Statue of Liberty. Gateway Arch. Mount Rushmore. Psh! They’ve got nothing on the landmarks I’m interested in seeing on my cross-country move. If you prefer the odd and off-beat to the more commonly known, then this list of unusual and interesting landmarks is for you.
Enchanted Highway
Location: Regent, North Dakota
Seven sculptures make up this interesting highway in North Dakota. Geese in Flight is visible from I-94, but the remaining six sculptures are only visible by exiting the interstate onto 100 ½ Avenue SW. Deer Crossing, Grasshopers, Fisherman’s Dream, Pheasants on the Prairie, Teddy Rosevelt Rides Again and Tin Family are stationed along a 32-mile stretch of road. Making a side trip to see these landmarks is a great way to break up a long cross-country move.
Green Bank Telescope
Location: Green Bank, West Virginia
The Green Bank Telescope (GBT) is the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope. Scientists from around the world use this telescope to learn about the universe. If that isn’t enough to make it a stop on your trip, you’ll want to take a tour of the facility and learn about the many discoveries this telescope has made possible.
Gaffney Peach Water Tower
Location: Gaffney, South Carolina
This water tower, coined the “Peachoid,” is familiar to anyone who travels up and down Interstate 85 and is said to have inspired Sir Mix-A-Lot’s song, “Baby Got Back.” OK. I made that last part up. But, one glance of this peach-shaped water tower and you’ll see what I’m talking about. To put it plainly, this peach “got back.” I like big landmarks and I cannot lie.
Cadillac Ranch
Location: Amarillo, Texas
Ten Cadillac cars, half buried and colorfully painted make up this random art installation in Amarillo. Created in 1974, the cars of Cadillac Ranch have been painted many times over the years for various reasons and events, but travelers are encouraged to stop and leave their personal mark on the cars. So, grab a can of spray paint or a sharpie and leave the most used slogan in graffiti history: “[Insert name] was here.”
Providence Canyon or “Little Grand Canyon”
Location: Lumpkin, Georgia
South of Columbus, these rare canyons are surprisingly only 150 years old, and are now referred to as Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon.” Today, Providence Canyon is a 1,110-acre park consisting of 16 beautiful canyons, some of which are a mile long and 300 feet across. If you’re not in a rush to move across the country, this gorgeous canyon is worth the stop.
What landmarks would you add to this list? Let us know in the comment section below.
