Balls of Twine, Worlds Largest Statues: Quirky Attractions Await Travelers

As 2013 comes to a close, the team at Grasshaven began to reminisce about the year.  As we started, we thought about our travels.  For fun, we began to compile a list of quirky attractions in each state.  From balls of twine and paint to purportedly large statues, the US is chalk full of crazy and obscure attractions.  Often, all it takes is a little detour to create unique and memorable experiences.  With so many attractions in each state, it actually was a challenge to narrow down the field but here are our favorite, family friendly stops across the US.

We want to know how many have you been too?  

What are the best quirky US attractions you've visited?

Ava Maria Grotto, Alabama

Santa’s House, Alaska

Mammoth Orange Drink Stand, Redfield, Arkansas

London Bridge, Lake Havasu, Arizona

Cabazon Dinosaurs, Cabazon, CA

Randy’s Donuts Inglewood, CA

Coney Island Hotdog Shaped Diner, Bailey, Colorado

Wells Dinosaur Heaven, Connecticut

Huge Doctor’s Bag and Stethoscope, Stanton, Delaware

Largest Aligator, Christmas, Florida

White House Replica, Atlanta, GA

King Kamehameha Statue, Hilo Hawaii

Balanced Rock, Castleford, ID

Lincoln’s Watermelon Monument, Lincoln, Illinois

World’s Biggest Ball of Paint, Alexandra, Indiana

World’s Largest Popcorn Ball, Sac City Iowa

World’s Largest Ball of Twine, Cawker City, Kansas

Worlds Largest Bourbon Bottle Bardstown, Kentucky

Giant Mailbox, Newellton, Louisiana

Lenny, the Chocolate Moose, Scarborough, Maine

Shark from Jaws, Berlin, Maryland

ATM Tree Stump, Greenfield, Massachusetts

Worlds Biggest Tire, Allen Park, Michigan

Jolly Green Giant Statue, Blue Earth, Minnesota

Graceland Too, Holly Springs, Mississippi

Celebrity Mount Rushmore, Branson, Missouri

Worlds Largest Purple Spoon, East Glacier, Montana

Ball of Stamps, Boys Town Nebraska

World’s Largest Fire Cracker, Amargosa Valley, Nevada

Mini Trains in a Train, Gorham, New Hampshire

Insectropolis, Toms River, New Jersey

Giant Rattlesnake Albuquerque, New Mexico

Upside-Down Bridge, Lockport, New York

Big Acorn, Raleigh, North Carolina

World’s Largest Buffalo Sculpture, Jamestown, North Dakota

World’s Largest Basket of Apples, Frazeysburg, Ohio

The Castle, Muskogee, Oklahoma

Paul Bunyan Statue, Portland, Oregon

Flying Saucer Statue, Mars, Pennsylvania

Mr. Potatohead, Pawtucket, Rhode Island

Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail, South Carolina

Big President Heads Hermosa, South Dakota

Upside Down Building, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Cadillac Ranch, Texas

Giant Soda Cans, Salina, Utah

Big Lady Squirrel Statue, Salisbury, Vermont

Giant Rollerskate, Bealeton, Virginia

Underground Tour, Seattle, Washington

Mystery Hole, Ansted, West Virginia

Giant Bass Sculpture, Ashland Wisconsin

World’s Largest Hot Spring, Thermopolis Wyoming

Check out http://www.roadsideamerica.com for a more complete list