Georgia’s highways are dotted with some of the South’s quirkiest, most memorable roadside attractions—perfect excuses to pull over, stretch your legs, and snap a few photos. Here are ten of the state’s strangest roadside stops that are genuinely worth a detour:
1. The Big Chicken (Marietta)
A 56-foot-tall steel chicken perched atop a KFC, this landmark is so iconic that pilots use it for navigation. Locals even give directions based on “turn left at the Big Chicken”.
2. Barbie Beach (Senoia)
This ever-changing display of naked dolls arranged along Highway 16 is both bizarre and beloved. It’s even caught the attention of film crews from “The Walking Dead”.
3. Cow Tower (Conyers)
A herd of plastic cows graze under a transmission tower, creating a surreal rural scene that’s become a photo favorite.
4. Memory Park Christ Chapel (Townsend)
Dubbed the “smallest church in America,” this tiny sanctuary was built by a local grocer and seats just a handful of people.
5. School Bus Graveyard (Alto)
A colorful, ever-evolving art installation made from stacked, painted school buses—part folk art, part scrapyard spectacle.
6. Cabbage Patch Kids’ Babyland General Hospital (Cleveland)
The birthplace of the famous dolls, this whimsical “hospital” lets visitors watch Cabbage Patch Kids being “born” and even adopt one.
7. World’s First Coca-Cola Wall Sign (Cartersville)
Painted in 1894, this historic mural marks the first outdoor Coca-Cola advertisement and is a must-see for soda history buffs.
8. Goats on the Roof (Tiger)
A roadside stop where—you guessed it—goats roam the rooftop, delighting kids and adults alike. There’s also a quirky gift shop and gem mining.
9. Friendship Plaza—World’s Only Creditor Monument (Swainsboro)
This odd monument honors the town’s creditors, a unique tribute you won’t find anywhere else.
10. Big Red Apple (Cornelia)
This giant apple sculpture celebrates the region’s apple-growing heritage and makes for a classic roadside photo op.
These attractions showcase Georgia’s playful spirit and knack for the unexpected—making any road trip through the Peach State a little more memorable.
Sources:
- https://exploregeorgia.org/things-to-do/list/14-strange-things-you-wouldnt-believe-are-in-georgia
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/georgia/roadside-attractions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Georgia/comments/1hk4j0r/roadside_attractions_tampa_helen_ga/