Katelyn Van Hoosen
ROADSIDE AMERICA
A Tour of America’s Finest Attractions
With the rising number of people traveling long distances on the emerging highways, people began building roadside attractions to catch the attention of passing motorists. Oversized objects, pseudoscientific amusements, and mimetic architecture began popping up across the United States.
The oldest American roadside attraction, Lucy the Elephant was built by James V. Lafferty in 1881. Lucy was modeled after Jumbo, a famous circus elephant, and stands 65 feet tall. She is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, and continues to attract visitors year round.
LUCY THE ELEPHANT
9200 Atlantic Ave., Margate City, NJ 08402
Built by William “Babe” Devon, the World’s Largest Teapot was originally a sign for Hires Root Beer. A spout and handle were added and it was later moved to Chester. It served as a concession and souvenir stand as well.
WORLD’S LARGEST
TEAPOT
Co Hwy 30/6, Chester, WV 26034
The city of Chester has helped maintain the attraction, and in 2015 a small creamer was even installed next to the teapot.
GIANT GARDEN TROWEL Claes Oldenburg and his wife Coosje van Bruggen are widely known for their pop art sculptures. They have over 40 of them on display worldwide, with these three as just a few examples.
The Giant Garden Trowel was finished in 2001 and was placed on the grounds of the Meredith Corporation, publishers of Better Home and Gardens magazine.
1749 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309
WORLD’S LARGEST
STAMP
The World’s Largest Rubber Stamp was built in 1991 to honor Civil War soldiers and freedom from slavery. It stands 659 ft tall and is located in Willard Park. 601 Lakeside Ave. E, Cleveland, OH 44114
WORLD’S LARGEST
SHUTTLECOCKS The World’s Largest Shuttlecocks were made in 1994 and are on the lawn outside the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, with all four of them being 18 ft tall. 4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111
11160 US-23, Ossineke, MI 49766
DINOSAUR GARDENS A 40-acre “zoo”, Dinosaur Gardens was started by Paul N. Domke in the 1930s. The attraction is filled with homemade sculptures of dinosaurs, prehistoric mammals, and cavemen. Most recognizable is the large statue of Jesus that welcomes you into the park and is sure to be a unique combination.
111 3rd St. S, La Crosse, WI 54601
WORLD’S LARGEST SIX PACK
In 1969, the G. Heileman Brewery built six 54 ft tall storage tanks, that became the World’s Largest Six Pack. They were painted to reflect the company. City Brewery later got bought out by La Cross and were then covered in giant vinyl sleeves.
601 Lakeside Ave. E, Cleveland, OH 44114
THE WORLD’S ONLY
CORN PALACE
This palace was finished in 1921 by the firm Rapp and Rapp. Murals and designs covering the building are made of corn and other grains, and a new design is made every year. The Corn Palace holds many events, such as concerts, exhibits, and community gatherings. It is even celebrated each year with an annual Corn Palace Festival.
THE BLUE WHALE OF CATOOSA
Built by Hugh Davis in the early 1970s, the Blue Whale of Catoosa was originally made as a anniversary gift for his wife. It was later opened to the public, and people are able to swim in the pond it is located in. The whale also has a souvenir and concession stand, which is open in the summer and on weekends.
2600 U.S. Rte. 66, Catoosa, OK 74015
CADILLAC RANCH 13651 I-40 Frontage Rd., Amarillo, TX 79124
Created by The Ant Farm, Cadillac Ranch is composed of ten Cadillacs face down in the dirt. Since 1974, people have covered the cars in graffiti, and even taken pieces from it. Cadillac Ranch is open to the public at all hours, so be sure to bring a couple of cans of spray paint when you visit.
626 N. Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
HOLE N” THE ROCK
Hole N” The Rock is a natural geological formation in Papago Municipal Park. The sandstone is around 15 million years old, and the openings are thought to have been eroded by water. Free and open to the public every day, the natural geological wonder provides a beautiful view of Phoenix.
WORLD’S LARGEST ARTICHOKE Commissioned in 1963 for a roadside stand restaurant, the World’s Largest Artichoke stands 20 ft tall and 12 ft wide. Castroville is known as the Artichoke Center of the World, and this attraction is certainly fitting. Tourists often pull over to take pictures, and then continue on to the restaurant for a great meal.
11261 Merritt St., Castroville, CA 95012
ROADSIDE AMERICA With the wide variety of roadside attractions, one could spend plenty of time out on the road visiting them. Next time you hit the road, consider taking a few detours to see some of America’s greatest treasures.
1. Lucy the Elephant 2. World’s Largest Teapot 3. World’s Largest Rubber Stamp 4. Dinosaur Gardens 5. World’s Largest Six Pack 6. The World’s Only Corn Palace 7. Giant Garden Trowel 8. World’s Largest Shuttlecocks 9. The Blue Whale of Catoosa 10. Cadillac Ranch 11. Hole N” The Rock 12. World’s Largest Artichoke