Virginia’s highways are dotted with quirky, offbeat, and downright bizarre stops that make any road trip memorable. Here are ten of the strangest roadside attractions across the state—each one worth a detour:
1. Dinosaur Land (White Post)
Step into a prehistoric wonderland with over 50 life-sized dinosaur statues, a 70-foot octopus, and other odd creatures. This vintage park has been delighting visitors since the 1960s and is a must-see for fans of kitsch and retro Americana.
2. Foamhenge (Centreville)
A full-scale replica of England’s Stonehenge—made entirely out of painted Styrofoam. Created by artist Mark Cline, Foamhenge is both a playful homage and a surreal photo op, now located at Cox Farms in Centreville.
3. The President Heads (Williamsburg/Croaker)
Forty-three massive, 20-foot-tall busts of U.S. presidents sit abandoned in a field near Williamsburg. Originally part of Presidents Park, these weathered sculptures are both eerie and fascinating, occasionally open for guided tours.
4. Dinosaur Kingdom II (Natural Bridge)
This wild, alternate-history theme park features Civil War soldiers battling dinosaurs, Abraham Lincoln lassoing a pteranodon, and other bizarre scenes. It’s a wooded, walking adventure that’s as hilarious as it is strange.
5. The Giant Pencil (Wytheville)
A two-story-tall pencil juts out from the Wytheville Office Supply store, making for a classic roadside photo op. The town also features a giant paint can and other oversized office supplies.
6. Muffler Man (Roanoke)
Standing 25 feet tall and holding a tire, this classic fiberglass “Muffler Man” is a relic of mid-century roadside advertising and a favorite among Americana enthusiasts.
7. Virginia Safari Park (Natural Bridge)
A drive-through animal park where camels, ostriches, and other exotic animals poke their heads into your car for snacks. It’s a delightfully odd experience for animal lovers and families.
8. Natural Bridge
A 215-foot-tall limestone arch that’s both a natural wonder and a historic curiosity. Once owned by Thomas Jefferson, it’s inspired awe and local legends for centuries.
9. The Big Chair (Thomasville)
A massive, 30-foot-tall Duncan Phyfe chair stands in the center of Thomasville, celebrating the region’s furniture-making heritage and providing a whimsical photo stop.
10. The Abandoned Stonewall Jackson Arm Grave (Chancellorsville)
A Civil War oddity: the burial site of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson’s amputated arm, marked by a simple stone in the woods near the Chancellorsville battlefield.
These stops showcase Virginia’s love for the odd, the oversized, and the unforgettable—perfect for anyone who enjoys a little weirdness on the open road.
Sources:
- https://virginiabreeze.drpt.virginia.gov/discover-hidden-gems-virginias-kitsch-iest-roadside-attractions/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinosaur_Land_(Virginia)
- https://visitwinchesterva.com/locations/dinosaur-land/
- https://www.worldatlas.com/places/7-strangest-landmarks-in-virginia.html