Texas has its own way of keeping things weird and wonderful. As you drive through the Lone Star State, you’ll come across many quirky attractions that seem to pop up out of nowhere. These spots range from towering cowboy statues to homes made entirely of beer cans. With a camera in hand and a sense of adventure, Texas offers the perfect stops for photos and memorable moments. Here are some fun and unique road trip stops across the state that will make any trip unforgettable.
Tex Randall Statue – Canyon, TX
View this post on Instagram
In Canyon, Texas, you’ll find the 47-foot-tall Tex Randall statue, a tribute to the state’s cowboy heritage. Built in 1959 by local shop teacher Harry Wheeler, this towering figure is made from cement and steel, dressed in Levi’s jeans, cowboy boots, and a red bandana. Known as “Texas’s Biggest Texan,” Tex Randall has become a local icon and a great photo opportunity. Over the years, Tex Randall has been repaired and restored, keeping his charm intact. Located off Highway 60, he’s hard to miss as you drive through Canyon.
Eiffel Tower – Paris, TX
View this post on Instagram
Paris, Texas, offers its own miniature version of the famous Eiffel Tower, standing at 65 feet tall and topped with a bright red cowboy hat. Located outside the Love Civic Center, this playful replica is open to visitors at all hours, lighting up in red, white, and blue at night. This quirky Texas landmark makes for a fun photo op, giving travelers a slice of France with a bit of Texas flair. It’s a great way to say you’ve been to “Paris” without leaving the country.
The World’s Largest Cowboy Boots – San Antonio, TX
View this post on Instagram
Just outside the North Star Mall in San Antonio, you’ll find the world’s largest cowboy boots, created by artist Bob “Daddy-O” Wade in 1980. These boots are 35 feet tall and 33 feet wide, making them impossible to miss. The massive concrete and fiberglass structure captures the spirit of Texas, with ostrich skin detailing and star-shaped LED lights that shine at night. This attraction represents Texas’s larger-than-life character and makes for a memorable stop, whether you’re out shopping or just passing through.
The Munster Mansion – Waxahachie, TX
Yitz, Munster Mansion Texas recreation 03, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Munster Mansion in Waxahachie is a must-see for fans of the classic 1960s TV show The Munsters. The mansion is a perfect replica of the house featured in the show, down to the smallest interior details. Owners Sandra and Charles McKee have recreated the Victorian-style house with careful attention, even using some original show furnishings. While this is a private home, they offer tours on select dates. Check their website for available dates and tour details. Seeing the Munster Mansion up close is like stepping back in time to the spooky yet comical world of the Munsters.
The Beer Can House – Houston, TX
Andrew Wiseman, Beer Can House, CC BY-SA 3.0
Houston’s Beer Can House is exactly what it sounds like: a house covered with more than 50,000 beer cans. Built by John Milkovisch in 1968, this attraction started as a simple hobby and grew into a piece of folk art that captures people’s imaginations. Milkovisch, a retired railroad worker, used flattened beer cans to cover the house, adding metallic decorations that glisten in the sunlight. Today, the Beer Can House operates as a museum on weekends, with a small admission fee. It’s a quirky attraction that celebrates Texas’s love for beer and creativity.
Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo, TX
Cadillac Ranch, located along Route 66 in Amarillo, features ten half-buried Cadillacs standing nose-first in the ground. This unique art installation was created by the art collective Ant Farm in 1974. Originally intended as an ever-changing piece of art, visitors are encouraged to bring spray paint and add their designs to the cars. Over the years, Cadillac Ranch has become a canvas of colorful graffiti and personal messages. It’s a must-stop for anyone passing through, especially if you enjoy interactive art and don’t mind getting a little paint on your hands.
Inner Space Cavern – Georgetown, TX
Discovered in the 1960s during highway construction, Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown is one of Texas’s best-preserved caves, featuring stunning rock formations that are thousands of years old. Located at Exit 259 on Interstate 35, it offers a cool and refreshing stop, with a year-round temperature of 72 degrees. The Adventure Tour, the most popular, takes you through beautiful rooms and formations with no reservations needed. Besides the cave tours, Inner Space Cavern also offers zip lines, a playground, and gold panning, making it a fun family-friendly destination.
Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum – The Colony, TX
Skudrafan1, Barneysmithtoiletseat, CC BY-SA 4.0
Toilet seat art may sound unusual, but Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum in The Colony has become a beloved attraction. Barney Smith, a retired plumber, created over 1,400 pieces of art from toilet seats, each featuring unique items like flags, cassette tapes, shells, and light switches. In 2019, Smith relocated the collection to Truck Yard, a bar and garden in The Colony. Visitors can admire the quirky collection, which serves as a reminder of one man’s creativity and his desire to repurpose everyday items. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
Cathedral Of Junk – Austin, TX
Hidden in a quiet Austin neighborhood, the Cathedral of Junk is a whimsical structure built entirely of scrap and junk. Created by artist Vince Hannemann in 1989, this towering piece of folk art features rooms, tunnels, and even a slide, made from every kind of item imaginable. From old toys and car parts to bicycles and tools, the Cathedral of Junk is constantly evolving as visitors bring new pieces to add. Since this is on private property, you’ll need to call ahead to schedule a visit. The Cathedral is free to explore, though donations are welcomed.
Stonehenge II – Ingram, TX
You don’t have to fly to England to see Stonehenge. In the Texas Hill Country, you’ll find Stonehenge II, a replica of the famous monument, along with a few Easter Island statues for extra fun. Built using limestone from a nearby quarry, this attraction is slightly smaller than the original but maintains the same layout and mystical atmosphere. Located in Ingram, Texas, Stonehenge II offers a peaceful spot to stop, walk around, and enjoy a slice of ancient history with a Texas twist.
Giant Dalmatian Fire Hydrant – Beaumont, TX
View this post on Instagram
Beaumont is home to the world’s largest functioning fire hydrant, standing 24 feet tall and decorated in a Dalmatian print. Built by Disney in 1999 to celebrate the re-release of 101 Dalmatians, this unique landmark sits outside the Fire Museum of Texas. The hydrant can release 1,500 gallons of water per minute, making it both a fun attraction and a practical marvel. For those who love quirky roadside stops, the Dalmatian fire hydrant adds a bit of whimsy and serves as a tribute to the brave firefighters of Texas.
Buc-ee’s – Multiple Locations
Buc-ee’s is a must-stop on any Texas road trip, known for its massive convenience stores and cleanest restrooms. With locations throughout Texas, Buc-ee’s offers an unmatched selection of snacks, drinks, and road trip essentials. The New Braunfels location is especially notable as the largest convenience store in the world, covering 67,000 square feet. Known for its beaver mascot and friendly atmosphere, Buc-ee’s has everything from homemade fudge and BBQ sandwiches to Buc-ee’s Beaver Nuggets, a sweet corn puff snack that Texans swear by. Buc-ee’s is more than just a gas station—it’s a Texas tradition.
Plan Your Road Trip
Texas’s quirky roadside attractions offer a unique way to experience the state’s fun-loving spirit and creative culture. From giant cowboy boots to an art-filled house covered in beer cans, these stops give you a break from the highway and a chance to see something unforgettable. So next time you’re driving through Texas, take a few detours to discover these hidden gems and make your trip one to remember.
