The Evergreen State is overflowing with natural beauty, and it has just as much man-made majesty. It also has some… well, really weird things. A lot of really weird things. Believe it or not, there are a number of incredible and downright wacky roadside attractions in Washington that will make you do a double take. Check them out on this super neat road trip:
- Rosie, Sekiu
Bjorn/Flickr How could you not do a double take at a walking fish wearing a pink bra, skirt and tennis shoes?! This small town’s mascot is named Rosie, and you can find her right next to the “Sekiu Welcomes You” sign along Highway 112, on the Olympic Peninsula. Believe it or not, Rosie was placed to provide a counterpart to a neighboring town’s similar fish statue named Gil. Apparently, Gil needed a gal.
- Yard Birds, Chehalis
Flickr/Bruce Fingerhood This recently restored structure next to the Yard Birds Mall is a local favorite. The massive 30-foot tall and 60-foot long bird sits on the west side of the shopping center, where you can find a variety of gifts from several different vendors. While you might spot other Yard Birds statues around town, none will rival this one in size.
- Hat & Boots Park , Seattle
Sean O’Neill/Flickr Many Seattleites don’t know about this country-themed attraction in Oxbow Park (in the Georgetown neighborhood). It had originally been built in 1954 as part of a Western-themed gas station and was moved to the park in 2003. Many regard these statues as the nation’s largest largest hat and cowboy boots.
- Codger Pole, Colfax
NikonFDSLR/Flickr
Ilyaunfois/Wikipedia Standing 65 feet tall in a small town by the Palouse region, this pole had been carved to commemorate a 1988 high school football rematch that was played 50 years after the first game, by the same players - who were all over 70 years old by that point. But even after all of those years, the team that originally lost was finally able to make their comeback.
- Sharky’s, Ocean Shores
Flickr/Manuel Iglesias Driving by, you might wonder why there’s a giant shark coming out of this building. But if you go inside, there’s an amazing shop to explore with a wide selection of gifts like t-shirts, hats, shot glasses and more. Located in Ocean Shores by the coast, their unique shark theme fits right in.
- The Nutty Narrows Bridge, Longview
Courtesy of bluestocking42/Flickr You may not be able to drive over this bridge, but it is still pretty adorable to look at. Before it was built, squirrels had to avoid traffic by running across the street to eat their nuts at an office building, and then back again to a park filled with trees. After seeing too many squirrels not survive the trip, a local resident designed “The World’s Narrowest Bridge” over Olympia Way by the Civic Center - with a total cost of only about $1,000.
- World’s Largest Radio Flyer Wagon, Spokane
Eblume09/Wikipedia This massive Radio Flyer Wagon is one of the most famous features in Riverfront Park. The 12-foot-high, 27-foot-long wagon was built in 1990, with 26 tons of steel and reinforced concrete, and the handle even doubles as a slide. After you’re done enjoying the weirdness of this local landmark, you’ll love taking in the greenery of the surrounding park.
- Bob’s Java Jive, Tacoma
kenji ross/Flickr At first glance, you might think this is a good place to get coffee (and it was, when it was originally built back in 1927). Rather, the iconic building now serves as a small bar with excellent live music, beer and karaoke. This history-filled destination is lively as can be to this day!
- Wayside Chapel, Sultan
Flickr/Sean O’Neill The Wayside Chapel is one of the cutest churches you’ll ever see off the side of the road, along Highway 2. Located just west of Sultan, the tiny building only has enough room for about 8 people and a preacher. While you’re driving, look out for their white sign reading, “Pause…Rest…Worship”. The small chapel doesn’t have any restroom facilities, but it is open to the public all day, every day.
- Wild Horses Monument, Vantage
Ray Bouknight/Flickr
Richard Cassan/Flickr Also known as “Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies”, this art sculpture is definitely one of the most seen public displays in our state. It consists of 15 life-size steel horses, galloping across a ridge above the Columbia River. It had originally been created as a gift for the 100 year anniversary of Washington’s statehood, in honor of wild horses that once roamed the area.
And of course, you can’t forget about Marsh’s Free Museum, the “World’s Largest Frying Pan” and the Largest Spitting Clam over in Long Beach.
Bjorn/Flickr
How could you not do a double take at a walking fish wearing a pink bra, skirt and tennis shoes?! This small town’s mascot is named Rosie, and you can find her right next to the “Sekiu Welcomes You” sign along Highway 112, on the Olympic Peninsula. Believe it or not, Rosie was placed to provide a counterpart to a neighboring town’s similar fish statue named Gil. Apparently, Gil needed a gal.
Flickr/Bruce Fingerhood
This recently restored structure next to the Yard Birds Mall is a local favorite. The massive 30-foot tall and 60-foot long bird sits on the west side of the shopping center, where you can find a variety of gifts from several different vendors. While you might spot other Yard Birds statues around town, none will rival this one in size.
Sean O’Neill/Flickr
Many Seattleites don’t know about this country-themed attraction in Oxbow Park (in the Georgetown neighborhood). It had originally been built in 1954 as part of a Western-themed gas station and was moved to the park in 2003. Many regard these statues as the nation’s largest largest hat and cowboy boots.
NikonFDSLR/Flickr
Ilyaunfois/Wikipedia
Standing 65 feet tall in a small town by the Palouse region, this pole had been carved to commemorate a 1988 high school football rematch that was played 50 years after the first game, by the same players - who were all over 70 years old by that point. But even after all of those years, the team that originally lost was finally able to make their comeback.
Flickr/Manuel Iglesias
Driving by, you might wonder why there’s a giant shark coming out of this building. But if you go inside, there’s an amazing shop to explore with a wide selection of gifts like t-shirts, hats, shot glasses and more. Located in Ocean Shores by the coast, their unique shark theme fits right in.
Courtesy of bluestocking42/Flickr
You may not be able to drive over this bridge, but it is still pretty adorable to look at. Before it was built, squirrels had to avoid traffic by running across the street to eat their nuts at an office building, and then back again to a park filled with trees. After seeing too many squirrels not survive the trip, a local resident designed “The World’s Narrowest Bridge” over Olympia Way by the Civic Center - with a total cost of only about $1,000.
Eblume09/Wikipedia
This massive Radio Flyer Wagon is one of the most famous features in Riverfront Park. The 12-foot-high, 27-foot-long wagon was built in 1990, with 26 tons of steel and reinforced concrete, and the handle even doubles as a slide. After you’re done enjoying the weirdness of this local landmark, you’ll love taking in the greenery of the surrounding park.
kenji ross/Flickr
At first glance, you might think this is a good place to get coffee (and it was, when it was originally built back in 1927). Rather, the iconic building now serves as a small bar with excellent live music, beer and karaoke. This history-filled destination is lively as can be to this day!
Flickr/Sean O’Neill
The Wayside Chapel is one of the cutest churches you’ll ever see off the side of the road, along Highway 2. Located just west of Sultan, the tiny building only has enough room for about 8 people and a preacher. While you’re driving, look out for their white sign reading, “Pause…Rest…Worship”. The small chapel doesn’t have any restroom facilities, but it is open to the public all day, every day.
Ray Bouknight/Flickr
Richard Cassan/Flickr
Also known as “Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies”, this art sculpture is definitely one of the most seen public displays in our state. It consists of 15 life-size steel horses, galloping across a ridge above the Columbia River. It had originally been created as a gift for the 100 year anniversary of Washington’s statehood, in honor of wild horses that once roamed the area.
Have you seen any of these incredible local landmarks? What are some of your favorite roadside attractions in Washington?
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Address: Front St, Sekiu, WA 98381, USAAddress: 2100 N National Ave, Chehalis, WA 98532, USAAddress: 6427 Carleton Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108, USAAddress: 398 S Main St, Colfax, WA 99111, USAAddress: 695 Ocean Shores Blvd NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569, USAAddress: 1815 Olympia Way, Longview, WA 98632, USAAddress: Riverfront Park, Spokane, WA 99201, USAAddress: Bob’s Java Jive, 2102 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409, USAAddress: Monroe, WA, USAAddress: Quincy, WA 98848, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Roadside Attractions In Washington March 01, 2020 Nikki Rhoades What are the best road trips to take through Washington? There are a number of incredible things to do in Washington, ranging from time spent in our spectacular landscape to excursions through man-made splendor. There are many road trips worth taking here in The Evergreen State, allowing visitors to explore everything from local waterfalls to scenic small towns. What bizarre trait is Washington known for? If you are visiting from out of town and are looking to explore weird places in Washington, you truly won’t be disappointed. You can eat Chinese food in a refurbished train car, or you can visit a unicorn-themed bar. Perhaps the most unusual trait of our state, however, lies in the habits of our residents – we eat cream cheese on our hot dogs. What are some unique things to do in Washington? If you take this bizarre roadside attractions road trip through Washington, you will surely get your needed dose of the unusual. If you’re craving more weirdness, however, you might consider exploring local lore. Our state is full of legends, and you’ll find that they are well worth hearing. Ask locals to share their thoughts – they’ll surely treat you to a crazy tale that’s authentic Washington at its core.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Roadside Attractions In Washington
March 01, 2020
Nikki Rhoades
What are the best road trips to take through Washington? There are a number of incredible things to do in Washington, ranging from time spent in our spectacular landscape to excursions through man-made splendor. There are many road trips worth taking here in The Evergreen State, allowing visitors to explore everything from local waterfalls to scenic small towns. What bizarre trait is Washington known for? If you are visiting from out of town and are looking to explore weird places in Washington, you truly won’t be disappointed. You can eat Chinese food in a refurbished train car, or you can visit a unicorn-themed bar. Perhaps the most unusual trait of our state, however, lies in the habits of our residents – we eat cream cheese on our hot dogs. What are some unique things to do in Washington? If you take this bizarre roadside attractions road trip through Washington, you will surely get your needed dose of the unusual. If you’re craving more weirdness, however, you might consider exploring local lore. Our state is full of legends, and you’ll find that they are well worth hearing. Ask locals to share their thoughts – they’ll surely treat you to a crazy tale that’s authentic Washington at its core.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are a number of incredible things to do in Washington, ranging from time spent in our spectacular landscape to excursions through man-made splendor. There are many road trips worth taking here in The Evergreen State, allowing visitors to explore everything from local waterfalls to scenic small towns.
What bizarre trait is Washington known for?
If you are visiting from out of town and are looking to explore weird places in Washington, you truly won’t be disappointed. You can eat Chinese food in a refurbished train car, or you can visit a unicorn-themed bar. Perhaps the most unusual trait of our state, however, lies in the habits of our residents – we eat cream cheese on our hot dogs.
What are some unique things to do in Washington? If you take this bizarre roadside attractions road trip through Washington, you will surely get your needed dose of the unusual. If you’re craving more weirdness, however, you might consider exploring local lore. Our state is full of legends, and you’ll find that they are well worth hearing. Ask locals to share their thoughts – they’ll surely treat you to a crazy tale that’s authentic Washington at its core.
