11 Weird Roadside Museums in the U.S. That Are Better Than You Expect
If you’re looking for a road trip full of quirky surprises, some of the most unexpected stops in the U.S. are its strange roadside museums. From the SPAM Museum in Minnesota to the Museum of Bad Art in Massachusetts, these hidden gems offer a unique look into everything from UFO lore to quirky household items. Whether you’re a fan of the bizarre or just in need of a fun detour, these offbeat destinations promise to be far more entertaining than you’d expect.
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SPAM Museum – Austin, Minnesota
The SPAM Museum in Austin, Minnesota, is an unexpectedly fun stop for anyone curious about the history of the beloved canned meat. This free museum offers visitors the chance to learn about SPAM’s creation, its rise in popularity during WWII, and its place in pop culture today. The museum is filled with interactive exhibits and displays that showcase how the product has impacted American life. From its wartime beginnings to its role as a quirky food favorite in households across the country, the SPAM Museum highlights the fascinating story behind this canned meat. It even offers free samples of various SPAM flavors, allowing visitors to experience a different side of the iconic product.
What really makes the SPAM Museum a delightful detour is its humor and creativity. The exhibits go beyond simple historical facts, incorporating playful displays that celebrate the oddity of SPAM’s lasting appeal. Guests can see everything from SPAM-inspired art to pop culture references, making the museum both educational and entertaining. It’s a lighthearted stop that turns an often-overlooked product into a fascinating and fun attraction. Whether you love it or just want to see what all the fuss is about, the SPAM Museum offers a surprisingly charming visit.
Museum of Clean – Pocatello, Idaho
The Museum of Clean in Pocatello, Idaho, is the perfect place for anyone fascinated by the history of cleaning and cleaning tools. This quirky museum is dedicated to showcasing the evolution of cleaning equipment over the centuries, with a massive collection of vintage vacuums, washing machines, and other household items. The museum’s exhibits trace the technological advancements that have shaped how we keep our homes clean today. It’s a unique and often overlooked subject, but the museum does a wonderful job of making it both informative and fun. Visitors can see the earliest versions of vacuums and learn about how they were used in households long before modern cleaning devices became commonplace.
Beyond just showcasing cleaning tools, the Museum of Clean delves into the cultural impact of cleanliness and its role in our daily lives. It explores how cleaning has been represented in art, advertising, and pop culture, giving visitors a broader understanding of its significance. The museum also features hands-on exhibits, where you can try your hand at using some of the older models on display. For those interested in the offbeat and unusual, this museum is an entertaining and educational stop that’s full of fascinating history.
International UFO Museum – Roswell, New Mexico
No list of weird roadside museums would be complete without mentioning the International UFO Museum in Roswell, New Mexico, a destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. The museum is dedicated to the infamous 1947 Roswell incident, when an alleged UFO crashed near the town. The museum presents evidence, theories, and historical context about the event, making it a hotspot for UFO enthusiasts and skeptics alike. It features a collection of documents, photos, and eyewitness testimonies that recount the mysterious events surrounding the crash, along with a variety of exhibits on the broader subject of UFOs and extraterrestrial life. The museum also hosts regular events and lectures, attracting passionate crowds who are eager to explore one of the most famous UFO stories in history.
What makes the International UFO Museum truly stand out is its immersive and engaging presentation of UFO lore. The museum not only delves into the specifics of the Roswell incident but also explores the broader cultural phenomenon of UFO sightings and alien encounters. Visitors can browse through an eclectic mix of artifacts, including models of UFOs and alien-themed merchandise. It’s a fascinating stop for those interested in conspiracy theories, alien mythology, or simply the strange events that put Roswell on the map. The museum’s quirky nature and its connection to a major pop culture phenomenon make it a must-see for any traveler heading through the area.
The World’s Largest Ball of Twine – Cawker City, Kansas
The World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City, Kansas, is a classic example of an eccentric American roadside attraction. This massive ball, weighing over 20,000 pounds and measuring more than 40 feet in circumference, was started by one man, Frank Stoeber, in the 1950s. The twine ball has continued to grow over the years, with visitors contributing to its size by adding their own twine to the growing mass. The sight of this enormous ball of twine is surprisingly impressive, drawing crowds from all over who are curious to see this bizarre yet fascinating creation. The attraction includes a small museum that tells the story of the twine ball’s creation and its place in Cawker City’s history.
While it may seem like a simple oddity, the World’s Largest Ball of Twine represents the quirky side of American folk art and the charm of local attractions. The twine ball has become a symbol of the town, and locals celebrate its existence with a festival dedicated to the giant ball. Visitors can stop by to admire its size, take a photo, and even contribute to its ongoing expansion. It’s one of those roadside attractions that doesn’t seem to make sense until you see it in person, where its sheer size and the effort behind its creation turn it into a delightful and memorable stop.
The House on the Rock – Spring Green, Wisconsin
The House on the Rock, located in Spring Green, Wisconsin, is one of the most unusual museums in the country. Built by eccentric architect Alex Jordan, this sprawling complex features a series of bizarre and whimsical rooms filled with oddities, including elaborate mannequins, intricate carvings, and mechanical music machines. One of the most impressive features is the Infinity Room, which extends 218 feet over a valley and offers a breathtaking view. Visitors can explore a labyrinth of rooms, each with its own strange collection, making every part of the museum feel like a surreal journey through the mind of its creator. The House on the Rock combines architecture, art, and oddities in a truly one-of-a-kind way.
What makes the House on the Rock so captivating is its eccentricity and the sheer imagination that went into its creation. Every corner of the museum is filled with surprises, from giant carousel animals to a room dedicated entirely to musical instruments. It’s a place that defies expectations and offers a rich experience for anyone who enjoys the weird and wonderful. The House on the Rock is not just a museum; it’s a surreal journey into a world of creativity, imagination, and oddities that visitors will not soon forget.
World’s Largest Catsup Bottle – Collinsville, Illinois
The World’s Largest Catsup Bottle, located in Collinsville, Illinois, is a beloved roadside attraction and a quirky nod to the everyday condiment. Standing at 170 feet tall, this towering bottle is impossible to miss and draws attention from travelers looking for something fun and offbeat. The bottle is part of a water tower, but it has become a symbol of the town, drawing in visitors from across the country. The structure itself is an impressive sight, towering over the landscape, and it has become a piece of American kitsch. The World’s Largest Catsup Bottle is a perfect example of how something as simple as a water tower can be transformed into a charming and iconic roadside attraction.
Despite its somewhat humorous premise, the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle is a significant part of Collinsville’s history. Built in 1949, the bottle was originally used as a water tower for the town’s water supply, but over time, it has become a celebrated symbol. Visitors can stop by to take photos and admire its size, and the town has even held a festival in its honor. It’s a reminder of how quirky, unexpected sights can become important local landmarks, bringing both joy and pride to a small community. For anyone passing through Illinois, it’s an easy and fun stop that adds character to the journey.
The Thing? – Dragoon, Arizona
Located along I-10 in Dragoon, Arizona, “The Thing?” is a mysterious roadside attraction that has intrigued travelers for decades. The museum is known for its strange, cryptic advertisements along the highway, asking the question, “What is The Thing?” Once inside, visitors are greeted by a mix of oddities, ranging from ancient artifacts to strange and unsettling exhibits. The centerpiece of the museum is an alleged mummy-like figure known as “The Thing,” which is displayed in a glass case. The museum’s purpose is to entice and mystify, leaving visitors to ponder the strange items and the bizarre story behind them.
The allure of “The Thing?” lies in its ability to captivate visitors with its weirdness. While the exhibits may not offer much in the way of answers, they certainly spark curiosity. The mystery of “The Thing” itself remains largely unexplained, adding to the strange charm of the museum. The combination of odd artifacts, cryptic signage, and the central enigma of “The Thing” creates an atmosphere of intrigue that makes this roadside stop a memorable detour for those willing to embrace the bizarre. It’s the kind of place that leaves you wondering whether you just experienced something truly strange or whether it was all part of the mystery.
The Museum of Bad Art – Somerville, Massachusetts
The Museum of Bad Art, located in Somerville, Massachusetts, celebrates what many would consider “bad” art in the most endearing way possible. The museum is dedicated to showcasing artworks that, while technically flawed, bring joy and humor to its visitors. The collection is filled with paintings, sculptures, and other pieces that might not be considered masterpieces, but are appreciated for their charm, oddity, and, often, sheer earnestness. From overly dramatic portraits to bizarre landscapes, the Museum of Bad Art offers a delightful look at the unconventional side of creativity. It highlights how even pieces that may have been dismissed or ignored by the art world can provide a unique experience for those who enjoy the whimsical and unpolished.
What makes the Museum of Bad Art especially interesting is its focus on the idea that art does not always have to be perfect to be appreciated. It encourages visitors to look beyond technique and find beauty in the quirky and unintentional. The museum’s mission is to celebrate “art too bad to be ignored,” turning the concept of “bad” art into something fun and inclusive. For those with an open mind and a sense of humor, this museum offers an entertaining and surprisingly enriching detour. The oddball nature of the collection makes it a standout stop for anyone curious about the diverse ways art can be perceived.
The National Mustard Museum – Middleton, Wisconsin
The National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin, is the perfect destination for mustard lovers, with a collection that spans over 6,000 varieties of mustard from all around the world. Founded in 1992, the museum holds the world’s largest collection of mustard jars, memorabilia, and mustard-themed artwork. It’s a quirky but fascinating museum that delves into the history of mustard, including how it became an integral part of the American culinary landscape. Visitors can explore exhibits dedicated to mustard’s origins, its role in different cultures, and the surprising variety of ways this condiment is used. The museum also offers tastings of different mustard varieties, allowing guests to sample flavors ranging from sweet to spicy.
While the subject of mustard might seem odd at first, the museum’s extensive collection and educational displays make it a surprisingly enjoyable experience. It’s a fun way to learn about a food staple that often goes unnoticed, yet plays an important role in many dishes. The museum’s atmosphere is lighthearted and fun, filled with humorous exhibits that showcase the quirkier side of mustard’s global impact. Visitors can even take home a jar of their favorite mustard as a souvenir, making this museum an interactive and flavorful stop. For those looking for a unique and unexpected detour, the National Mustard Museum offers a quirky and delightful experience.
The Alien Research Center – Hiko, Nevada
Located in the small town of Hiko, Nevada, the Alien Research Center is a must-see for those interested in the mysteries of extraterrestrial life and UFO phenomena. The center is packed with UFO-related artifacts, alien-themed memorabilia, and exhibits that explore the ongoing search for extraterrestrial life. Visitors can explore displays featuring everything from alien figurines to reports on sightings and close encounters. The center provides an in-depth look at alien conspiracy theories, particularly those related to the nearby Area 51, adding to the allure of this out-of-the-way museum. It’s a captivating stop for anyone curious about the unknown, with a particular focus on the mythology surrounding UFOs.
The Alien Research Center is more than just a museum; it’s a roadside attraction that plays into the excitement and mystery of extraterrestrial life. The gift shop offers a wide range of alien-themed items, from t-shirts to books on UFO sightings, making it a great spot to pick up a quirky souvenir. The museum’s exhibits provide a mix of education, speculation, and entertainment, with just the right balance of oddity and charm. For those passing through the Nevada desert, it’s a fun and eccentric stop that offers a deeper look into the fascination with aliens and UFOs that has captured the imagination of people around the world. Whether you’re a UFO enthusiast or simply enjoy the bizarre, the Alien Research Center is a quirky and memorable stop.
The Mystery Spot – Santa Cruz, California
The Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz, California, is one of the most bizarre roadside attractions you can visit. Known for its gravity-defying phenomenon, the Mystery Spot is a place where the laws of physics seem to be turned upside down. Visitors can walk through tilted rooms where balls appear to roll uphill, and people seem to grow taller or shorter depending on where they stand. The attraction has been baffling visitors since it opened in the 1940s, with many still wondering about the mysterious forces at play. It’s a fun and puzzling experience that makes for an intriguing stop for those curious about optical illusions and the unexplained.
The charm of the Mystery Spot lies in its ability to confuse and entertain. While many visitors walk away unsure of exactly how the phenomenon works, they cannot help but be captivated by the experience. The Mystery Spot combines science, illusion, and pure fun, making it a perfect roadside detour for anyone interested in quirky attractions. It’s an interactive experience that invites visitors to challenge their perceptions of reality while offering a memorable and entertaining experience. Whether you’re skeptical or fascinated by the unusual, the Mystery Spot delivers a unique and fun stop on any road trip.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.