Quirky Roadside Attractions You’ll Only Find in Texas
In the small town of Groom, about 90 minutes east of Amarillo, you’ll find the leaning water tower, a quirky roadside marvel that seems to defy gravity. This oversized structure tilts at a shocking angle, reminiscent of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, and makes for a playful photo op along historic Route 66. While driving through the Texas Panhandle, the tower’s whimsical slant offers a surprising break from the flat landscape, especially striking in the golden light of late afternoon when the vast plains stretch behind it. It’s a charming roadside oddity that captures the spirit of Texas’ love for kitschy Americana.
Heading southeast, near San Antonio, the town of Terlingua clings to the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert and hosts the fascinating remains of the Terlingua Ghost Town. This former mercury mining settlement is perched about an hour and a half west of San Antonio, near Big Bend Ranch State Park. Visitors can wander among crumbling adobe ruins and quirky outdoor art installations that celebrate the area’s wild past and eccentric present. The ghost town pulses with a quirky energy during the autumn chili cook-offs, but even in quieter months, the stark desert backdrop and colorful murals make it a uniquely eerie and captivating stop.
Deep in the heart of Houston’s Museum District, the National Museum of Funeral History offers an unexpected journey into a world most people seldom glimpse. Just minutes from downtown Houston, this museum showcases elaborate funeral carriages, celebrity caskets, and exhibits on global burial customs. Its collection of ornate hearses and historical artifacts make this an unusual but fascinating place to explore. Visiting in spring or fall offers pleasant weather for exploring Houston’s nearby Hermann Park afterward, making it possible to blend somber curiosity with outdoor leisure.
About 40 miles west of Houston in the town of Bellville, the Meador Ranch RV Park is home to the world’s largest cowboy boot sculpture. This giant fiberglass boot draws visitors’ eyes from the highway and encapsulates Texas’ deep-rooted cowboy culture with a playful twist. The boot isn’t just a photo opportunity; the ranch nearby offers a genuine taste of rural Texas life, with horseback riding and cattle drives. The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons when the Texas heat softens, making outdoor activities and road trips more comfortable.
Moving southward along the Gulf Coast near Corpus Christi, the Texas State Aquarium surprises visitors with its unique “Splash Adventure” water park and interactive exhibits focused on the Gulf’s marine life. Situated about 20 minutes from downtown Corpus Christi, this aquarium combines fun and education with encounters featuring dolphins, sea turtles, and colorful coral displays. It’s not just your average aquarium—its Gulf-focused exhibits and touch tanks provide a hands-on way to understand coastal ecosystems. Visit during cooler months to avoid the summer humidity and crowds, enjoying a quieter, more intimate experience.
In the north of Texas, near the town of Gainesville about an hour’s drive north of Dallas, the Frank Buck Zoo offers a quirky blend of wildlife exhibits and nostalgic charm. This small but well-loved zoo highlights native Texas animals alongside exotic species, set in a compact, approachable space. The zoo’s rustic, historic feel sets it apart from larger metropolitan zoos, with an emphasis on local conservation efforts and family-friendly programming. The springtime wildflower blooms around the park make visits especially picturesque, and cooler weather in fall or early spring enhances the outdoor experience.
Finally, a trip to the Davis Mountains Preserve, roughly three hours west of El Paso, reveals a landscape unlike any other in Texas. This rugged wilderness area features the historic Indian Lodge, a Depression-era stone hotel built within Davis Mountains State Park. Visitors can hike the Skyline Drive Trail, a moderate 4.5-mile loop that climbs to panoramic overlooks showcasing the desert’s unique volcanic geology. The cool mountain air and star-filled night skies here are a sharp contrast to the lowland desert heat. This spot is a favorite among astronomers, and visiting during the fall or spring offers the best mix of daylight hiking and pristine night-sky viewing.
Each of these places embodies Texas’ vastness and eccentricity, inviting travelers to take detours beyond the usual routes and revel in the Lone Star State’s spirited charm and offbeat attractions. Whether leaning towers, ghost towns, or giant cowboy boots, Texas serves up roadside wonders that linger in memory long after the open road has beckoned onward.