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?

1. Miracle Mary
Google Maps
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.
2. Stratton's Grave in Mountain Grove Cemetery
Staib/Wikimedia
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.
3. Otis Elevator Test Tower
Google Maps
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.
4. Paul Bunyan
Mike Mozart/Flickr
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.
5. Eagle Rock
Dan R./Yelp
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!
6. Splash Car Wash
Paul C./Yelp
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.
7. Frog Rock Roadside Park
Dan R./Yelp
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.
9. Chute Gates
Tom D./Yelp
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!
10. The Sperm Whale
The Children's Museum/Yelp
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!

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More to Explore

Roadside Attractions In Connecticut

Nikki Rhoades | March 01, 2020

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.

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