6 Unique Roadside Attractions Worth the Trip Gabby Teaman September 23, 2020 Destinations, Interests We’ve all heard jokes about visiting places who claim they have the world’s largest yarn ball, or largest ball of paint. Roadside attractions are often kitschy and silly but can make or break your road trip, and even help keep tourism alive in certain areas. If you’re taking a long road trip, they can make for an interesting stop and a much-needed break. You can even learn something new, and maybe get some good pictures! If you’re wondering where to go, then you’re in luck, because we’ve compiled a list of 6 roadside attractions that are worth the visit. The Rockport Paper House, Off Route 127 in Massachusetts [Image via Flickr (CC by 2.0) – Danielle Walquist Lynch] Filled with historic sites, beaches, and more, Boston, Massachusetts, is an obvious pick for a long road trip. But, if you’re tired out and want a fun and exciting rest stop, we recommend swinging by the Rockport Paper House. The doors, walls, and furniture of this unique abode are constructed almost entirely out of — you guessed it — paper. The original owner, Elis Stenman, was an engineer who began building this paper house as a hobby, figuring that paper would make good insulation. The Rockport Paper House has stood since 1922 and is now a small roadside museum. You can even take a tour of the place while you’re there. If you get bored, you can always read the newspaper headlines that are still visible throughout the house. It’s usually open from spring through fall from 10 am – 5 pm for only $2. Just make sure you look up the directions before since it can be easy to miss. Dinosaur World, Off Interstate 65 in Kentucky [Image via Flickr (CC by 2.0) – London Looks] Have you ever longed for a road trip down south? Kentucky is a great place to visit if you’re interested in good ol’ fashioned Kentucky horse races, beautiful national forests, the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, and creepy craves. While you’re driving through scenic but seemingly endless pastures, take a break and comb through Cave City’s Dinosaur World for a much-needed driving break and stretch your legs. As you walk through the forest, you’ll get to explore the fossil dig, gem mine, and life-sized replicas of dinosaurs. There is a small entrance fee if you want to go inside to watch the film or peruse the gift shop. If you’re curious about the surrounding caves, plan some time to visit the options nearby. If you’re hungry, there are several restaurants in the area, from fancy El Mazatlan to Bucky Bees BBQ. Bone appetit! The Largest Chest of Drawers, Off Interstate 85 in North Carolina North Carolina: Home to beautiful beaches and bustling cities. If you’re driving through to see it all, go to High Point to see the World’s Largest Chest of Drawers! High Point is known as the “Home Furnishings Capital of the World,” so it’s no surprise that this fun rest stop has its home here. This 20-foot building was constructed in the 1920s by the town’s Chamber of Commerce as an information bureau, and was later renovated into the landmark we know today. It’s a massive structure with two socks hanging out in the front, and makes for a cute photo opp! So, if you’re going furniture shopping, hightail it to High Point and have a look around. This landmark is located on the I-85 highway and not far from highly-rated restaurants like Sweet Old Bill’s or the Penny Path Café. You may also like: Western Road Trip – Colorado and Utah Wild Blueberry Land, Off Route 1 in Maine [Image via Flickr (CC by-SA 2.0) – Larry Miller] With scenic national parks and a relaxing atmosphere, we get why you would want to take road trips in Maine. But did you know that Maine is notorious for its blueberries? A Maine attraction (pun intended) of this northern state is Wild Blueberry Land up by Columbia Falls. So, if you’re hungry, drive up to Maine to see a site dedicated to the little blue fruit. It covers over 200 acres of land that has been farmed since the 1800s. They have their own bakery with delicious homemade pies, ice creams, pastries, and jams (blueberry-flavored, of course!) Their mission is to educate people on the health benefits of wild blueberries, such as weight loss, antioxidants, mood-boosting effects, and more. During the summer, they’re typically open from 9 am – 2 pm, and are open from 10 am – 5 pm in the fall. Located on the corner of Routes 1 and 87, you won’t want to miss this berry fun destination. Lucy the Elephant, on Atlantic Avenue in Atlantic City, New Jersey [Image via Flickr (CC by-SA 2.0) – Adam Moss] Whether you’re headed on a road trip to the pretty, quaint Cape May/Margate area, or want a fun casino night in Atlantic City, you have to see this famous Jersey landmark. Lucy the Elephant stands at six stories high and was built in 1881 out of wood and tin. She weighs nine tons! When you visit, you can get a cute selfie with Lucy, or take a tour and visit the elephant-themed gift shop. If you walk all the way up the spiral staircase, you’ll see gorgeous views of the Atlantic City skyline and the ocean. You can even spend a night there! If you pay to stay, you can get a gift card for one of the many restaurants in the area and get breakfast delivered so you can dine inside. Visiting the site or gift shop is free, but it costs $8.50 to go inside the elephant, and their hours vary depending on the season, so call them up beforehand. When you get hungry, visit Steve and Cookie’s Restuarant and Oyster Bar or Margate Dairy Bar & Burger while you stroll down the Ventnor City Boardwalk. And, you can get limited free parking for an hour! World’s Largest Collection of Smallest Versions of Largest Things, Off K-18 in Kansas Phew…this one’s a mouthful! Located in Lucas, Kansas, this quirky attraction is essentially a roadside museum – paying homage to roadside structures. The idea of the World’s Largest Collection originated from Erika Nelson, who travels around the US and looks for iconic attractions such as the world’s largest ketchup bottle, etc. She’ll snap a photo of it and then create a mini replica of it. Stop in or book a tour to see her array of roadside attractions. This is a perfect stop to make if you’re on a crossroad country trip and need a break! What other cool roadside attractions have you seen? Let us know in the comments below!