They should really change the phrase from ‘everything’s bigger in Texas’ to ‘everything’s wackier in Texas’.
Texas is home to a range of weird but wonderful roadside attractions that really have to be seen to be believed.
From huge teapots and crabs to impressive replicas of famous attractions from around the world that truly look like the real thing.
Is there anything that Texas can’t do bigger and better?
In this guide, we’re revealing the 13 wackiest roadside attractions that you can’t afford to miss.
You can even visit them all on a fun road trip! Here’s the map:
Anyway, let’s get started!
1. Cadillac Ranch
Cadillac Ranch is an unusual and colorful attraction located in Amarillo, on Interstate 40.
To get there, you drive on I-40 and take the exit for Arnot Road. Then look out for the ranch, you can’t miss the row of cars sticking out of the ground.
Cadillac Ranch is a public art installation featuring ten classic Cadillac cars buried nose-first in the ground.
Created in 1974 by a group called Ant Farm, the cars have been painted in bright, graffiti-covered colors which make them stand out against the Texas sky.
People from all over the world come to see it and leave their mark by spray-painting the cars.
The Cadillacs have actually been moved once from their original location to make room for the city’s growth.
This shows just how cherished this landmark is by the local community!
2. Petrified Wood Gas Station
The Petrified Wood Gas Station is a unique and historical site located in Decatur.
You can find it right off Highway 81 which is easy to reach if you’re driving north from Fort Worth.
This isn’t your ordinary gas station. It’s actually built out of petrified wood which gives it a distinct and rugged look that catches the eye of anyone passing by.
The station became famous not only because of its unusual construction material but also because it’s a piece of living history.
It was built back in the 1920s and now stands as a reminder of what Texas used to be like a hundred years ago.
It’s not a gas station anymore but there is a cafe on site.
3. Eiffel Tower, Paris
The Eiffel Tower in Paris, Texas, is a fun replica of the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, but with a unique Texan twist.
It’s located in the northeast part of Texas and getting there is easy if you head towards the town of Paris and follow the signs to the tower, which is near the Love Civic Center.
This tower stands 65 feet tall and even has a giant red cowboy hat at the top which makes it feel distinctly Texan. It’s roughly 1/16th the height of the real Eiffel Tower.
This Eiffel Tower replica represents the town’s playful spirit and its connection to its namesake city in France.
At night, it even lights up and proudly displays the colors of the Texas flag!
It was built in 1993 to celebrate the town’s unique name and attract visitors looking for a slice of Parisian charm with a Texan twist.
Did you know that this isn’t the only Eiffel Tower replica in Texas? However it is the most well-known due to its cowboy hat.
4. World’s Largest Fire Hydrant
The World’s Largest Fire Hydrant is a quirky and eye-catching attraction located in Beaumont.
You can find it downtown, right in front of the Fire Museum of Texas, which is easy to reach via Interstate 10. Just follow the signs for the museum.
This giant fire hydrant is painted to look like a Dalmatian dog. It comes complete with black spots over a white background.
The hydrant became famous after it was donated to the museum by the Walt Disney Company in 1999, during the re-release of the movie “101 Dalmatians”.
It was originally assembled at Disneyland in Anaheim, California.
This hydrant is actually one of the largest of its kind, towering at 24 feet tall and weighing around 4,500 pounds. Apparently it can blast 1,500 gallons of water a minute!
5. Big Blue Crab
The Big Blue Crab is a fun attraction located in the coastal town of Rockport.
To get there, you can drive along Highway 35 and follow the signs for Rockport Beach Park. The crab is near the entrance, you’ll see it welcoming visitors with its big claws.
This huge crab sculpture is not only a nod to Rockport’s reputation for excellent seafood, especially blue crabs, but also serves as a fun photo opportunity for tourists.
It was originally built in the 1950s to promote the now closed Del Mar Grill restaurant and has been replaced several times over the years due to damage from hurricanes.
After stopping by the Big Blue Crab to snap a photo, you can then spend some time enjoying the beautiful seaside scenery that Rockport offers.
6. World’s Largest Cowboy Boots
The World’s Largest Cowboy Boots is a massive sculpture located in San Antonio, at the North Star Mall.
To get there, you can drive on Interstate 410 and look for the mall near the airport. The boots are pretty hard to miss right by the entrance.
These giant boots were created by artist Bob “Daddy-O” Wade in 1979 and have been a famous landmark ever since.
The boots are known for being the biggest of their kind, measuring 35 feet tall, which is as high as a three-story building!
They are even in the Guinness Book of World Records!
They’re a popular spot for taking pictures and a must-see for visitors wanting to experience something uniquely Texan.
7. Stonehenge II
Stonehenge II is a fascinating attraction found in Ingram which is in the beautiful Hill Country region.
You can get there by driving on Highway 39 to the Hill Country Arts Foundation where Stonehenge II is proudly displayed on their grounds.
This impressive creation is a replica of the original Stonehenge in England however it also features two large Moai statues that resemble those from Easter Island.
It’s about two thirds the size of the original.
It brings a piece of ancient history to Texas and also allows visitors to experience the wonder of these iconic monuments without having to travel across the ocean.
Stonehenge II was originally built by Al Shepperd and his friend Doug Hill on Shepperd’s land in 1989 just for fun but it quickly became a beloved local landmark.
Interestingly, most of it isn’t made from stone but from concrete and metal framing!
8. World’s Largest Spur
The World’s Largest Spur can be found in Lampasas, a small town that’s big on cowboy culture.
You’ll find the spur located just off Highway 281. You’ll find a car park right next to it.
This gigantic spur is a massive sculpture that stands as a tribute to the area’s rich ranching history and cowboy heritage.
It truly captures the spirit of the Wild West and draws visitors who want to see a piece of Texas tradition up close.
The spur was built by local artists and showcases detailed metalwork. It even comes complete with a spinning rowel that’s true to the design of a functional spur!
The spur was only built in 2016 and is 35 feet tall making it easily the largest of its kind in the world. It also weighs around 10,000 pounds!
9. Cathedral of Junk
The Cathedral of Junk is a unique attraction hidden in a quiet neighborhood in Austin.
To visit, you’ll need to head to the South Austin area where the Cathedral is tucked away in the backyard of a house on Lareina Drive.
This extraordinary structure is built entirely out of discarded items and junk, ranging from bicycle parts to old electronics.
All this junk has been pieced together to form several towers and rooms! It’s pretty extraordinary.
Vince Hannemann, the creator, started building it in 1989 and it has since grown over the years into a massive, awe-inspiring creation.
The Cathedral actually contains an estimated 60 tons of junk that has been carefully constructed to create a maze-like experience for visitors to explore.
Please note: As the attraction is located at a residential home, you do need to call ahead to book but it is open often.
10. World’s Largest Shovel
The World’s Largest Shovel is, as it sounds, a large shovel found in Creedmoor, just a short drive from Austin.
If you’re coming from Austin, you can take Highway 183 South towards Lockhart and then follow the signs for Creedmoor.
The shovel is easy to spot from the road because of its massive size! In fact, it’s 40 feet tall, 7 feet wide and weighs 5,000 pounds.
It even features in the Guiness Book of World Records.
Built to stand out and create a landmark for Creedmoor, it attracts visitors who are curious to see just how big the world’s largest shovel really is.
It also celebrates the construction and farming heritage of the area.
11. Ms. Pearl the Giant Squirrel Statue
Ms. Pearl the Giant Squirrel Statue is a massive and adorable attraction located in Cedar Creek, right outside of Austin.
To see her, you can drive along Highway 71 and spot her standing tall at the Berdoll Pecan Candy & Gift Company, which is hard to miss thanks to Ms. Pearl herself.
This giant squirrel statue is holding a pecan and stands over 14 feet tall. She is known for greeting visitors with her big, friendly smile.
Ms. Pearl became famous because she’s not just any squirrel – she’s a symbol of the area’s pecan industry. Plus, she’s also the world’s largest squirrel statue.
She was specifically created to catch the eyes of passersby and invite them to explore the pecan shop and learn more about Texas pecans.
You’ll even find a vending machine next to the statue that is full of fresh pecan pies!
12. Martha Bloomer’s Teapot
This huge teapot is an eye-catching attraction located in Navasota, a small town known for its charm and history.
The giant teapot is located at Martha’s Bloomers which you can reach via Highway 6. You can even see the teapot itself from the highway!
This teapot isn’t for brewing tea – it’s actually a large sculpture that stands out for its size and design.
Created to put Navasota on the map and attract tourists, this huge teapot does just that! It’s the perfect spot for a fun photo.
13. The Boot House & Cowboy Hat House
In Huntsville, there’s a one-of-a-kind attraction called The Boot House & the Cowboy Hat House.
You can find these quirky buildings off Interstate 45, just a short drive north from Houston.
When you arrive, you’ll see a giant cowboy boot and a huge cowboy hat that have been transformed into actual houses where people can live.
In fact, the Cowboy Hat House went up for rent in 2023!
These houses are famous for their unique design which was, of course, inspired by Texas’s iconic cowboy culture.
Created by Dan Phillips, the houses aim to celebrate the state’s love for all things Western and are a big hit with both visitors and locals.
A fun fact about the Boot House is that it even has its own laces!
