5 Quirky Roadside Attractions Worth the Detour
5 Quirky Roadside Attractions Worth the Detour
One of our favorite parts of RV travel isn’t just the campgrounds or the destinations—it’s the unexpected stops along the way. The strange museums, giant statues, oddball landmarks, and blink-and-you’ll-miss-it places that make you pull over, stretch your legs, and say, “Well… that was something.”
If you’re traveling through the Southeast and Midwest like we often do, here are five quirky roadside attractions that we think are absolutely worth the detour.
1. The Lost Sea Adventure – Sweetwater, Tennessee
Hidden beneath the hills of East Tennessee is America’s largest underground lake, and it feels like stepping into another world. The guided tour takes you through caverns, past underground formations, and down into a massive chamber where boats glide across still, dark water.
It’s cool (literally), fascinating, and a perfect stop when you want to escape summer heat. Plus, the history of the cave—used by everyone from Cherokee tribes to Civil War soldiers—adds a layer of storytelling we always appreciate.
Why it’s worth the detour: Underground lakes are not exactly an everyday sight.
2. Wigwam Village Motel – Cave City, Kentucky
Even if you don’t stay the night, the Wigwam Village is one of those classic roadside sights that instantly transports you back to the golden age of American road trips.
Rows of concrete teepee-shaped motel rooms stand along the roadside, bright and unmistakable. It’s kitschy in the best way, and a quick stop for photos makes for a fun break in the drive.
Why it’s worth the detour: It’s a living piece of Route 66-style roadside history—right in Kentucky.
3. Uranus Fudge Factory – Anderson, Indiana
Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like—and yes, the jokes never stop.
This place leans fully into its humor, with outrageous signs, over-the-top displays, and a gift shop that doesn’t take itself seriously for a second. Beyond the laughs, the fudge is legitimately good, and it’s a lighthearted stop when you need something completely ridiculous to break up a long travel day.
Why it’s worth the detour: Sometimes you just need to laugh on the road.
4. The World’s Largest Teapot – Chester, West Virginia (near OH & PA)
Perched high above the road, this giant teapot-shaped building is exactly the kind of odd roadside landmark we love spotting. Originally built as a root beer stand, it’s now a restored landmark and photo stop.
It’s quick, quirky, and perfectly positioned if you’re traveling through West Virginia or along the Ohio River Valley.
Why it’s worth the detour: Giant everyday objects will never stop being charming.
5. South of the Border – Hamer, South Carolina (near the NC line)
Love it or roll your eyes at it, South of the Border is one of the most famous roadside stops in the Southeast. Bright colors, retro signage, odd shops, and a towering mascot visible for miles—it’s impossible to miss.
It’s part roadside attraction, part time capsule, and entirely unique. Even a short walk around gives you that nostalgic road-trip feeling.
Why it’s worth the detour: It’s a classic piece of East Coast road-trip culture.
Half the Fun Is the Stop
Road trips aren’t just about where you’re going—they’re about the stories you pick up along the way. The weird stops. The photo ops. The places you didn’t plan but ended up loving anyway.
We’ve learned that some of the best travel memories come from pulling off the highway just because something looked interesting.
And honestly? We’ll probably keep doing exactly that.
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