You Won't Want To Miss Witnessing These Strange And Wonderful Indiana Roadside Attractions

When it comes to things to do in Indiana, you’ve got your more conventional ideas like hiking, camping, or sightseeing but, wouldn’t you know it, sometimes those things aren’t what we’re craving. Sometimes we need to get our weird on, and how better to do that than checking out some of Indiana’s most unusual, strange, interesting, or just plain spooky roadside attractions? These offbeat things to do in Indiana will surely make memories that you’ll cherish… or maybe just scratch your head at. One of those two.

Modes Rodriguez/Flickr

Here's a piece of little-known Indiana history. On April 23, 1978, a plane bound for Indianapolis crashed into a field nearby the town of Arlington. Onboard were several big-name figures in the Indy racing scene, and everyone aboard the plane perished in the crash. Their remains were unidentifiable and they were buried in a mass grave within the cemetery nearby the crash site. Today, a memorial marker commemorates the tragedy.

Address: 6350 West US-52, Arlington, Indiana, 46104

Bass Lake Bait and Tackle/Facebook

Settled into the town of Knox, Indiana, there's a local legend that must be seen to be believed. A gigantic fish head stares at visitors from the outer walls of Bass Lake Bait and Tackle. We're not sure what it is about it, but it's a little unsettling. Luckily for us, it can't eat people, even if it looks like it really wants to.

Address: 5067 East County Road 210, Knox, Indiana, 46534

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Who North America/Facebook

Dr. Who fans can start screaming now. Did you know that Indiana is home to the single largest emporium of Dr. Who memorabilia and gifts in the entire United States? How did we get so lucky? You'll need to make time for this one, because you'll want to wander the whole thing when you arrive. Make sure to check their most up-to-date hours and events on the Who North America website.

Address: 8901 South State Road 67, Camby, Indiana, 46113

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Blue Heron Vineyards

Resting majestically on the grounds of the Blue Heron Vineyards and winery is a 20-foot-high Celtic cross, carved from a single slab of stone by master artist Greg Harris. It took him two years to complete, and today, it's a visually-stunning introduction to the beauty of the vineyards.

Address: 5330 Blue Heron Lane, Cannelton, Indiana, 47520

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Rotary Jail Museum/Facebook

Come feast your eyes on this strange and intriguing relic of the past. The Rotary Jail Museum contains one of the only remaining rotary jail that still works left in the world. It was originally built in 1881 and closed in the 1970s. In 1975, it was restored and reopened as a museum. Visit their website for the most up-to-date information to plan your trip.

Address: 225 North Washington Street, Crawfordsville, Indiana, 47933

Gallops/Facebook

Yeah, you read that correctly. It's a truck stop, right? But it's built to look like a medieval castle. Oh, and there's a Subway in there. And a McDonald's. Come hungry and stay for the funny photo ops. Do remember that it's an active truck stop, so be sure to watch where you're going while taking pictures.

Address: 18423 US-20, Goshen, Indiana, 46528

HI Indy/YouTube

Although they're called "the catacombs", they're not literal catacombs - though you could probably fool yourself into pretending they are on one of the creepy tours offered here. In reality, it's a tour of the vaulted cellars of a building built in the 1800s that burned to the ground in 1958. Exploration available on tours only. Visit the City Market website for dates, times, and other scheduling information.

Address: 222 East Market Street, Indianapolis, 46202

Bill15Q/TripAdvisor

Speaking of spooky, have you ever come face-to-face with a giant rubber duckie that somehow has a threatening aura? Well, now you can. In Vevay, Indiana, outside of a childcare center, there is an enormous, sun-yellow, dead-eyed giant rubber duckie (well, not literally rubber - but you know what we mean.) What untold horrors have its eyes seen? We don't think we even want to know.

Address: 723 Main Street, Vevay, Indiana, 47043

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Michael Lusk/Flickr

What better way to commemorate an architect than by erecting a reproduction of the world-famous Stonehenge monument in the UK made of simple concrete slabs? Paulhenge is exactly that. Named for architect Paul Morris, the slabs have holes carved out of them that, on the solstices and equinoxes of the year, the sun shines straight through and onto the ground. It's a beautiful tribute and a fascinating replica of a historic mystery. This attraction is drive-by only. Please do not set foot on the grounds.

Address: 162 South County Road 175 West, Versailles, Indiana, 47042

So, what do you think? Are these weird enough for you, or do you know about other weird roadside attractions you’d like to see up feature? Tell us about your offbeat things to do in Indiana in the comments! Craving more weird Indiana? Check out this list for some more inspiration for your next adventure.