10 Strange Roadside Attractions In Texas You’ll Want To See To Believe
Texas may be massive, but its roadside attractions steal the show along the way.
The highways are dotted with wild and unexpected sights: Cadillacs half-buried in the ground, designer boutiques stranded in the desert, and sculptures that make you hit the brakes just to stare.
These bizarre landmarks show off the creative, eccentric spirit Texans are so proud of.
1. Cadillac Ranch: Automotive Art in Amarillo
Ten vintage Cadillacs stand buried nose-down in a dusty field along I-40, creating one of America’s most iconic roadside installations. Visitors are encouraged to bring spray paint and leave their mark on these colorful automotive relics.
The cars are constantly changing as new layers of paint cover old ones. This ever-evolving art piece has been featured in movies, music videos, and countless family vacation photos since its creation in 1974.
2. Prada Marfa: High Fashion Meets Desert Highway
Appearing like a mirage on desolate US-90, this permanently locked Prada storefront sits miles from civilization.
The 2005 art installation features real Prada merchandise from the fall collection of that year, creating a surreal juxtaposition against the West Texas landscape.
No staff, no customers, just a designer store where none should exist. The weathered storefront has become an Instagram sensation, drawing fashion enthusiasts and curious travelers to this remote stretch of highway.
3. Stonehenge II: Ancient Mystery Recreated in Texas Hill Country
Why travel to England when you can see Stonehenge in Texas? This reinterpretation is about 90% the height and 60% the width of the original and stands proudly in Ingram, complete with two Easter Island head statues for extra mystical vibes.
I stumbled upon this oddity during a Hill Country wine tour, and it became the unexpected highlight of our trip.
The creator, Al Shepperd, built it simply because he thought it would be fun – a perfect example of Texas-sized whimsy.
4. Cathedral of Junk: One Man’s Trash Treasure Palace
Hidden in a South Austin backyard lurks a towering structure made from over 60 tons of discarded items. Bicycle parts, kitchen appliances, toys, and countless other objects form this multi-story labyrinth created by local artist Vince Hannemann.
The Cathedral began in 1988 and continues evolving. Visitors can explore narrow passages and hidden rooms within this monument to creative recycling, though appointments are required since it’s located in a residential neighborhood.
5. World’s Largest Cowboy Boots: Kicking It Big in San Antonio
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the footwear! These 35-foot-tall cowboy boots at North Star Mall hold the Guinness World Record for the tallest cowboy boot sculpture anywhere.
Created by artist Bob “Daddy-O” Wade in 1979, these massive boots originally stood in Washington, D.C. before finding their permanent home in San Antonio.
During my last shopping trip there, I couldn’t resist posing for the obligatory boot photo – it’s practically a San Antonio initiation ritual!
6. Eiffel Tower with a Red Cowboy Hat: Paris, Texas Style
Paris, Texas, couldn’t let Paris, France have all the fun. Their 65-foot Eiffel Tower replica sports a giant red cowboy hat on top, giving the European landmark a distinctly Texan makeover.
Built in 1993, the tower was later upgraded with the hat after locals learned that Paris, Tennessee, had built a slightly taller tower.
The structure lights up beautifully at night, creating a charming photo opportunity in this small northeast Texas town.
7. Big Sam: The Towering Texas Hero
Rising 67 feet above Interstate 45, this colossal statue of Sam Houston welcomes travelers to Huntsville with an imposing presence. “A Tribute to Courage” depicts the legendary Texas statesman in a formal stance, visible from nearly a mile away.
During a college road trip, our car fell silent as Big Sam came into view. Created by artist David Adickes (who seems to specialize in gigantic Texan things), the statue honors the man who served as president of the Republic of Texas and later as governor.
8. Leaning Tower of Texas: The Tilted Water Tower of Groom
No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks – this water tower really is tilting at a precarious angle! Located in the small town of Groom along historic Route 66, this deliberately slanted structure was designed as an attention-grabbing advertisement for a truck stop.
The clever marketing ploy works brilliantly. Travelers regularly pull over, convinced they’re witnessing a structural disaster, only to learn it’s an intentional oddity. The water tower hasn’t held water in decades but continues drawing curious visitors year-round.
9. Marfa Lights Viewing Area: Chase the Desert’s Ghostly Glow
Strange, unexplained lights have danced across the Marfa desert for over a century. Native Americans, ranchers, and now tourists have witnessed these mysterious orbs that appear to float, merge, split, and disappear without explanation.
The official viewing platform east of town provides the perfect spot for ghost light hunting. Scientists have proposed theories from car headlights to atmospheric reflections, but many locals insist there’s something truly supernatural at work in these remote West Texas skies.
10. Ms. Pearl: The Giant Squirrel with Pecan Passion
Nutty roadside attractions don’t get better than Ms. Pearl, the 14-foot squirrel statue clutching an oversized pecan outside Berdoll Pecan Farm. This massive rodent has become a beloved highway mascot on TX-71 between Austin and Bastrop.
The best part? The 24-hour pecan pie vending machine nearby! Last summer, I pulled over at 11 PM for a midnight snack and wasn’t disappointed.
The freshly-stocked machine dispenses full-sized pecan pies when the store is closed, proving Texas hospitality never sleeps.