Roadside Oddities of the Year: Our Favorite Finds of 2025
“Roadside Oddities of the Year: Our Favorite Finds of 2025” 2025 was full of backroads, quirky stops, and little surprises tucked into towns and landscapes across the Midwest and Appalachia. From Indiana cornfields to the hills of Tennessee and Kentucky, we chased scenic views, unique attractions, and small-town charm. Here’s our roundup of the most memorable stops this year. 1. Kankakee, IL – Bison Viewing at Kankakee Sands One of our favorite stops this year was the Kankakee Sands preserve . Seeing bison roaming freely across the tallgrass prairie was unforgettable. The wide-open vistas made us feel like we had stepped back in time, and the wildlife viewing trails are perfect for a quiet morning hike. 2. DeMotte & Roselawn, IN – Prairie Trails & Windmill Views In northwest Indiana, we loved wandering along the prairie trails near DeMotte and Roselawn. The small-town charm and old-fashioned windmills made for peaceful stops, perfect for stretching our legs and s...