Washington state is home to some of the weirdest roadside attractions, making any road trip adventurous and memorable. Here are 11 strange and delightful stops worth your time:
Washington’s Quirky Roadside Wonders
Large outdoor sculpture of a troll-like creature in a crawling pose, presented as a roadside attraction
Teapot Dome Gas Station (Zillah): A tiny teapot-shaped building inspired by a presidential scandal, now a tourist info spot and perfect for quirky photos.
Maryhill Stonehenge (Goldendale): An unexpected, full-scale replica of England’s Stonehenge built as a World War I memorial overlooking the Columbia River.
World’s Largest Egg (Winlock): This quirky painted sculpture celebrates the town’s egg-producing legacy; locals host the annual Egg Days festival here.
Big Red Wagon (Spokane): A massive red wagon sculpture called “Childhood Express,” featuring a usable slide—great for photos and playtime.
Sharky’s (Ocean Shores): Enter a giant shark’s mouth to shop for souvenirs and saltwater taffy in this eccentric coastal emporium.
Wild Horses Sculpture (Vantage): The dramatic “Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies” features 15 metal steeds running along a hillside above the Columbia River.
Miniature Church (Skykomish): Highway 2’s four-pew roadside chapel offers a serene, odd little spot for reflective travelers.
World’s Largest Clam Pan (Long Beach): See the giant pan created for cooking a record-size clam fritter, now displayed near the coast.
The Fremont Troll (Seattle): This massive troll sculpture lurks under the Aurora Bridge, clutching a real VW Beetle and inviting endless photo ops.
Pike Place Market Gum Wall (Seattle): Thousands of sticky, colorful wads of chewing gum adorn the wall near the famous market—gross but iconic.
Jake the Alligator Man (Long Beach): Marsh’s Free Museum displays this beloved taxidermy oddity, half-man, half-alligator, with a surreal backstory.
Why Stop?
These attractions are celebrated for turning the mundane into unforgettable roadside experiences, blending local legend, creativity, and kitsch into Washington’s weirdest wonders.
SOURCES
(https://www.seattlemet.com/travel-and-outdoors/roadside-attractions-sights-road-trip-washington)(https://theshockingtruestoryofmonsteragogo.wordpress.com/2022/01/24/the-roadside-attractions-of-washington-part-1/)
(https://daytripnomad.com/weirdest-roadside-attractions-usa/)
(https://www.evergreencoastwa.com/road-trip-from-seattle/)
(https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/washington/roadside-attractions)
