11 Bizarre Roadside Attractions In Delaware That Will Make You Do A Double Take
By Kim Magaraci|Published August 18, 2016
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Delaware is kind of a funny state – there are 14 miles of major highway that cut through New Castle County, and that’s most of what travelers through the First State will ever see. From there, it seems like there’s not all that much to see in Delaware – there’s a sign for the beaches, sure, and something pointing off towards a thoroughbred racetrack, but by the time you think “Oh, that looks neat!” you’re practically in Maryland.
For other travelers, those who take the back roads or head down to visit the Delaware beaches, or maybe Delawareans from other counties just setting out to explore, Delaware is full of roadside wonders. Giant sculptures are just one part of it – check out these 11 great roadside attractions in Delaware and you’ll know where the best place to plan a rest will be!
Miles is the largest stone Monster in the world, and you can see him from Delaware Route 1. Take a brief detour to get up and close with this gigantic, car-smashing monster - he's really larger than life.
Delmar's Giant Crab is a popular photo stop for people driving through the town. Luckily, The Old Mill Crab House is just as delicious as this crab is large, so your pit stop to see Pinchy is also a great place for grub.
Once an installation at Burning Man on the west coast, this Tree House is living a mild life in Milton, now. As part of the Dogfish Head Brewery, this high rise is rumored to be the place where ideas for new brews are born.
This Futuro Home stands alongside the runway of Eagle Crest-Hudson Airport, a small airport in Milton. Locals joke that it's a spaceship waiting for its turn to take off, but in reality, Futuro homes were modular homes built in the 1960s. They're rare to begin with, let alone sitting next to a runway!
This giant Stainless Steel Mary watches over attendees of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in New Castle, Delaware. You can see her from the Delaware Memorial Bridge, so keep an eye out next time you cross. In the 1980s, a local artist named Charles Parks was building these giant statues for churches across the country, and Delawareans wanted one for themselves. They raised $500,000 and prayed almost a million rosaries, and now she looks out upon New Castle for as long as she shall stand.
The Apex Medical Center's Giant Doctor Bag is a reminder of days past, where house calls were regular occurrences and the trusty leather doctor bag accompanied every phyisican on the road. Nowadays, it's a rare occasion to see the classic leather bag, but in Newark, you can visit a gigantic one any time you're driving by.
Frightland's Giant Skull-painted Silo is visible year-round, but it's extra creepy when it gets lit up around Halloween. I don't think there's anything in Delaware creepier than this guy looking out over the landscape.
More like Propellerware, amiright? This beautiful hunk of metal is all that's left of the USS Shangri-La, an aircraft carrier that participated in many battles for the US Navy. Meding & Son Seafood bought the propeller from in 1991, when the old carrier was being scrapped, and it's been a Delaware landmark ever since.
Judy and Lou Hagen's Recycled Metal Art Sculptures in Millsboro are a sight to be seen! These gigantic artworks are fun to visit and make great photo subjects. You'll know you've arrived when you're driving down Rt 24 and suddenly, you see two life-sized giraffes. They're Norma and Lola, and they'd like to welcome you to 2nd Time Designs.
