10 Unusual Texas Roadside Attractions Too Wild To Miss
Everything really is bigger in Texas, including the weirdness. From art installations that make you do a double-take to quirky monuments that defy explanation, the Lone Star State has roadside attractions that are stranger than fiction.
Whether you’re a road trip enthusiast or just someone who loves a good photo op, these offbeat landmarks will make your journey unforgettable.
1. Cadillac Ranch
Half-buried Cadillacs sticking out of the ground might sound like a fever dream, but it’s totally real near Amarillo. Artist Chip Lord and his buddies created this iconic art installation back in 1974, and it’s become a legendary stop for travelers cruising down Route 66.
Visitors are actually encouraged to bring spray paint and add their own artistic flair to the cars. The paint layers have gotten so thick over the decades that the original colors are long gone. Families, couples, and solo adventurers leave messages, doodles, and declarations of love on these metal canvases.
Bring your own can of spray paint and leave your mark on this ever-changing masterpiece that celebrates American car culture in the most unconventional way possible.
2. Prada Marfa
A luxury designer store plopped in the middle of nowhere? Artists Elmgreen and Dragset weren’t joking when they built this permanent sculpture in 2005.
Located about 35 miles northwest of Marfa, near the tiny town of Valentine, this faux boutique sits alone in the desert, displaying real Prada shoes and handbags from the 2005 collection behind sealed windows. You can’t actually shop here, though, the door doesn’t open.
The installation is meant to comment on consumerism and the absurdity of luxury culture. Despite being vandalized multiple times, it’s been restored and remains a must-see for art lovers and Instagram enthusiasts.
The contrast between high fashion and desolate desert creates an surreal experience. Pack your camera because this bizarre landmark photographs like a dream against the West Texas sunset.
3. Stonehenge II
Why fly to England when Texas has its own version of the famous stone circle? Built by the late Al Shepperd and Doug Hill in the Hill Country near Ingram, this replica stands about 90 percent as tall and 60 percent as wide as the original.
Unlike the mysterious British version, this one was constructed purely for fun and community enjoyment. The best part? They threw in two Easter Island moai statues just for kicks, because why not mix ancient monuments from different continents?
The whole setup sits on a hill with gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside. After the original site in Hunt closed, the replica was moved and rebuilt in Ingram in 2011, where it’s open to the public. It’s quirky, educational, and totally free to visit.
4. Cathedral of Junk
Vince Hannemann started collecting junk in his South Austin backyard in 1988, and things got wildly out of hand—in the best way possible. What began as a small project evolved into a towering, approximately 33-foot-high, three-story structure made entirely of recycled materials.
Bike parts, signs, circuit boards, and random objects create a maze-like masterpiece. Climbing through the Cathedral feels like exploring a post-apocalyptic playground designed by a creative genius. Every corner reveals something unexpected, from vintage toys to car bumpers welded into artistic formations.
Hannemann welcomes visitors by appointment only, making it an intimate experience. Bring sturdy shoes because you’ll want to explore every nook and cranny of this testament to one man’s dedication to creative reuse.
5. World’s Largest Cowboy Boots
Standing 35 feet tall outside North Star Mall in San Antonio, these massive boots make a bold statement about Texas pride. Created by artist Bob Wade in 1979 for the Washington Project for the Arts, they originally stood in Washington D.C. before finding their permanent home in the Lone Star State.
The boots weigh around 10,000 pounds total and feature intricate detailing that mimics real cowboy boot craftsmanship. They’ve become one of San Antonio’s most photographed landmarks, with tourists posing at their base for that perfect vacation shot.
The boots represent everything Texans hold dear, big personalities, Western heritage, and a sense of humor about their larger-than-life reputation. Stop by for a quick photo op and marvel at how something so simple can become so iconic.
6. Eiffel Tower with a Red Cowboy Hat
Paris, Texas couldn’t let France have all the fun, so they built their own Eiffel Tower with a distinctly Texan twist. Originally constructed at 65 feet tall, the tower now sports a giant red cowboy hat on top, added in the late 1990s to make it uniquely theirs.
The hat was a cheeky response to Las Vegas building a taller replica, proving that Texas always finds a way to stand out. Located in Love Civic Center, the tower serves as a symbol of community pride and Texas humor.
Locals embraced the absurdity wholeheartedly, turning it into a beloved landmark. Visitors can snap photos from various angles, and the tower looks especially striking at night when it’s all lit up. It’s proof that everything really does get the cowboy treatment in Texas.
7. Sam Houston Statue (Big Sam)
Towering 67 feet above Interstate 45 near Huntsville, Big Sam is impossible to miss and even harder to forget. Sculptor David Adickes created this tribute to Texas hero Sam Houston, making it the tallest statue of an American hero in the United States.
The white concrete giant depicts Houston in a contemplative stance, holding his signature walking cane. Built in 1994, the statue weighs 30 tons and sits on a base that brings the total height to about 77 feet. Drivers often pull over just to gawk at its impressive scale and snap a few pictures.
Big Sam watches over travelers as a reminder of Texas history and the state’s love for doing things on a massive scale.
8. Ms. Pearl, the Giant Squirrel
Located in Cedar Creek, Texas, near Bastrop, Ms. Pearl is a 14-foot-tall fiberglass squirrel statue standing outside the Berdoll Pecan Candy & Gift Company.
She clutches a pecan and greets travelers with her charming smile. The statue has become a beloved roadside mascot, complete with a 24-hour pecan pie vending machine nearby.
The Berdoll family built her as a playful tribute to their pecan business, and she’s since become a social-media sensation, drawing travelers from across Texas who stop for photos and a slice of sweet Southern nostalgia
9. Dalmatian-Spotted Giant Fire Hydrant
At 24 feet tall and covered in dalmatian spots, this fire hydrant in Beaumont isn’t your average street fixture. Built next to the Fire Museum of Texas, it was donated by Disney in 1999 to promote the movie “101 Dalmatians.”
The playful pattern pays homage to the breed’s historical connection with firehouses.
Constructed in 1999, the hydrant weighs a whopping 4,500 pounds and required a crane to install. It’s become a favorite photo spot for families visiting the museum, with kids especially loving its cartoonish appearance.
The fire museum itself houses fascinating exhibits about firefighting history, making the whole visit educational and entertaining. This oversized landmark proves that even functional objects can become works of public art with a little creativity and Texas-sized ambition.
10. The Orange Show
Jeff McKissack spent about 24 years (1955–1979) building this monument to his favorite fruit in Houston’s East End. Postal worker by day, obsessive orange enthusiast by night, McKissack constructed a maze of mosaics, sculptures, and whimsical structures from salvaged materials.
The entire complex celebrates the health benefits and joy of oranges through folk art that’s equal parts confusing and captivating. Opened in 1979, just months before McKissack’s death, the Orange Show has become a beloved Houston landmark and hosts concerts and events.
Winding paths lead visitors through tiled walls, quirky displays, and staircases that go nowhere in particular. The space feels like stepping into someone’s beautiful, orange-obsessed dream. It’s weird, wonderful, and perfectly represents the creative spirit that makes Texas roadside attractions so memorable.