Seeing new things is the whole point of traveling. These roadside attractions all across Missouri are whimsical, unexpected and… strange. Come explore!
1. Mount Rushmoore with Fake Celebrity Heads – Branson, Mo.
This might be a replica of Mount Rushmore, but true to life it is not! Although fitting, since Branson is the entertainment capital of the state. Address: Address: 3030 W. Hwy 76, Branson, MO
2. Boathenge – Easley, Mo.
Who needs to go all the way to London to see Stonehenge when you can see a nautical replica right here in Missouri? Address: 8949 Smith Hatchery Rd, Easley, MO
3. World's Largest Man-Made Moon – St. Louis, Mo.
It's a moonlit night every night on Delmar Boulevard in St. Louis. This beauty sits atop the Moonrise Hotel. Address: 6177 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112
4. The World's Largest 20th Century Pecan – Brunswick, Mo.
Pecan pie, anyone? Address: 119 W Broadway St, Brunswick, MO 65236
5. Metal Dinosaur - Centralia, Mo.
This dino made of scrapmetal won't bite. Address: 13200 Hwy T, Centralia, MO
6. The Awakening – Chesterfield, Mo.
Whimsical, and maybe just a little bit creepy. Either way, it's one to see. Address: 16150 Park Circle, Chesterfield, MO
7. George Washington Carver Talking Bust – Diamond, Mo.
The national monument to Carver features an outdoor bust of the scientist that recites a poem at the touch of a button. Address: 5646 Carver Rd, Diamond, MO 64840
8. World's Largest Rocking Chair – Cuba, Mo.
Can you believe larger-than-life attractions like this were a big draw to Route 66? Address: 5957 Highway Zz, Cuba, MO 65453
9. The Hall of Waters – Excelsior Springs, Mo.
This Art Deco temple is devoted to water's curative powers. It includes the world's largest water bar and stunning architecture. Address: 201 E. Broadway, Excelsior Springs, MO
10. JC Penney Museum – Hamilton, Mo.
Learn all about the history of the popular department store, whose founder grew up in Hamilton, Missouri. See a wax dummy of James Cash Penney, his desks, his Masonic sword and much more. Address: 312 N Davis St, Hamilton, MO 64644
11. Leila's Hair Museum – Independence, Mo.
View thousands of jewelry items and wreaths made with human hair. Address: 1333 S Noland Rd, Independence, MO 64055
12. Big Green Charlie Parker – Kansas City, Mo.
The jazz great grew up in Kansas City, so a memorial here to him makes sense. The green hue, maybe not so much. Address: E. 17th Terrace, Kansas City, MO
13. Castle Northmoor – Kansas City, Mo.
This one-man castle was built in the early '80s. It contains oil paintings of knights and a spiral staircase. Address: NW 50th Tr., Kansas City, MO
14. Human Nervous System – Kirksville, Mo.
Head to A.T. Still University's Museum of Osteopathic Medicine to see a human nervous system from a real corpse. Address: 800 W. Jefferson St., Kirksville, MO
15. Grave of Jim the Wonder Dog – Marshall, Mo.
In this small town, an entire park is dedicated to Jim the Wonder Dog, who reportedly had magical powers. One (crazy?) group claimed he was a reincarnation of King Solomon from the Bible. Address: Lafayette Ave., Marshall, MO
16. Ralph Foster Museum – Point Lookout, Mo.
Located on the campus of the College of the Ozarks, this museum includes a 1921 Oldsmobile 41 Roadster, which was used in the original Beverly Hillbillies. Address: 100 Opportunity Ave, Hollister, MO 65672
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