I use a lot of websites when trip-planning; some of them directly and some of them because they always have good information that turns up in Google searches.  A site called Roadside America is in the latter group.  I can’t count the number of times I’ve searched for something offbeat, and Roadside America has the information I’m looking for.

Case in point:  Today I came across a reference to a half-size replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa . . . in Illinois.  I googled it, and Roadside America came through with information and a photo of the tower in Niles, IL.  (How did I miss this when we planned our Chicago trip a few years ago?)

I’ve known about Nebraska’s Carhenge for a while, and recently heard there’s a Foamhenge in Virginia.  It’s because of Roadside America, however, that I know that there are quite a few Stonehenge replicas in the United States.

Roadside America is also how I got to the bottom of the twine balls–I thought the biggest one was in Minnesota, but apparently the Darwin twineball is the biggest one rolled by one person.  The Kansas twineball is bigger but has come to be a group effort.  Who knew there were twineball wars going on?

From big to little, north to south, Roadside America has it.  You can search by state or zip code to find attractions near you, or add to “My Sights” for future reference.  If you’re a fan of things unusual while traveling, I recommend Roadside America.

I know there are also several books that have been written about roadside oddities and offbeat locations.  Do you have a favorite offbeat location or reference?

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