I’m not sure how popular this opinion is, but roadtripping is not all about epic views and jaw-dropping sights, it’s also about the really great experiences, the fun stories that emerge, and the super quirky road trip destinations you come across!

Here are some of my absolutely favorite quirky road trip destinations in the US:

Uranus Fudge Factory

Where the best fudge comes from Uranus!

Located in Uranus, Missouri on Historic Route 66 – this business knows how to not take itself too seriously. Not only do they supply some delicious fudge, but they’ve got plenty of t-shirt options to show the world you were really here.

But wait – There’s more! 

There is also the Sideshow Museum featuring a sword swallower, something with two-heads, and a bunch of other crazy things. 

This whole stop is just hilarious and a great way to stretch the legs after a long day of driving. 

https://www.uranusgeneralstore.com/

Cadillac Ranch

Located in Amarillo, Texas, this is an interactive piece of art so bring the spray paint!

The cars are buried nose first into the ground, and welcome visitors to spray paint on them, take a piece home as a souvenir (if you can) and just enjoy the installation. This monument of cars has been holding strong since 1974, so while the monument might last a few years longer, your spray paint creation will not. Make sure to take a picture with it before you leave!

Some must-see sites in the area: Palo Duro Canyon State Park and Amarillo Botanical Gardens.

Hole N The Rock

Located in Moab, Utah, this not-as-small-as-you-think stop is quite surprising.

Albert Christensen started to build this home in 1940. He and his family moved into the carved-out feature in 1952. And in 1957, after Albert’s death, his family opened this site up to the public. 

The cave is 5,000 square feet and has 14 rooms that are supported by large pillars. Carved bathtubs and shelves are still easily visible, and the Christensens’ belongings are still on display there. 

Some must-see sites in the area: Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. 

Winchester Mystery House

Located in San Jose, California, this epic mansion is truly something to experience. 

The house belongs to Sarah Winchester, and it started as a two story, eight room farm house in 1885. By the time Sarah passed away in 1922, it became a grandiose marvel of 160 rooms, 2,000 doors, 10,000 windows, 47 stairways, 47 fireplaces, 13 bathrooms, and 6 kitchens. 

Some of the architecture, styling, decor, paint choices, etc. are not of its time. It’s asymmetrical, pastel, bright, seemingly never-ending. 

There is lore that the mansion is incredibly haunted, but at this point it’s just an urban myth. 

If you’re in the San Jose area, make sure you check this place out! 

Some must-see sites in the area: San Francisco, Pacific Coast Highway

https://winchestermysteryhouse.com/

Rock City

Located in Lookout Mountain, Georgia this place is truly a quirky road trip destination. 

*A special note – this place was inhabited by Indigenous peoples prior to the Civil War. 

It opened in 1932 as a roadside attraction, and Garnet and Frieda Carter kept adding to it over time, such as a golf course, fairytale aesthetics, and imported German garden gnomes (there are seriously a lot of them!). 

Freida not only painted many a fairytale story, but she planted flowers and shrubs along her path, and today Rock City is home to over 400 native flowers, plants, shrubs, and trees. 

It’s definitely a unique place to visit, and is very kid and pet-friendly.

Some must-see sites in the area: Ruby Falls and Chattanooga, both in Tennessee.

https://www.seerockcity.com/

Bishop Castle

Located Southwest of Pueblo, Colorado, this is the epitome of a passion project. 

Jim Bishop purchased land for $450 when he was 15, and since then has been building an elaborate castle made of stones he’s found on and around the property. 

Over the last few decades, there have been many disputes regarding road signs, ownership of the rocks, and quite the battle of ownership of the castle overall. 

Throughout the dramas, tragedies, and heartbreak, this passion project is still ongoing and open to the public. It’s really quite amazing to see what one person can dream and build with their hands. 

Some must-see sites in the area: Colorado Springs, Royal Gorge Mountain Park

These are just some of the MANY quirky road trip destinations around the United States. These are just the ones I’ve come across on my own travels, and they truly are remarkably kitschy, quirky, and gawk-worthy. 

They’re a great place to stretch your legs, have some fun, and learn a little piece of United States history you might not otherwise have learned about. 

Looking For More Quirky Road Trip Destinations?

Check out my other posts about Road Trips HERE.