Arresting roadside attractions
have their own unique charm. There are various attractions that have captured
the eyes of tourists from across the world. A roadside trip in America can be
rewarding.
Till now, you have heard
about the famous attractions across different countries. But do you know that
there are few amazing roadside attractions that not only draw your attention
but also leave you awe-struck.
Let us learn about few amazing
roadside attractions:
The Prada Marfa Store-TX
If you are looking for a gas station, you may find it hard
on the empty stretch of U.S. 90. But you will come across a store with high-end
accessories there. Gaze at window and 20 left-foot shoes and six purses will be
easily visible though the front side. Situated around 150 miles southeast of El
Paso, this famous store was established in 2005. The door is permanently locked
and is a growing population of moths.
World’s Largest Ball
of Twine-Cawker City, KS
In the year 1953, Frank Stoeber initiated winding twine in
his basement. Driven by outdo the majestic Johnson Twine Ball in Darwin, he
worked tirelessly till his death in 1974. This 12 foot wide structure was
finished one foot short of his goal. Since that time, inhabitants and tourists
visiting Cawker City have been adding to ball in the annual Twineathon
organized in August. It now weighs around nine tons and measures 40 feet. The
twine ball perfectionist complains that, like running the marathon, twine
balling should be also an individual pursuit.
Cadillac Ranch-Amarillo,
TX
This graveyard of 10 Cadillacs dates back to 1949 and 1963
glory years. Built in the year 1974 by three artists, Doug Michels, Hudson
Marquez and Chip Lord, the prescient installation alludes to the rise and fall
of the automotive industry of America. Situated on I-40, Cadillac Ranch is an
interactive exhibit. Tourists are motivated to bring markers or paint whatever
they like to add to the graffiti.
Leaning Tower of
Niles-Niles, IL
Reflecting the excellent water-tower art, the half-scale
replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is an amazing attraction. Created by
industrialist Robert llg in the year 1934, the tower flutters precariously on
the main lane of Touhy Avenue above two swimming pools. It used to be the Recreation
Park of the company. Today, the tower serves as a central point for the small
community with concerts and sprawling Water Park. The unlikely bond with Italy
was concluded in 1991 when Pisa and Niles became sister cities.
Purple Martin House-Griggsville,
IL
There was a time when Griggsville IL was trammeled between a
marsh place. Till 1962, the town faced an annual mosquito plague of biblical
proportions. Then is when residents observed that purple martins not only liked
to reside the eaves of local houses but they were eating up to 2,000 mosquitoes
a day. He quickly turned his antenna factory into a birdhouse production line.
Today there are around 5, 000 birdhouses line Quincy Street that has been
renamed Purple Martin Boulevard in regard to the town’s newfound feathered
friends.
Wee’l Turtle-Dunseith,
ND
How do you use 2,000 old wheel rims? George Gottbreht, the
owner of Dale’s Thrifty Barn turned them into a tall turtle that has a height
of 18 foot. Constructed in 1982, the turtle pays homage to nearby Turtle
Mountain State Park. For a time, the abstract shape was mistaken for a lizard,
so Gottbreht joined a motor to infuse the head with some turtle-y-motion. Like
a chameleon, the turtle wears a red Santa Claus hat during the holiday season.
Lucy the Elephant-Margate,
NJ
It was the first example of zoomorphic architecture in the
U.S. situated in Margate NJ. This much appreciated roadside folly is artfully
crafted from wood and tin. It has proved more versatile than her creator
imagined. Lying around 65 feet, it houses a sprawling hall where Lucy has at
different times served as a bar, a summer home and an office.
The Shoe Tree-Middlegate,
NV
Legend state that a couple of newlywed campers were tangled
in argument under this cottonwood tree in 1980s. She intimated to walk out so
he lofted her shoes high into the branches and then cooled his heels at a bar
in adjoining Middlegate. The couple made amends when they had their first
child. Then they returned to the lonely stretch of Highway 50 to add a pair of
baby booties. Inspired by them, others soon followed suit. Now the tree’s
boughs are heavy with thousands of footwear hanging from their laces like ripe
cherries.
Big Blue Bug-Providence
The Big Blue Bug was constructed in just four days in the
year 1980 to settle atop New England Pest Control in Providence. This gawky
sculpture bears a closer facsimile to a turnip and was named Nibbles Wood away
in a radio contest and since then it has seen unending controversy. He has been
shot at the proposed beneath, highlighted in the film Dumb and Dumber,
transformed into a tattoo. It was once the subject of a lawsuit. Like the bugs
he displays which is impossible to dispose of.
Fremont Troll-Seattle
Lying in the shadow of an overpass in Seattle hides a huge
one-eyed troll clasping a Volkswagen Bettle. This two-ton sculpture was formed
in 1990 by four local artists as part of a competition to promote urban
renewal. The ugly demon was originally neglected by the judging committee. But
it appealed locals, win the popular vote and the right to scare underpass
always.
UFO Landing Port-Green
Bay, WI
Stretching around 42 feet, this extraterrestrial airport is situated
on Highway 29, in the east of Green Bay. Aliens wishing to use the feature,
they can visit in Tohak & Son Welding shop. The owner Tohak created the
structure from a hollow fuel tank, zero irony and scrap iron. A sign on the
structure suggests if the government has no knowledge of aliens what was the
need of making it illegal for US citizens to have any contact with their
vehicles.
Salvation Mountain-Niland,
CA
Knight could not launch his homemade hot-air balloon
therefore he created this fabulous roadside attraction. After it split in 1984,
Knight also decided to leave his hometown of Niland, CA. His departing gift was
to be a miniature shrine created from half a bag of cement situated on a
forgotten riverbank on Beal Road near the boundary of town. In 25 years and
100,000 gallons of donated paint, his psychedelic sculpture is a dazzling
display of flowers, scripture, waterfalls and patriotism.
Largest Ten
Commandments-Murphy, NC
Situated 18 miles west of Murphy on NC-294 is a theme park
that features the Bible’s greatest hits. The Fields of the Wood is formed by
the Church of God of Prophecy in the 1940s. This super-sized tribute highlights
the Ten Commandments on a hillside, a 50 foot wide concrete Bible, a baptismal swimming
pool, a 80 foot alter and an interesting replica of Christ’s tomb.
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