Austin isn’t the only spot in Texas that’s “keeping it weird.” Take a drive down a lonesome stretch of highway and chances are, you’re going to encounter something that’ll leave you scratching your head in puzzlement. From relics of so-called ‘Old Weird America’ to more recent forays into the strange, The Lone Star state is riddled with all manner of roadside curiosities. Here are a few nearby oddities that we think are worth pulling over for.
Texas Roadside Attractions Worth Stopping For
Dinosaur Park
893 Union Chapel Road, Cedar Creek, TX
Everyone loves dinosaurs! You should hit the brakes and check out Dinosaur Park in Cedar Creek, TX. Take a tour through the park grounds and marvel at how insanely big and awesome these long-extinct titans of the earth were. This summer, they’re open daily from 10 am – 4 pm through August 4. Click here to read about our visit to Dinosaur Park.
Mrs. Pearl the Giant Squirrel
2626 Hwy 71 West, Cedar Creek, TX
Ah, Mrs. Pearl. This ginormous 14ft squirrel is located at the Berdoll Pecan Candy & Gift Company in Cedar Creek, TX. Mrs. Pearl is a popular gal, and it’s estimated that this colossal, walnut-clutching rodent has her photograph taken somewhere between thirty and one hundred times a day, and it’s not hard to see why. You just don’t see this kind of thing every day…and you can get pie from a vending machine 24 hours a day here!
Cathedral of Junk
4422 Lareina Dr., Austin, TX
This one’s an Austin original. The Cathedral of Junk is exactly what it sounds like – a cathedral made of junk. That doesn’t make it any less impressive, though. Scraps of all conceivable origins have been painstakingly assembled into what is probably the most astounding collection of bric-a-brac ever. This is the Junk King’s backyard so don’t just show up — call first to book your appointment at (512) 299-7413. Tours are free, but donations are welcome – the owner, Vince, asks for $5 per adult. Click here to read all about our experience taking the kids!
I-40, Amarillo, TX
When you see ten Cadillacs protruding through roadside soil on the old Route 66 in Amarillo, don’t be alarmed! After Cadillac Ranch fell victim to defacing, the installation’s artists jumped on board and began encouraging the public to join in with their spray paint and graffiti. Now, the colorful cars are layered and layered with each traveler’s touch. Bring your spray paint and be sure to take a photo, as the next traveler after you may see your addition as their perfect canvas.
Inner Space Caverns
4200 S. I-35 Frontage Rd, Georgetown, TX
One of the best-preserved caves in all of Texas, the Inner Space Caverns is the definition of a roadside attraction. It’s a sight frequently observed by people driving into Austin, but most folks are too busy getting to where they’re going to pull over and check it out. With tours every 15-25 minutes every day, it’s the perfect little adventure. They also have a cafe, free “gold” panning, a playground, and a Saber Tooth Zip Ride. Click here to read all about our visit there with the kids.
Giant Dalmatian Fire Hydrant
400 Walnut Street, Beaumont, TX
In celebration of the re-release of 101 Dalmatians in 1999, Disney constructed the Giant Dalmatian Fire Hydrant with their copyrighted Dalmatian spots splattered across it. After a nationwide contest, the fire hydrant was chosen to reside in the city of Beaumont. Placed right beside Beaumont’s Fire Museum of Texas, the 24-foot-tall fire hydrant is a sight to see. Although it lost its title of “World’s Largest Fire Hydrant” within two years of being built, it goes by “World’s Largest Functioning Fire Hydrant” due to its ability to blast out 1,500 gallons of water PER MINUTE. Perfect for cooling down during a Texas heat wave.
Henrietta the Hippo
East St, Hutto, TX
Henrietta embodies the legend of how Hutto became the only community in the United States to use the hippo as its mascot. Stories say a circus train stopped through for sustenance and then rolled back onto the tracks one ton lighter–the hippo had escaped! Now, a seven-ton Henrietta the Hippo sits in the middle of Hutto boasting community pride, mouth agape as if to say, “Hi, welcome to our town!” According to the Hutto, TX website, there are now 5,000-10,000 concrete hippos throughout the city, and you can see which ones you’d like to visit with their interactive map here.
World’s Largest Cowboy Boots
60 Northwest Loop 410 #18, San Antonio, TX
It seems only fitting (get it?) that the World’s Largest Cowboy Boots found their home in the great, Lone Star State! The snazzy steppin’ pair of ostrich skin boots stand 40 feet tall and are made of concrete and fiberglass. You can find the famous cowboy boots guarding the North Star Mall in San Antonio AND in the Guinness Book of World Records!
Stonehenge II
120 Point Theatre Rd S., Ingram, TX
If you’re feeling more of a road trip than a trip across the pond, you can visit a replica, Stonehenge II, right here in Texas for free, from sun up til sundown! Stonehenge II is one of the most visited attractions in the state, and as a bonus, the hill country site also has a couple of giant Easter Island-style heads. It’s a one-stop shop for some quality road trip weirdness.
Eiffel Tower With Big Cowboy Hat
2025 Jefferson Rd, Paris, TX
Who says you need to go to France to see the Eiffel Tower? In Paris, Texas, the Eiffel Tower looks a little more yeehaw with a cherry red cowboy hat sitting on the very top. Built by a local iron worker’s union, this ode to the town’s well-known namesake stands tall at 65 feet. During the night, the tower lights up, displaying the colors of the Texas flag. Get that perfect picture of you leaning on the tower and make sure to tell them you had a great time in Paris.
Public Glass Bathrooms
College St., Sulphur Springs, TX
Using the toilet is typically a private experience (except if you have toddlers). If you’re in Sulphur Springs though, the Public Glass Bathrooms beside a park offer up the weirdest experience of them all. Costing $54,000 to make, these costly bathrooms give the user the ability to see outside (and no one can see inside) as they use the facilities. Built with reflective walls on the outside and glass walls on the inside, you get to freak out whoever dares to enter by seeming like you’re staring them down. We’ll stick with our completely private bathrooms, thank you very much!
Marfa Mystery Lights
US-90 Marfa, TX
Numerous explanations have been proposed for the Marfa Lights, faint twinkles on the West Texas horizon. Whether they’re a close encounter of the first kind or just faraway campfires, these intermittent orbs are more than a little mystical. Check them out from the dedicated viewing area on US-90, east of the town proper. Each year, the city of Marfa puts on a Marfa Lights Festival to celebrate the phonomenon.
The Beer Can House
222 Malone St. Houston, TX
The Beer Can House was born, legend has it, because its owner John Milkovisch got tired of mowing his lawn. He turned his yard into a maze of unique landscaping and then covered the entire home with flattened beer cans. It’s open for tours on Saturdays and Sundays for $5, and kids under 12 are free. Grab your tickets here.
Tex Randall
N. 3rd Ave., Canyon, TX
Known as “Texas’ Biggest Texan,” which he most definitely was, Tex Randall was created in 1959 by high school shop teacher, “Harry” Wheeler. Tex Randall stands 47 feet tall and is styled in cowboy gear such as a bandana, a real Western-style shirt, and an enormous pair of Levi jeans. Tex Randall has been through a lot but has become an icon and something that has captured the hearts of his hometown and namesake state.
The Orange Show *Currently closed for restoration, but viewable from the outside. Updates here
2401 Munger Street, Houston, TX
The Orange Show was created by postman Jeff McKissack in honor of his favorite fruit. He would collect common building materials and find objects to transform a lot into an architectural maze of walkways, balconies, arenas, and exhibits decorated with mosaics and brightly painted iron figures. After the passing of McKissak, a non-profit foundation was formed to preserve the Orange Show. The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art has become Houston’s hub of folk art activity with nationally respected programs and has become a living example of how individual vision can dramatically enrich community and culture. Open for visits on Saturdays and Sundays for $5, and kids under 12 are free. Make your reservation here.
Have a roadside attraction near Austin that you think should be on our radar?
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The Orange Show in Houston is definitely worth a road trip!
Quirky Country Market in Columbus, Texas. 100% off grid store with bog filtered water gardens where kids can feed the fish, outdoor sculpture garden and a fun interesting store. Great opportunity for kids and adults alike to learn about sustainable living and stretch your legs at the same time. Half way between Austin & Houston on Hwy 71. Website: icm71.com