Our Favorite Roadside Attraction in Every U.S. State

It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. Especially if the journey includes a pit stop to visit a giant fiberglass dinosaur park, or an apple emporium, or an outlet store selling lumpy-textured candles.

Roadside attractions like these—and the 50 listed below—once flourished in small towns across the United States, back when America had a rising middle class with money to spend, and before the interstate highway system all but obliterated the amusements and curio shops that had set up along smaller roads.

You can still find many roadside attractions these days. Though we’re far from their heyday, their appeal endures. They offer a welcome diversion, breaking up the monotony of a road trip and providing the occasional photo opportunity. More importantly, they provide a window into the country’s past—a potent hit of Americana nostalgia.

And sometimes you just want to see a really big penny.