There are few things better than a great American road trip. You get to soak up the wild and majestic beauty of true Americana, visit small towns and cities that are packed with curious, if not Instagram-worthy roadside attractions, and sample the awesome variety of simple to outrageous delights found on the well-worn menus of dustbowl diners.

Roadside attractions are what make cross-country road trips all the more appealing. Sometimes they’re weird (bordering on bizarre) and sometimes they are just plain wonderful. One thing is for sure, they do an excellent job at breaking up the monotony of the seemingly endless road that lies ahead.

So the next time you hit the open road on an epic road trip, be sure to include a visit to one of these awesomely weird and wonderful roadside attractions.

Car Forest – Goldfield, Nevada

If you’re planning a trip to Vegas to enjoy the thrill of real money slots but want to experience a little more than the temptations of the Strip, you should consider a detour to the world’s largest “car forest” found in Goldfield, Nevada.

This is definitely one of the most interesting and obscure things you’ll see in your lifetime. The brainchild of two Nevada artists, this art installation comprises of 40 old cars which have been thoughtfully painted and arranged against the harsh, arid backdrop of the Mojave Desert.

Largest Ball of Twine – Cawker City, Kansas

Cawker City is best known for being home to the world’s largest ball of twine. It was one man’s fascination with thin, itchy rope that put this Kansas small town on the map.

This infamous ball of twine was started by Frank Stoeber in 1953 and has since grown to mammoth proportions.

If you want more than just a selfie in front of the world’s largest ball of twine, be sure to visit in August when the annual twine-a-thon is held.

During the event, both local residents and visitors add additional twine to the ball, ensuring that it retains the title of “world’s largest”.

Enchanted Highway – Regent, North Dakota

In Regent, North Dakota, you’ll find a 32-mile stretch of highway that is lined with the most impressive and whimsical scrap metal sculptures.

A drive down the Enchanted Highway is spellbinding to say the least and the best part is that you don’t even need to leave your car to be awestruck by the curious metal forms that dot the landscape. Here you’ll find metal sculptures depicting everything from giant grasshoppers to birds in flight.

Hood Milk Bottle – Boston, Massachusetts

The New England city of Boston is home to one of the most random pieces of roadside Americana you’ll find.

Situated on Congress Street, the massive Hood Milk Bottle boasts an impressive height of 40 feet and attracts hordes of visitors and curiosity-seekers each year.

Cabazon Dinosaurs – Cabazon, California

Just outside Palm Springs, you’ll find one of the most Instagrammed roadside attraction in America. The town of Cabazon is home to a 150-foot long brontosaurus and a 65-foot tall T-Rex constructed out of steel and concrete.

These massive dinosaurs dominate the surrounding landscape and make for a great photo opportunity that simply can’t be missed.