If you happen to be planning an excursion in the near future, it pays to appreciate some of the top spots. Let us therefore list a handful of amazing sights as well as some of the unique qualities associated with each.
The United States is quite unique in the fact that it represents a veritable patchwork of different cultures and traditions. This is why it only stands to reason that there are countless roadside attractions to experience. If you happen to be planning an excursion in the near future, it pays to appreciate some of the top spots. Let us therefore list a handful of amazing sights as well as some of the unique qualities associated with each.
The Seven Magic Mountains
Although many of us will immediately imagine the state of Nevada as offering nothing more than endless miles of deserts, a number of artists have made this state their home over the years. If you wish to take in a splash of colour during your visit, make it a point to experience the Seven Magic Mountains. These multi-hued cairns are veritable rainbows within the open landscape and they will provide ideal photographic opportunities.With 90% positive reviews and over 165,000 instagram tags. This is one not to be missed.
Devil's Tower
This is actually one of the most famous natural landmarks in the United States and it featured prominently in the film Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The Devil's Tower was formed over millions of years through relentless erosion and it now dominates the landscape. Located within the state of Wyoming, this mountain is said to attract well over 6,000 climbing enthusiasts each and every year. Standing more than 900 feet tall, this monolith is certainly worth a closer look.
Carhenge
As you might have already guessed, Carhenge is a contemporary tribute to the ruins of Stonehenge. The only major difference is that (naturally), this monument is found in the state of Nebraska and consists of numerous vehicles which have been carefully fitted together. Carhenge was the brainchild of artist Jim Reinders and it has attracted guests since 1987. Experts claim that this monument attracts well over 80,000 visitors each and every year.
London Bridge
It first may appear strange that a bridge is found in one of the driest states in the nation and yet, your eyes are not deceiving you. Perhaps the most interesting fact about this bridge is that it is not a reproduction. It is instead an actual bridge that had once spanned the Thames River. When Londoners discovered that it was subsiding, they opted to send it "across the pond" brick by brick. It is now located in the town of Lake Havasu and many will argue that London Bridge is the most well-known roadside attraction to be found in Arizona.
The Jolly Green Giant
This statue is a full 55 feet (16.7 metres) tall and it weighs more than 8,00 pounds. It was first erected in 1979 and the Jolly Green Giant has continued to attract visitors throughout the state of Minnesota due to its decidedly odd appearance. Unsurprisingly the Jolly Green Giant has a positive rating score of 84.9% and draws over 10,000 visitors per year which is reflected in almost 20,000 instagram hashtags.
The Fremont Troll
Although Washington state is primarily known for its capital city (Seattle), there are a handful of hidden gems to check out in greater detail during your next road trip. One interesting example can be seen in the decidedly imposing Fremont Troll. Of course, this troll is located beneath a bridge and it was created from hundreds of pounds of concrete. The troll has been guarding this underpass since 1990 and its fame continues to grow. If you are looking for a truly unique photographic opportunity, be sure to include this destination within your itinerary.
The World's Largest Beagle
This beagle is just over 30 feet tall and believe it or not, it is also a boutique hotel. Thus, it could represent the perfect opportunity to recharge your batteries before driving through the remainder of Idaho. It is located within the aptly named Dog Bark Park and guests can visit a nearby gift shop to pick up a handful of souvenirs before moving on.
Salvation Mountain
Located in California, Salvation Mountain is arguably the largest piece of folk art in the country. It was created by Leonard Knight and the entire project took over three decades to complete. This mountain is now thought to be one of the most well-known roadside attractions that the United States has to offer. More than 10,000 gallons of paint were used to create its stunning colours and due to the fact that it is found in the middle of a desert, its allure is impossible to miss.
Please note that these are only a handful of the roadside attractions which the United States has to offer. Information for this article has been referenced from and/or directly quoted from a recent study on roadside attractions from Money.co.uk.
Photo by Randy Laybourne on Unsplash
