Arizona is known for its stunning natural landscapes, but it also boasts some of the quirkiest and most unusual roadside attractions in the United States. These oddities combine kitsch, history, and a touch of mystery, making them perfect stops for road trippers who want to experience the unexpected. Here are 10 of the weirdest Arizona roadside attractions that are definitely worth a visit.
1. The Thing
Located near Dragoon, Arizona, along Interstate 10, The Thing is arguably the state’s most famous weird roadside attraction. It’s heavily advertised with cryptic signs stretching for miles that promise mysterious wonders. Inside a bright yellow building, visitors find curious oddities culminating in “The Thing” itself—a purportedly mummified figure that has captivated and puzzled visitors since the 1950s. The attraction blends roadside kitsch with an immersive storytelling experience that keeps travelers intrigued.
2. World’s Largest Kokopelli
In Camp Verde, you can find a giant statue of Kokopelli, the flute-playing deity from Native American mythology, standing as one of the largest of its kind. This oversized figure is a landmark blending cultural heritage with Southwestern whimsy, making it a striking and mysterious photo stop.
3. The Highway of Dreams 1932 Studebaker
At Petrified Forest National Park’s Route 66 exhibit near Holbrook, there’s a rusted, abandoned 1932 Studebaker famously called the “Highway of Dreams” car. It’s one of the most photographed abandoned cars in the U.S., offering a haunting glimpse of Americana and the passage of time along the legendary Route 66.
4. Tom Mix Monument
Near Florence, Arizona, a remote roadside rest area features a monument dedicated to the Western film star Tom Mix, who died there in 1940. The monument stands as a solitary and mournful tribute, giving visitors a strange sense of stepping into old Hollywood lore.
5. Flintstones Bedrock City (Now Raptor Ranch)
Near the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, the Flintstones Bedrock City theme park is a nostalgic, surreal throwback to the stone-age cartoon world. It has recently been repurposed as Raptor Ranch, featuring birds of prey alongside the quirky Bedrock City elements. It’s especially odd but fun, with life-sized cartoon buildings and dinosaur statues mixed with a falconry experience.
6. Two Guns Ghost Town and the Apache Death Cave
Along Route 66 near Winslow, this abandoned ghost town has a legendary—and somewhat eerie—history involving pioneer ambition, murders, and curses. The site’s famed Apache Death Cave, where legend claims the Navajo trapped Apache enemies, is now graffiti-covered ruins attracting curious visitors who want a taste of the strange and supernatural.
7. Hackberry General Store
A classic kitsch stop on Route 66 in Kingman, the Hackberry General Store is packed with retro signs, antiques, and quirky souvenirs. It’s a must-see for those who enjoy Americana nostalgia with a side of weirdness.
8. Fish Bowl Spring
Located in Golden Valley, Fish Bowl Spring is a hidden natural fresh water spring perfect for animals and travelers alike. It’s an unexpected oasis with a certain secretive charm off the beaten path on one of America’s most famous highways.
9. Jack Rabbit Trading Post
Near Winslow, the Jack Rabbit Trading Post is known for its giant fiberglass rabbit statue that visitors can climb on. It’s an emblem of Route 66 with an old-school roadside attraction vibe that’s both peculiar and endearing.
10. Longhorn Grill and Saloon Skull
In Amado, the Longhorn Grill is notable for the massive steer skull that adorns the building, making it a landmark that stands out across the Arizona desert. The striking imagery adds an eerie and wild-west flair to this roadside stop.
Each of these weird roadside spots offers a uniquely bizarre way to experience Arizona beyond its natural beauty. Whether it’s eerie monuments, giant sculptures, ghost towns, or mysterious mummies, these attractions provide memorable and offbeat stops on a true Arizona road trip.
These strange and fascinating places underscore Arizona’s quirky character—and they’re well worth lingering over while exploring the Grand Canyon State.
If you’re intrigued by the weird and wonderful roadside culture of Arizona, these stops will not disappoint.
Sources
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thing_(roadside_attraction)
[2] https://www.fiftygrande.com/50-weirdest-roadside-attractions/
[3] https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/arizona/roadside-attractions
[4] https://thedetoureffect.com/blog/roadside-attractions-northern-arizona/
[5] https://www.visitarizona.com/like-a-local/arizona-s-roadside-attractions
