6 Roadside Attractions to Visit on Your Next Long Haul

When you are in the trucking industry, at some point you come to terms with the fact that there will be periods when your life will be mostly driving, sleeping and eating, especially on the long haul. Because, sure, you don’t want to miss your deadline and you want to be as efficient as possible on the road, so you can get the job done and get back home to spend time with the family. But, as they say, from time to time you should stop and smell the roses. Life on the road sometimes can get pretty tedious, so a little entertainment will help. And when the entertainment is educational and historical – you’ll feel even better for yourself.

Luckily, our country is big and great enough to provide a lot of on-the-road entertainment – historical, interesting and sometimes straightforward bizarre – the roads of the USA are choke-full of roadside attractions. And forget about those major landmarks, we are talking about roadside attractions which are not so well-known, but equally interesting. Which is why you should visit them - so get your map out and put those next short stops on it:

Plattsburg, Missouri  - the David Rice Atchison Statue

Ever wondered which United States president has served for only one day? Look no further – he is David Rice Acthinson. The 24-hours president. What a legacy to leave behind. Per the chain of command outlined in the U.S. Constitution, James K. Polk was to be succeeded by Zachary Taylor. Taylor refused to swear in on a Sunday, leaving Atchison president for one day. So, the next time you are in Plattsburg, Missouri – visit his statue and thank the guy for taking one for the team. After all, chances are he’s been a US president only a day longer then you have.

Cooperstown, New York  - the Cardiff Giant

If the road takes you near Cooperstown, New York, be sure to visit George Hull’s Cardiff Giant. A great roadside attraction for truckers, this statue was once considered by people to be a real mummy of a giant. Of course, it was just a 10-feet stone statue made by George Hull, but once he found out what people thought about his “mummy” he realized he is sitting on a gold mine. So, he quickly earned $30 000 charging people to see it.

Dillon, Montana  - the Bannack Ghost Town

Are you always up for a scary story? Then the Bannack Ghost Town is the place you want to visit. A well-preserved mining town with a school house, churches and plenty of ghosts, according to the legend. Also, a lot of gallows. Yes.

Crazy Horse, South Dakota  - the Chief Crazy Horse Memorial

You probably have seen Mount Rushmore a thousand times, whether on TV, T-shirts or, you know, by actually going there, but just a stone’s throw from there is the Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota. It is enormous and features the head of Chief Crazy Horse carved into a mountainside, and yes - it is larger than all of Mount Rushmore combined. It is currently 88 feet tall and work is ongoing, so by the time you get there it may be even bigger!

Grants Pass, Oregon – the Grants Pass Caveman

For over 45 years the 17 feet tall Grant Pass Caveman has stood his ground in Oregon, perched on a large rock. Stop for a minute and take a picture with this hulking giant.

Shoshone, Idaho – the Shoshone Ice Caves

Ice caves which remain frozen no matter if it is Winter or Summer?  Chilly 30 degrees regardless of the outside temperature? Does this sounds like you thing? If yes, then the Shoshone Ice Caves are your next stop if you are near Shoshone, Idaho. You can also check the statues of cavemen, a statue of a dinosaur, and a statue of Chief Wasakie inside. And the Giftshop, of course!

Although our list is short, we are pretty sure you can find a lot of interesting roadside attractions in any state you are currently driving. So don’t hesitate and give them a chance.