Alabama’s highways are lined with some truly wild, whimsical, and head-scratching sights. From gigantic sculptures lurking in pine forests to one-of-a-kind museums, these ten weird roadside attractions are guaranteed to spark curiosity and make any southern road trip unforgettable.
1. Bamahenge
Tucked into the woods near Elberta, Bamahenge is a full-scale fiberglass replica of England’s iconic Stonehenge. Commissioned by a local billionaire, its 21-foot-tall “stones” are scientifically aligned with the solstice, just like the original. Eerily deserted, this mysterious monument feels like prehistoric magic meets Deep South eccentricity.
2. Barber Marina Dinosaurs and Lady in the Lake
Not far from Bamahenge, the Barber Marina features a quirky menagerie: life-sized fiberglass dinosaurs hide in the trees, a giant knight guards the woods, and a 50-foot-long “Lady in the Lake” lounges in the water, her knees and toes jutting out above the ripples. Surreal photo ops abound—even before you discover the Neptune fountain and other scattered sculptures.
3. The Unclaimed Baggage Center
This superstore in Scottsboro is the final destination for lost and unclaimed airline luggage. Inside, you’ll find everything from oddball souvenirs to unexpected treasures—think wedding dresses, musical instruments, or even strange artifacts left behind after years of travel. It’s a shopper’s wonderland and a window into human forgetfulness.
4. Old Cahawba Ghost Town
Just outside Selma lies the haunting remains of Alabama’s first state capital. The crumbling buildings, empty streets, and tales of lingering spirits make Old Cahawba an atmospheric stop for those fascinated by abandoned places and ghostly legends.
5. The World’s Largest Office Chair
Standing 33 feet tall and 15 feet wide in Anniston, this mammoth metal office chair was once recognized by Guinness World Records. It’s a cheerful, head-scratching sight that instantly upgrades any selfie or travel journal—and it pays tribute to the region’s once-booming furniture industry.
6. Drive-Thru Museum (Seale)
Why not tour an art gallery without leaving your car? The Drive-Thru Museum in Seale is a collection of shipping containers filled with bizarre treasures: everything from two-headed taxidermy to skeletal murals. Roll your windows down and enjoy art the unconventional way.
7. Goldie 1971: The Fallen Robot
On the University of Alabama’s campus in Tuscaloosa, you’ll find Goldie—a rusted, reclining 23-foot-long robot sculpture crafted from salvaged materials. Goldie is a tribute to Alabama’s steel industry, lounging pensively on the grass and welcoming puzzled visitors.
8. Gravity Hill Road
Near Sylacauga, this stretch of highway offers a roadside illusion: park facing the “bottom” of the hill, shift into neutral, and watch your car inexplicably roll uphill. Is it gravitational mystery, a trick of the eye, or something spookier? Decide for yourself.
9. Car Bumper Rooster
In Brundidge, gaze skyward at a gleaming 12-foot rooster built entirely from old car bumpers and chrome by artist Larry Godwin. This roadside oddity is a wonderful example of southern creativity and upcycling at its finest.
10. Dismals Canyon
Venture into this mossy, boulder-strewn canyon in Franklin County after sundown to witness glowing dismalites—rare, bioluminescent insects—illuminate the cavern walls. Add in waterfalls and surreal rock formations, and Dismals Canyon becomes a magical, otherworldly experience.
Whether you’re drawn to colossal sculptures, mysterious ruins, or gravity-defying roads, Alabama’s weird roadside attractions deliver a mix of wonder, humor, and mystery that can’t be found anywhere else.
Sources
[1] https://www.thealabamatourist.com/tag/roadside-attractions/
[2] https://www.travelawaits.com/2558336/best-stops-on-an-alabama-road-trip/
[3] https://www.fiftygrande.com/50-weirdest-roadside-attractions/
[4] https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/alabama
[5] https://places.travel/great-outdoors/roadside-oddities-and-natural-marvels-alabama/
