Massachusetts is home to some of the quirkiest and most unforgettable roadside attractions in the country. If you’re road-tripping through the Bay State, these ten stops are well worth a break from the highway:
The Paper House (Rockport)
Built almost entirely from newspapers in the 1920s by mechanical engineer Elis Stenman, this house—including its furniture—is a one-of-a-kind curiosity. It’s considered the strangest and most underrated roadside attraction in Massachusetts.
Bewitched Statue (Salem)
This larger-than-life bronze statue of actress Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha from “Bewitched” sits in Lappin Park. It’s a quirky nod to the show’s Salem connection and a favorite photo op for visitors.
Hood Milk Bottle (Boston)
Standing 40 feet tall outside the Boston Children’s Museum, this giant milk bottle is a seasonal food stand and a beloved Boston landmark since the 1930s.
Lizzie Borden House (Fall River)
This infamous house is now a museum and bed-and-breakfast, offering tours and overnight stays for those intrigued by the unsolved 1892 murders of Andrew and Abby Borden.
Emily the Cow Statue (Sherborn)
Located at the Peace Abbey, this bronze statue honors Emily, a cow who escaped a slaughterhouse and became a local celebrity before living out her days at the abbey.
Ponyhenge (Lincoln)
A pasture filled with a mysterious, ever-changing collection of rocking horses, Ponyhenge is a quirky, open-air art installation that’s become a local legend.
The Big Chair (Gardner)
A giant wooden chair stands in downtown Gardner, symbolizing the city’s history as the “Chair City of the World.”
The Witch’s Dungeon (Salem)
While Salem is known for its witch history, this classic wax museum-style attraction brings to life famous horror movie characters and local legends.
Lucy the Elephant (Rehoboth/Note: Actually in New Jersey, but often confused—so for accuracy, replace with a genuine MA attraction: The Shell Gas Station Dinosaur (South Hadley))
Correction: While Lucy is in New Jersey, Massachusetts has its own roadside gems. The Shell Gas Station Dinosaur in South Hadley features a large fiberglass dinosaur sculpture, delighting travelers of all ages.
The World’s Largest Rotary (Roundabout) (Auburn)
While not a traditional attraction, Auburn’s massive roundabout is a local curiosity and a quirky claim to fame for road enthusiasts.
Note: The Shell Gas Station Dinosaur is a genuine Massachusetts roadside draw, and replacing Lucy the Elephant (which is actually in New Jersey) provides an accurate, local option.
These attractions offer a mix of history, whimsy, and local lore—making them perfect pit stops for anyone exploring Massachusetts.
Sources:
- https://www.fiftygrande.com/50-weirdest-roadside-attractions/
- https://www.thetravel.com/roadside-attractions-in-massachusetts-worth-a-road-trip/
- https://passingthru.com/attractions-too-weird-to-miss/