We know you’ve probably heard of the great museums, restaurants, and things to do in Charlotte, but how often have you visited these weird attractions? If you’re ever driving around our city, there are a few bizarre roadside attractions will definitely turn your head. These are some of the most unique and interesting places you can visit on your way in and out of town that don’t cost much and can provide some quick excitement for the entire family.
1. The Green
The Green is a unique park in Uptown Charlotte on S. Tryon St. that will definitely catch your attention if you happen to walk or drive by. The theme of the park is education, and many sculptures and signs relate.
This is one of the most popular signs in the park, which visitors love to take pictures in front of. The directional arrows point to many other places in the U.S. and tell sightseers how many miles it is to get to that place from Charlotte.
Filled with unique statues, pieces of art, and signs, this place is full of bizarre attractions that will create the perfect photo-ops.
These giant fish spit water during the day, and children love to splash in the water on a warm day.
Named for it's expansive green lawn, this park is a great place to stop for a picnic on a nice sunny day.
The park is also a popular destination for weddings and events.
This "Brick Kids" sculpture was built by the Brick Association of the Carolinas and shows brick children climbing over a brick book.
The sculpture is called "Life is an Open Book," keeping in theme with the educational aspect of the park.
This roadside park is full of great things to see on your way in or out of Uptown.
You may even want to take a horse drawn carriage ride - this is one of the only areas in Charlotte where you can catch a ride by carriage!
2. The Gaffney Peach
The Gaffney Peach is a familiar sight to any of those who have traveled down I-85 towards Georgia. The giant peach looming over the highway is one of the most acclaimed sights in the south.
The Peach is actually a water tower that holds about 3.8 million liters of water! Built in 1981, the giant peach is visible from the road for miles and has been featured in a variety of television shows, including House of Cards and Cartoon Network's Adult Swim.
3. Metalmorphisis
Metalmorphisis is a crazy sculptural fountain located in Whitehall Corporate Center. If you work in this office park, you probably see this giant metal head every day, but if you are a visitor to the park it may take you by surprise.
This one-of-a-kind sculpture was the brainchild of business man Count Riprand Arco and Czech sculptor David Cerny. The concept of the piece was to create a technological piece of art that emphasized movement, form, and function. You can't miss this giant silver head when you drive by the Whitehall Corporate Center!
4. Bulls in Ballantyne
These resting bulls are located in Ballantyne Corporate Office Park and are a huge bizarre sight to see when driving by the park. Designed by sculptor Peter Wyotuk, these bulls are meant to inspire strength and bullish behavior in those that work at the park.
If you don't look closely enough, you might actually think there are three real bulls taking a breather on the grass quad!
5. The Billy Graham Library
The Billy Graham Library is an odd attraction you can only find in Charlotte. A public museum that honors the life and work of Christian Evangelist Leader Billy Graham, this massive religious venue is visible from Westmont Dr. right off of Billy Graham Parkway.
The 40,000 sq.ft. mega-shrine was built to look like a barn, representative of Billy Graham's childhood, as he grew up on a dairy farm.
There is even a mechanical, talking cow that interacts with visitors as they come through the library.
The Billy Graham Library is a great place to stop if you need to get out and stretch your legs, or if you are interested in learning all about Billy Graham's Evangelist efforts in Charlotte.
6. South of the Border
South of the Border is a wacky amusement park you will come across when you head down I-95 from Charlotte to South Carolina. Sitting right at the state line, this amusement park's bright colors and Mexican-themed style is impossible to miss if you are driving that way.
Serving as a (slightly tacky) rest stop for many weary travelers, South of the Border offers a few casual restaurants, restrooms, souvenir shops, and rides.
This is a great place to stop if you need a place to keep the kids entertained.
What are we missing? Tell us about the weirdest roadside attractions you’ve seen.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.