4 Unique Must-See Iconic Americana Roadside Attractions
Must-See Iconic Americana Roadside Attractions aren’t what you would plan your whole vacation around, but, they are something fun to stop and see as you are driving by.
We once traveled to a huge family reunion in Nebraska and the ONE thing I remember most is stopping along the Archway near Kearney, NE. It’s actually not in Kearney, it is OVER Interstate 80. It was a great place to visit. I loved putting on the headphones and relaxing as we listened to the commentator and walked around to see everything the museum had to offer.

The best part…seeing my grandmother, who was probably mid-eighties, wearing headphones. It’s probably what I remember most!
My point is sometimes roadside attractions can make your trip more enjoyable along the way!
Must-See Iconic Americana Roadside Attractions
Carhenge – Alliance, Nebraska
Population: 8,000
You might have to see it to believe this one! It’s like England’s Stonehenge, but one distinct feature, it is built from cars.

The Carhenge is built from vintage cars and painted in gray, it shows one family’s creativity and love for the road.
History of Carhenge
Built in 1987. By Jim Reinders as a tribute to his father, this unique structure was constructed during a family reunion.
Using 39 American-made automobiles, Reinders arranged them to mirror the prehistoric Stonehenge.
Each car is carefully positioned to replicate the dimensions and orientation of the original stones, creating an eerie yet fascinating sight right in the Nebraska farmlands.
Carhenge has grown in fame since being built and over the years grown into a popular roadside attraction.
For more about its intriguing history, visit Carhenge’s official site.
What to Expect When Visiting
Pulling up to Carhenge, the first thing you’ll notice is that it looks an awful lot like Stonehenge.
Except it’s not.
It’s gray-painted cars standing on end to create a look alike replica of the Stonehenge.
I can’t imagine how much time it took to do that.
Today, visitors can wander freely around the cars.

The site is open year-round and doesn’t charge an entrance fee, although donations are appreciated to help with maintenance.
Make sure to visit the “pit stop,” which is the gift shop!
In addition to the main Carhenge attraction, you’ll see more car-centric art pieces in the area, including:
- The Car Art Reserve: A collection of sculptures made from car parts.
- The Auto Art Sprawl: An area featuring various artistic interpretations using cars.
For those interested in visiting, you can find more details on Carhenge’s visitor information page.
Nearby Attractions
Alliance, Nebraska, might not seem like a bustling tourist hub, but it has a few things you might want to visit:
- Knight Museum and Sandhills Center: Here you will find the history of the Nebraska Sandhills and the pioneer spirit of the region.
- Dobby’s Frontier Town: Step back in time and experience the Old West town.
- Sallows Military Museum: A fascinating place for history buffs, showcasing military artifacts and memorabilia.
World’s Largest Ball of Twine – Cawker City, Kansas
Population: 455
Imagine rolling into a tiny Kansas town and finding a massive ball of twine—sounds quirky, right?

Welcome to Cawker City, home of the World’s Largest Ball of Twine.
The Story Behind the Ball of Twine
In 1953, Frank Stoeber started winding a ball of twine. He never intended to create something people would travel to see.
He was actually just cleaning up from the twine on his farm.
Yet, as his ball grew, it caught the attention of the people around him and visitors alike.

By 1957, the ball weighed 5,000 pounds, and it stood eight feet tall.
Over the years, Cawker City became known for having the biggest ball of twine.
Both locals and tourists can add more twine, making it a community project.
By 2009, the ball weighed a staggering 19,198 pounds and if you unraveled it, it would measure 1,510.31 miles in length. 🫣
Learn more about its history on Roadside America.
Annual Twine-a-Thon
Each August, Cawker City hosts the “Twine-a-Thon.”
This festival celebrates the ball and invites visitors to add their own piece of twine.
It’s a fun-filled event for all ages, complete with food, games, and music.
Townspeople and tourists come together, to get the chance to add their own piece of twine to the ball.
But, the Twine-a-Thon isn’t just about adding to the ball; it’s a day where everyone can enjoy:
- Live music
- Food and drink
- Family activities
For more details about the Twine-a-Thon, check out on their Facebook page.
Things to Know for Your Trip
Planning a trip to Cawker City? Seeing the World’s Largest Ball of Twine is a simple and worth the detour on your road trip.
There’s no admission fee; you can visit the ball anytime, day or night.
Before you set out, here are a few tips:
- Check the weather: Kansas weather can be unpredictable. Make sure you’re prepared for summer heat or sudden rain.
- Bring your own twine: If you want to add to the ball, bring some twine with you. It’s a great way to leave your mark.
Note: Only sisal twine can be added to the twine ball.
The Blue Whale of Catoosa – Catoosa, Oklahoma
If you’re road-tripping along Route 66, the Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma is a must stop and see kind of attraction.

It’s a giant blue whale that if you walk into the mouth it will lead you out into a pond. In the head, there is a ladder to climb up into the whale.
the Blue Whale begins
The Blue Whale was the thought of by Hugh S. Davis, a local zoologist.
In the early 1970s, he built this in hopes that his grandkids could play and swim there some day.
The whale, crafted from metal and cement, quickly became a local hangout spot for swimming and picnics.
When it was completed in 1972, kids and families flocked to the whale, making it a local hangout spot.
Over the years, it needed some TLC to stay afloat, but thanks to the efforts of volunteers and donations, the Blue Whale has been spruced up and is open to the public.
For more whale’s history, check out Blue Whale of Catoosa.
Activities and Amenities
The Blue Whale isn’t just a roadside photo op. There are some of activities to enjoy while you are there:
- Picnicking: The area is perfect for a picnic. Bring some snacks, grab a spot under the shade, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
- Fishing: The pond surrounding the whale is stocked with fish, making it a great spot to cast a line.
- Exploring: While swimming in the pond is no longer allowed, you can climb into the whale and wander around to explore its nooks and crannies.
- Restrooms: Restroom facilities are open during peak seasons.
For a full list of activities, visit the Blue Whale of Catoosa site.
How to Get There
If you’re already cruising down Route 66, the whale is just 14 miles northeast of Tulsa.

Located at 2600 N State Hwy 66 in Catoosa, Oklahoma,
You’ll be able to see it from the highway.
Whether you’re picnicking, fishing, or just snapping some quirky photos, this roadside attraction is sure to make your journey a little more fun.
The Shoe Tree – Middlegate, Nevada
Driving along US Highway 50 in Nevada, you might spot something you never thought you would see before: a tree that has hundreds of shoes hanging from it.
It is known as the Shoe Tree, this quirky landmark has become a favorite spot for road trippers and adventurers.

Interesting Fact: The Shoe Tree was actually cut down by vandals in 2010. However, some nearby trees have since taken over the role and are now covered with shoes themselves.
Legend of the Shoe Tree
The legend of the Shoe Tree starts with a newlywed couple’s fought.
According to one version of the story, after an argument, the groom threw his bride’s shoes into the tree to prevent her from leaving.
While he went to the local bar to have a drink.
Of course, the bartender talked him into going back and talking with his wife.
The couple eventually reconciled, but the shoes remained, sparking a tradition that has continued for years.
Visitors saw the shoes dangling from the tree and decided to add their own.
Over time, the tree became covered with footwear, each pair telling its own story of wanderers passing through the “Loneliest Road in America.“
For more on this local legend, check out Travel Nevada.
Contributions from Visitors
The Shoe Tree owes its colorful display to countless visitors who have stopped by to toss a pair of their own shoes into its branches.
For me…I would hate to lose a pair of shoes. 😂
But for those who stop and see the Shoe Tree, it’s a way for travelers to leave a mark, a small piece of their journey in the Nevada desert.
If you’re on a road trip and feeling adventurous, here’s how you can contribute:
- Bring an old pair of shoes: Preferably ones you won’t miss. 😆
- Find a good spot on the tree
How to Find the Shoe Tree

East of Fallon, Nevada the tree is on the north side of the road between Middlegate and Cold Springs. You can see the Shoe Tree at any time, all year around.
Lucy the Elephant – Margate City, New Jersey
Population: 5,200
Lucy the Elephant is a national historic landmark that has drawn visitors to Margate City, New Jersey, for over a century.

Lucy is not a small little thing, in fact, he is over 6 stories tall.
Fun Fact: Lucy is actually a male, not a female!
Historical Background
Lucy the Elephant was constructed in 1881 by James V. Lafferty, a real estate developer with a flair for the dramatic.
His goal was to attract potential buyers to his properties along the New Jersey coast.
He commissioned the wooden and tin structure in the shape of an elephant, a sight that was sure to draw eyes and spark curiosity.
The structure is an impressive piece of architecture:
- Height: Lucy stands at 65 feet tall.
- Materials: She’s built from nearly one million pieces of wood, covered with tin sheeting, and coated in 200 gallons of paint.
Over the years, Lucy has seen it all. She’s been a restaurant, a business office, and even a tavern.
The 1960s saw her fall into disrepair, but community efforts saved and restored her to her former glory.
For more on Lucy’s rich history, visit the official Lucy the Elephant history page.
Touring Lucy
Visiting Lucy is a unique experience. A guided tour takes you inside Lucy, offering fascinating insights and some breathtaking views up top.
Here’s what to expect:
- Interior Tour: Learn about Lucy’s history, structural design, and the story behind her creation as you explore her insides.
- Observation Deck: At the top, you’ll find an observation deck with an amazing view from above.
- Guided Tours: Each tour is 20-25 minutes.
Planning your visit? Check the visitor information for hours, admission, and more details.

Events and Activities
Lucy is a hub of activity and community events throughout the year.
Some annual highlights include:
- Lucy’s Birthday Party: Every July, Lucy celebrates her birthday with a grand party. Expect cake, live music, family activities, and more. Read more about the celebration here.
- Private Events: Lucy’s grounds and interiors can be rented for private events ranging from weddings to corporate gatherings. More details on private events can be found here.
For the latest events and activities, keep an eye on Lucy’s Facebook page.
If you are looking for a fun family outing, Lucy the Elephant is a must-see.
His grandeur and whimsical charm make him an unforgettable stop on your road trip.
Roadside attractions like these are a fun way to add excitement to your road trips. Whether you’re amazed by the creative of Carhenge, adding twine to the world’s largest ball, exploring the fun Blue Whale of Catoosa, throwing shoes onto the unique Shoe Tree, or visiting the giant Lucy the Elephant, each stop makes your trip more interesting. These places are not just about reaching your destination, but about making great memories along the way. So next time you’re on a road trip, take some time to visit these cool spots and create fun moments with your family and friends. Have a great trip!


