It’s time to hop in the car and take your pup on a pawmazing road trip! What better way to bond and explore our country than embarking on an enlightening and fun trip through the U.S.? Here is a roundup of larger-than-life roadside attractions to keep your adventures exciting with enthusiastic pup stops.
1. Ave Maria Grotto, Cullman, Alabama
Joseph Zoettl spent 50 years creating 125 miniature reproductions of the world’s most famous religious structures.
His work is on display at The Bernard Abbey, which includes replicas of Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine and The Great Wall of China.
For peaceful pups that love to take in the scenery and mediate in beauty, this a sweet spot.
2. World’s Largest Santa, North Pole, Alaska
If Christmas is one of your favorite holidays, then you and your dog will fall head over heels for the 900-lb Santa sculpture in Alaska.
It’s not the real North Pole, but this immense figure will instill the holiday spirit. Or, get your dog barkin’ for some presents.
The sculpture also serves as an advertisement for The Santa Clause House.
3. London Bridge, Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Strange but true: the actual London Bridge was falling down and relocated to Arizona.
The structure which once sat upon the Thames was purchase by an Arizona oil baron for almost $10 million dollars to purchase the bridge, dismantle it, and rebuilt on Lake Havasu in 1971.
Now, you and your dog can go for a stroll while contemplating a Dickens novel, or the American Southwest.
4. Longhorn Grill, Amado, Arizona
It’s time for your pup to take on the Wild West. A giant skull and horn structure nearly grazes the sky.
The gigantic sculpture is attached to a bar and restaurant, which can be entered by walking straight through the looming nasal cavity. The restaurant is now closed, but it’s still a visual wonder.
Stop by for a photo op; it’s something you and your dog can’t miss.
5. The Thing, Dragoon, Arizona
The Thing is the quintessential road side attraction. What is it? You’ll have to see it to believe it.
For $1 entry, you and your pup can find out the mystery of the desert.
Complete with a funky gift shop, this sight is a breezy stop for laughs, photos, and oddities.
6. Peavy’s Monster Mart, Fouke, Arkansas
Ah, a souvenir shop meets a convenience store. It’s a pawfect spot to stop and catch a few minutes respite, or to check out some eccentric local flavor.
The store is dedicated to the Boggy Creek Monster, a Big Foot-like creature.
If you and your pup are interested in the strange and supernatural, this is a must-see!
7. Salvation Mountain, Calipatra, California
This technicolor 50 foot hill has been covered in 100,000 gallons of paint. The results are bright and free-spirited.
East of the Salton Sea, the mountain is a tribute by artist Leonard Knight to Christianity.
The bright, vivid colors, peaceful messages, and exploratory passages make this a sensational stop for active dogs and humans.
8. Cabazon Dinosaurs, Cabazon, California
Let’s get prehistoric. If you and your pup are big Jurassic Park fans, then Cabazon Dinosaurs is a terrific road side attraction to put on your trip itinerary.
Dogs and owners can wander the park, explore larger-than-life dino sculptures, peruse the museum, and visit a gift shop.
Think of the hilarious bonding experiences you and your pup will have!
9. Cano’s Castle, Antonito, Colorado
Behold, a four-tower mansion made entirely out of beer cans and scrap metal. For beer aficionados and their beloved companions, Cano’s Castle is a marvel.
The folk art installation was erected by Donald “Cano” Espinoza, a Native American Vietnam vet. The four gleaming towers prove that art can be built anywhere.
It’s a complete vision to behold.
10. Fountain of Youth, Lewes, Delaware
Perhaps you’re an explorer. Many have sought out the Fountain of Youth and returned empty handed. Until now.
Though we all know the real secret to the Fountain of Youth: adopt a dog and he/she will always keep you feeling young and sprightly.
Charm all of your friends and boast about how you and the pup discovered the Fountain of Youth!
11. World’s Largest Chicken Wing, Madeira Beach, Florida
Dogs will surely wish this epic sized chicken wing was real to nom on! It’s also paired with huge buckets of hot sauces.
Besides the sheer spectacle, tourists can also eat in a Hooters, or just marvel in the sheer weirdness of it all.
If you stop here, your pup might ask for a real chicken treat to make up for the misleading sculpture!
12. Jimmy Carter Peanut of Plains Statue, Plains, Georgia
Slightly scary and slightly hilarious, this toothy statue is sure to set a lasting impression. The statue was originally erected to support Jimmy Carter’s bid for presidency during his 1976 campaign.
Reward your pup with some peanut butter treats and snap a photo or two in Carter’s hometown.
13. World’s Biggest Beagle, Cottonwood, Idaho
What makes this roadside attraction so magnificent is that it’s the world’s biggest Beagle and you can also sleep inside it.
The Dog Bark Park is a bed and breakfast, which allows dogs and their owners to stay over and explore.
Dog Bark Park is run by two artists and lodgings run at $98 per night.
14. Leaning Tower, Niles, Illinois
Welcome to the Midwestern version of The Leaning Tower of Pisa. The tower was originally in front of a YMCA and now it stands in the middle of a park.
No road trip would be complete without a romp in a park! Relax in the sun, pretend to prop up the leaning tower, or play a game of fetch.
15. Iowa’s Largest Frying Pan, Brandon, Iowa
If you visit Iowa’s largest frying pan, your pup is going to ask where the state’s largest bacon is.
Thrillist reports that the colossal pan is “14ft tall, weighs 1,020lbs, and can hold around 528 eggs and/or 88 pounds of bacon.” It would only be appropriate to bring some bacon along!
16. Lucy the Elephant, Margate City, New Jersey
It’s the largest fake elephant in the world and a historic landmark! The elephant stands an impressive six stories tall.
Lucy was built in 1881 by a real estate developer and saw a “life” as a summer home and a pub. Visitors can still climb inside.
Located near South Atlantic City, dogs and humans can enjoy a bevy of boardwalk activities, the beach, and good-time fun.
17. Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Texas
It’s an art space, it’s a Cadillac grave yard. It’s both. In some ways, The Cadillac Ranch is just magical.
10 upside-down Cadillacs are tilted at the same angle as the Pyramids of Giza.
It’s a far-out sight and will make humans wonder, “How did they do that?”
