Here are 10 of the weirdest and most interesting roadside attractions in Missouri worth stopping for:
- Route 66 Rocker (Cuba) The world’s largest rocking chair, standing 42 feet tall and 20 feet wide, weighing 27,500 pounds. It remains the biggest rocking chair along Route 66 and is a striking photo opportunity.
- Uranus Fudge Factory (St. Robert) A quirky kitschy town attraction featuring a fudge factory, general store, mini golf, and a sideshow museum with oddities like two-headed animals preserved in formaldehyde, sideshow memorabilia, and live sword swallowers.
- World’s Second Largest Fork (Springfield) A massive 35-foot tall, 11-ton fork sculpture in Springfield’s office complex parking lot, once the largest fork in the world and still an impressive and unusual sight.
- Red’s Giant Hamburg Sign (Springfield) A replica of the famous “Giant Hamburg” sign from the 1940s, linked to the world’s first drive-through restaurant. The original was shortened to avoid power lines and the new replica pays homage to this Route 66 landmark.
- Frog Rock (Waynesville) A large rock sculpted and painted to look like a frog by a local tattoo artist in the 1990s, located on a hill overlooking Route 66. It’s a beloved quirky roadside sight.
- BoatHenge (Near Columbia) An art installation of six boats arranged to mimic England’s Stonehenge, mysteriously appearing after the 1990s floods. Its origin and creator remain unknown, adding to its intrigue.
- Maxie, The World’s Largest Goose (Summer) A 40-foot tall fiberglass Canada goose statue with a 62-foot wingspan, built in 1974. It welcomes visitors to Summer, known as the wild goose capital of the world.
- Leila’s Hair Museum (St. Joseph) A unique museum dedicated to antique hair art, including hair wreaths and jewelry made from hair, featuring pieces from famous individuals like Queen Victoria and Marilyn Monroe.
- Elephant Rocks State Park A natural attraction with giant red granite boulders resembling circus elephants, offering a strange and scenic stop.
- Jim the Wonder Dog (Marshall) A roadside tribute to a dog famous for his alleged psychic abilities, a local oddity and beloved figure in Missouri folklore.
These attractions showcase Missouri’s quirky, creative, and sometimes bizarre roadside culture, making them fun and memorable stops for travelers.
Sources:
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/missouri/roadside-attractions
- https://www.visitmo.com/articles/worth-a-stop-missouris-roadside-attractions
- https://slcl.libguides.com/c.php?g=1338969&p=9869000
- https://route66roadmap.com/top-10-missouri-route-66-roadside-attractions/
- https://www.worldatlas.com/places/9-strangest-landmarks-in-missouri.html
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