9 Bizarre Roadside Attractions In Connecticut That Are Fascinatingly Weird
The best thing about roadside attractions is that they’re quick and easy to visit, no matter what state you’re in. You can add one of these in on a drive back from the grandparents or road trip around the state hitting as many of these spots as possible. It’s up to you! No matter what you decide to do, the following roadside attractions in Connecticut deserve a bit of attention. They’re quirky, unusual, and unlike any of our state’s other local landmarks. How many of these destinations have you visited?
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
A small statue of Mary stands outside the St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Colchester. Despite the church being destroyed by an explosion in 2004, the statue was completely unharmed. It now stands in front of the new church as proof of divinity.
Park-like and stunning, Mountain Grove Cemetery captures the beauty of architecture and rural Connecticut... plus it offers insight into local history. Did you know Connecticut has a bit of circus history? Charles "Tom Thumb" Stratton was a superstar of Barnum's Circus and stood at only 3'8". A life size statue of him sits atop his obelisk in Bridgeport.
Located at the Bristol Research Center, this 383-foot tower stands out among the trees... Especially since it has no windows. This unusual skyscraper is certainly a surprise to out-of-towners, but those in the know recognize this site as the destination where elevator cars are dropped for safety research.
You may know Paul Bunyan as a conqueror of the wild frontier, but a statue in his honor in New England somehow feels right. In Cheshire, no sign can stand above seven feet tall. So when the town made a fuss about the lumber business House of Doors erecting this 26-foot beauty, they got creative. Replacing the ax with a flag made it a flag pole, which has no height limitations.
Just past the intersection of Buck Road in Hebron is a rock that has been shaped and painted to resemble a bald eagle. Talk about being star spangled awesome!
Formerly known as Classic Car Wash Center, this Cromwell car wash is over the top! Full of fiberglass statues, inflatables, and holiday decorations, this is the most entertaining car wash you'll ever get.
Nutmeggers sure seem to have a thing for rock painting! Located in Eastford, this tiny pullover park also has picnic tables. With a name like Frog Rock Park, you know you're in for an interesting experience at this local landmark.
Stop at this restaurant in Terryville for a piece of Texas. The best part is the smiling cow in a cowboy hat statue! However, you might also enjoy sitting on their saddle-themed bar stools. Chute Gates is truly an experience unlike any other in New England!
Just outside of The Children's Museum in West Hartford is a giant sperm whale, which is Connecticut's state animal, named Conny. It's 60 feet long and even squirts water! The Children's Museum is the oldest and largest museum of its type in Connecticut, having served the area since 1927. If you're wondering why they chose a life size sperm whale statue as the destination's claim to fame, it is due to the fact that sperm whales are the State Animal of Connecticut.
There’s so much to love about our incredible and quirky state! How many of these destinations have you visited? Share your thoughts in the comments!
If these roadside attractions in Connecticut aren’t enough to keep you busy, check out this bizarre store for even more local exploration!
Address: 180 Linwood Ave, Colchester, CT 06415, USA
Address: 215 Dewey St, Bridgeport, CT 06605, USA
Address: 99 Century Dr, Bristol, CT 06010, USA
Address: 540 W Johnson Ave, Cheshire, CT 06410, USA
Address: CT-66, Hebron, CT, USA
Address: 23 Shunpike Rd, Cromwell, CT 06416, USA
Address: Eastford, CT, USA
Address: Middletown, CT, USA
Address: 372 Main St, Terryville, CT 06786, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Roadside Attractions In Connecticut
March 01, 2020
Nikki Rhoades
What are the best road trips to take through Connecticut?
The Constitution State is a fantastic place for a day trip, whether you’re a resident or you are visiting from another state. The best road trip through Connecticut may boil down to a matter of personal opinion, but these road trips are local favorites.
What bizarre trait is Connecticut known for?
Perhaps the most unusual thing about our state is our collection of… well, unusual things. All across our local landscape, you will spot weird places in Connecticut that are unlike anywhere else.
What are some unique things to do in Connecticut?
You will find that there are many unique things to do in Connecticut, whether you’re looking for a unique vacation destination or a dosage of the weird and unusual. The above destinations are surely among the most unique destinations in Connecticut, but you can also enjoy all things unusual at some local museums.
Taylor Ellis grew up in southern Connecticut. She is a social boss who has worked with several major sites and brands. Follow her at taylorellisblogger.com
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