Arizona has loads of roadside points of interest, however these eight are undoubtedly the weirdest.
Arizona is understood for its spectacular pure wonders. Additionally it is dwelling to a treasure trove of quirky and offbeat roadside points of interest that provide a unique type of journey for these prepared to take the street much less traveled.
These eight uncommon stops vary from the downright weird and whimsically charming to historic symbols and popular culture references, making them good detours for curious vacationers trying so as to add a little bit of oddity to their journey. So buckle up and prepare to discover the unusual aspect of the Grand Canyon State.
1. Flintstones Bedrock Metropolis, Williams
“Flintstones, meet the Flintstones” — sure, you possibly can take the lyrics of this historic cartoon’s theme tune actually in Bedrock Metropolis, a Flintstones-themed roadside attraction that includes an amusement park and RV park. The park was opened in 1972 and has since been included as a part of the Raptor Ranch conservation park (identified for its birds of prey, together with hawks, falcons, and owls). Take a look at Fred and Wilma’s home, slide down a brontosaurus, and go to the Submit Workplace and Basic Retailer. It’s situated on the nook of Arizona State Route 64 and U.S. Route 180 in Coconino County.
2. World’s Largest Kokopelli, Camp Verde
Often known as a fertility god, Kokopelli — who’s depicted as enjoying a flute and having a humpback or pack on his again — has appeared in Native American tales for greater than 3,000 years. Not surprisingly, the largest one on this planet could be present in Arizona, although it could shock you to be taught that it’s situated in a roadside Starbucks car parking zone in Camp Verde (on Hwy. 260 simply off I-17). The 32-foot sculpture is manufactured from metal and is a superb pitstop on any street journey.
3. Standin’ on the Nook Park, Winslow
Everyone is aware of the Eagles tune “Take It Easy,” and the phrases, “Well, I’m a-standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, and such a fine sight to see. It’s a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford slowin’ down to take a look at me.” This Route 66 city of Winslow opened Standin’ On a Nook Park in 1999 and it’s the right spot for a photograph opp — there’s a two-story mural, a Ford flatbed truck, and a bronze statue entitled “Easy” (which depicts a 1970’s man standing on the nook sporting denims, boots, and a vest with a guitar resting on the toe of his boot.). Don’t miss the two-day annual pageant held each September, full with music, a beer backyard, a horseshoe event, and meals vans.
4. 1932 Studebaker, Holbrook
There’s just one nationwide park that incorporates a stretch of Route 66 and it’s the Petrified Forest Nationwide Park in Holbrook — and as an homage to historic Route 66, which runs from Chicago to Los Angeles, you’ll discover a rusted-out 1932 Studebaker right here. No, this automobile didn’t meet an premature loss of life within the desert after a street journey gone incorrect; it was donated to the Nationwide Park Service by Frank and Rhonda Dobell of the Arizona Automotive Service of Holbrook to represent the heyday of cross-country automobile journey.
5. Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch, Picacho
Should you’ve by no means met an ostrich earlier than, you’ll discover your probability to take action on the best way from Phoenix to Tucson. Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch is a three-generation, family-owned and operated, working ostrich ranch that’s been open to the general public since 1999. However this ranch is extra than simply ostriches, additionally housing miniature Sicilian donkeys, Nigerian dwarf goats, cownose stingrays, big tortoises, Boer goats, St. Croix Fallow deer, Peking geese, and Rainbow Lorikeets. You possibly can feed the critters, take a tour of the ranch in a monster truck, or convey your personal picnic lunch to get pleasure from on-site.
6. World’s Largest Cow Cranium, Amado
Don’t be stunned when, on the entrance of Longhorn Grill and Saloon off Nogales Freeway, you see the world’s largest cow cranium — it measures no less than 20 ft excessive and the horns run about 30 ft from tip to tip. The cranium will not be actual, after all, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a don’t-miss native landmark in Amado (within the Santa Cruz River Valley, off I-19 at exit 48).
7. Hackberry Basic Retailer, Kingman
Planning a drive alongside the Mom Street (Route 66)? One of many kitschiest stops is Hackberry Basic Retailer, situated within the former mining city of Hackberry. Should you drive too shortly, you’ll miss it, as there’s no signage. Cease inside for a smorgasbord of historic indicators and artifacts, to not point out a root beer bar. Exterior, count on old-timey Pegasus gasoline pumps, rusted-over Mannequin As from the early 1900s, and animal head skeletons — it’s an particularly Instagram-worthy cease.
8. World’s Tallest Kachina Doll, Carefree
Kachina dolls have lengthy been a practice among the many Hopi tribes, and maintain a spot of religious significance for the Navajo as properly. Whereas most are sufficiently small to carry in your hand, the world’s tallest model, which stands 39 ft tall, resides in Carefree. It was accomplished in 1970 utilizing a mix of concrete and metal and weighs 14.5 tons. And whilst you’re within the neighborhood, plan to cease on the close by world’s largest sundial, a 62-foot sundial that factors to the north star.
The Copper Courier Jill Schildhouse
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