weird tourist attractions texas

23 Wacky + Weird Roadside Attractions in Texas

There are a few things that Texans are almost guaranteed to love, and objects that can claim to be the biggest of their kind and quirky Texas roadside attractions are definitely two of them!

What do a giant fire hydrant, the (so-called) world’s largest cowboy boots, and an Eiffel Tower wearing a cowboy hat all have in common?

You can find all of them in Texas!

From famous Route 66 kitsch to offbeat, small-town treasures, there are always more funky photo ops to discover along Texas highways and interstates.

This is one of my favorite blog posts to update, simply because it’s hard to take a Texas road trip without finding yet another whimsical stop to add to the list!

If you’re looking for quick, easy road trip stops and photo ops, you can’t go wrong with these weird Texas roadside attractions.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo

Of course, we have to start with the most famous roadside attraction in Texas: the bizarre and delightful Cadillac Ranch !

Here, just off of Route 66, you’ll find 10 Cadillacs lined up in a row in the desert with their front ends buried in the ground and thousands upon thousands of layers of spray paint covering every inch of them.

To make the most of your stop, consider spray painting a bit of artwork yourself.

Be sure to snap photos of your masterpiece, though–your paint will probably be covered by the next day.

North Star Mall Cowboy Boots, San Antonio

We originally discovered these 35-foot-tall cowboy boots completely by accident, shortly after moving to San Antonio years ago, and they’re definitely attention-grabbing!

As the self-proclaimed largest cowboy boots in the world (spoiler: they’re not), the boots have stood in front of the mall for the last 40 years and are a classic roadside attraction in San Antonio.

And, while their claim to being the world’s biggest cowboy boots may very well might not be true, they are often touted as the world’s largest cowboy boots.

Stonehenge II, Ingram

Located in the small town of Ingram, not far from the beautiful Lost Maples State Natural Area , sits one of the weirdest roadside attractions: a modern rebuilding of England’s Stonehenge.

Built in the late 1980s/early 1990s, Stonehenge II is 90% as wide as England’s original, and 60% as tall.

It’s free to visit, and inexplicably also includes replicas of the famous Easter Island heads.

The Smallest Prada Store in the World, Marfa

While technically not a store at all, but rather an art installation set up just outside of quirky, artsy Marfa, this Prada storefront is one of the most beloved roadside photo ops in West Texas !

Technically located in Valentine, Texas, this tiny Prada store is a fun stop during a Big Bend Country road trip.

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Paris, Texas, may not have much in common with the capital of France, but it does boast its own Eiffel Tower!

Since this is Texas, naturally this Eiffel Tower wears a bright red cowboy hat.

You’ll find it easier to snap a photo with, too–the Paris, Texas Eiffel Tower is 1/10th the height of the original.

Paisano Pete, Fort Stockton

Standing at 11-feet tall, Paisano Pete is the world’s second- largest roadrunner.

In true Texas form, Paisano Pete was the world’s largest roadrunner at the time of his installation in 1980.

Fast forward 13 years, and a statue in New Mexico beat him out for the title.

Pete remains one of the most popular roadside attractions in Texas, though, and is a must-see when passing through Fort Stockton !

Beer Can House, Houston

Started by John Milkovisch in 1968, the Houston Beer Can House is one of the most famous roadside attractions in East Texas!

This house is positively covered in what is estimated to be 50,000 flattened beer cans, as well as other beer-themed items, and it is truly a sight like no other.

If you’re looking for a strange photo op in Houston, you can’t beat the Beer Can House located at 222 Malone Street.

Oatmeal Canister Water Tower, Oatmeal

Blink and you’ll miss Oatmeal, Texas, located just outside of Bertram and not too far from Burnet .

Each year, though, Oatmeal makes it onto the map thanks to its Oatmeal Festival held each Labor Day weekend, complete with plenty of oatmeal tossed into the air!

This whimsical water tower operates as a year-round advertisement for the festival, and it makes a fun photo op on a Hill Country road trip, too!

Brick Chess Knight, Gainesville

Located right off the I-35 feeder road in Gainseville, Texas , lies this eye-catching knight rendered in brick.

The “castle” next to it may not look exactly like a rook, but it’s certainly close enough that I (and many others) have always conceptualized these statues as chess pieces!

If you’d like to visit, plan on doing so when heading north on I-35!

The statues are much more cumbersome to access if you’re headed southbound.

World’s Largest Shovel, Creedmoor

Officially designated the World’s Largest Garden Spade by the Guinness Book of World Records, this 40-foot spade was built with recycled materials from the nearby landfill.

Located at Garden-Ville, just to the north of FM 1327, you can easily visit this Texas roadside stop by taking the back roads from Austin to Lockhart .

World’s Largest Teapot, Navasota

Located outside of Martha’s Bloomers, a combination nursery/restaurant/antique store, this flower-accented teapot immediately catches your eye when driving down Highway 6!

Visiting is also a great excuse to check out more of the fun things to do in Navasota .

Leaning Water Tower, Groom

The first couple of times we drove past Groom’s leaning water tower, I assumed it was a result of age–but no.

Located off of the original Route 66, Groom’s leaning water tower was installed as-is by Ralph Britten in order to drum up business for his (now closer) truck stop.

It was a wild success, and the tower is still incredibly eye-catching today.

World’s Largest Bowie Knife, Bowie

Located right next door to the “Welcome to Bowie” sign in the small North Texas town of Bowie sits the largest bowie knife in the world!

The knife stands more than 14 feet tall and is a popular photo spot for road trippers passing through town.

Old Jarrell Gas Station, Jarrell

Located just off of I-35 between Georgetown and Temple, the Old Jarrell Gas Station has been converted into a bright and colorful vintage and antique store.

Whether you’re in the market for a vintage sign, an antique souvenir, or just a cool photo op, be sure to check out this stop in the small town of Jarrell, Texas !

World’s Largest Working Fire Hydrant, Beaumont

If this spotted black-and-white, 24-foot-tall fire hydrant in downtown Beaumont reminds you of 101 Dalmatians, there’s a very good reason for that.

This eye-catching fire hydrant was donated to Beaumont by the Walt Disney Company in 1999 in honor of the re-release of the 101 Dalmatians movie, and it has been a local photo op ever since!

While it was the largest fire hydrant in the world at the time, it now sits solidly at number 3.

However, it still retains the claim as the world’s largest working fire hydrant!

The Boot House + Cowboy Hat House, Huntsville

Tucked away in East Texas, the Boot House and Cowboy Hat house are located next door to each other and were constructed by the same architect.

Though the boot does have “Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe” vibes, both buildings definitely rank among any list of crazy things to see in Texas!

Glass Bathrooms, Sulphur Springs

Personally, I can’t help but think that these public restrooms are the absolute weirdest Texas roadside attraction of them all.

Located in the downtown square of the small town of Sulphur Springs (about 1.5 hours from Dallas), these restrooms are exactly what they sound like: operational public bathrooms made of glass.

They operate as one-way mirrors, so while someone using the restroom of course has their privacy protected, they can also see… the entire square, including people walking right up to the bathrooms to check them out.

This is definitely the strangest place to use the restroom in Texas!

World’s Largest Gingerbread Man, Smithville

In 2006, the people of Smithville, Texas baked a 20-foot tall gingerbread cookie… and promptly ate him, of course.

In 2009, the feat was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest gingerbread man, and the town turned the baking sheet used to create him into an art installation.

He’s now named Smitty, and stands happily next to Smithville’s railroad depot!

Regency Bridge, San Saba

As the last suspension bridge in Texas to allow vehicle traffic, the Regency Bridge isn’t so much a roadside attraction as an  on  the road attraction!

Located about 20 miles northwest of San Saba, the Regency Bridge gained notoriety starting in the 80s for being shown in the opening credits of the show Texas County Reporter, one of the most beloved Texas TV shows .

World’s Largest Spur, Lampasas

Located just off Highway 281, this gigantic brass spur stands 35-feet tall in the small town of Lampasas and is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.

If you’re headed to Colorado Bend State Park , this is an easy photo op to add to your trip.

Consider also detouring to Storm’s Drive-In while you’re in town for an excellent burger!

Big Texan Steak Ranch, Amarillo

The sheer number of roadside attractions in and around Amarillo is incredible, and while we didn’t repeat ourselves by listing all of them here (you can find all of them in our guide to the best things to do in Amarillo ), the classic Big Texan Steak Ranch deserves to be mentioned. 

For the ultimate Texas roadside stop since 1960, consider hitting up the Big Texan Steak Ranch for their 72 oz. steak challenge.

If you take the challenge, you’ll need to sit on a small stage-like table at the front of the restaurant as you (try to) eat a 72 oz. steak, plus fixings, in less than an hour.

If you succeed, the meal is free. If not, prepare to cough up $72.

Either way, prepare for a stomachache!

Even if food challenges aren’t your thing, though, this utterly unmistakable and over-the-top restaurant/roadside attraction combination is well worth a stop while in Amarillo.

Giant Sam Houston, Huntsville

This 77-foot statue of Texas hero Sam Houston is utterly unmistakable when driving down I-45 through Sam Houston’s hometown of Huntsville!

While anyone driving by will be able to admire this Texas-sized roadside attraction, the city has set up a small visitor center that will allow you to get a closer look.

World’s Largest Killer Bee, Hidalgo

If there’s one thing Texans like, it’s declaring something the biggest version of itself.

This goes from the mundane to the bizarre, and the small town of Hidalgo follows tradition by boasting its status as the home of the “ world’s largest killer bee “.

Coming in at 2000 pounds and built in a realistic style, this statue is quite the sight!

The bee was constructed in the 1990s, in honor–so to speak–of the town’s status as the first place that Africanized killer bees were discovered in the USA–a terrifying and much-reported news story at the time.

The new story may have faded from focus, but the bee lives on as one of the beloved and downright weird roadside attractions in Texas that you can visit.

3 thoughts on “23 Wacky + Weird Roadside Attractions in Texas”

I’d love to see a map of these weird roadside attractions. I’m not good with TX geography. But I’d like to see when I’m going somewhere if Maybe there’s a weird roadside attractions I can take a short detour to see. Instead of getting home and having someone say did you go look at?¿???

Suggest adding the Texaco Petrified Wood Station in Decatur, TX. https://maps.app.goo.gl/AWJjQVPyjTpNzmau7?g_st=ic

Hey Kate, I’m Renee with My Texas Escapades. Thanks for sharing some of your adventures with us. I’ve not visited any of these attractions, but rest assured that they are now on my list of things to do/see when I’m in the areas.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Strange and Odd Texas Attractions

Texas is full of attractions, ranging from museums to natural attractions . However, while many of Texas' numerous attractions are unique, some are downright strange or odd. Here's a handful of the most unusual attractions found in the Lone Star State.

Stonehenge II

Located just outside of Hunt, on the property of the late Al Shepperd, Stonehenge II is a 3/5th replica of the original Stonehenge site in Salisbury Plain, England. Stonehenge II was built in the early 1990s and has been a tourist attraction ever since. In addition to the Stonehenge replica, the property also houses two Easter Island heads, offering sight-seers plenty to look at while touring the location.

Cadillac Ranch

Located on I-40 about 12 miles west of downtown Amarillo (between Exits 60 and 62), Cadillac Ranch is an iconic attraction. Originally placed along Route 66, Cadillac Ranch was moved to its current location in 1997 due to the ever-expanding city limits of Amarillo. The Cadillac Ranch was created by a California-based group of artists known as the Ant Farm at the behest of eccentric Amarillo millionaire and art patron Stanley Marsh 3. Cadillac Ranch consists of 10 Cadillacs planted nose-down into the ground. The 10 cars used were year models 1949, '52, '54, '56, '57, '58, '59, '60, '62, and '64. These models were chosen to represent the evolution of the Cadillac's signature tail fins. Cadillac Ranch gained cult-like status thanks to Bruce Springsteen's ode to this odd attraction.

Devil's Rope Museum

The invention that was more responsible for taming Texas and the Southwestern United States than any other single element was barbed wire. Offering ranchers an inexpensive way to fence their property to keep cattle in and cowboys out, barbed wire came in many configurations. In fact, the US Patent Office issued more than 450 unique patents for different styles of barbed wire. Many more models were created. The one feature all barbed wire has in common is some sort of protruding spike or spur woven into two or more strands of wire. Due to these "metal thorns," barbed wire was quickly nicknamed "Devil's Rope." Today, the Devil's Rope Museum, located just off Route 66 outside of Graham, TX (actually connected to Route 66 Museum), houses more than 6,000 examples of various barbed wires.

Creation Evidence Museum

Glen Rose, also known as the Dinosaur Capital of Texas, has long attracted visitors from near and far to see the dinosaur tracks embedded in the Paluxy River bottom. Dinosaur Valley State Park and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center showcase the evolutionary evidence found in the Glen Rose area. As a response to all of this evolution fervor, in 1984 Carl Baugh founded the Creation Evidence Museum in Glen Rose to feature what he determined to be solid evidence of the creation theory as told in the Bible.

Munster Mansion

Although it claims to be located at 1313 Mockingbird Lane, the Texas version of the Munster Mansion is actually located at 3636 FM 813 in Waxahachie. Built to replicate the home from The Munsters television series, the Waxahachie Munster Mansion features a dungeon, electric chair, revolving bookcase, secret passageway, and a fire-breathing "dragon" beneath the front stairway. The highlight of the year for the Munster Mansion is Halloween, when the owners traditionally host fundraising parties for local charities.

8 Top Things to Do in the Texas Panhandle Plains

Honolulu, Waikiki, and Oahu Gay Guide and Photo Gallery

The 15 Best Day Trips From Los Angeles

The Best Staycation in Every State

Science Says This Is the Perfect U.S. Road Trip

Visitors Guide to Winchester, Virginia

The Ultimate Itinerary for a European-Inspired Solo Trip Around the US

The Best State Park in Every State

The Top 13 Things to Do in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

Guide to Halloween in Texas: Festivals, Events, Things to Do

12 Things to Do in San Luis Obispo

Where to Go in 2019

The Complete Guide To The Santa Monica Pier and Amusement Park

Boca Chica Beach in Texas

10 Best Things to Do During Winter in Texas

Death Valley National Park: The Complete Guide

• Events and Activities
• Museums and Art
• Parks and Recreation
• Texas Education
• Texas Gulf Coast
• Texas Industries
• Texas Regions
• Texas Sports
• Moving to Texas
• Dallas Fort Worth
• San Antonio
• Being Texan
• Famous People
• Texas History
• Texas Music
• Texas Guides

The world is a fascinating place. Every place on Earth has its distinct characteristics, and Texas is no exception. Some characteristics are unique and strange to our human minds. Here are the top 25 most unusual things to see in Texas that you should not miss.

The Cadillac Ranch

Cadillac Ranch was built in 1974 by eccentric helium millionaire Stanley Marsh 3 (he disliked the Roman numeral III and thought it was pretentious). Marsh funded the setup of ten graffiti-covered Cadillacs partially buried in a dusty Texas field in collaboration with The Ant Farm. 

The cars are nose-down and facing west at the same angle as Cheops’ pyramids. The cars were relocated two miles further in 1997 to avoid the expanding city.

Cadillac Ranch is accessible to the public at all hours and welcomes visitors. Graffiti on the vehicles is also encouraged, and the cars are painted in ever-changing layers.

Cathedral of Junk

Vince Hannemann’s tall Cathedral of junk is hidden in a suburban backyard in south Austin. The skeleton and décor of the structure comprise 60 tons of dumped items, many of which are bicycles.

The Cathedral’s construction began in 1989 when Hannemann was in his twenties. He collected junk for his project for a few years, but it became obsolete when people began to provide him with their unwanted goods.

The Cathedral of Junk is still a work in progress. A three-story tower once stood in the back of the Cathedral, but Hannemann demolished it, believing he had completed his long-term project. Instead of further dismantling the Cathedral, and after a change of heart, he introduced three more rooms to the structure using the pieces of the former tower.

Newman’s Castle

A medieval castle is probably the last thing you’d expect to encounter in a small rural Texas town. Yet one sits, wonderfully out of place, like something out of a fairytale: drawbridge, moat, and all.

With a bakery in Bellville, Mike Newman lives in Newman’s Castle, among the must-visit castles in Texas . The magnificent mansion features a working trebuchet and drawbridge, a great hall, a gator-filled moat, a courtyard, towers, and training grounds. Visitors are guided through the entire castle and encouraged to feel and play with all of the oddities they discover.

Uncommon Objects

Twenty-four different vendors sell their strange and eclectic wares in eye-catching booth exhibits along the corridors at Austin’s premier curiosities shop, which looks like an elegant antique store gone wrong. Remember, this isn’t a museum. This is all for sale.

Uncommon Objects has evolved into the one-of-a-kind bazaar of transcendent junk you see in front of you. Twenty-four hardworking antique sellers have come together under one roof to bring you this authentic and occasionally quirky slice of American history and culture.

From cases of wall-mounted antlers to costume jewelry, rustic furniture to crates of old photographs, pinball machines, old signs, and, most recently, a taxidermy terrier looking exactly like Toto.

Museum of the Weird

According to all accounts, the Dime or Dime Store museum is an endangered species. P. T. Barnum established the first dime museum called “The American Museum” in 1841. It was a departure from high-class science and art museums, catering to a lower-income audience and offering items of a far more dubious nature.

Part of the attraction of the dime store museum was debating what was real and a “humbug,” as P. T. Barnum referred to a hoax or fake display. Feejee mermaids (a fake or “gaff” taxidermy made from a fish and monkey sewn together to form an incredibly ugly “mermaid”) sat alongside real exotic animals and scientific instruments, as did a dog-run loom.

National Museum of Funeral History

The unusual museum, located in a quiet suburb of Houston, Texas, houses an unusual collection commemorating our final farewell.

The museum is an exciting look at the science, history, and art of death, with exhibits ranging from African fantasy coffins to a visual history of embalming. JFK’s actual eternal flame, a diverse variety of funeral programs from prominent celebrities, and a collection of lovely hearses, both motorized and horse-drawn, including a tragic funeral bus that more than lived up to its name, are all part of its one-of-a-kind collection.

The Big Bubble

It’s unusual to come across an inviting BRB (Big Red Button) sitting out in the open, with no warning signs or indication of its purpose. Yet such an enigma can be found hidden in a superficial niche on Houston’s Preston Street Bridge. Proceed to press it.

The button is a piece of an ecological art installation that helps prevent the bayou beneath the bridge from being a bog of the eternal stench by giving it the appearance of the Bog of Eternal Stench. Any passerby can press the button, causing the waters below to bubble and churn as if they had accidentally raised some unholy bog creature.

Waco Mammoth Site

Two men were trying to hunt for arrowheads along the Bosque River in Waco in 1978 when they came across a giant bone. When they took it to nearby Baylor University for examination, they sparked an archaeological dig that would ultimately uncover the remnants of 24 Columbian mammoths that traversed Texas during the Ice Age.

The site contains the most significant known density of Columbian mammoths that died in a single catastrophic event. It’s also the world’s first and only identified nursery herd of Columbian mammoths.

Royse City Futuro House

Fewer than one hundred of Finnish architect Matti Suuronen’s sci-fi-inspired Futuro Houses were ever built, and only about 50 still exist, making the odd spaceship vacation house crumble away in a Royse City, Texas field more desirable than it appears.

The prefabricated Futuro Houses were designed in the late 1960s to be a durable, cheap, and stylish little abode that could be positioned in any environment. The homes, made of fiberglass and plastic, could be disassembled into 16 individual pieces and fastened together wherever the owner desired, from a sunny beach to a snowy mountainside.

The Marfa Lights

In beautiful, desolate West Texas , Marfa is a civilization outpost with modern art by resident artist Donald Judd and an independent bookstore. However, Marfa is also known for some supernatural occurrences, such as the Marfa Lights, which are several mysterious light orbs that float off the highway out of town.

The lights can be seen from a viewing area off Highway 67 just outside of Marfa. On the other hand, their appearance is sporadic at best, and if you see these basketball-sized, multicolored, glowing orbs floating in the distance, consider yourself lucky.

The Dr. Pepper Museum

Dr Pepper, the country’s oldest major soft drink concentrates and syrups manufacturer, was first produced and sold in the US in 1885 in Waco, Texas. No tour to Waco is complete without a stop at the Dr Pepper Museum, which is considered the state drink of Texas.

The museum, known as the “Home of Dr Pepper,” is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features three floors of exhibits, a gift shop filled with Dr Pepper artifacts, and a working old-fashioned soda fountain. The gift shop used to offer Dr Pepper bottled in America’s oldest still-operational plant.

Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemerata

The Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemerata, curated and hosted by Scott and Jen Webel, is a knowing yet earnest homage to P. T. Barnum’s dime museums and crowd-pleasing sideshows from an era when pop culture was being formed in the boardwalks and streets of an industrializing age.

A stuffed pygmy kangaroo, a crocodile crying crocodile tears, a narwhal tooth replica, and a double-headed chick are among the natural wonders on display at the museum. A lock of Elvis’ hair, a single strand of hair from Willie Nelson, George W. Bush’s chocolate eyeball, and the butt of Marilyn Monroe’s last cigarette are among the items on display.

The Devil’s Sinkhole

Devil’s sinkhole accurately describes the dark depths and otherworldliness of a vast vertical yawning gap in the limestone bedrock of the Edwards Plateau’s far western reaches. The sinkhole, a National Natural Landmark since 1985, plunges 400 feet and has a 40×60 opening. It is the state’s biggest single-chambered cavern and the third-deepest.

Locals have discovered stalactites, arrowheads, and other treasures from the sinkhole, which is archeological evidence that it was once held sacred by Native Americans. Evidence from the area suggests that the sinkhole was possibly used for the burial of the dead. The sinkhole now serves as a summer home for 1-4 million Mexican Free-Tailed Bats.

Terlingua Ghost Town

Terlingua is located deep in Brewster County, near the Mexican border. A small desert community and abandoned mercury or “quicksilver” mining ghost town remain nestled between Big Bend Ranch State Park and National Park.

1890s Alien Gravesite

While it receives little attention today, the small village of Aurora, Texas, was once known as the Roswell of its day following a well-publicized UFO crash in the zone. The pilot is said to be buried in the local cemetery.

The alien’s headstone has since been stolen, but every trace of the Wild West alien sighting remains. The cemetery’s Texas state historical marker still acknowledges the Martian burial with the other honored (and actual) dead buried there.

Mueller SunFlowers

On a stretch of I-35 near Austin, Texas, futuristic flowers sprout from the edge of a rather mundane retail shopping center. Mueller SunFlowers’ cobalt blue petals stand out against the powdery fog of the endless Texas sky.

The Bracken Cave

Every summer at dusk, bats pour from the ancient sinkhole’s entrance into the skies above Bracken Cave. Between March and October, an estimated twenty million tiny flying mammals make their home in this cave, making it the largest colony of bats and possibly the largest concentration of mammals anywhere.

World’s Largest Cowboy Boots

Bob “Daddy-O” Wade started making 40-foot-tall ostrich-skin cowboy boots on a vacant lot three blocks away from the White House in 1979. He felt that fiberglass and concrete designed to appear like ostrich skin gave the giant duo a true Texan look.

The giant pair was named the world’s biggest cowboy boot sculpture by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2016. While not everything is bigger in Texas, Wade can rightly claim his boots are.

‘Eye’ Sculpture

You can’t help noticing a three-story gleaming orb perched in their lush garden off Main Street outside the swanky Joule Hotel in downtown Dallas: a hyper-realistic, enormous eyeball, streaky red veins and all.

The piece, titled Eye, was developed by artist Tony Tasset in 2007 for a temporary exhibition in Chicago. It is 30 feet tall and is based on Tasset’s baby blues. It was made of fiberglass by a company famous for making massive, kitschy roadside attractions.

Art Car Museum

Some people wash and wax their cars to keep the finish as shiny and clean as the day they made the purchase. The art car movement means the opposite.

While those who make art cars are still concerned with the appearance of their vehicle, they view the vehicle as a blank canvas where they can create a masterpiece. Among the art car creations is a popular style in which many objects of one type have been fastened on covering the entire car’s exterior, such as cameras, CDs, corks, trophies, and more.

Outside of Austin, Texas, on an unremarkable stretch of Highway 71, is a U-turn worthy destination for the squirrel worshiper in all of us. Ms. Pearl, who stands 14 feet tall, beckons 30 to 100 passersby from the highway each day to have their photo taken with her.

Suppose you’re wondering why she’s clutching a pecan the size of your head. In that case, it’s probably because of the nearby Berdoll Pecan Candy & Gift Company, a family-owned business with a pecan orchard, a gift shop, and a massively adorable squirrel statue.

The Munster Mansion

Many people adored the 1960s TV show “The Munsters,” but none more than Sandra and Charles McKee.

Sandra and Charles McKee have spent the last nine years transforming their Victorian home into a nearly exact replica of the famous Munster mansion from the 1960s sitcom Munster. This house, however, was built in Waxahachie, Texas, rather than the fictional ‘Mockingbird Heights.’

Casa Neverlandia

The whimsical and inspiring “Casa Neverlandia” in Austin looks like it was designed by Salvador Dali if he had lived in Morocco and spent his summers learning eastern philosophy at a Tahitian safari camp. It is, in fact, the incredible residence and invention of one James Talbot, who drew on his 40 years of extraordinary life experiences.

Dinosaur Valley State Park

The massive dinosaur statues that now tower over Dinosaur Valley State Park may lead visitors to think that thunder lizards once roamed the area, and they would be correct. However, some of the tracks in the ancient limestone prompted others to believe that humans were walking right alongside them, which is incorrect.

Eclectic Menagerie Park

When driving down Highway 288 in Houston, Texas, be careful not to veer off the road when confronted with the imposing steel creatures and low-flying planes looming outside the Texas Pipe and Supply Company.

The grassy knolls outside of the pipe company are home to a giant daddy-long-legs spider, a friendly-looking King Kong hanging from an unutilized crane, and a massive armadillo with rusted metal plating that looks like it could withstand a bombing.

• 25 unusual Texas sights
• unusual sights in Texas
• unusual Texas museums
• unusual things to see
• weird sculptures in Texas
• weird things in Texas

Fun Ideas for 3-Day Weekend Getaways in Texas

Discover the beauty of lake texoma, is marfa the ultimate hidden gem of texas, recent articles, have you explored these lesser-known texan towns yet, el paso’s suburban bliss what to expect when relocating, learn about the battle of san jacinto, more like this.

Home » North America » USA » Texas » 9 Weird Roadside Attractions in Texas

9 Weird Roadside Attractions in Texas

By Author Lance Longwell

Posted on Last updated: November 12, 2021

Roadside attractions are those cultural tourist oddities that make people want to pull over and take a picture. For a lot of tourists and even locals, taking pictures and posting on their social media channels is a popular travel activity.

These attractions and be things like a giant fire hydrant or a collection of preserved animals. And there’s an infinite number of words that can be used to describe them: weird, odd, sensational, perplexing, and even beautiful.

If you’re a local or a visitor taking a Texas road trip, be sure to check out these cultural oddities.

The Cartoon Saloon, Too

Howdy partner! How about a drink?

Despite the photogenic nature of this attraction and the saloon name, you can’t actually order a beer here. This saloon was constructed for photo ops along the side of a remote country road near Comfort, TX.

Despite the condition of the saloon, it actually isn’t old. The weathered look was carefully created when the place was built in 2018.

It’s incredibly popular with people exploring the Texas Hill Country and a lot of folks bring their own booze and make it a picnic spot.  Location: 508 FM Highway 473, Comfort, TX.

Stonehenge II and Easter Island Heads

The stone monuments of Stonehenge have captured imaginations for centuries…and replicas around the world. One of those replicas sits in a public park just off Route 39 on the banks of the Guadalupe River in the town of Ingram.

Constructed by artist Al Shepperd and his friend Doug Hill in the early 1990s, the stones of this monument are artificial. They are approximately 90% as wide and 60% as tall as the original in England.  After visiting Easter Island, Shepperd decided to expand the project to include a 13-foot-tall replica of the stone heads found there.

Constructed on Shepperd family farm in Hunt, Texas, it was moved to this site after Shepperd’s death.  Location: Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Road, Ingram, TX .

Lone Star Cowboy Boots

The tiny village of Sisterdale (not far from Boerne ) isn’t much more than a wide spot in the road, a few houses, and a BBQ joint. But in the yard of one of the only houses in town you’ll find these red, white and blue patriotic cowboy boots.

The boots are about 4 feet tall and can be easily seen from the road. Location: 1149 Sisterdale Rd., Sisterdale, TX (alternate GPS address: 1149 Farm To Market Rd 473, Boerne, TX ).

Luckenbach, Texas

When it comes to Central Texas roadside attractions, none are more famous than the little town of Luckenbach. While this was a real town (population 3), it became famous when Waylon Jennings penned his famous song.

The Luckenbach post office, which operates as a souvenir and gift shop as well as a bar, is one of the most photographed buildings in Texas. Come for the photos, enjoy the music, and leave as friends.

If you are interested in visiting, read more about the town of Luckenbach .

The town is located just off TX Route 1376 southeast of Fredericksburg . Location: 412 Luckenbach Town Loop, Luckenbach, TX.

Ferdinand the Bull

Texas is full of lots of creative and unusual sculptures, including Ferdinand the Bull. It was purchased in 2012 from Colorado sculptor Sean Guerrero, also known as Chrome Sean. Built from old chrome automobile bumpers, Ferdinand is over 16 feet long and about 48 hands high. It took Guerrero two years to build the bull.

Since 2014, you’ll find Ferdinand living in the bull pen off the Hye-Albert Road at Garrison Brothers Distillery (one of the great Texas distilleries ) in Hye.  Location: 1827 Hye-Albert Rd., Hye, TX .

Armadillo Farm Museum

The town of Comfort was the location for the Apelt Armadillo Company from 1894 to 1971. The company manufactured craft items out of the nine-banded armadillo shells including lamps, purses, baskets and other items.

When the Apelt Company folded, the citizens of the town wanted to keep the memory alive. The result was the Armadillo Farm Museum. This is a combination of a museum and gift shop selling homemade goods, general store items, crafts, and the signature item: odd armadillo items.

The museum makes a curious stop in the Texas Hill Country. Location: 636 High St., Comfort, TX .

Hygieostatic Bat Roost

This wooden tower in the Texas Hill Country is over 100 years old. It was built in 1918 in the early days of the Spanish Flu outbreak but was designed to fight malaria. Throughout the 19 th and 20 th centuries, temperate Texas experienced a large number of malaria outbreaks. And malaria is transmitted by mosquitos.

And what kills mosquitos? Bats. While many communities in America viewed bats as a menace, many people recognized their important ecological role in keeping the mosquito population under control since an individual bat can eat thousands of the little bugs in a single night.

The tower is known as the Hygieostatic Bat Roost. The pyramid-like tower was designed by Charles A.R. Campbell as one of 16 throughout the U.S., but is the only one still standing. At over 30 feet tall and houses thousands of bats.

The Hygieostatic Bat Roost is now located on private property, but it can be seen from the road. Location: 109 RM473, Comfort, TX. GPS:  29.9697, -98.9066 .

Seashell Graves of Comfort Cemetery

The small town of Comfort is home to one of the great mysteries of Texas. In the Comfort Cemetery, many of the graves are decorated with scallop seashells covering the tombstone mound. And nobody knows why they are here.

There are many different types of graves adorned with seashells: children and adults, named and unnamed graves, but all the graves are from the mid-1800s until the first quarter of the 20 th century. Folks in town like to say that the tradition was brought over form Germany, but there’s not a tradition over there. In Europe, the seashell is the symbol of the Camino de Santiago route.

It’s more likely that the graves have to do with slavery. The town of Comfort and the German-American immigrants who settled here were strongly abolitionist. The town is also home to a mass grave of 68 farmers who wanted to join the Union Army in the Civil War. Adorning graves with seashells is very common in communities that have enslaved Africans (including Gullah communities).

There are many cemeteries in the South with similar seashell graves, but none are as famous as the ones here in Comfort.  Location: Intersection of 3 rd St and Cemetery St., Comfort, TX. GPS: 29.9738, -98.9132 .

World’s Largest Virgin Mary Mosaic

Just west of downtown San Antonio and right off the I-35/I-10, the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is an important arts institution for the community. But it is better known for the massive four-story artwork on the side of the building.

The building is adorned with a massive mosaic that includes a replica of a votive candle of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The top of the candle has an eternal flame and members of the community leave their own votive prayer candles along the base of the mosaic sculpture.

Prayer candles are an important part of religious life for Mexican and Latino communities. The candles take on different significance and lighting the candles are an important part of honoring the faith and the community.

The masterpiece was designed by local artist Jesse Trevino and constructed in 2004. Location: 1301 Guadalupe St., San Antonio, TX .

Lance Longwell is a travel writer and photographer who has published Travel Addicts since 2008, making it one of the oldest travel blogs. He is a life-long traveler, having visited all 50 of the United States by the time he graduated high school. Lance has continued his adventures by visiting 70 countries on 5 continents – all in search of the world’s perfect sausage. He’s a passionate foodie and enjoys hot springs and cultural oddities. When he’s not traveling (or writing about travel), you’ll find him photographing his hometown of Philadelphia.

Share this post:

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Home » Roadside Attractions Blog » Texas Tourist Attractions & Road Trip Stops » The 15 Best Texas Roadside Attractions

The 15 Best Texas Roadside Attractions

• Pinterest 21

Are you planning a Texas road trip and want to find all the best Texas roadside attractions along your route? Whether you’re driving Route 66 or are vacationing in Austin, Dallas, or Houston, you won’t want to miss these fifteen must-see places to go in Texas. They’re fun road trip stops and great additions to your travel itinerary or route.

Below are the 15 best roadside attractions in Texas: from some giant furniture to a giant pan, from some painted cars stuck in the mud to Prada store in the middle of nowhere, from the world’s largest pair of cowboy boots to a cowboy hat that sits on an Eiffel Tower, from a cathedral of junk to a house of beer cans! You won’t want to miss any of these bucket list worthy tourist traps and road trips stops on your Texas vacation.

The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book

Everything you need to have and record an epic road trip.

Enjoy fun games and challenges to pass the time on your next road trip and have a keepsake to look back on for years to come with this entertaining must-have for your next vacation.

Ready to hit the road? Let’s go! I call shotgun!

1. Cadillac Ranch

• 2. World's Largest Cowboy Boots

3. Dalmatian Fire Hydrant

4. beer can house, 5. paisano pete: giant roadrunner, 6. big texan steak ranch, 7. giant hog stand, 8. eiffel tower with big cowboy hat, 9. prada marfa.

• 10. World's Largest Pecan

11. Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum

• 12. Glenn Goode's Big People
• 13. World's Largest Killer Bee

14. Cathedral of Junk

15. tex randall, the 15 best texas roadside attractions (in no particular order):.

13651 I-40 Frontage Rd, Amarillo, TX

Cadillac Ranch might just be the most recognizable pit stop on Route 66. Installed by a group of San Francisco hippies dubbed “The Ant Farm” in 1974, this Texas roadside attraction has been attracting crowds ever since. In a field you’ll find ten Cadillac cars (1949-1963 models) buried nose-first in the ground and covered in colorful graffiti. Visitors are encouraged to leave their mark with a can of spray paint so no two views will ever be the same.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by kevinrfarren (@leave_luck_to_kevin) on Aug 10, 2019 at 2:47pm PDT

2. World’s Largest Cowboy Boots

North Star Mall, 7400 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX

While you might think no where else in the U.S. could be home to the World’s Largest Cowboy Boots, they were originally built to be displayed in Washington D.C. Bob “Daddy-O” Wade (1943-2019) constructed the 35-foot tall boots for a commission in the nation’s capital in 1979. But they only lasted there for four months before they were snatched up by a mall in San Antonio and trucked back to Texas where they still stand today.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Josh McDonald (@joshlmcdonald) on Oct 18, 2019 at 9:22pm PDT

Fire Museum of Texas, 400 Walnut St, Beaumont, T X

Outside of Beaumont’s Fire Museum of Texas you’ll find a 24-foot-tall fire hydrant decked out with white paint and black spots to resemble the markings on a dalmatian. This weird roadside attraction was actually donated to the museum by Walt Disney. The company created it as a promotion for the re-release of their animated film 101 Dalmatians in 1999. Originally displayed at Disney Land in Anaheim, California, and then sent it off to Beaumont when they were done. It’s not quite the world’s largest fire hydrant (that is in South Carolina ) but this 4,500 pound hydrant can blast 1,500 gallons of water a minute, making it the World’s Largest Working Fire Hydrant.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shelley Seale (@shelleyseale)

222 Malone St, Houston, TX

Retired Houstonian John Milkovisch spent 18 years adorning his house with beer cans. Today the abode is covered in over 50,000 empty crushed cans along with bottle caps, bottles, metallic garlands, and other accoutrements that he meticulously placed. John died in 1988, and his wife Mary in 2002, but the house was so beloved as a local piece of folk art, that a non-profit preservation organization ( The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art ) picked it up and preserved the extraordinarily shiny home.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by kristycho7 (@kristycho7) on Oct 3, 2019 at 10:57am PDT

East Dickinson Boulevard & North Main Street, Fort Stockton, TX

Paisano Pete is one big bird. At 22 feet long and 11 feet tall he was once the world’s largest roadrunner (in 1993 a new guy in Las Cruces, New Mexico usurped the title). Still, this impressive bird and the mascot of Fort Stockton is worth a detour.

7701 I-40 East, Amarillo, TX

Looking for a roadside attraction, Route 66 icon, motel, and restaurant all rolled into one? Look no further than Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo. Outside you’ll find a bright yellow building anchored by “Big Moo” (a giant steer), “Big Tex Rex” (a dinosaur in a cowboy hat), and a 15-foot-tall cowboy boot. Inside, you can grab a typical 16-ounce Texas steak dinner, but the big draw here is the Steak Challenge that’s been offered since the 1960s: eat a 72-ounce steak along with a shrimp cocktail, baked potato, salad, and buttered roll in one hour and the $72 meal is free.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Blind Beast (@blindbeast) on Dec 19, 2017 at 10:42am PST

1112 S St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX

Go hog wild over this fine example of programmatic architecture. This big hog-shaped building once one of many similar structures in the city and housed Frank’s Hog Stand. The building went missing for a while but then was found, refurbished, and moved to where is stands today.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Samantha Bennett (@samanthabennett08) on Apr 25, 2020 at 7:04pm PDT

2025 S Collegiate Dr, Paris, TX

You don’t have to fly to France to experience the beauty of Paris. You can find it right in Texas. Paris, Texas boasts a 70-foot tall Eiffel Tower replica. The structure is about 10 times smaller than it’s namesake counterpart in Europe but this one has something that one doesn’t have: it’s topped with a bright red cowboy hat.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 704 Candle Company (@704candleco)

14880 US-90, Valentine, TX

If you’re driving in the middle of the Texas desert and you see a Prada store up ahead, you might think it is just a mirage. But it’s real. Well, sort of. Prada Marfa looks just like a luxury boutique, merchandise and all, but it was never an actual functioning store. The fake Prada store was designed as a “pop architectural land art project” from Berlin-based artists Elmgreen and Dragset in 2005 and quickly became a must-see quirky Texas road stop.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Christine (@chri5tinek) on Apr 30, 2020 at 12:13pm PDT

10. World’s Largest Pecan

101 E Court St, Seguin, TX

Seguin, Texas, is the “pecan capital of Texas,” so obviously they needed to celebrate their title with the world’s largest pecan. In 1962 a local dentist built a 1,000-pound, five-foot-long pecan and placed it in front of the town’s City Hall. For twenty years this monument held strong as the biggest of its kind…until some pecan farmers in Brunswick, Missouri, built a bigger one . In 2011 Seguin decided to reclaim their title and unvelied a new 16-foot-long pecan that you can find at the Texas Agricultural and Heritage Center in town.

5959 Grove Ln, The Colony, TX

At Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum in The Colony you can peruse more than 1,400 toilet seats decorated with found objects like cassette tapes, ballet tutus, and seashells. These interesting pieces of art are the work of retired plumber Barney Smith who sadly passed away in 2019. Luckily the collection was purchased from him before he passed away and the collection of intricate art moved from San Antonio to The Colony, where it is on display at The Truck Yard bar.

12. Glenn Goode’s Big People

1719 FM371, Gainesville, TX

Glenn Goode, “The Fiberglass Man,” loved fiberglass beings of all shapes and sizes. In front of his business he proudly displayed two muffler men, a Uniroyal Gal, and two Big John statues that he collected and restored over the years. Glenn Goode’s Big People is a gathering of fiberglass giants you won’t want to miss on a Texas road trip.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rover Travels (@rovertravels) on Jan 27, 2019 at 12:45pm PST

13. World’s Largest Killer Bee

704 Ramon Ayala Dr, Hidalgo, TX

Hidalgo, Texas is the “Killer Bee Capital of the World,” and the town surprisingly embraces that distinction. The mayor was so proud of those bees that he had a $20,000 monument built for the bug. The World’s Largest Killer Bee can be found outside Hidalgo City Hall most of the year…except when its buzzing down the street at the town’s annual Border Fest celebration.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by JillBomb?? (@blondeb0mber) on Mar 10, 2020 at 3:25pm PDT

4422 Lareina Dr, Austin, TX

The Cathedral of Junk is pretty much as it sounds: a giant cathedral-like structure made from cast offs. Vince Hannemann began constructing the Cathedral of Junk in his backyard in 1988. The three-story wonderland is made from used items most people would discard: bicycle parts, kitchen utensils, cables, doll heads, and other, well, junk. This Texas roadside attraction is a must see, but it’s on private property so call ahead for an appointment.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kayla Deeanne Bartley (@kaylabird14) on Jul 18, 2019 at 8:18pm PDT

1400 N 3rd Ave, Canyon, TX

Want to meet Texas’s Biggest Texan? Tex Randall first graced the state in 1959. The 47-foot-tall cowboy was made by high school shop teacher William “Harry” Wheeler and was displayed outside of a Western apparel store. Over the years he’s been given several makeovers but has always captured the hearts of locals and visitors looking for a man that truly lives the motto “everything is bigger in Texas.”

Want to see more of the strangest roadside attractions in America? From Alabama to Wyoming, check out our list of the best roadside attractions in each state .

Pin this list of the 15 Best Texas Roadside Attractions:

Photo by Matthew T Rader on Unsplash Photo by David Solce on Unsplash Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash

Plan Your Road Trip

Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture in Minneapolis, Minnesota

They say that life is a bowl of cherries, and, when you catch a glimpse of this whimsical cherry, you just might agree. Meet one …

Big Pink Pig Smoker in Lake Dallas, Texas

I found this roadside attraction and didn’t want to hog it for myself. This big pink pig smoker at Chasin’ Tail BBQ in Lake Dallas, …

The 10 Best North Dakota Roadside Attractions

Are you planning a North Dakota road trip and want to find all the best North Dakota roadside attractions along your route? Whether you’re driving …

Valerie Bromann

Founder & road trip expert.

Valerie Bromann is a a website manager, content creator, and writer from Chicago, Illinois (currently living in Dallas, Texas). As an avid road tripper who has visited hundreds of roadside attractions, Val always pull over for a world’s largest thing. Founder of Silly America and author of The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book , she visits, photographs, and writes about all the weird tourist destinations she visits and offers road trip planning advice and inspiration based on her own travels so you can hit the road for yourself.

Follow Valerie & Silly America

Last modified: March 21, 2023 Category: Roadside Attractions , Texas Tourist Attractions & Road Trip Stops

The 15 Best North Carolina Roadside Attractions

The 10 best connecticut roadside attractions, share this post ⤵, by valerie bromann.

The road trip you’ve been dreaming of starts here! Journal about your stops and get to know your fellow passengers with activities and exercises designed to pass the time and bring you closer together. Instead of “Are we there yet?” you’ll find yourself asking, “We’re there already?”. Complete with prompts you can turn to while driving between locations, this journal will one day be a memento of your life-changing trip.

Silly America

Silly America is a roadside attractions blog designed to help travelers find unique stops for their next road trip. The website is a tribute to the great American road trip, devoted to all that is odd in America: roadside attractions, tourist traps, peculiar destinations, bizarre events, road food, fun festivals, and more! It’s a travel website and trip planner for those seeking an offbeat road trip.

Explore Roadside Attractions by State

Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

© 2007-2024 Silly America

Silly America is a Participant In The Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, An Affiliate Advertising Program Designed To Provide A Means For Sites To Earn Advertising Fees By Advertising And Linking To Amazon.Com

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Home » Travel Guides » United States » Texas (TX) » 23 Amazing Hidden Gems in Texas

23 Amazing Hidden Gems in Texas

One of the largest states in the U.S, Texas has it all: deserts, pine forests, the Gulf Coast, and the Rio Grande, the river that marks the border of Mexico with the U.S. Affectionately known by its locals as the “Lone Star State”, Texas was briefly its own nation after gaining independence from Mexico and before joining the United States. This unique and fierce sense of independence adds flair to this state’s personality, which, when coupled with its magnificent natural paradises results in a Texan identity wholly unique to the rest of the country.

Don’t just take our word for it, go explore yourself! We’ve even put together a list of the best hidden gems that await you in Texas!

1. Boca Chica Park and Beach, Brownsville

Part of Boca Chica State Park, the beach is located on the Boca Chica Sub delta of the Rio Grande in Cameron County. Open to the public since 1994, this natural preserve was originally owned to Ygnacio Trevino as part of the Potrero de San Martin Grant. Many years later during the Mexican American War, a floating bridge was built across the bay to transport military supplies. You can still see what is left of the floating bridge today!

There are plenty of activities in this hidden corner of Texas, like having a picnic on the beach, or swimming, surfing or fishing on the beach. Check out the dunes that spread across the beach or go camping here when the weather is good. There is also bird watching so bring your binoculars! Enjoy this secluded stretch of beach and soak in the sun, or take a hike along one of the trails in the park!

2. Blue Lagoon, Huntsville

Located an hour and a half north of Houston are two limestone quarries, filled with warm, blue-green spring water. Known as the Blue Lagoon, this area is privately owned and charges an entrance fee – but it is well worth the experience. The surroundings are gorgeous – pine trees shade the water, and admission is capped to avoid overcrowding so be sure to get here early.

Ideal for scuba divers, there is a gear shop on sight and some divers will camp overnight. Swimmers are not permitted to camp, however, so be sure to get there right when the Blue Lagoon opens to get a space if you’re just swimming. It’s a perfect day trip for anyone looking to play hooky and get away from the city for a few hours, so pack a cooler and hop in the car! Don’t forget the sunscreen!

3. Marfa, Texas

Marfa is a small desert city in west Texas, and is also an arts hub: the Chinati Foundation displays huge indoor and outdoor installations on the old army base. There are also exhibitions hosted by the Ballroom Marfa organization, and films and concerts that draw in visitors. However, as wonderful as art is, that is not the most interesting part of this hidden Texan Gem.

For years, people have reported what they call “Marfa Lights” and claim that this distant desert town is either haunted by ghosts or visited by UFOs. These can be viewed from a platform in town, or talked about at the well-known Marfa Myths music festival. While scientists believe it is the result of reflections of headlights, a consensus has yet to be reached, so come out and decide for yourself! Everything about this town is unique, from their eclectic shops to casual dining experiences, but it is a unique environment worth experiencing.

4. San Felipe Springs

Located in Val Verde County, the San Felipe Springs are the fourth largest springs in Texas, with over 10 springs extending more than a mile along San Felipe Creek. Documented in 1849 by Captain French, these springs were described as “beautiful springs of water” that emptied into the Rio Grande, whose banks were shaded with large groves of nut trees.

Visit yourself to realize that this beauty still exists; the San Felipe Springs offer a welcome break from the heat during the warm months. Visit these springs to cool off or enjoy a refreshing swim. Stop in at any of the many springs located along the creek, such as the Horseshoe Park, Blue Lake or Lions Park. You can also stroll along the San Felipe Creek Walk between Horseshoe and Lions Park for a lovely river view.

5. Hueco Tanks State Park

Located in an area of low mountains in El Paso County, Hueco Tanks is on a high-altitude desert basin between the Hueco Mountains and the Franklin Mountains. Named for the depressions filled with water that riddle the boulders of the park, the word “hueco “ appropriately means “hollow” in Spanish. The park is under protection because of the historic artifacts remaining from the Native Americans, plants and wildlife found here.

Hueco Tanks State Park contains three granite mountains on 860 acres, and is a popular destination for birdwatchers and bouldering lovers. If you’re here in February, be sure to catch the Hueco Rock Rodeo, an outdoor bouldering competition, or stop by anytime. Bring your hiking shoes and explore the mountains; there are trails dating back to those used by the Native Americans, as well as the drawings they left behind: rock images of handprints, dancing figures, horses and more that show stories of tradition and conflict. A true historical legacy, this natural paradise is both enlightening and perfect for the history and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

6. Jacob’s Well

Jacob’s Well is a spring flowing from the Cypress Creek in Wimberley Texas. Only 12 feet in diameter, the spring is still a popular swimming spot for a refreshing swim. The well descends vertically around 23 feet before angling downward through silted chambers, reaching a depth of approximately 137 feet. Swimming is seasonally permitted; May 1st through October 1st.

It is the second longest fully submerged cavern in Texas reaching almost a mile in length.  The spring is flowing from the Trinity aquifer and is the headwaters of Cypress Creek. It is a cool 68 degrees year round.

The well is located in the Jacob’s Well Natural Area which is opened year round for exploration.

7. Claiborne West Park

Located 12 miles west of Orange, Texas, Claiborne West Park was dedicated as a living memorial to Claiborne West, who fought for Texan independence from Mexico back in the day. The park extends over 453 acres of wooded land, and is a wildlife and bird sanctuary. A pond is also maintained with Rainbow Trout for fishing in January and February.

Follow the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail to see the bird sanctuary, or bring your bike to trek the mountain bike trail. If you’re a tennis fan, bring your racket and hit the tennis court. There are also softball fields, a disc gold course and a horseshoe area.  For those seeking to continue the outdoor adventures, there are campgrounds available to continue this adventure overnight!

8. Copper Breaks State Park

Copper Breaks State Park is located in Hardeman County, and spans over 1,800 acres filled with two lakes and miles of trails. The land was originally occupied by the Comanche and Kiowa, before being passed to a private landowner. The government then obtained the land and opened the park in 1970, adding a portion of the official state Texas longhorn herd and preserving the undeveloped land that now awaits your visit!

Hike out to Copper Breaks Lake or Big Pond. The landscape is covered in mesquite, juniper and cottonwood trees, as well as wildflowers. You should also keep an eye out for mule deer, rabbits, roadrunners and great blue herons, among many other animals! Bring a fishing pole as well; Lake Copper Breaks is stocked with trout each winter. If you’re here sometime between April to October, check out when their International Dark Sky Park stargazing program is held, the night sky is absolutely stunning when seen in a place so far removed from city lights!

9. Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve is located west of Austin, Texas, in Westlake Hills. Founded in 1974, the preserve consists of 227 acres and contains 2.5 miles of hiking trails. Follow Bee Caves Road and a mile north of that off of Loop 360 you will find the entrance to the preserve.  Open sunrise to sunset, come if you’re in search of a true natural getaway, away from almost everything, bikes and pets included.

For a relaxed hike, start on the Easy Access Loop, which is just 0.5 miles long. Walk out to the small waterfall along Bee Creek, or to the Scenic Overlook for some good photos. There is also a 1.5 mile loop around to the creek and back if you fancy a longer walk. It’s a perfect place for families with smaller children or those in the mood for a leisurely afternoon hike instead of a strenuous all day outing.

10. Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge

The Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge is located on the coast of Texas, east of Angleton and Lake Jackson. It is a wildlife conservation area bordered by a bay on the Intracoastal Waterway and behind a barrier island of the Gulf of Mexico. Established since 1969, the refuge was created to provide a place for migratory fowl to pass the winter and provides wetlands for over 10 species of birds.

A perfect trip for a birdwatcher, in winter, thousands of snow geese, Canadian geese, cranes and ducks fill the preserve, and in summer, the herons, egrets, larks, sparrows and many other types of birds nest here. No entrance fee is required to visit the park, so stop by and visit the Big Slough Recreation Area for information about the park, and begin your exploration on the Big Slough Trail for some great birding opportunities.

11. Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge

Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge is a 150 acre preserve open since 1995 and dedicated to caring for and rehabilitating abandoned, abused or neglected big cats such as lions and tigers. Currently home to more than 40 of the magnificent creatures, come out and spend a day here learning about the species and how to ensure their continued survival.

Walk along the paths and enjoy being surrounded by nature as you see these cats up close and personal. The tour guides will take you around to educate you on the animals and each cat’s individual journey to this refuge. An education and fun experience for all ages, Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge will inspire you to contribute more to animal conservation.

12. Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is a large protected area of natural habitat in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, spanning 98,000 acres. Located mostly in Cameron County, they have gradually been reintroducing captive-bred falcons to the preserve since 1985, which is now home to over 40 pairs! Several other endangered species also inhabit the refuge, such as the Texas ocelot and the Gulf Coast Jaguarondi. A great place for animal lovers, the park is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset.

Explore the several trails, hit the trails on your bike, or take an auto-tour to learn more about the wildlife protected here. Check their website to see which wildlife related activities are offered at the time of your visit, but do bring your camera to capture shots of the animals as you explore. If you’d like to extend your state, you can camp at Adolph Thomas Jr. County Park. Enjoy experiencing nature and its wildlife in their natural habitats, and feel the satisfaction of contributing to making this possible.

13. Palmetto State Park

Palmetto State Park is located in Gonzales County, and was opened in 1936. The Civilian Conservations Corps constructed the park, building a water tower, refectory and the park headquarters. Named after the dwarf palmetto tree that grows abundantly in the park, it looks a little like the jungle with its dense vegetation surrounding the bogs that fill the park. It boasts some diverse flora and fauna, like the white tailed deer, nine-banded armadillos and several species of birds.

The San Marcos River runs through Palmetto State Park, which also contains Oxbow Lake. Come out to spend an afternoon in this beautiful jungle-like atmosphere. Head out on the water to swim, tube, fish or canoe. You can hike or bike the Palmetto Trail, or stay at their tent or camp sites! Go fishing on Oxbow Lake, or canoe down the San Marcos River to add the final touch on a relaxing day.

14. Cathedral of Junk

Austin, Texas may be the capital of the state and known for its culture and diversity, but it also has quite the weird side, as illustrated by its Cathedral of Junk. You might miss this landmark if you’re not looking for it – it stands in a backyard of a small house in suburbia, built by a quiet local who calls it his clubhouse. First started in 1988 and continually evolving since then, Vince Hanneman has built it gradually over time, and estimates it contains over 60 tons of junk!

Over the years, the cathedral has become intertwined with Texas vegetation, winding its way in and out of the hollow framework of castoffs such as car bumpers, ladders, and cables among other things and lending an eerie effect. Beer signs and clocks shine brightly, powered by hidden cables (Vince has also added outlets to the structure). Interestingly enough, a lot of the pieces of this cathedral were brought to Vince by locals to add to it. Even up to city building codes, come visit when the artist is home. He enjoys showing people around and has even hosted weddings here!

15. Cameron Park

Cameron Park is a 416 acre urban park in Waco, Texas, was dedicated in 1920 in honor of lumber man William Cameron. The land was donated in an effort to meet the citizens’ requests for more green space in an ever developing urban community, and gradually, different chunks of what is now Cameron Park were donated by different private citizens to form the large park that it is today. Cameron Park was recently renovated and is now a popular city park.

When here, don’t miss out on Lovers Leap, a lookout point on the Cameron Park cliffs that has two pavilions and a plaza, along with a short walking trail that overlooks a peaceful view. You can also head out to Mouth of the Bosque that boasts a waterfront vista of the Brazos and Bosque Rivers. Or, check out the panoramic views at Circle Point. Enjoy stretching your legs as you venture out to these places, and don’t forget the Cameron Park Zoo. If you’re feeling brave, climb Jacob’s Ladder, a zigzagging staircase that leads you up to a rock shelter. A true oasis in the middle of Waco, this park is one of Texas’ hidden gems.

16. Regency Suspension Bridge

Locally called the Swinging Bridge, this one-lane suspension bridge spans the Colorado River where Mills County Road 433 intersects with San Saba County Road 137. The Regency Bridge was first built in 1903, then rebuilt in 1939, mostly by hand, and finally restored in 1997. Since 2005 it has been the only remaining suspension bridge in Texas to accommodate automobile traffic.

Take a detour out here to see the bridge in person, to really experience how high the bridge is above the water. Snap some photos of this old style wood bridge and the view of the Colorado river, while taking a moment to appreciate the history that this bridge represents.  Just don’t be surprised when the bridge moves as your car crosses over, remember, it’s a suspension bridge.

17. Pinto Canyon Road

Not for the faint of heart, Pinto Canyon Road stretches over miles of deserts and sometimes seems to never end. If you’re in the mood to hit the road and head out into the middle of nowhere, this is the route for you. Pick up the road at Marfa, and follow the road as it is gradually swallowed by the high grasses outside of town. You’ll see the Chinati Peaks in the distance, gradually growing closer as you keep driving.

This is where the adventure really starts. The pavement ends and you will find yourself on a dirt road that descends into Pinto Canyon. See the ridges decorated with scrub oak and mesquite as you wind through about ten miles of canyon road. You’ll pass an abandoned mine before reaching the Rio Grande floodplain. If you take a right-hand detour here, you’ll end up at Kingston Hot Springs, where you can relax in the desert for a few days before continuing on your journey, wherever it might lead you, whether back to Marfa or out to Ruidosa. It might be a bit of a solitary journey, but you’ll experience gorgeous deserts and rural Texas like you’ve never seen before.

18. Westcave Preserve

Westcave Preserve is a true Texas gem hidden away in Southwest Travis County. This 30 acre preserve is home to a beautiful variety of wildlife in their lush natural habitats that include a canyon, grotto and gorgeous cave. Make sure to book your guided tour since this ecosystem is so delicate, entrance is only permitted with a guide.

Eat beforehand as only water is allowed on the tour, and arrive early to explore the Warren Skaaren Environmental Learning Center and learn more about the geology and weather of Westcave. The hike takes a few hours and is a little less than a mile long. Bring hiking shoes and be prepared to stop at various points to hear about the trees and birds, as well as to appreciate the views! The best part of the Westcave Preserve is at the end of the hike, when you reach the cave and grotto, a truly magical place. Bring your camera to capture these unforgettable moments.

19. Galveston Island State Park

Galveston Island State Park runs the width of Galveston Island from West Galveston Bay to the Gulf of Mexico, and located about 15 miles from downtown Galveston. With its flat, treeless terrain, you can see for miles around down to the beaches and out to the water. An ideal place to do some beach camping, there are 150 campsites here, leaving plenty of space for you!

Bring your swimsuit, sunscreen and camping gear and get ready for an outdoors weekend! There are over 4 miles of nature trails for day hikes, as well as barbecue pits and picnic tables. Bike through the Strand and historic district, and hit the bars around the Galveston seawall for a good time. Enjoy being a beach bum for a few days and relax in this beautiful state park.

20. Cattail Falls Trail and Big Bend National Park Hike

There is a great day trip awaiting you in Big Bend. Take the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in Big Bend and pay attention once you hit mile marker 3. You’ll see signs for the Sam Nail Ranch overlook; take the opening at the scrub brush and follow the dirt road! You’ll reach a remote parking area where you should leave the car before continuing on your way.

Once you’re out of the car, follow the road down to the barricade and go around it, keeping right when the trail branches. Go up the hill and hike for about 1.5 miles and over some large boulders to reach the end of the trail, which ends at the pool at the foot of Cattail Falls. If you catch it after the spring rains, the water flows freely and makes for a beautiful picture! Enjoy this lesser known and secluded, gorgeous corner in Big Bend!

21. Museum of the Weird

One of the lesser known museums in Austin, the Museum of the Weird is actually a rare find. It has attempted to preserve the tradition of the “dime store museum”, first started by P. T. Barnum in the late 1800s. While a bit more expensive than a dime, this museum, created by artist Steve Busti, and features many of the oddities you would have probably encountered in the original dime store museum, had you had the chance.

The displays are offbeat, wacky, and definitely not your typical standard museum exhibit. Among featured items you will find: a cyclops pig, a feejee mermaid, a two-headed chicken, mummies, and items from camp horror films. Certainly not for everyone but definitely for the curious visitors, this museum keeps true to the saying to “Keep Austin Weird” and is worth the time if you find yourself in the area.

22. Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center

The Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center are some private botanical gardens and a nature preserve located in Orange, Texas. Initially founded by H. J. Stark in 1942, they were not fully established and opened until 1961. The gardens contain over 300 plant species as well as a bird blind to view the birds nesting in the heronry.

Visit these expansive gardens to appreciate the unique ecosystem and to participate in the hands-on exhibits at the Nature Center. It is an earth-friendly project that attempts to educate people on how to live in harmony with nature, and offers an oasis for retreat and renewal within its 9 botanical exhibits. Visit these gardens to get a taste of that elusive Shangri-La paradise we are all ultimately seeking.

23. Blue Hole at Riding River Ranch, Leakey

This small oasis is located at the private Riding River Ranch, and is only accessible to overnight guests. A trip well worth the overnight stay, this beautiful, secluded ranch is perfect for a vacation, boasting diverse wildlife, mountains and most importantly, private spring-fed springs and lake called the Blue Hole that are for guests’ use only! Book a cabin and get ready to relax!

Once you’ve settled in at your cabin, hit the trails that crisscross this expansive ranch. Swimming and fishing are also available! If you have a Jeep, be sure to bring it because there are long Jeep trails going deep into the 3400 acre ranch. However, most importantly, pack your swimsuit to spend as much time as possible at the Blue Hole. The beauty and nature makes this overnight trip even more special, and the fresh water will rejuvenate you! This could be the time away you’ve been needing to recharge.

23 Amazing Hidden Gems in Texas:

• Boca Chica Park and Beach, Brownsville
• Blue Lagoon, Huntsville
• Marfa, Texas
• San Felipe Springs
• Hueco Tanks State Park
• Jacob’s Well
• Claiborne West Park
• Copper Breaks State Park
• Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
• Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge
• Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge
• Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
• Palmetto State Park
• Cathedral of Junk
• Cameron Park
• Regency Suspension Bridge
• Pinto Canyon Road
• Westcave Preserve
• Galveston Island State Park
• Cattail Falls Trail and Big Bend National Park Hike
• Museum of the Weird
• Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center
• Blue Hole at Riding River Ranch, Leakey

• Destinations
• Travel Videos
• Around Houston
• Historic Forts in Texas
• Historic Sites on the Texas Gulf Coast
• Historic Homes in Texas You Must Visit
• Where to Go Stargazing in Texas
• Texas Revolution Historic Sites
• Texas State Parks in South Texas
• Texas State Parks near Abilene, Amarillo & Midland
• Texas State Parks near Austin
• Texas State Parks near Dallas
• Texas State Parks near El Paso & Big Bend
• Texas State Parks near Houston
• Texas State Parks near San Antonio
• Texas State Parks near Tyler
• Beaches of Texas
• Things to Do in Texas
• Attractions
• Featured Events
• Texas Road Trips
• Places to Stay
• Browse Free Brochures
• Shopping Cart
• Texas State Historical Sites
• Texas State Parks

10 Wacky Roadside Attractions in Texas You Need to See

By James Waterson

Every once in a while, you see something that makes you ask “what is this doing here?” or “why is this a thing?” In most cases, these are two perfectly legitimate questions. Sometimes it’s better to shut that part of your mind off and simply appreciate what you’re seeing. As it turns out, the Lone Star State is full of many of these kinds of oddities that appeal to our universal love of the weird. This is best shown off by the many wacky roadside attractions in Texas that you can go see at just about any time. In fact, there are so many that we couldn’t possibly list them all here. However, the list below should get you started on your path to the weird side of Texas.

Dalmatian Fire Hydrant

In a city full of strange roadside attractions (like a 135-foot-long alligator), the Dalmatian Hydrant stands out. Planted right outside of the Fire Museum of Texas in downtown Beaumont, this 24-foot-tall white and black-spotted fire hydrant is considered to be the largest of its kind in the world. At this point, you might be wondering “why would anyone build such a large fire hydrant?” As it turns out, truth is stranger than fiction. The hydrant was donated to Beaumont in 1999 by Walt Disney to promote the re-release of the animated flick “101 Dalmatians.” Fun fact: the spots on the hydrant are copyrighted by Walt Disney, adding a touch of Hollywood to this wacky roadside attraction.

Click here to learn more about Beaumont and to order a free travel brochure. Watch Beaumont's travel video.  

Beer Can House

Before 1968, the Beer Can House was an unassuming abode on the western side of Houston. Then John Milkovisch, a retired Southern Pacific Railroad worker, started creating unique (and reflective) landscaping features by inlaying marbles, rocks, and metal into concrete and redwood. Eighteen years later, his entire house was covered in more than 50,000 flattened beer cans and featured other touches such as metallic garlands that lowered the family’s energy bills. Today, the home is a beloved Houston attraction that is a fine testament to the kind of odd folk art you see created by spectacularly creative people. To visit the house, simply stop by in the afternoon on any given Saturday or Sunday.

Click here to learn more about Houston and to order a free travel brochure. Watch Houston's travel video.   Photo Credit:   Andrew Wiseman/Wikimedia Commons

Big Blue Crab

At first glance, the enormous blue crab hovering outside of Rockport Beach just might look like a malevolent beast that somehow climbed out of a 1930’s monster movie. Before you run away screaming, you should know it’s just the Big Blue Crab, a.k.a. the World’s Largest Blue Crab. The hulking behemoth, measuring at 25 feet wide, welcomes visitors to the beach from its perch atop four wooden pylons. This version is in fact a larger recreation of a statue that was removed (and buried!) in 1976. Just like its predecessor, the new Big Blue shares the same oddity: although it’s a male crab, it has red female claws.

Click here to learn more about Rockport and to order a free travel brochure. Watch Rockport's travel video.  

Henrietta the Hippo

Drive through the scenic environs of downtown Hutto and you’ll pass charming storefronts, one-of-a-kind restaurants, and … wait, is that a hippo statue? Yes, and its name is Henrietta. But why? Like any good superhero, Henrietta’s origins are shrouded in myth and mystery. The most popular tale goes like this: a hippo escaped from a circus train that had stopped at Hutto’s depot in 1915. This hopeful hippo trapped itself in the mud of a nearby creek, and the locals were so amused by the efforts to recapture it that they adopted the hippo as the high school mascot. These days, Henrietta isn’t the only hippo in town. Cruise around town and you’ll see dozens of hippos large and small outside of homes, schools, and business. No wonder Hutto is known as the “Official Hippo Capital of Texas.”

Click here to learn more about Hutto and to order a free travel brochure. Watch Hutto's travel video.  

The Eiffel Tower

That’s right folks. Who needs to go The City of Light, to see the Eiffel Tower when you can just go on a road trip to Paris, Texas? At about 70 feet tall, the Texas version is about 10 times smaller than the original. However, thanks to its highly fashionable red cowboy hat, we believe ours has more style. The Eiffel Tower replica in Paris, Texas, sits outside of the Love Civic Center on the south side of town, and you can roll up to check it out at just about any time. 

Click here to learn more about Paris, Texas and to order a free travel brochure.

Paisano Pete

In his heyday, Paisano Pete was the largest roadrunner in the world. Although he no longer holds that title (thanks, New Mexico), Pete is still a pretty big bird. At 22 feet long and 11 feet tall, he’s easy to spot as you drive through the intersection of North Main Street and East Dickinson Boulevard in Fort Stockton. Since 1979, ol’ Pete has been a talisman of this dusty desert town, as well as one of the most recognizable roadside attractions in the southwest. You can visit Pete at any time, but if you stop by during the holidays you just might see him decked out in his very best Santa outfit. And really, does it get any better than a giant roadrunner dressed like Old Saint Nick? We don’t think so.

Click here to learn more about Fort Stockton and to order a free travel brochure. Watch Fort Stockton's travel video.  

There are two things to understand about Texas. First, the Lone Star State is massive. Secondly, you can find just about anything here. The Stonehenge replica in Odessa just about proves this. Located on the campus of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, this roadside oddity was made using limestone sourced from a quarry near Big Spring. What sets this replica apart from others is that it’s just one of a handful of astronomically-aligned recreations in the world. All that’s missing is a little bit of height; Odessa’s Stonehenge is just 14% shorter than the original.

Click here to learn more about Odessa and to order a free travel brochure. Watch Odessa's travel video.  

Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum

Everyone knows about toilet humor … but toilet art? At Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum, it’s a refined art form of its own. This unusual museum in San Antonio is full of more than 1,000 toilet seats adorned with cassette tapes, shells, magnets, light switches, flags, and just about anything else you can imagine. All of this is the work of Barney Smith, a retired master plumber who started using toilet seats for art because they reminded him of plaques used to mount hunting trophies. Over the years, Smith’s collection took over his garage that eventually became the museum. If you want to visit, you’ll need to make an appointment. Admission is free, but donations (even of toilet seats) are welcome.

Click here to learn more about San Antonio and to order a free travel brochure. Watch San Antonio's travel video.   Photo Credit:   nats/flickr

The Munster Mansion

If you’re a fan of classic TV, you’ve probably heard of The Munsters . You know, the 1960’s-era sitcom that followed the hilarious antics of the Munsters, a clan of monsters that thought of themselves as a perfectly normal working-class family. One of the notable parts of the show was the Munster’s home, an arresting Victorian-style house with all sorts of design flairs. That home has been painstakingly recreated in Waxahachie, including all the small touches like some of the interior furnishings that were actually used in the show. Despite looking like a tourist attraction, The Munster Mansion is actually a private home. However, the owners do offer private tours throughout the year, which you can arrange via their website.

Click here to learn more about Waxahachie and to order a free travel brochure.

Cathedral of Junk

They say that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and nowhere is that more apt than the Cathedral of Junk in Austin. This awe-inspiring three-story monument is essentially a hodgepodge of anything that could be used to build something. Metal fences, poles, wheels, neon signs, creepy doll heads, signs with generic inspirational quotes, and much more form the structure that would look right at home in a post-apocalyptic movie. Part of the structure has even been overtaken by some of the native plant life, making the whole place feel oddly organic. The Cathedral of Junk is only open to visitors by appointment, so make sure to call before stopping by.

Click here to learn more about Austin and to order a free travel brochure. Watch Austin's travel video.   Photo Credit:   Fuzzy Gerdes/flickr

To find out more about the many great destinations, attractions, and events in Texas, check out TourTexas.com .

About the Author: James Waterson is the head writer and content specialist for Tour Texas. When he isn’t writing, kayaking, and hiking, he’s planning his next epic adventure in the Lone Star State.

Video Modal

5 Reasons Why Tyler, TX is an Awesome Active Getaway for the Whole Family

3 Reasons Why Rockwall, TX is a Hidden Gem for Live Music

Solar Rodeo: An Eclipse Celebration You Can Only Find in Mesquite, TX

Order Free Travel Brochures

View Travel Videos

A Guide To The Weirdest Attractions In Texas

The task of keeping Austin weird is never a hard one. There are plenty of restaurants, locals, and just plain weird attractions that continuously validate this greatly weird city, and Austinites wouldn’t have it any other way. Here are just some of the few destinations contributing to Austin’s ‘weird’ reputation.

Gourdough’s big. fat. donuts..

Gourdough’s is a donut experience unlike any other in Texas . Not only are their donuts huge in size, but they’re also topped with everything from bananas to fried chicken. Try their Sin-A-Bomb donut with cream cheese, butter, and cinnamon sprinkled on top. Gourdough’s is definitely one of the weirdest and best donut shops in the city.

The Broken Spoke

LaLa’s Little Nugget

LaLa’s Little Nugget is your one stop for year-round Christmas decorations, funky jukebox tunes, good vibes, and fascinating people. This is a great dive bar where you can bring out-of-towners or spend the evening with friends. You’ll find all kinds of people hanging out here from the regulars to the curious newcomers.

Become a Culture Tripper!

Sign up to our newsletter to save up to 500$ on our unique trips..

See privacy policy .

Vortex Repertory Company

A great secret gem in Austin, Vortex Repertory Company is a non-traditional theater venue putting on live shows from plays to operas. They’ve won awards for their innovative performances and artistic productions. Enjoy their outdoor seating where you can pair cocktails with delicious Italian cuisine from the food trailer.

Cathedral of Junk

In the south side suburbs of Austin sits one of the most innovative structures in the city. Vince Hannemann built the Cathedral of Junk in his backyard over time as a fun personal project. It’s now a top ‘weird’ destination in the city. You can walk through whimsical passageways where trash mimics grand treasures. Repurposed CDs, TVs, bottles, and so much more make up the large cathedral. With Hannemann’s imagination, it’s like reliving your childhood dreams of ruling your very own kingdom, complete with a throne.

Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemerata

The Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemerata is one of the last in-home and family-run museums in America. Within their special collection, you’ll find odd trinkets, historical artifacts, and cultural relics all in the living room of the museum owners, Jenn and Scott. The best part, however, is the stories that go along with each collected item. If you thought Austin was getting a little too normal, visit the east side and check out this oddly wonderful museum.

Spider House

Spider House is the coolest place for specialty cocktails and live music. The outside patio bar is complete with a garden and table tops for hanging out. The furniture is vintage, and at night, the place lights up with sparkly Christmas lights. They also hold events, films screenings, and rent the space out for private parties.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Guides & Tips

Tick off texas with these three essential hotspots.

Places to Stay

The best vacation rentals to book in texas.

The Best Hotels to Book in Waco, Texas

The Best Hotels to Book in College Station, Texas

The Best Beach Hotels and Beach Houses to Book in Texas

The Best Cottages to Book in Texas

The Best Cabins and Lodges to Book in Texas

The Best Hotels to Book Near Spa Castle, Texas

The Best Hotels to Book Near Pedernales Falls State Park, Texas

Explore the Most Beautiful Places in Texas With This Epic Road Trip

What's On

A hoedown dedicated entirely to watermelons only in texas....

Film & TV

It’s curtains up as films hit the silver screen in texas hill country, winter sale offers on our trips, incredible savings.

• Post ID: 863002
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

15 Bizarre Roadside Attractions in Texas That Will Make You Look Twice

Kristen Lawrence

Texas staff writer for Only in Your State, blogger for Power of Positivity, and freelance health, wellness, and travel writer. I spend any chance I get traveling, enjoying nature, trying out new recipes, and meditating. I love sharing smiles, good food, and great conversation :)

More by this Author

Along the 79,000+ miles of Texas highways and roadways, you will see long stretches of nothing but cattle, farms, and towering trees that go on for days. But, somewhere in the mix, you’ll spot some pretty odd structures and attractions off the side of the road that just might add a little excitement to those long road trips. Here are some of the most bizarre sights I could find along the highways that will have you saying “Everything’s weirder in Texas, too.”

Related Stories

This Enchanting Garden Restaurant In Texas Will Transport You To Another World

Head Underground And Experience Natural Acoustics At This Cave Concert Venue In Texas

The Largest Deli Sandwiches In Texas Require Two Hands At Kenny & Ziggy's

Well, there you have it folks, some of the strangest things you will ever see along the roads of Texas. What other bizarre roadside attractions would you add to the list? If you’ve seen any listed above, which ones were your favorites?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Want more Texas in your inbox?

Get the latest on things to see, do, and eat around Texas!

An error occured.

Related Articles

• Stay Overnight At This Spectacularly Unconventional Treehouse Resort In Texas
• This Easy 2-Mile Trail In Texas Is Covered In Wildflower Blooms In The Springtime
• Did You Know Texas Is Home To The Fastest Speed Limit In The United States?
• This Unique Texas Motel Is Also An Observatory So You Can Stargaze During Your Stay
• 12 Airbnbs That Are Available To Rent For The 2024 Indianapolis 500
• 14 Nature Lovers Must-Haves For Ultimate Adventure This Season
• 12 Airbnbs That Are Available To Rent For The 2024 Kentucky Derby
• What Will The US Tornado Season Look Like In 2024? Our Very Own Storm Chaser Weighs In

Protect Your Trip »

10 quirky things to do in austin you won't see in guidebooks.

Discover top sights and experiences in Texas's vibrant capital.

10 Quirky Things To Do in Austin You Won't See in Guidebooks

Ann Hermes | The Christian Science Monitor via Getty Images

Visit Ginny's Little Longhorn Saloon on Sundays for a memorable night of chicken bingo.

When the annual South by Southwest Festival commences on Mar. 10, Austin, Texas , will be teeming with travelers searching for places to eat and things to do in between meetings and events. Sampling some barbecue, hitting up the honky-tonks and visiting the city's many museums are an undisputed must, but to better understand the popular capital and why the city's unofficial slogan is "Keep Austin Weird," you'll have to explore beyond the top attractions. Here are 10 experiences that will give you the best taste of Austin's offbeat art scene, eclectic bars, lively music venues and more.

[Read: The Best Hotels in Austin .]

Wild Bubba's Wild Game Grill

Indulging in barbecue is a quintessential activity while visiting the Lone Star State, but if you're looking for a creative approach to traditional Texas barbecue, try one of the burgers at Wild Bubba's Wild Game Grill. Situated 15 miles southeast of Austin in Elroy, Wild Bubba's Wild Game Grill is famous for incorporating unconventional meats into the classic American burger recipe. Yak, elk, buffalo, wild boar and even kangaroo have graced its menus. Other dishes include bacon-wrapped quail, jackalope (rabbit and antelope) sausage and a bison hot dog.

Lala's Little Nugget

Bars in Austin like to get creative, and Lala's Little Nugget is no exception. The little dive bar stands out among the city's sea of craft breweries and trendy speakeasies for its commitment to holiday cheer. Every day of the year, the bar is outfitted with lights, garlands, Santas, elves and candy canes, as well as a decked-out Christmas tree. Why the year-round Christmas celebration? The original owner thought the bar just looked better with the decorations, so they've stayed up since 1972.

Austin Haunted Limo Tours

Ghost tours aren't unique to Austin, but leave it to the Texas capital to make the weird even weirder. Austin Haunted Limo Tours is the only mobile tour of its kind in the city, carting around ghost hunters in a Cadillac hearse. For nearly three hours, the creepy car takes tourists to multiple locations in Austin that have experienced paranormal activity, including the Driskill Hotel and Littlefield House. While patrons do get the opportunity to get out and explore some of the sites, most of the touring is done from inside the vehicle.

Hamilton Pool

Getty Images

Take one look at this unique natural wonder and you may be surprised to learn that it's not under the umbrella of the National Park Service. Situated less than an hour west of the city, Hamilton Pool is a picture-perfect retreat that was formed as a result of thousands of years of water erosion. While swimming is not currently allowed, people continue to come in droves to witness its striking beauty. The area has become so popular that visitors must make reservations in advance online through the Travis County Parks Department.

[See: 6 Amazing All-American Road Trips to Take This Summer .]

Weird Wednesday at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is a local favorite, and Weird Wednesday is a beloved weekly event. The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema screens a mix of new releases, classics and indie movies alongside a full menu of drinks and meals. It's also notorious for taking the movie-going experience very seriously. The cinema doesn't play advertisements before the show and isn't afraid to take your cellphone away if you're caught texting. Weird Wednesday is dedicated to the movies "too outrageous for prime time," so expect films you've never heard of, as well as a quirky cast of moviegoers.

Bats at Congress Avenue Bridge

JEFF HAYNES | AFP | Getty Images

The underbelly of the Congress Avenue Bridge is home to a whopping 1.5 million bats, making it the largest urban colony in the world. These free-tailed bats migrate from Mexico to Austin and can be seen from March to November hiding under the bridge's crevasses. You can view the bats as they prepare to take off for their nightly flights at dusk on the bridge, though some say the best way to experience this natural phenomenon is to go on a boat tour, such as those offered by Capital Cruises and Lone Star Riverboat.

HOPE Outdoor Gallery

If you're a fan of local art, but don't want to spend hours in a museum, the HOPE Outdoor Gallery is the perfect alternative. The HOPE Outdoor Gallery is a three-story graffiti garden that was created with the help of Shepard Fairey, a street artist widely known for his Barack Obama "Hope" poster. It's the only gallery of its kind in the U.S. and one of the largest outdoor galleries in the country. HOPE acts as a public canvas, inviting both seasoned and amateur artists to contribute to its walls, as long as the artist has registered with the HOPE Campaign and provided a mock-up ahead of time. In exchange for scribbling on privately owned property, the organization asks participants to respect the neighborhood and help pick up trash.

Cathedral of Junk

The Cathedral of Junk is physical proof that one man's trash is another man's treasure. This eccentric attraction, found in the Austin suburbs, is an impressive multilevel, multiunit structure composed of junk of all kinds, from lawnmower wheels and car bumpers to road signs and even crutches. Laced with the artist's own backyard vegetation, it has become a unique house of worship for all that we leave behind. Keep in mind, the only way to visit the Cathedral of Junk is by calling ahead to schedule an appointment.

Peacocks at Mayfield Park

Austin is chock full of green spaces (think: Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool ), but few offer the colorful wildlife found at Mayfield Park. Located about 6 miles northwest of the city center, Mayfield Park features 21 acres of lush gardens, serene walking paths, lily ponds and about two dozen peacocks that freely roam the property. The previous owners of the home, including a political figure in Texas during the early 1900s, received the birds as gifts from friends in 1935, and it's the descendants of those gifts that you see hanging out in the park today. Don't approach the peacocks, but watch the animals closely – they are known to put their feathers on display.

[Read: How to Visit 5 Popular U.S. Cities on a Budget .]

Chicken Bingo

If you're looking to fully embrace the city’s famous "Keep Austin Weird" slogan, participating in this unconventional bingo will be a memory you will likely never forget. The host, Ginny's Little Longhorn Saloon, is your typical Austin dive bar with cheap beer and live music, but every Sunday it adds something extra. The concept is simple: feed the chicken, wait until it has digested its feed and hope it relieves itself on your number. You pay $2 for a spot on the bingo board and winner takes all. If you aren't victorious, you can still score a free chili dog as a consolation prize.

Tags: Travel , Vacations , Austin , food and drink

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best charleston tours.

John Rodwan April 4, 2024

The Best Napa Valley Wine Tours

Amanda Norcross April 4, 2024

The 10 Best Denver Tours

Lyn Mettler April 4, 2024

Top Memorial Day Weekend Getaways

Nicola Wood April 3, 2024

The Best Way to Renew a Passport

Amanda Norcross April 3, 2024

The Best Checked Luggage

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood , Catriona Kendall , Sharael Kolberg , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson April 3, 2024

The Best Venice Tours

Lyn Mettler and Marisa Méndez April 2, 2024

The Best Travel Toiletry Bags

Amanda Norcross April 2, 2024

U.S. News Best Bed & Breakfasts Rankings

U.S. News Hotels Editors April 2, 2024

The Best Carry-on Backpacks

Rachael Hood , Erin Evans , Catriona Kendall , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson March 29, 2024

The Strangest Places You Can Visit in Texas

We hear an awful lot about Texas here in the US. And why wouldn’t we? Texas has a lot of beautiful tourist attractions and stunning landscapes. To be specific, you will see several small towns, hills, and prairies as you explore the unique landscape of this state. In fact, many people have been flocking to move to the various cities in Texas recently. It’s become a pretty sought-after place to settle down. After all, Quincy Morris is from there (and if you got that reference, know that I admire you.) Aside from the charm that comes with Texas, you will also notice some weird attractions along the road. In fact, this state has some very unusual places to investigate. To give you a better view, here are some of the strangest places you can visit in Texas .

1. Cadillac Ranch

Open to the public at all hours in Amarillo, Texas, The Cadillac Ranch has attracted a lot of tourists and not only because of its enticing name. Visitors from all over the country come see this unique sight because of its eerie beauty. To be specific, you will see 10 Cadillacs that are buried in and sticking out of the ground. The cars used have different models, and each car represents the evolution of the car’s tail fins. Most of you may find this place weird, but it will surely amaze you with its unique form of beauty at sunset.

2. The Museum of Weird

One of the strangest places you can visit in Texas is The Museum of Weird. In fact, the museum claims it is, in fact, “America’s Strangest Attraction”. As its name implies, you will see a lot of unusual and bizarre things in this musuem. For instance, the museum displays strange creatures, like zombies, shrunken heads, mummies, the Fiji mermaid, and many more. Aside from that, this museum also has a “creature in ice,” which you can get to know when you visit this strange tourist attraction.

3. Munster Mansion

The Munster Mansion should be on your list if you’re a fan of the hit 60s sitcom The Munsters . This house has recreated every room from the tv show after hours and hours of re-watching old tapes. In fact, a lot of items in the mansion are from the sitcom, itself! While some are just specific matches. It’s considered living art, as it is constantly being worked on and updated. This incredible location is open for private tours as well as monthly murder mystery events! I don’t know about you, but I’m just dying to check this one out, now!

4. Cathedral of Junk

Aside from those unusual places, you can also visit the Cathedral of Junk. In this place, you will see about 60 tons of used household items and other kinds of junk. Some of you may think that these discarded items are worthless; however, Vince Hannemann turned these used materials into works of art… literally. All in all, these are some of the strangest places you can visit in Texas. As presented, most of these tourist attractions are weird, but they will make your trip remarkable. Remember, these places are beautiful despite being strange. They have, shall we say, a strange beauty about them.

Maria Dolores Garcia

Other adventures you may like.

Chicago Unveiled: Essential Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip

Exploring Dallas with Kids: Top 5 Outdoor Adventures

The Strangest Places to Visit in Texas

Pin It on Pinterest

Baylor Line is supported by our sponsors! Become one today.

12 Unique, Unconventional, and Weird Things to Do in Waco

Diving deep into unconventional attractions, offbeat art galleries, and strange landmarks of waco, texas.

• Baylor Line
• July 11, 2023

Waco, Texas is like no other city. Let’s discover the 12 most unique things to do in Waco, Texas.

When Waco comes to mind, most Bears immediately think of Baylor University. It’s such a common association that we have a name for the separation students develop from the city of Waco: The Baylor Bubble. But, as any Wacoan will tell you, there’s so much more to explore in this unique city. Waco is a wonderful place that demonstrates why the Lone Star State is so unique.

Going beyond the mainstream attractions in Waco opens the door to the many one-of-a-kind activities that both tourists and locals can enjoy.

So, today let’s dive into the 12 most uniquely Waco attractions.

Exploring Waco’s Unconventional Attractions

It’s easy to see why Waco locals and Baylor students share a deep affection for Waco . Finding enjoyable activities and top attractions in the city is now effortless, with the Southern hospitality of the locals ensuring a wonderful experience.

But the appeal of Waco isn’t solely due to its people — the city’s special sights, unconventional attractions, and unique experiences also contribute to its charm.

Visiting Waco means diving deep into unconventional attractions, offbeat art galleries, and strange landmarks that will spark your curiosity and make you feel more connected to this interesting Texan hidden gem.

By embarking on a journey that celebrates the unexpected, tourists and locals can learn more about the relevance and importance of Waco.

But as strange as all may sound, exploring the uniqueness of Waco will also make you feel at home, even if you have never visited Waco before.

12 Unique, Unconventional, and Weird Things to Do in Waco, TX

If you are ready to go one step further in your Waco adventure, then exploring these 12 unique things to do in Waco is the perfect way to forge memories that you’ll never forget. 

1. Have a Drink at the Largest Whiskey Bar in Texas

Whiskey lovers will find paradise at J.S. Barnett’s Whiskey House , which is known for having the largest whiskey collection in the state of Texas.

Barnetts Whiskey House , conveniently located at 420 Franklin Ave, is a must-go place for those who are seeking peculiar experiences around Waco.

There’s a massive collection of over 1,200 Whiskey varieties , which creates the perfect scenario to order something unusual.

If you want to have a taste of Texas, order a Texas whiskey from the house’s private barrels – you will not be disappointed!

2. Enjoy a Beer Spa Experience

Trying craft beers across Texas is not unusual, but bathing in uniquely crafted lager i s indeed something that not many people expect to do during their trips.

Pivovar’s Beer Spa , located at ​​320 S 8th St, offers a weird and fairly strange experience inside a copper bathtub filled with locally crafted Czech beer.

According to Pivovar, submerging your body into beer “ provides essential B vitamins, carbohydrates, and proteins. ” It also promotes mental relaxation and enough energy to continue your journey around Waco.

The budget for this uniquely strange space experience is $200 per hour (single or double spa), and scheduling your stay at least one day in advance is necessary to ensure a special moment like no other.

3. Visit Magnolia Market

Waco is known for the influence that TV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines have on the city.

Visiting the iconic Magnolia Silos is a fairly common thing to do in town, but buying something unique from Magnolia Market will provide your adventure with an extra layer of memories.

At Magnolia Market , visitors find a garden store, a bakery, multiple food trucks, and a gift shop with unique objects to remember your Waco trip.

There’s a parking lot where visitors can park for free around Webster Avenue, which comes in pretty handy as you can spend several hours exploring the different things to do at the Silos and see what is offered at Magnolia Market’s stores, sights, food trucks, and bakery.

4. Take Unique Pictures at Mayborn Museum Complex

Mayborn Museum Complex, located at 1300 S University Parks, celebrates the cultural and natural history of the area of Central Texas.

The Mayborn Complex is a great museum to learn more about natural science and the influence of Waco’s history in the state.

Exploration stations and walk-in dioramas are just some of the things visitors will find at this fun museum, and all these wonderful places create great photo opportunities for those who seek a completely unique experience.

Tickets to visit the Mayborn Museum range from $8 (kids) to $10 (adults) , and you can purchase them at the front desk at the time of your visit.

5. Find Hidden Art Gems at Downtown Waco (Blek Le Rat Scavenger Hunt)

Waco has a thriving art scene widely known around the state of Texas. Downtown Waco is full of unique art galleries and interesting exhibits that attract visitors from all over the country.

However, instead of exploring the conventional art galleries, we are going to find the locations of the six murals painted by Xavier Prou, a well-known Parisian artist.

Inspired by Banksy’s paintings, Xavier, also known as Blek Le Rat, decided to paint six unique works of art around the district art of Waco.

By exploring Franklin, and Austin Ave, visitors can discover the locations of these murals. All in all, the best way to go on this unique journey is by finding the mural locations by yourself without spoilers.

6. Explore Waco Downtown Farmers Market

The unique essence of Waco’s downtown Farmers Market is the fact that they only sell products from local vendors located within 150 miles of Waco.

This means that it’s possible to find the famous Waco local honey, known for being raw, unfiltered, and completely natural.

Waco Downtown Farmers Market ( WDFM ) is also a nice place to buy hand-made ceramic and wood items that you will not find elsewhere. 

The market has two locations: 500 Washington Ave on Saturdays, and 200 E. Bridge Street on Wednesdays. Visiting the farmers market is a great way to support local Waco vendors and artisans by purchasing unique and strange products that can’t be found at other locations in Texas.

7. Feel Like a Paleontologist at Waco Mammoth National Monument

Several thousand years ago, the lands of Waco were roamed by ancient giants—mammoths. Following the discovery of mammoth fossils, the Waco Mammoth National Monument has become a place of interest for both locals and visitors.

However, the majority of visitors just go to the monument, explore the nature trails, and see mammoth fossils to then leave.

If you want to break the routine and explore a testament of our past world , on-site field trips at the Mammoth National Monument are exactly what you need.

These field trips only happen twice a week, and the fees range from $5 to $6 per visitor . Not every day visitors have the opportunity to see mammoth fossils up close , so don’t miss out on this strange and rare activity in Waco.

8. Discover the TV Essence of Waco

Waco is known all over the United States for two famous TV shows: Wood Work and Fixer Upper.

Many die-hard fans of these TV series come to the city just to see the places that appeared when the shows aired.

Several companies offer private tours to explore East Waco, Cameron Park, and other iconic areas of the city related to television shows. Many tourists agree on the fact tha t seeing these iconic TV locations in person is impactful and strangely fun!

9. Make Your Own Strange Soda at the Dr. Pepper Museum

Waco is the birthplace of Dr. Pepper , one of the favorite soft drinks of all Americans. 

For this reason, visitors often go to the Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco, to explore the fascinating history of this popular beverage. However, there’s an experience inside the museum that is known for being unique and memorable: making your own soda.

The Make-a-Soda tour at the Dr. Pepper Museum allows visitors to create their unique, weird soda flavor – you can make it as weird or as plain as you want!

General admission to the museum is just $10 per person, but keep in mind that the Make-a-Soda tour costs an additional $10.

10. Surf the Waves at Waco Surf Park

With Waco being located in Central Texas, there are no good beaches nearby . Still, surfing artificial waves is possible at the Waco Surf Water Park.

The Waco Surf Park is massive, interesting, and highly unique. It has a giant Cable Park and one of the weirdest things in the state: the world’s longest lazy river.

Most visitors don’t expect to find this massive water park in the middle of Texas — it almost feels too good to be true, but it’s just one of Waco unique attractions.

Tickets to visit Waco Surf Park range from $19 to $99, depending on the type of package purchased (families, kids, adults, and more).

11. Visit Art Center Waco

Art museums and exhibits in Waco are as unique and special as you can imagine. Local artists and prominent art personalities have decided to showcase their works of art here, at Art Center Waco.

Inside this arts center, you will find interactive exhibits, unique paintings, and offbeat events that can’t be found elsewhere. 

Visiting Art Center Waco is entirely free , which makes it one of the best weird places to explore during your Waco vacation.

12. Have a Drink at the Hidden Undercroft Social Club

A secret pub where live music, private events, and unique drinks are abundant is waiting for you in the heart of Waco.

The hidden Undercroft Social Club is one of the most unique spots to visit in Waco, with its magic reserved for the select few who discover it.

Undercroft is as mysterious as you think, and one-day guest passes ($15) are hard to obtain most times of the year.

However, if you manage to access this exclusive Social Club , you’ll feel like part of a strange, charming, and welcoming Walco society.

Wrapping Up: Embrace the Uniqueness of Waco

Waco is a very interesting place with plenty of unique and unconventional things to experience.

By going on a journey of the unique activities throughout Waco, it’s bound to create many memorable experiences for you and your family.

The following list includes the 12 most unique things to do in Waco (with an approximate budget).

• Barnetts Whiskey House – Budget: Varies based on drink choice.
• Beer Spa Experience – Budget: $200 per hour (single or double spa).
• Magnolia Market – Budget: Varies based on purchases.
• Mayborn Museum Complex – Budget: $8 (kids), $10 (adults) for tickets.
• Blek Le Rat Scavenger Hunt – Budget: Free.
• Waco Downtown Farmers Market – Budget: Varies based on purchases.
• Waco Mammoth National Monument – Budget: $5 to $6 per visitor for field trips.
• TV Essence of Waco – Budget: Varies based on tour provider.
• Make Your Own Strange Soda at the Dr. Pepper Museum – Budget: $10 general admission, additional $10 for Make-a-Soda tour.
• Surf the Waves at Waco Surf Park – Budget: $19 to $99 (depending on package).
• Art Center Waco – Budget: Free.
• Hidden Undercroft Social Club – Budget: $15 for one-day guest pass (subject to availability).

Latest from Baylor Line

14 Fun & Romantic Waco Date Ideas

Next On Your Nightstand: Books By Baylor Authors

12 Things to Do in Waco at Night

As the sun sets over the heart of Texas, Waco lights up with new adventures. Just as captivating and family-friendly

Recommended

Reaping the rewards: Mission Waco’s Urban REAP Program

70 Years Later: The Terror of the Waco Tornado

Moving Energy Home

What’s the Future of Power in Texas? Two Baylor Professors Discuss Options for campus and Waco, Texas.

11 Boutiques For Your Next Shopping Spree in Waco

Waco is home to plenty of interesting boutiques and shops. Let’s discover 11 boutiques in Waco worth exploring right away.

If You Grill It, They Will Come

The Great Waco Water Watch

Baylor line magazine.

With over 75 years of storytelling under its belt, the award-winning Baylor Line Magazine is now available digitally. Support this vital, independent voice of Baylor alumni by becoming a member today!

Coverage Beyond Campus Since 1946.

Copyright © 2024 Baylor Line Foundation. All rights reserved.

RoadsideAmerica.com

Your Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions

Attraction:

Find Attractions and Oddities

Quirky patterns.

Trunkations

Roadside America's Blog

• Conspiracy Thinking and Bathroom Convenience
• The Cave Doctor

Field Reports

• Sight of the Week , April 1, 2024: Roadside Sideshow Expo
• Easter Island Moai in America
• JFK's World Famous Twine Ball
• Gemini Giant: Space Age Muffler Man
• Pencil Sharpener Museum
• Congressional Cemetery: A Not-Grave Graveyard

More New Reports

Latest Visitor Tips

• Giant Lady's Leg Sundial , Roselawn, Indiana
• Gravesite Rocket Memorial , Stryker, Ohio
• Bear Statue , Vulcan, Michigan
• Moai , Atlanta, Georgia
• Moai Statues , Tullahoma, Tennessee
• Casino Castle , Blacksburg, South Carolina
• Wagon Ho Pioneer Driver , Zephyrhills, Florida
• Paul Bunyan Statue , Portland, Oregon
• Wayward Rhino Mom and Baby , Bedford, Virginia

More Visitor Tips

April 6, 2024

Create Your Own Bizarre Road Trips! ... Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Report an Offbeat Sight

Tell us about a new attraction or updated classic.

• Submit a Tip

Roll the dice .

Roadside Videos

Punk Rock Museum , Las Vegas, NV. Hanging out in the Punk Rock Museum instruments room with Canadian musicians K.J. and Grant.

Ask an Expert: Tim O'Brien on Quirky Maine , Bangor, ME. Q and A about the state with photographer-writer Tim O'Brien, a widely traveled guy with an eye for whimsy.

Truckhenge , Topeka, KS. Outsider artist's quip-filled tour of his sculptures and Stonehenge protest directed at local bureaucrats.

Miscellaneous

• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions

Trip Planning Caution : RoadsideAmerica.com offers maps, directions and attraction details as a convenience, providing all information as is. Attraction status, hours and prices change without notice; call ahead!

Credits, Media/Business Inquiries © Copyright 1996-2024 Doug Kirby, Ken Smith, Mike Wilkins. All rights reserved. No portion of this document may be reproduced, copied or revised without written permission of the authors.

20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Texas

Written by Lana Law Updated Oct 6, 2023

Whether you're interested in a city getaway, a nature escape, a beach vacation, or finding an authentic off-the-beaten-path small town, Texas has everything you're looking for and more. This state is brimming with countless possibilities for fun and adventure.

While metropolitan centers like Houston , Austin , and Dallas are the usual go-to destinations for culture, shopping, dining, and action, these cities only scratch the surface. Geographically and culturally diverse, the state offers a wealth of unique attractions and things to do.

San Antonio , famous for the Alamo and the River Walk, is a must-see city if you're going to Texas.

West Texas is one of my favorite places. Big Bend National Park is home to a stunning desert landscape, and the tiny towns in the surrounding area are full of character and characters. Cities like Amarillo or Lubbock are a stark contrast to the larger centers and are easy places to visit, with great food and unusual sights.

In the warmer months head to the coast to experience a whole other side of Texas. Enjoy beaches, fishing, and fabulous seafood in places like Galveston, South Padre Island, or Corpus Christie .

For more ideas on where to go and what to see, have a read through our list of top tourist attractions in Texas.

1. San Antonio's River Walk

2. the alamo, 3. space center houston, 4. big bend national park, 5. padre island national seashore, 6. the texas state capitol in austin, 7. the sixth floor museum, dallas, 8. guadalupe mountains national park, 9. the fort worth stockyards, 10. galveston's beaches & strand historic district, 11. the uss lexington, corpus christi, 12. cadillac ranch, amarillo, 13. natural bridge caverns, 14. houston's museum district, 15. gruene historic district, new braunfels, 16. dallas arboretum, 17. fort worth zoo, 18. national museum of the pacific war, 19. texas state aquarium, 20. lubbock.

Stretching for several miles along the San Antonio River in the heart of the city, the River Walk is lined with restaurants and lovely outdoor patios, where you can sit and dine alongside the river. Built below street level, this pedestrian walkway hugs the river as it winds and weaves through the city, and is as popular among locals as it is for tourists, day and night.

Although strolling along the river is the most popular thing to do here, another great way to enjoy the ambience of the area is on a leisurely cruise on a river boat . These run all the time and range from standard sightseeing trips to dinner cruises.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Antonio

The Alamo is one of the most important historic sites in America. Part of a mission station established in 1718, it was built by Franciscans in 1744 and by 1836, had been converted into a fort.

It became famous during the Texas Revolution, when a small force, including Davie Crockett and James Bowie, barricaded themselves in against an overwhelmingly superior Mexican army some 3,000 strong. While the defeat saw all 187 defenders killed, the cry of "Remember the Alamo!" rallied the state to eventually overcome the Mexicans.

The restored buildings and the cenotaph commemorating the fallen Texans is well worth a visit. Inside is a museum with changing displays, featuring weapons and artifacts related to the events and the history of the mission.

If you have time, it's worth visiting some of the other missions in the area, which are all part of the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, and connected by the Mission Trail .

Official site: https://www.thealamo.org/

Just 30 minutes' drive from the heart of Houston, Space Center Houston is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Texas. This is a wonderful place to learn about space exploration, upcoming missions, NASA's latest projects, and possibly even meet an astronaut. Space Center Houston is also home to Johnson Space Center and Mission Control , which can be visited on a tour.

You'll need to plan to spend at least a half-day exploring the entire complex. The whole place is huge, the exhibits engaging, and time flies by unexpectedly even if you aren't a huge fan of space travel.

You can explore a space shuttle replica mounted on a shuttle carrier and walk through a replica of America's first space station, Skylab. The museum also features rockets, moon rocks and Mars rocks.

From downtown Houston, Space Center Houston is about a 30-minute drive. From Galveston, it's closer to a 40-minute drive. It can be easily visited from either destination.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Houston

In the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas, on a huge bend in the Rio Grande River, lies some of the most dramatic and uniquely beautiful scenery in the state. Mountains, canyons, and the river flowing along the border, separating the United States from Mexico, offer a diverse range of recreational and sightseeing opportunities for visitors to Big Bend National Park.

While most people simply enjoy touring along the roads, the park offers a full range of things to do. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the extensive network of hiking trails and the beautiful campgrounds . Paddling along the Rio Grande or enjoying a picnic and wading into the water are other popular activities on warm days.

With more than 400 species of birds, birdwatching is another prominent pastime in the park, but even if you are not looking for them, you are likely to see roadrunners darting across the roads or trails.

Accommodation: Best Places to Stay near Big Bend National Park

• Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Big Bend National Park

The world's longest undeveloped barrier island, Padre Island is just a short drive south of Corpus Christi and stretches 70 miles from end to end. One of the most important conservation areas in Texas, Padre Island consists of more than 130,000 acres of beach, dunes, and grassland habitats, and is home to rare sea turtles and countless migratory birds, making it a birder's paradise. In fact, 350 different species visit this stopover on the Central Flyway migratory route.

The Malaquite Visitor Center is the best place to begin your visit to this beautiful coastal region of the Gulf of Mexico. It provides plenty of information, as well as assistance for those with mobility issues, including specially adapted beach wheelchairs.

• Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do on South Padre Island

The Texas State Capitol, built in 1888, is considered one of the finest state legislatures in the US. In Austin's downtown core and now a National Historic Landmark, it certainly impresses with its dimensions, standing 308 feet tall.

Highlights of its 22-acre park include monuments to the defenders of the Alamo and to veterans of the Vietnam War. Guided tours of the building's interior are available and start from the visitor center with its many displays. At dusk, head across to the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge for a chance to witness the spectacle of a million or so Mexican free-tailed bats coming and going from their perches under the bridge.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Austin
• Best Day Trips from Austin

It was from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository in Dallas that the fatal shot that took President John F. Kennedy's life was fired. Now home to The Sixth Floor Museum, this tall red-brick building offers a detailed account of the assassination, as well as Kennedy's legacy. Highlights include accounts of his presidential campaign and term as president, all supported by historic footage, photos, and artifacts.

Also worth a visit while exploring downtown Dallas is the nearby John F. Kennedy Memorial , a huge monument dedicated to President Kennedy unveiled in 1970.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Dallas & Easy Day Trips

In the northwestern corner of the state, approximately 100 miles east of El Paso, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the four highest peaks in Texas. It's also known for an abundance of wildlife, including golden eagles.

The landscape itself is stunning, especially around the towering El Capitan, as well as the Guadalupe Peak, the highest elevation in Texas. It's also tremendously popular with hikers thanks to its more than 80 miles of trails through spectacular woodland canyons and lush springs. Be sure to stop in at the visitor center in Pine Springs for information on the park, including details of hiking and biking trails.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in El Paso

The Stockyards National Historic District remains Fort Worth's biggest draw. Founded in 1866, the area took its name from the cattle industry, as it was here that millions of cattle were rested, sorted, or shipped out to other points across the state.

The last surviving facility of its kind in the US, these historic stockyards have been transformed into a splendid attraction consisting of all sorts of fun things to see, including rodeos, concerts, theatrical performances, and western-themed shopping . Highlights include cattle driving demonstrations and a chance to saddle up for some trail riding.

Be sure to check out the Stockyards Visitor Center and the Stockyards Museum , both of which provide information regarding current events as well as the history of this fun area of Fort Worth.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Fort Worth

Like numerous spots along the Texas Gulf Coast, Galveston is home to beautiful beaches that stretch on for miles. The shallow and often calm water makes this a popular area for families and beachgoers. In summer, set up your beach umbrella along the Seawall or enjoy some fun and games at the Pleasure Pier .

But this is more than just a beach town, with plenty to do here all year long. Explore the Strand Historic District in downtown, a National Historic Landmark District, and wander past the ornate Victorian-style mansions that line the quiet streets. If you are traveling with kids, be sure to stop by Moody Gardens and Aquarium . This huge complex, with its landmark glass pyramids, is home to an aquarium, a rainforest, and an amusement park.

If you want to get out on the water, Galveston is also one of the best places in Texas for deep sea fishing . You can fish here year-round, although some of the best months are during the summer.

Galveston is less than an hour's drive from Houston and only about 45 minutes from Space Center Houston.

• Best Beaches in Galveston
• Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Galveston

Moored off the shore just a few minutes' stroll from the center of Corpus Christi, the mighty USS Lexington is one of the largest surviving vessels to have served in WWII. This important aircraft carrier was launched in 1943 and now serves as a naval museum .

On display are a large collection of vintage aircraft, and visitors can see the bridge and crew quarters. Also fun are the simulators and games, as well as a 3D movie that puts you in the pilot's seat. You can also opt for the four-hour Hard Hat Tour, which takes you into the very heart of the ship.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Corpus Christi & Easy Day Trips

Cadillac Ranch is one of West Texas' most iconic sites. Standing in a line, nose first into the ground, it might seem like an odd attraction. But visitors come here in large numbers, not only to see and photograph this colorful spectacle, they also come here to leave their mark, at least for a short while.

The artwork on the vehicles is an ever-changing canvas, with almost everyone adding their own creative mark to the Cadillacs. You are welcome to spray paint your own design . The layers of paint on these cars is hard to determine, but outside the gate, vendors sell paint chips from the cars, in jewelry settings.

While you may hear you should bring a spray can, there is no need. You can find spray cans of all colors left here on the ground from the thousands of others who have come before.

• Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Amarillo

Just a short drive from San Antonio, the spectacular Natural Bridge Caverns are part of a vast underground network consisting of more than 10,000 different stalactite formations. The largest such cave network in the US accessible to the public, Natural Bridge Caverns includes highlights such as the 40-foot-high King's Throne, a massive wall of stalactites found in one of the largest caverns, the Castle of the White Giants.

Taking its name from the huge 60-foot limestone bridge spanning its entrance, Natural Bridge Caverns also offers a number of other fun activities, including themed tours. Up top are other attractions, including a treetop climbing adventure across a sprawling network of ropeways, platforms, and ziplines.

New in 2023 is the Hidden Wonders Tour, a sound and light show complemented by the "BAT" (belt assisted transport), a conveyor belt that moves you through and eventually out of the cavern.

Official Site: https://naturalbridgecaverns.com/

In the heart of downtown Houston is the city's lovely Museum District, home to 19 museums, some of which are free. Many of the museums in this area are within walking distance of each other.

Two of the key highlights here are the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and the Houston Museum of Natural Science , but the district houses a mix of quality museums, including a Holocaust museum, a children's museum, and some smaller art museums, which are well worth your time.

• Read More: Top-Rated Museums in Houston

Just a short drive from San Antonio is the small town of New Braunfels, known for its charming Greuene Historic District. One of the main attractions is the historic Gruene Hall , the oldest dance hall in Texas, operating continuously since 1878. Performances run nightly, and some of the biggest names in country music perform here, in this small venue. Children are allowed, and kids under 10 receive a discount on admission at the door.

The Grist Mill Restaurant , on the edge of the Guadalupe River makes a nice destination for day trippers who want to come for lunch. In the spring, the water is packed with people tubing down the river. And don't miss stopping by the General Store , where time seems to have stopped several decades ago.

The Dallas Arboretum is one of the top botanical gardens in the United States. Beautifully laid out over 66 acres, these gardens should be on your list of "things to do" while in the city. Located on the shores of White Rock Lake, the gardens are easily reached from downtown.

The gardens are an oasis of calm and color amid the hustle and bustle of Dallas. You can wander at will through the various gardens and flowering plants, or make a beeline for some of the top attractions. One of the marquee gardens within the park is the Woman's Garden , where you'll find an infinity pool, aquatic plants, fountains, and sculptures.

The six-and-a-half-acre Margaret Elizabeth Jonsson Color Garden is a stunning display of over 2,000 azaleas. The garden is especially vibrant in the spring, when the accompanying daffodils and tulips burst into bloom. Later in the summer, other plants like tapioca and bananas bloom in their unique ways, and the fall brings on the chrysanthemums. Large manicured lawns fill in the spaces between the gardens and are a lovely place to sit and enjoy a coffee or have a picnic with the family.

The on-site Café on the Green or the Lula Mae Slaughter Dining Terrace offer al fresco seating with views of the gardens and downtown Dallas.

Official site: https://www.dallasarboretum.org/

One of the best family outings in the state, the Fort Worth Zoo is a fun and enjoyable thing to do when visiting town. First opened in 1909, the zoo is now home to over 540 species of mammals, birds, and ectotherms. The zoo is expanding and growing with the infusion of a $100 million capital campaign.

At the Fort Worth Zoo, nine different habitats are available for viewing, ranging from the wilds of the African savannah to the chilly waters of the penguin habitat, right through to the inhabitants of the Australian Outback and Great Barrier Reef.

In addition to the various habitats, the zoo also has an area that children will love, the Toyota Children's Ranch & Petting Corral. Here, miniature donkeys, goats, sheep, and other typical farm animals exist in a setting that allows for easy petting and great photos.

Official site: https://www.fortworthzoo.org/

One of the most interesting war museums in Texas is the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg. Well-thought-out exhibits trace the history of the war in the Pacific, an aspect of WWII that many people may not be overly familiar with.

Highlights of a visit here include the Pearl Harbor Exhibit, complete with an intact Japanese midget submarine HA-19; the Doolittle Raid exhibit, showcasing the resorted B-25 Mitchell bomber; and an exhibit on the background of the ferocious 36-day battle on Iwo Jima.

One particularly chilling exhibit is of the Fat Man bomb casing. It's hard to fathom that such a small bomb could be responsible for over 100,000 deaths in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Official site: https://www.pacificwarmuseum.org/

If you find yourself down in Corpus Christie, be sure to swing by the Texas State Aquarium. This state-of-the-art facility showcases all the wonderful and weird animals that inhabit our oceans. Sixteen different habitats are home to a wide variety of fish, mammals, and other denizens of the deep.

During your visit, a must-see is the H-E-B Caribbean Sea exhibit, home to North America's largest viewing window. The 68-foot-long window makes you feel like you are right underwater. In addition, a walking tunnel through the middle of the exhibit, full of sharks and other predators, adds to the thrill.

It's not all underwater at the Texas State Aquarium. Above-water action is supplied by three North American river otters. Arthur, Merlin, and Fisher provide non-stop otter antics that will have you smiling and laughing.

These are just some of the attractions at the aquarium. Many more are waiting for you and your family to explore, including the H-E-B Splash Park (included with your admission) and up-close and personal animal interactions (additional fee)

Official site: https://www.texasstateaquarium.org/

West Texas holds many attractions and one of the best is the dynamic city of Lubbock . People of a certain vintage will be well aware of the city's most famous citizen, Buddy Holly . Forever immortalized with an excellent array of memorabilia in a fantastic museum, the Buddy Holly Center (you can't miss the giant glasses out front). This tribute to the musician is a must-see for music lovers.

Not to be confused with the center, new as of 2021 is the architecturally stunning Buddy Holly Hall , Lubbock's main location for a non-stop roster of performers.

But the city is much more than just Buddy Holly's history. This is an artsy up-and-coming place with farmer's markets and incredible new restaurants while still staying true to its ranching roots.

Lubbock's Cultural District is home to fine art galleries, pottery studios, and music venues. In fact, Lubbock has the most music-performing venues on a per capita basis in the entire state.

All that exploring will bring on a Texas-sized appetite and on this front, Lubbock has you well covered. Home to a variety of restaurants you'll be spoiled for choice. Fine dining aficionados with a taste for European fare will want to make a beeline for Chef Finn Walter's Nicolett . Those looking for Texas originals should go to Dirk's for chicken fried steak and other artery-clogging delicacies. The next morning do what the locals do, eat pie for breakfast at the Cast Iron Grill .

More on Texas