The best roadside attractions are places you can find right off the highway when you just need to spend a few minutes stretching your legs while seeing something unbelievable. These 7 roadside stops fit that bill perfectly! At these stops you'll find unique museums, some of the world's largest (and most unusual) attractions, as well as places dedicated to history. Read below to plan your roadside break.
1. Vacuum Cleaner Museum
Who would've though cleaning could be so fun? The Vacuum Cleaner Museum has over 800 working vacuums on display! On a tour of the museum you will see vacuums from the early 1900s to today's best models. This really is a great place to stop and see a one-of-a-kind museum.
Vacuum Cleaner Museum is located at 3 Industrial Dr., St. James, MO 65559
2. Jesse James Wax Museum
You will learn everything you ever wanted to know about the outlaw Jesse James at this museum. The museum features wax figures, informative displays, and period firearms. There are also many personal items that belonged to Jesse James on display.
Jesse James Wax Museum is located along I-44 (Exit 230) in Stanton, MO 63079.
3. Fanning 66 Outpost
The Fanning 66 Outpost is home to the second largest rocking chair in the world! This is an easy stopping place if you are driving Historic Highway 66, but it's also worth the extra effort to get there if you are anywhere close by. The Outpost closed for about a year (though the rocking chair stayed put), but we're happy to report that this cool general store opened back up in August! While seeing the giant rocking chair, which stands a whopping 42 feet tall and weighs 27,000 pounds, is cool enough on its own, the Fanning 66 Outpost also has amazing homemade snacks and a full gift shop.
Fanning US 66 Outpost is located at 5957 Hwy. ZZ, Cuba, MO 65453.
4. The World's Largest Catsup Bottle
Located high above the tree line of Collinsville is the world's largest bottle of catsup. Much like the the enormous rocking chair, it is best to not ask why; just to go and see it for yourself! It actually was a water tower built in 1949 for the Brooks Catsup Company. When the company closed, volunteers raised $80,000 to repair this advertising icon and it is now on the National Register of Historic Places
The World's Largest Catsup Bottle is located at 800 S Morrison Ave., Collinsville, IL 62234.
5. The Riverfront Graffiti Wall
The Graffiti Wall is one of the more unique stops on this list. Located at the Riverfront, south of the Gateway Arch, it features almost 2 miles of beautifully painted floodwalls. Each year, more than 250 artists are brought together by Paint Louis to create new works to adorn the walls. Riverfront Graffiti Wall can be found at Chouteau and S Leonor K Sullivan Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63102.
6. The Piasa Bird
The Piasa Bird is a must stop if you are traveling the Great River Road in Alton, Illinois. The Piasa Bird is a stunning artifact left by the Native People of the area. It is a beautiful outside area to stretch your legs. The Piasa Bird is located at Sam Vadalabene Great River Road Bike Trail, Alton, IL 62002.
7. The World's Tallest Man Statue
Here's another awesome stop if you traveling through Alton! The World's Tallest Man Statue is dedicated to Robert Wadlow, who was almost 9 feet tall when he passed away at the young age of 22. Affectionately referred to as the "Gentle Giant," Robert Wadlow is remembered with a life-sized statue. This memorial area also features a chair big enough for Robert Wadlow to sit comfortably. The World's Tallest Man Statue is located at 2810 College Ave., Alton, IL 62002.
Have you visited these roadside attractions? Share your experience with us in the comments below.
Looking for more unusual spots to explore? Check out this list of 9 weird and unique attractions around St. Louis.
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