10 Midwest Roadside Attractions to Visit
Road Trip Time! Unique Midwest Roadside Attractions
1. The World's Largest Horseshoe (Cairo, IL)
Well, it isn’t the edible Springfield horseshoe that we all know and love, but it will do, right? Located right at the entrance of the Martinsville Agricultural Fairgrounds, this cast-iron horseshoe weighs 1,144 pounds!
Distance: 2 hours 30 minutes
This giant horseshoe sculpture in Cairo, IL, is a tribute to the region’s history and the local love for horseshoes. It's a fun spot for a photo op!
2. World's Largest Catsup Bottle (Collinsville, IL)
It’s really an odd thing to see out your window. It isn’t something that I have ever noticed from the highway, or even just driving in the area. You kind of have to be directly in the town to see it, but that’s ok! Collinsville is a great, safe town and the sheer uniqueness of the bottle replica alone is worth the dive.
Distance: 1 hour 45 minutes
This 170-foot tall water tower shaped like a ketchup bottle is one of Illinois' most iconic roadside attractions. It's hard to miss and has become an Instagram favorite.
3. The Gateway Arch (St. Louis, MO)
Go go go! The arch is everything to the Midwest. Standing 630 feet tall and 630 feet wide, the arch is not only the tallest monument in the United States, but it is also the world’s tallest arch! Still, the most amazing fact (to me), is that The Gateway Arch is not only a national park, but it’s the smallest national park in the nation. That’s a lot to be able to check off the bucket list in one stop.
Distance: 1 hour 20 minutes
While a bit more mainstream, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis is a must-see for its sheer scale. Take a tram ride to the top for an amazing view of the city and the Mississippi River.
4. The Mermet Springs (Metropolis, IL) & Superman
It is not an attraction, but you may be attracted to the concept – especially if you are an ocean lover that loves to dive or, if you plan on going somewhere tropical for your honeymoon and plan on scuba diving! Mermet Springs is dedicated to providing dive shops, instructors and dive first calls service and amenities.
While in Metropolis, you simply can not leave that town without visiting the 15-foot tall statue of Superman. While you’re there visit the Superman Museum where they house memorabilia, costumes and various artifacts from different eras of the characters portrayal.
Distance: 2 hours 45 minutes
Known as one of the best scuba diving spots in the Midwest, Mermet Springs offers a unique underwater experience. While it's not exactly a traditional roadside attraction, it's definitely off the beaten path!
In 1972, both the Illinois State Legislature and DC Comics officially recognized Metropolis as Superman’s hometown.
The city is located on the Ohio River and has a population of 6,000.
5. The World's 2nd Largest Rocking Chair (Foley, MO)
It used to be the world’s largest rocking chair, but that title is no longer the case. It’s now the second largest, but it’s still huge and still worth stopping for a picture (who doesn’t want to pretend to be Edith Ann from Laugh-In?). The chair stands over 42 feet tall and is crafted out of welded steel. When it was first created, the giant rocker was able to sway back and forth, but people became terrified while rocking, causing the structure to now be securely welded to the ground.
Distance: 3 hours 30 minutes
Standing at 42 feet tall, this giant rocking chair in Foley, MO, is both fun and relaxing to check out. It’s near a gift shop, so you can pick up some souvenirs as well.
6. The Enchanted Route 66 (Cuba, MO)
First, sound like traveler! Tell people you went to Cuba! Cuba, Missouri, that is. And while you’re there, check out the Route 66 mural! Situated along the Route 66 corridor, the Historic Uptown tells Cuba’s history from the start is 1857. Each mural depicts an iconic tale of war, adventure, intrigue and love. Visit the Crawford County Historical Society. View artifacts and exhibits that include handmade quilts, vintage apparel, Osage artifacts, archaic farm tools, and much more!
Distance: 3 hours
Cuba, MO, is home to a series of colorful murals and fun Route 66 landmarks. It’s a quirky little town with some great photo opportunities, like the "Mural City" and the "Shiny Top" gas station.
7. The Giant Green Dinosaur (Murphysboro, IL)
Except, this isn’t a dinosaur – so don’t tell kids you’re taking them to see a green dinosaur, because it’s actually a statue of bigfoot! Officially known as “Big Muddy Monster”, this statue symbolizes a story that has been running rampant in the town since 1973. Sighting and descriptions of glowing red eyes have been told and kept alive through community storytelling, local newspaper articles and even police reports.
Distance: 1 hour 45 minutes
Standing proudly in Murphysboro, this 40-foot tall green dinosaur (not really a dinosaur!! Note that before you take kids to see a “dinosaur”!) is a nod to the prehistoric past of the region. It’s a fun stop for both kids and adults.
8. World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things (Bucyrus, KS)
Lets all give thanks to artist Erika Nelson. She made miniature replicas of famous “worlds largest” roadside attractions and put them all in one space! Why drive all over the US looking for the exact ones (think National Lampoons Vacation when Clark Griswold was determined to dive the family 4 hours out of their away, just to see the world’s largest ball of twine), when you can just go here and see them all in one place…. just smaller! Very practical when on a time frame or to make fun memories with the families.
Distance: 5 hours
This collection features miniature replicas of famous giant structures around the country. If you're in the mood for something quirky and mind-bending, this one’s a trip!
9. Carhenge (Alliance, NE)
Not all things can be understood. This is just one of them. Carhenge is open year-round, from dawn to dusk. It’s not a scaled replica of the original Stonehenge, but it’s something you probably wouldn’t see again somewhere else. Although, driving from Las Vegas to LA, I did see something like this in the middle of the desert. But rather than stone, this structure is made of all cars and painted grey.
Distance: 6 hours
A replica of Stonehenge but made entirely out of cars! Located in Alliance, NE, Carhenge is a truly bizarre and fun roadside attraction, perfect for fans of odd sculptures.
10. The Pontiac Oakland Museum (Pontiac, IL)
Even though Pontiac cars haven’t been made since 2009, there is an entire museum dedicated to them in Pontiac, IL! World-renown Pontiac expert and collector Tim Dye has come together with the City of Pontiac to build a showcase to the car brand, to reminisce about the good ole days of cruising around the town.
Distance: 1 hour 15 minutes
For those interested in the history of Route 66, this small but fascinating museum showcases the history of America's "Main Street" with a ton of memorabilia and displays.
These roadside gems should offer a mix of history, kitsch, and quirky Americana that’s perfect for a road trip. Let me know if you want more details on any of these!
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