Indiana is home to some of the weirdest roadside attractions in America—perfect for travelers with a taste for the unusual and memorable. Below are 10 oddities that are not only worth a pit stop, but will leave a lasting impression and generate plenty of conversation for the rest of your road trip.
World’s Largest Ball of Paint
Alexandria
This growing ball started as a baseball, but now contains over 25,000 layers of paint and weighs more than two tons. Visitors can even add a fresh layer, making themselves part of the attraction’s story.
Pink Elephant with Martini
Fortville
Standing cheerfully in front of Elite Beverages, the pink elephant statue—with its unmistakable martini—has become a pop culture icon and the definition of roadside whimsy. It occasionally makes parade appearances, further cementing its legendary status.
Monster Turtle of Fulk Lake (Oscar the Beast of Busco)
Churubusco
For over a century, residents have reported sightings of a massive snapping turtle said to haunt Fulk Lake. Known as Oscar, “The Beast of Busco,” this legend brings a mix of cryptozoology and roadside curiosity together.
Grave in the Road
Franklin
A peculiar grave from the early 19th century sits right in the middle of a county road. When road construction threatened Nancy Kerlin Barnett’s grave, protests led to the road being built around it—forever making it a surprising oddity for passing drivers.
Shoe Tree
Milltown
What began with a single pair of shoes tossed onto a tree limb has evolved into a bizarre collection of hundreds of shoes hanging from a roadside tree. Local lore and a touch of mystery make the Shoe Tree worth a detour.
Joe Palooka Statue
Oolitic
Oolitic is home to the enormous statue of Joe Palooka, the once-famous comic-strip boxer. Standing nearly 10 feet tall, the statue still punches its weight as an amusing photo op for travelers.
Orville Redenbacher Statue
Valparaiso
Indiana’s popcorn king is immortalized in Valparaiso, where his life-sized statue celebrates his local ties and popcorn legacy. Fans of quirky monuments and American snack culture will find plenty to enjoy.
Flick Statue
Hammond
A tribute to “A Christmas Story,” this statue memorializes the infamous tongue-sticking scene from the holiday classic. It’s an unexpected and humorous sight beside a busy northern Indiana road.
Giant Candle Shop
Centerville
Shaped like a massive candle, this roadside shop draws visitors with its odd appearance and extensive selection. Both shoppers and novelty-seekers enjoy the quirky ambiance and photo opportunities.
Haunted Indiana Road Trip Destinations
Central State Hospital, Indianapolis
A former mental institution turned haunted destination, Central State Hospital lures ghost hunters and fans of the macabre. The combination of history, urban legend, and unsettling atmosphere makes this one of the state’s creepiest roadside stops.
Indiana’s roadside landscape is dotted with eccentric, colorful, and sometimes downright strange attractions—from legendary turtles to martini-drinking elephants and pop culture statues. These stops not only provide fun breaks but offer a glimpse into the quirky heart of the Hoosier State.
Sources
(https://www.visitindiana.com/blog/post/2020-roadside-attractions-in-indiana/)
(https://wkfr.com/quirky-roadside-attractions-indiana/)
(https://www.reddit.com/r/indianapolis/comments/1e5qmdq/i_am_a_sucker_for_roadside_attractions_visually/)
(https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/indiana)
(https://www.travelingcheesehead.com/roadside-attractions-in-indiana/)
