Louisiana is known for its rich culture, soulful music, spicy food, and mysterious swamps—but it also has its fair share of quirky roadside attractions. From giant frogs to haunted plantations, the Bayou State offers some truly bizarre stops you’ll want to check out on your next road trip. Here are 11 of the weirdest roadside attractions in Louisiana that are definitely worth a detour.
1. The Giant Ronald Reagan Statue – Shreveport
In front of a conservative radio station in Shreveport stands a massive statue of Ronald Reagan with a bald eagle perched on his shoulder. It’s as unexpected as it sounds—and definitely photo-worthy.
2. Frog Capitol of the World – Rayne
Rayne doesn’t just love frogs—it celebrates them. This small town has frog murals, a frog festival, and even a Frog Walk of Fame. It’s weird, wonderful, and uniquely Louisiana.
3. The World’s Largest Ronald McDonald Mural – Bossier City
Forget golden arches—this small-town McDonald’s location boasts a giant mural of Ronald McDonald covering the side of the building. It’s bright, bold, and totally bizarre.
4. Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum – Gibsland
This museum marks the site of the infamous couple’s deadly ambush in 1934. Inside, you’ll find original photos, memorabilia, and crime scene artifacts. It’s creepy—but fascinating.
5. The Abita Mystery House – Abita Springs
Possibly Louisiana’s most famous weird attraction, this funky roadside stop is filled with homemade oddities, hybrid creatures, and oddball inventions. From a dogigator (half dog, half alligator) to interactive exhibits, it’s like walking into someone’s dream—or nightmare.
6. The Singing Oak – New Orleans
Tucked inside City Park, this massive oak tree has wind chimes tuned to different musical scales. As the breeze moves through the branches, the tree literally sings. It’s peaceful, eerie, and one of NOLA’s lesser-known gems.
7. Haunted Myrtle’s Plantation – St. Francisville
Often listed as one of the most haunted homes in America, this 18th-century plantation has ghost tours, overnight stays, and plenty of spooky vibes. Whether you believe in spirits or not, it’s a chilling roadside stop.
8. Evangeline Oak – St. Martinville
This massive oak tree is tied to Louisiana’s literary history. It’s said to be the meeting place of lovers Evangeline and Gabriel from the famous Longfellow poem. It’s hauntingly beautiful—and definitely off the beaten path.
9. LSU’s Mike the Tiger Habitat – Baton Rouge
Yes, there’s a real, live Bengal tiger living on LSU’s campus. His name is Mike, and his habitat rivals some small zoos. It’s strange to think of a tiger as a college mascot, but in Louisiana, it just works.
10. The House of the Rising Sun – New Orleans
The house that inspired the famous folk song has long been debated, but one location in New Orleans claims to be the real deal. While the original structure is no longer standing, visitors still flock to the address to see where the legend may have started.
11. Giant Crawfish Statue – Breaux Bridge
In the self-proclaimed “Crawfish Capital of the World,” it only makes sense that there’s a giant crawfish statue greeting visitors. It’s equal parts funny and fantastic—and perfect for a road trip selfie.
Louisiana is more than just jazz, jambalaya, and bayous—it’s full of quirky roadside surprises that are both strange and charming. Whether you’re chasing ghosts, snapping photos with oversized amphibians, or listening to a tree sing in the wind, these attractions make every road trip through the Pelican State a little more unforgettable.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/seven-offbeat-louisiana-roadside-attractions-090229839.html
[2] https://in.hotels.com/go/usa/weird-quirky-things-to-do-louisiana
[3] https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/roadside-attractions-louisiana/953889467648/
[4] https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/louisiana
[5] https://sillyamerica.com/blog/best-louisiana-roadside-attractions/
