New York State is not just about the bright lights of New York City or the stunning Adirondacks. It also hides some truly quirky, weird, and fascinating roadside attractions that make for memorable and fun stops during any road trip. From giant sculptures and tiny churches to peculiar art and unexpected statues, these attractions offer a glimpse into the odd charm of New York. Here are 10 of the weirdest roadside attractions in New York that are definitely worth a stop.
Cross Island Chapel (Oneida)
Claiming the title of the world’s smallest church, the Cross Island Chapel is a tiny, 28-square-foot non-denominational church situated on a man-made island in Mason’s Pond. Accessible only by rowboat, this lovely little chapel fits just two people comfortably and has even hosted weddings, where guests stayed on the shore while the ceremony took place.
Painted Pig Rock (Speculator, Adirondacks)
A modestly sized rock by Route 30 that remarkably resembles a pig’s face, Painted Pig Rock was transformed in the 1950s after a road construction project. Locals enhanced it by painting it gray, with a white eye and snout, turning it into a beloved quirky roadside landmark saved from destruction during later construction efforts.
Nipper Dog Statue (Capital-Saratoga)
Head to Albany to see “Nipper,” a giant 28-foot-tall steel and fiberglass statue of the dog that inspired the famous RCA logo. Sitting atop a warehouse, this enormous canine icon has fascinated visitors for years with its fun and historic significance.
Giant Garden Gnome (Catskills)
Standing 13.5 feet tall, the Giant Garden Gnome, known as “Gnome Chomsky,” was originally exhibited in New York City and now permanently resides on Route 209 in Kerhonkson. This cheerful and gigantic gnome is a whimsical reminder that New York embraces the quirky and playful.
The “Scary Lucy” Statue (Celoron)
Lucille Ball Memorial Park in Celoron is home to two statues of the comedy legend Lucille Ball. The original, unveiled in 2015, stirred public outrage for its less-than-flattering depiction and earned the nickname “Scary Lucy.” Fortunately, a new, more beloved sculpture was commissioned, but fans of odd art can still see the infamous statue in the park.
World’s Largest Pancake Griddle (Finger Lakes)
In downtown Penn Yan, you’ll find a giant pancake griddle mounted on the side of a building. Built in 1987 for a buckwheat festival by Birkett Mills, it celebrates one of the world’s largest pancake makers. This oversized griddle is a fun and tasty tribute to local culinary heritage.
Volkswagen on a Smokestack (Amsterdam)
At Dudka’s Garage in Amsterdam, a red Volkswagen Beetle is famously perched atop a smokestack—a marketing stunt from years ago. Although the garage is no longer in business, the surreal sight of a car stuck on a chimney still puzzles passersby and makes a memorable photo opportunity.
Secret Caverns (Howes Cave)
Off the beaten path near Howes Cave, Secret Caverns is less known than its famous neighbor Howes Caverns but boasts a spectacular underground waterfall inside. Colorful billboards along the road lure visitors to this natural marvel, making it a weird yet wonderful detour for adventurers.
Lucille Ball’s Bottle Statue
Besides “Scary Lucy,” the park also features a statue of Lucille Ball holding a bottle of “Vitameatavegamin,” referencing one of her classic comedy sketches, blending memorabilia with quirky humor.
World’s Smallest Church Wedding Venue
Highlighting again the uniqueness of Cross Island Chapel, it’s worth noting that weddings held there involve rowing the bride and groom to the tiny chapel, making it one of the most unusual wedding venues in America for anyone wanting to blend love with eccentricity.
These roadside attractions show that New York has a rich collection of quirky landmarks that add humor, history, and a bit of whimsy to any journey. Whether you’re in for botanical beauty, cityscape, or out-of-the-ordinary roadside wonders, New York delivers a surprising variety of sights worth stopping for.
Sources
[1] https://www.thetravel.com/roadside-attractions-in-new-york-worth-a-road-trip/
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/roadtrip/comments/tvu6e1/looking_for_interesting_stops_and_roadside/
[3] https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/top-10-roadside-attractions-usa
[4] https://in.hotels.com/go/usa/weird-quirky-things-to-do-new-york-state
[5] https://www.iloveny.com/blog/post/unique-roadside-attractions-in-new-york-state/
