We all know Oklahoma has some pretty strange roadside oddities, but did you know some were quite bizarre? From a VW Beetle nose diving into the ground to a Bart Simpson tree, to a working oil well in the middle of Main Street, these 12 roadside attractions in Oklahoma will make you do a double take (maybe even a triple):
1. John Hargrove's OK County 66 Museum, Arcadia
As a retired airline and bus mechanic, John Hargrove wanted something to do in his retirement years that showcased his love for the Mother Road. He bought a piece of land right off Route 66 in Arcadia and began building replicas of iconic Route 66 landmarks. The VW Beetle nose down in the ground is a representation of the Texas Cattle Ranch.
2. Bumblebee Transformer, Stillwater
Just outside of the G&M Body Shop on W. 6h Ave. in Stillwater, stands the giant Bumblebee from the movie Transformers. The 20 foot statue is a replica from the movie and was built in Thailand. The owner wasn't happy with its appearance, so he rebuilt it here at the body shop. It's a great place to stop and take a photo anytime of the day.
3. Main Street Oil Well, Barnsdall
Known as the "world's only oil well in the middle of Main Street," this road obstacle is a one-of-a-kind attraction giving tribute to the oil industry in Oklahoma.
4. Alien Landing Yard Art, Stroud
Located on the private residence of Craig McGuire just off Route 66 in Stroud, is the scene of what looks like an alien landing and UFO. The art is made from aluminum foil, scraps of metal and alien masks. Even though it is on private property it is still visible from Route 66.
5. Cimmy The Dinosaur, Boise City
Cimmy The Dinosaur was designed to represent a dinosaur extracted from Cimarron County in the 1930s. Locals nicknamed the dinosaur extracted "Cimarronasaurus" and soon the replica took on the name "Cimmy." You can find Cimmy outside the Cimarron Heritage Center Museum in Boise City.
6. Creek County Frog Rock, Mannford
Standing at over 6 feet tall, this rock is painted green and white to look like a friendly frog. It is located off Frog Road in Mannford, but it requires a little bit of a walk back to this fun photo spot.
7. Winganon Space Capsule, Oologah
This capsule was actually a cement mixer (full of cement) that fell off of a cement truck in an accident in 1959. It was way too heavy for the haulers and was left there on the side of the road. Local artists and citizens decided to paint the mixer and over the years it has changed themes. It is now painted to look like a NASA space capsule.
8. Bart Simpson Tree, Vinita
Just as you would suspect, this tree was carved to pay homage to the popular cartoon, The Simpson's. The tree stands at the entrance of the Civil War battlefield and is a fun attraction for fans of the cartoon to visit.
9. Jim's Metal Art Museum, Gage
Recognized around the world for his art creations, Jim Powers created art and scrap metal sculptures that were showcased in his museum before he passed away in 2006. The museum is now closed, but many of his pieces can still be seen outside today. This massive, green apatosaurus dinosaur was made out of recycled wheels.
10. Spider VW Bug, Lexington
If you suffer from arachnophobia, you might want to stay away from this attraction. This vintage VW bug was turned into a giant, 15-ft. spider...it even has red eyes and fangs.
11. LongHorn Barrel Head, Okemah
Made out of wooden, empty barrels, this piece of art was created to resemble a longhorn. It sits outside Kellogg's Family Restaurant just off I-40 in Okemah.
12. The Tin Woodsman, Boise City
Another roadside attraction standing in front of the Cimarron Heritage Center Museum is the Wizard of Oz companion who "wished he only had a heart." The 13-foot-tall man has had many homes, including one in Colorado, before he was moved to the current location in Boise City in late 2011.
We told you they were bizarre! If you're looking for more unique places in Oklahoma, check out this article here.
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