As a life-long road tripper, I’ve seen my share of roadside attractions. I can’t resist a stop. As a result, numerous roadside attractions across the United States and Europe make their way into my travels. This month I’m sharing some of my favorites with you. You’re welcome!
A Classic Route 66 Attraction
Perhaps one of the most recognized roadside attractions in America, Cadillac Ranch is the brainchild of a group named Ant Farm. Founders Chip Lord, Doug Michels, and Hudson Marquez often made use of popular USA icons as a strategy to display the trends in current cultural imagery.
Sponsored by and installed on the property of Texas millionaire Stanley Marsh 3, Cadillac Ranch began when 10 Cadillacs were driven into his field. Half-buried, nose-down in the dirt, the Cadillacs supposedly mimic the same angle as the Great Pyramid of Giza. They face west in a line, chronologically from the 1949 Club Sedan to the 1963 Sedan de Ville, their tail fins held high for all to see. The exhibit serves as a tribute to the rise and fall of American culture – just like the rise and fall of the Cadillac tail fin.
At the time of the burial in 1974, minimal thought was given to preservation. As a result most of the cars no longer have doors, tail lights, or bumpers. Initially, people scratched their names into the paint. Today everyone brings spray paint and adds their own interpretation to this iconic exhibit of Americana.
World’s Largest Working Fire Hydrant
They say everything’s bigger in Texas. The 24-foot-tall Dalmatian-spotted fire hydrant standing in front of the Fire Museum of Texas in Beaumont confirms the rumor. Donated to the city by Disney to mark the re-release of the animated movie 101 Dalmatians in 1999, the 4,500 lb. hydrant can blast 1,500 gallons of water a minute. The big dog doesn’t stand alone. Twelve small Dalmatian-spotted hydrants also surround the square.
A Remote Alaska Igloo Attracts Wild Guests
Driving along Alaska’s Parks Highway from Anchorage to Fairbanks you expect to see epic landscapes, snow-covered mountains and possibly wildlife. You might not expect to see a giant four-story concrete igloo. Originally intended to be the Igloo City Hotel, this 1970s structure couldn’t meet building codes at the time. So now it sits abandoned at Mile Marker 188.7, littered with graffiti and occasionally occupied by the wild locals – bears, moose and wolves.
Art in the Desert
Driving into the small town of Borrego Springs, CA at the edge of Anza-Borrego State Park, unexpected large-scale artwork dots the landscape. The vision of the now-deceased Dennis Avery, the founder of Avery Labels, 130 metal sculptures are scattered across the Galleta Meadows Estate. You’ll find dinosaurs, giant insects, camels, wild horses and Nessie the Loch Ness Monster among the sculptures. Avery commissioned artist and welder Ricardo Breceda to craft these intriguing sculptures. The art legacy Avery left behind is a local treasure and a surprising find in this desert landscape.
Forever Marilyn
Wander the streets in the heart of Palm Springs and you’ll find yourself staring up at a larger-than-life sculpture of Marilyn Monroe. Forever Marilyn captures the essence of the star’s magnetic charm and allure. This larger than life sculpture serves as a testament to her lasting impact on American popular culture.
Cheese Please
America isn’t the only place with roadside attractions worthy of a stop. In Sweden I happened upon the world’s largest cheese slicers. Although Norway gets credited as the origin of the cheese slicer, Sweden gets to claim the world’s largest title. You’ll find these eye-catching kitchen tools between the cities of Umeå and Skellefteå just outside of the tiny town of Ånäset in an area known as the Kingdom of Cheese. Admittedly, it is difficult to depart from a place known as the Kingdom of Cheese. But, at least I had the opportunity to photograph two 23-foot-tall, 1,800 pound cheese slicers. Priceless.
Keep Your Eyes on the Moose
Sweden may claim the giant cheese slicers, but Norway claims an equally impressive moose. A drive down Norway’s route E3 delivers views of scenic forests, waterfalls and mountains. It also serves up a mega moose. Standing at just over 32 feet tall, Storelgen, the majestic moose was created as a rest stop for road trippers driving between Oslo and Trondheim. It also offers a not-so-subtle reminder for drivers to keep an eye out for moose along the road.