5 Best Car-Related Roadside Attractions in the US
Photo: Neal Wellons
One of the many reasons that road trips are so appealing is because they give you an opportunity to see some of the greatest roadside attractions in the United States. Alongside your giant baskets and humungous dinosaurs, there are also several car-related attractions worth checking out. Here are five to consider the next time you hit the open road.
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1. Cadillac Ranch
Amarillo, Texas, is home to one of the best-known roadside attractions in the United States: Cadillac Ranch. A group of artists created the art installment in 1974, burying 10 Cadillac roadsters so only their rear ends stick out of the ground. The attraction is open year-round and there is no admission, so you can roll up any time of the day (or night) to see these unique graffitied cars.
2. Truckhenge
Photo: Stefan Powell via CC
Sure, Stonehenge is one of the coolest and most baffling attractions in the world, but it has nothing on Truckhenge. This roadside attraction in Topeka, Kansas, consists of six antique trucks buried in the ground a la Stonehenge and painted to resemble the famous stones. Truckhenge was created by Ron Lessman, whose family has been farming the land for centuries. If trucks aren’t your thing, you can catch a more car-centered version at Carhenge in Alliance, Nebraska.
3. VW Slug Bug Ranch
Photo: Jennifer Kirkland via CC
If you’re taking a trip to Cadillac Ranch, make sure you also take the time to stop at the VW Slug Bug Ranch. Located in Conway, Texas, the Bug Ranch is the Cadillac Ranch for Volkswagen lovers and is located just a few miles east of Cadillac Ranch. The VW Beetles are buried nose down, showing off the graffiti on their hoods. It’s unknown who owns the VW Slug Bug Ranch, or who created it in the first place.
4. Henry’s Rabbit Ranch
Photo: PICRYL via CC/Public Domain
While Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois isn’t exactly car-focused, it still has plenty of terrific cars to grab your attention. Rich Henry originally started the ranch when his daughter’s rabbits did what rabbits do and reproduced. Located on Route 66, this attraction has a Stonehenge-like area made entirely out of Volkswagen Rabbits. Other non-car-related attractions include a giant fiberglass jackrabbit and a rabbit graveyard where the ranch’s former residents are buried.
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5. VW Beetle Spider
Photo: Duncan Rawlinson via CC
Make sure you avoid this attraction if you’re scared of spiders — but if you love VW Beetles, this should definitely be on your list. The VW Beetle Spider is located in Avoca, Iowa. It hovers over the ground making for the perfect photo opportunity. Just don’t be around when the sun goes down — you never know if this spider will come to life!
If you’re on the West Coast, there’s a similar sculpture in Palm Springs, California. You can’t get as close to this one as you can the one in Iowa, but it still makes for an impressive selfie. Weirdly, there is another VW Beetle spider sculpture in Carson, City, Nevada.
Catherine Hiles (she/her) is a native Brit living and working in Dayton, Ohio. Cat has written about a variety of subjects, including finance, cars, and parenting. She is a frequent contributor to Dayton Mom Collective, The Penny Hoarder, and WDW Magazine.
Cat lives with her husband, their two kids, and their energetic pitbull mix. She counts running, lifting weights, walking, and reading among her hobbies. See more articles by Cat.