Ten Unexpected Arizona Small Things That Will Make You Homesick

Arizona is full of small, quirky details and roadside oddities that locals cherish—and that can make anyone who’s left the state unexpectedly homesick. Here are ten unexpected Arizona small things that will tug at your heartstrings when you’re far from home:

1. The Thing Museum Billboards

Hundreds of mysterious billboards along I-10 tease “The Thing,” a legendary roadside attraction blending myth, history, and extraterrestrial lore. The buildup and the eventual reveal are a rite of passage for Arizona road-trippers.

2. London Bridge in Lake Havasu City

Seeing a genuine 19th-century London Bridge, painstakingly relocated brick by brick, is a surreal Arizona experience. It’s a symbol of the state’s knack for the unexpected.

3. Governor Hunt’s Pyramid Tomb

A white pyramid perched above Papago Park, this unusual tomb for Arizona’s seven-time governor always surprises newcomers and is a familiar, odd comfort to locals.

4. Elephant Feet Rock Formations

Two giant sandstone columns near Tonalea on the Navajo Nation look exactly like petrified elephant legs. They’re an unmistakable, whimsical Arizona landmark.

5. Frog Rock in Congress

A 16-foot boulder painted bright green and decorated as a giant frog, “Rocky” waves hello to travelers on Highway 89—a beloved bit of roadside whimsy.

6. Jack Rabbit Trading Post’s Giant Rabbit

On Route 66, this trading post’s enormous fiberglass rabbit is a classic photo op and a nostalgic reminder of Arizona’s vintage highway culture.

7. Hackberry General Store on Route 66

This old-school general store is packed with Route 66 memorabilia and neon signs. Its quirky, time-capsule vibe is pure Arizona.

8. World’s Largest Kokopelli

A massive sculpture of the flute-playing figure, this kitschy landmark near Camp Verde is a playful nod to the state’s Indigenous and Southwestern heritage.

9. Dinosaur Tracks on the Navajo Nation

Just off the highway, you can walk among real dinosaur footprints, often with a friendly Navajo guide. It’s an everyday Arizona marvel that feels magical in its simplicity.

10. Random Roadside Ghost Towns and Old West Relics

From abandoned mining towns to weathered shacks and rusty Route 66 cars, these reminders of Arizona’s wild past are scattered everywhere—each one a tiny, haunting piece of home.

These small, unexpected details are woven into Arizona’s landscape and culture, making them the kinds of things you’ll miss most when you’re far away.

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