15 Bizarre Roadside Attractions in Texas That Will Make You Look Twice
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Kristen Lawrence
Author
Along the 79,000+ miles of Texas highways and roadways, you will see long stretches of nothing but cattle, farms, and towering trees that go on for days. But, somewhere in the mix, you’ll spot some pretty odd structures and attractions off the side of the road that just might add a little excitement to those long road trips. Here are some of the most bizarre sights I could find along the highways that will have you saying “Everything’s weirder in Texas, too.”
The world's largest working fire hydrant stands at 24 feet tall right next to the Fire Museum of Texas in Beaumont. It was built in 1999 to promote the re-release of the animated 101 Dalmatians, and for reasons unbeknownst to most Texans, Disney wanted Beaumont to become the permanent home for the structure originally built at Disneyland in California. So thanks, Disney, for giving Texans something to look at!
Just on the border between Alvin and Pearland, you will find this cute little tamale guy smiling at you from I-35. He tries to entice people to buy tamales at The Giant Tamale (and it works).
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This giant dinosaur nibbling on an old VW Beetle in downtown Abilene was built by artist Bob Wade as a tribute to the 1988 children's book "Dinosaur Bob and His Adventures With the Family Lazardo."
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Hidalgo, Texas is proud of their status as "Killer Bee Capital of the World," so much so that the mayor had a $20,000 replica of a killer bee built to glorify the title.
"These boots were made for walkin.."
Okay, not really, but the same guy who built Dino Bob, Bob Wade, constructed these 40 foot tall boots outside the North Star Mall in San Antonio. And what better place for giant boots than Texas?
Located in front of Pilgrim's Pride in Pittsburg, Texas, you will find this statue of the founder's head out front, complete with a Pilgrim hat and everything. Under the pavilion, there's even a bronze statue of him seated on a bench reading a copy of the Bible.
Businessman and artist Glenn Goode built these giant people entirely out of fiberglass on his property in Gainesville. If you thought Texas couldn't get any stranger, think again...
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Yep, you read that right. But don't worry, the people inside can see outside, but not the other way around. Why they were built, I have no idea, but if you want to try them out for yourself, you'll find them in Sulphur Springs outside of the courthouse.
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Artist Lightnin' McDuff sculpted these legs when Stanley Marsh 3 (who authorized the Cadillac Ranch) paid him to do it. Stanley got inspired by a similar set of legs built in Egypt, and wanted to see if someone in Texas could one-up the Egyptian version. Visit Sundown Lane in Amarillo if you want to see these legs up close.
If you ever wanted to see a 14 foot long, 22 foot tall steel-plated armadillo with longhorns, glowing red eyes, and smoke pouring out of its nostrils, come to Houston to see this bizarre attraction. It's in Goode's Armadillo Palace outside Goode's BBQ.
This giant, playful caterpillar actually serves a purpose other than sitting there and looking pretty - it actually serves as the factory for a company called Monolithic Constructors Inc in Italy, Texas. You're more than welcome to stop by and take a picture with the friendly critter, though!
This isn't just a unique roadside attraction, but a place you can actually stay out in Wharton! It's been open for decades, but was recently restored in 2006.
If you drive through Groom, TX on I-40, you will easily spot this intentionally leaning water tower.
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Take a picture with what was once the world's largest roadrunner in Fort Stockton, Texas. At Christmas time, he's fully decked out in Santa's gear, and at the town Visitor Center you can even get free Paisano pins to wear on your shirt. This town sure is proud of their bird.
Yep, contrary to popular belief, Texas holds the record for world's largest teapot, not West Virginia. Sorry to disappoint any West Virginians, but we have to live up to our slogan here in Texas. Come see the teapot at Martha's Bloomers in Navasota, and stop in for some tea while you're at it!
Well, there you have it folks, some of the strangest things you will ever see along the roads of Texas. What other bizarre roadside attractions would you add to the list? If you’ve seen any listed above, which ones were your favorites?
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