This Largest Attraction in North Carolina Begs for You to Pull Over

One of the best things about road tripping through America isn't the destination, per se, but what you get to see and experience along the way. At Only In Your State, we believe the “detour is the destination.” What I love about exploring our country is that each state has its own unique attributes, including curious roadside attractions that may give you pause. 

One state that I've spent a lot of time in due to the nature of my previous career is North Carolina. If I had to choose a North Carolina roadside oddity to go out of my way to visit next time I'm there, it would have to be the Seashell Gas Station in Winston-Salem. Not only is it one of the largest roadside attractions in North Carolina, but the story behind it is also fascinating. Is it worth the detour? Of course, it is!

Bright yellow and in the shape of a shell, there's no mistaking the Seashell Gas Station when driving along E. Sprague Street in Winston-Salem. A roadside oddity like this would put a smile on anyone's face, especially with its happy yellow paint and unique shape.

So, how did the Seashell Gas Station come to be? It was constructed in 1930 by the Quality Oil Company, founded by Joseph Glenn and John Bennett, and used as a means of marketing the Shell Oil Company products it was selling. This particular novelty building was one of eight built in and around the Winston-Salem area and seemed to be an effective way to attract customers. Today, the Seashell Gas Station on E. Sprague Street is the only one that remains.

It was constructed with concrete and stands at 18 feet tall. This striking building has a door and three windows — two on one side and one on the other. Two gas pumps were used to fuel the vehicles of customers driving through the area at a time when cars and road trips were becoming increasingly popular. You'll also find a replica of a carwash, a service ramp, a shed, and Shell signage here. So, you'll have plenty of different items to take pictures of when you visit.

Do you think you would have stopped at this Shell-Shaped Shell Station while on a road trip through Winston-Salem in the 1930s? I certainly would have, despite knowing its whimsical shape is a form of advertising. Even today, some folks have crossed state lines to see this quirky roadside attraction. A recent visitor had this to say, "Cute little thing. We drove up from Charlotte because I saw it on Google and had to see it in person."

Although it ceased operations as a gas station in the 1950s, the E. Sprague Street shell-shaped building stood its ground. Over time, it was repurposed as a lawn mower repair shop before it was taken over and restored by Preservation North Carolina. Today, it is privately owned and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Road trips are always a good idea, and I think taking a road trip to see Shell-Shaped Shell Station in Winston-Salem would be worth it. After all, it's an iconic historic landmark with a whimsical and nostalgic feel. For more road trip ideas, discover some of the best road trips in North Carolina — itineraries included!

If you have a favorite North Carolina roadside attraction or oddity you'd like to share, please tell us about it through our nomination page. There are so many wonderfully fascinating places to see around the state, and if you're anything like me, you want to see it all! So, when you feel inspired, use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to discover more one-of-a-kind treasures in North Carolina.