Road trips are a staple of travel enthusiasts around the world, and the US is a great place for one because it offers so many different regions. There are so many unique places in the US to visit that it’s incredibly hard to narrow them all down to one trip. The trick is to find out what you’re interested in and break them up into smaller trips.
We’ve discovered five very unique places in the US that you can visit on your next road trip. These ideas will give you a different perspective and a little “quirkiness” to add to your plans. We’ve also included a bonus road trip that hits some major American landmarks for the history buffs in your car.
5 Unique Places in the US to Visit on Your Next Road Trip
Sure, there’s incredible beauty in the significant and traditional attractions nationwide, but so many fun and quirky places are often skipped over. Since the freeway systems have taken over the primary transport infrastructure, they bypass nearly all tiny towns, essentially erasing them from living memory—the tragedy described in Radiator Springs with the Pixar film, Cars.
That being said, we picked out some interesting, unique, and quirky places you can include on your next road trip below.
1. Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo, TX
If you find yourself traveling through northern Texas and are an aspiring artist, this living and ever-evolving public interactive art installation is a must see. In 1974, a group of artists created this installation by burying 10 Cadillacs varying from 1949-1963, nose down in a row similar to the jutting rocks in the background.
Guests are encouraged to bring along a can of spray paint or another paint medium to add their touch to the exhibit and take photos of the evolution of the art upon each Caddy. Generations have built layers of art onto this landmark atop the original Day-Glo paint Ant Farm, the art group that spearheaded the project.
2. The Fremont Troll – Seattle, WA
In the story about the Billy Goats Gruff, it’s said that a Troll guards the bridge between here and greener pastures.
In the late 80s, the Fremont Art Council held a permanent art installation competition. The goal was to clean up and rehab the space under the bridge, which had become a hazardous dumping place.
The 18 foot mixed material troll originated from Scandinavian folklore and grasps an actual Volkswagon Bug with California plates. The troll lives under the George Washington Memorial Bridge in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. It is the main attraction of the annual Trolloween in the fall season.
3. The Enchanted Highway – Regent, ND
For some, the idea of “reuse, reduce, recycle” goes to new extremes. Along Highway 94 in North Dakota, you’ll be driving along the scenic highway, pull off to stretch your legs, and find yourself suddenly surrounded by giant scrap metal sculptures.
The abrupt shift from the open road to Titanesque metal grasshoppers and leaping deer can be jarring, but once you’ve passed the initial shock, you’ll find yourself staring in wonder. Pull off the main highway at exit 72, and meander your way through the feats of creativity and ingenuity that create these enormous sculptures.
4. Miles the Monster – Dover, DE
Perhaps Miles is the cousin of the Fremont Troll, perhaps not. When you’re in town for the races, you’ll be greeted by the Dover International Speedway’s mascot, Miles the Monster. In 2000, the angular concrete giant was born amidst a significant overhaul and upgrade of the track and facilities.
Since the raceway started hosting NASCAR, Indie 500, and other car races, it’s been colloquially called the Monster Mile. It only made sense to create a personified embodiment of the sentiment. Mile’s glowing red eyes can be seen from the highway over half a mile away and are part of the excitement of arriving at the races. He is holding a real racecar to demonstrate the scale of the races.
5. Carhenge – Alliance, NE
Speaking of cars and scrap metal, sculpture artists seem to enjoy working with cars as a medium for expression. In Alliance, Nebraska, resourceful artists created an automotive imitation of Stonehenge. This scale model of the mysterious stone sculpture is made from cars and is surrounded by many other car-related statues.
You can find memorabilia of your visit to this quirky stop at the seasonal gift shop and share your photo ops with friends and families, just because. The town of Alliance has taken this funky and whimsical attraction to heart and offers kind hospitality to visitors of the excellent car circle year-round.
Bonus: 10 Day Road Trip from Rapid City, SD to Salt Lake City, UT
This special road trip is a guided tour offered by Wanderland Escapes. During this amazing road trip, you’ll be on a comfortable coach, have the ability to skip lines at the attractions, sleep in comfortable and unique lodging, and enjoy some included meals.
Review the destinations below, then reach out to us to discover how to book your inclusive road trip to see much of this US Settlement history.
Mount Rushmore
Starting in South Dakota, no road trip is complete without visiting Mount Rushmore. The giant carved faces of several of our founding fathers is a landscape that people think of when they remember their US History textbooks and geography lessons.
Crazy Horse Monument
Neighboring the monument of Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Monument (once it’s finished) will be a sculpture of the Lakota warrior, Crazy Horse, sitting atop his warhorse and pointing to his people’s land. It is on private land, built entirely on donations and funds gained from admission to the monument.
Construction began on the project in 1948 and work continues to this day. The answer as to when the completion of this project will be is unknown.
Deadwood and Sheridan
Meander in the streets of the wild west, previously the stomping grounds of Wild Bill Hickok, Potato Creek Johnny, and Calamity Jane. These towns are a blast from the past, bringing you into the history of the Gold Rush, complete with the romance and tragedy that period in our history is known for.
Little Bighorn National Battlefield Memorial
This memorial field looks like any other graveyard, but the longer you look, the more you see. The waving grasses are dotted with gravestones representing the 268 US soldiers who gave their final sacrifice for their country while fighting the thousands of Lakota and Cheyenne warriors over the ownership and use of their ancestral lands.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West – Cody, WY
Along with learning more about the wild west and the industry of Show Business in those rough stock riding times, you’ll enjoy the scenic wonder of the drive through the Shoshone National Forest and enjoy the companionship of those you’re traveling with.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a very popular bucket list item for many people. Home to Old Faithful, the famous volcanic geyser, hot springs, herds of roaming buffalo, and hundreds of other native species. Additionally, you can learn a lot about the thermal hotbeds that have created massive water spouts and unique climate settings for many centuries.
Grand Teton National Park
This tour rounds the bends of the winding roads of the Grand Teton National Park. Working your way around the foothills of some of the country’s most picturesque mountain scenes, you’re likely to see many animals among the lush forest and rushing rivers you pass—over 200 miles of walking trails and spaces to float or swim in the Snake River.
Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson is part of the famous Jackson Hole Valley region. This bustling city is the central epicenter of snow sports in Wyoming. It’s the city that will never hibernate with a bit of snowfall. Home to the National Elk Refuge, the Town Square features a genuinely awe-inspiring display of shed antler arches. Within the National Museum of Wildlife Art walls, you can find works by Georgia O’Keeffe and Andy Warhol.
Salt Lake City, UT
This road trip tour wraps up over breakfast in Salt Lake City, Utah. For those that missed the city, you’ll be right at home in the bustle of this beautiful but laid-back metropolis. Museums, art galleries, fine dining, and outdoor sports make this a great place to end this amazing road trip.
Live Your Best Life with Funky Travel and New Experiences
When was the last time you took a field trip to see an artistically arranged pile of cars or a carved troll sculpture? Memories are made when you break out of the expected travel routine and find something fun and new to explore. Road trips can be of any length, near or far, and can fit into almost any budget.
Let Wanderland Escapes help you build lasting memories with your friends and family by visiting lost and forgotten treasures around the country. If a guided road trip is more your style, we can discuss one of many 7-10 day guided road trips available. Contact us today to start planning your next road trip!
