside of Goodrich Seafood, where you can relax and have a meal.

Idaho

When in Boise, Idaho people were amazed when passing the Maytag Laundry Building they saw a large statue of a washerwoman. Years passed and the building became a restaurant called Cucina di Paolo. However, the washerwoman remained and today she can be seen wearing different outfits depending on the weather or the holiday. You can take a break from driving, have a meal, and get a good look at the washerwoman.

Illinois

In Rockford, Illinois people are amazed when seeing the Rockmen Guardians. These are 12-foot-tall statues that have been made out of boulders and cement by artist Terese Agnew. Each statue has its one unique pose and the leader of them all wields a stone sword. They are located near the Rock River Recreation Path.

Iowa

Ames, Iowa will greet you with Elwood a 15-foot-tall gnome. He is located in Reiman Gardens on the Iowa State University campus. He holds the record for being the tallest concrete garden gnome.

Kansas

Art lovers will discover that Goodland, Kansas has a 32-foot-tall replica of the painting Sunflowers by Vincent Van Gogh. The painting sits on an 80-foot-tall easel easily seen from the highway. It pays homage to the state of Kansas being known as The Sunflower State. All around Goodland, you can see many sunflower fields.

Kentucky

Even though it is not the same thing as Stonehenge in the UK still it is called Kentucky’s Stonehenge. This is the effort of the former mayor of Mudfordville constructed twenty years ago. Chester Fryer took the time to arrange the rocks so that the light and shadow offered the right kind of show every solstice time.

Massachusetts

When you see the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast in Fall River, Massachusetts, and remember the murderous axe story about Lizzie Borden you might think twice about spending the night. However, this is a fascinating home to see because it is the same infamous Massachusetts home where Lizzie Borden allegedly murdered her father and stepmother. Visitors get a ghost tour taking them to some haunted locations near the home. Be brave stay for the night and have breakfast the next morning just like the Bordens did the morning they met with their demise.

Michigan

If you’re a fan of dinosaurs then Ossineke, Michigan is the place for you. Dinosaur Gardens is a prehistoric park featuring 40 acres of dinosaur fun. There are over two dozen sculptures of dinosaurs that were created by sculptor Paul Domke between 1935 and 1967. Among the highlights is a 60,000-pound Brontosaurus measuring over 8 feet long.

If you suddenly feel like you’re in Jurrasic Park take a deep breath and keep in mind these are not mechanical and the movie won’t repeat itself.

Minnesota

If you need gas and a restroom break and are in Cloquet, Minnesota stop by the Lindholm Service Station. This is the only operational service station that was destined by well-known American architect and designer Frank Lloyd Wright. This gas station was part of his utopian Broadacre City concept. The station building has a cantilevered copper roof and a second-story glass observation deck. From the deck, you can gaze all around at your surroundings and see people gas up. It is also the only gas station in the US with a sign that celebrates the architect.

Missouri

In Branson, Missouri you can visit the world’s largest toy museum.

You can also enjoy such thrills are the World’s Largest Ball of Twine as well as the World’s Largest Roll of Charmin. The toilet paper roll measures 9.73 feet in diameter and equals 95,000 regular rolls. Ripley’s Believe It or Not states that this roll could last the average person around 1900 years. Imagine one purchase if such a roll was for sale and no more money spent on toilet paper and enough for future generations.

Montana

In Arlee, Montana you can visit the lovely Ewam Sang-ngag Ling Garden of One Thousand Buddhas in the Jocko Valley. Here you can relax and contemplate life among the Buddhas. This center also hosts festivals and holds classes.

Nevada

If you’re not afraid of clowns but are a fan of them then stop by the Clown Motel in Tonopah, Nevada. It is located in a remote part of the Nevada desert and can be a nice relaxing break from driving. You’ll be greeted by clowns of every shape and size.

Making it a bit of a creepy kind of location next door to the motel you’ll find an old miners’ graveyard. If you wake up to the laughter of a clown don’t worry reception is just a phone call away but you never know who is minding the motel in the middle of the night.

New Hampshire

Can I introduce you to the Betty and Barney Hill Alien Abduction Gas Station? Located in Lincoln, New Hampshire it sits on the edge of the White Mountain National Forest. Inside the convenience store you’ll find posters and displays that commemorate the alleged 1961 alien abduction of a local couple Betty and Barney Hill, who just happen to own this property, There is a historical marker up the road that indicates the spot where this mysterious abduction occurred.

New Jersey

After many years and centuries Lucy the Elephant still stands in Margate City, New Jersey. She is a six-story-tall elephant that can be found in Margate City right outside of Atlantic City and has been here since 1881.

Do some traveling around New Jersey and in Edison, you’ll find The World’s Largest Lightbulb. Remember this is the home of American inventor Thomas Alva Edison.

In Shamong you’ll be amazed to see Mighty Joe, a 25-foot-tall fiberglass gorilla.

New Mexico

Do you love pistachios? Then you have to stop in Pistacioland in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and see the 30-foot-tall pistachio statue. Tim, the son of the original owner of the farm Tom McGinnis had the landmark constructed in honor of his father in 2008. At the McGinnis’ Pistachio Tree Ranch and Winery Gift Shop, you can purchase gourmet candy, popcorn, and nuts.

Ohio

The Hartman Rock Garden in Springfield, Ohio is the creation of a man named Ben Hartman. During the Great Depression in 1932 Hartman who was a molder lost his job. To keep busy he decided to build a new fishing pond in his backyard. However, over the next seven years, he just kept on building things like cathedrals, castles, and fountains among other things. Today you can tour his garden still on the former property Harman owned.

Pennsylvania

You might remember the children’s rhyme about the old woman who lived in a shoe. Well in Hellam, Pennsylvania you can see The Haines Shoe House. The building resembles a shoe and was built by businessman/philanthropist Mahlon Haines to promote his chain of shoe stores. He had the building built to look like one of his bestselling boots. It is closed from November through March, There is also a shoe-shaped dog house.

Rhode Island

Stop by to see The Mystery Tower of Newport. No one knows the origin of this tower but some guesses are it was built by Vikings while others think by the Knights Templar. The local museum suggests it is the base of a windmill.

The tower is interesting when it is lit at night.

South Carolina

As long as the creatures don’t come too close to me I always think that their given toothy leers are like great big smiles. What am I talking about? Alligators. At Myrtle Beach, South Carolina you can visit Alligator Adventure where you can get closer than usual to over 750 alligators.

The one that stands out is Utan, King of the Crocs. This fellow is part saltwater and part Siamese crocodile.

South Dakota

Did you want just a plain drugstore? You have got to see Wall Drug in Wall, South Dakota in the Great Black Hills. In 1931 Ted Hustead opened a small drug store and offered tourists free ice water. He advertised Wall Drug on billboards all across the country. In the 1970s his son Bill took over and expanded the store. All around the property, you can see things like a mini-Mount Rushmore, a giant T-Rex, and other interesting items.

Texas

You’ll find the fantastic Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. Helium magnate Stanley Marsh 3 got together with the San Francisco, California art collective The Ant Farm and built this incredible public art installation. There are ten Cadillacs half-buried in a cow pasture their trunks up in the air. The car bodies are decorated with colorful graffiti. Visitors are encouraged to leave some of their own marks on the sculptures.

Washington DC

Do you remember seeing the horror classic “The Exorcist” in 1973? Did you ever imagine someone’s head spinning around on their necks? Well, with thoughts of this movie, you can carefully approach those fatal 72-step stairs that Father Damien Karras portrayed by Jason Miller tumbled down to his death after leaping from the window in the movie. They are located in the Georgetown neighborhood and these steep narrow stairs have become a tourist attraction, A plaque marking the site as an official historical landmark was unveiled by Mayor Muriel Bower in 2015.