Washington’s highways are dotted with quirky, offbeat, and downright bizarre stops that turn any road trip into an adventure. Here are ten of the strangest roadside attractions in the Evergreen State—each one worth pulling over for.
1. Fremont Troll (Seattle)
A massive, one-eyed troll lurks beneath the Aurora Bridge in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood. This concrete sculpture clutches a real Volkswagen Beetle and has become a beloved local oddity and photo op.
2. Teapot Dome Gas Station (Zillah)
Inspired by a 1920s political scandal, this teapot-shaped building once served as a gas station. Now a visitor center, it’s a whimsical piece of Americana just off Interstate 82.
3. World’s Largest Egg (Winlock)
Winlock celebrates its egg-producing history with a giant egg sculpture in the center of town. The “world’s largest” title is debatable, but the quirky landmark is a must-see—especially during the annual Egg Days festival.
4. Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies (Vantage)
Fifteen life-sized steel horses gallop across a ridge above the Columbia River. This dramatic sculpture, also known as the Wild Horses Monument, is both a work of art and a surreal sight from the highway.
5. Hat ‘n’ Boots (Seattle)
Giant cowboy hat and boots—once part of a themed gas station—now reside in Oxbow Park. These oversized Western icons are a favorite for photos and a nod to Seattle’s playful side.
6. The Childhood Express (Spokane)
A 12-foot-tall Radio Flyer wagon, complete with a working slide, sits in Spokane’s Riverfront Park. It’s both a piece of public art and a playground, inviting kids and adults alike to climb aboard.
7. Wayside Chapel (Monroe)
This tiny church, built in 1962, sits right off Highway 2 and seats just a handful of visitors. Its miniature size and glowing interior make it a charming and unexpected roadside sanctuary.
8. Fence of Doors (Vashon Island)
A long fence made entirely of colorful, mismatched doors lines a road on Vashon Island. Walking by feels like passing through a corridor of portals to other worlds.
9. The Codger Pole (Colfax)
This towering wooden sculpture commemorates a 50-year-old touch football rivalry. The pole is carved with the faces of the “codgers” who played in the legendary rematch, making it one of the most unusual sports monuments anywhere.
10. Maryhill Stonehenge (Goldendale)
A full-scale concrete replica of England’s Stonehenge stands on a bluff above the Columbia River. Built as a World War I memorial, it’s a striking and surreal sight in the Washington countryside.
These attractions prove that Washington’s roads are as full of surprises as its landscapes. Whether you’re into giant eggs, steel horses, or trolls under bridges, there’s always something strange—and memorable—waiting just around the bend.
Sources:
- https://wanderingwithadromomaniac.com/37-unique-things-to-do-in-seattle/
- https://www.seattlemet.com/travel-and-outdoors/roadside-attractions-sights-road-trip-washington
- https://newstalkkit.com/10-must-see-roadside-attractions-in-washington/