Here are 11 of the weirdest Maryland roadside attractions worth stopping for, each offering something uniquely quirky and memorable:
1. The Awakening Sculpture
Located in National Harbor, this giant buried man sculpture looks like he’s emerging from the earth, towering with a hand ready to high-five visitors. It’s a surreal and fun photo-op for travelers.
2. The Journey Bison Sculpture
Also in National Harbor, this trio of life-size bison made from scrap iron and tractor parts honors American resilience and patriotism with impressive artistic detail.
3. Forever Marilyn
A giant sculpture of Marilyn Monroe capturing her iconic subway grate scene brings Hollywood glamour to the Maryland waterfront in a bizarre, larger-than-life display.
4. Jim Henson and Kermit Statue
Fans of The Muppets can visit this heartfelt statue tribute to Jim Henson and his famous green frog, located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor area.
5. The World’s Largest Engagement Ring
Situated in National Harbor, this enormous ring sculpture symbolizes commitment but also attracts visitors with its sheer size and sparkly appeal.
6. The Tyler Spite House
A tiny, narrow house built in Baltimore as a spiteful act against the government, it’s a quirky reminder of local history and neighborly battles.
7. The Maryland Troll
Near the Troll’s Bridge in the woods, this whimsical wooden troll sculpture with a large human-like face provides a fairy-tale vibe in the Maryland countryside.
8. The Moll Dyer Rock
Located in Leonardtown, this rock supposedly bears the handprint of a 17th-century accused witch who froze to death, wrapped in spooky local legend.
9. Mallows Bay Ghost Fleet
In Charles County, visitors can see the haunting remains of a World War I shipwreck fleet wrecked in the bay, providing an eerie and historical waterside spectacle.
10. The Ouija Board Memorial
Located in Baltimore, this plaque marks the birthplace of the Ouija board, accompanied by the creator’s unusual tombstone that reflects the board’s mystique.
11. Potomac Play Place Animals
For a lighter stop, this playground in National Harbor features giant climbable animal sculptures like monkeys and lions, perfect for family fun with a quirky twist.
These attractions showcase Maryland’s blend of whimsical, weird, historical, and artistic roadside stops that make road trips in the state uniquely entertaining and sometimes eerie.
Sources
(https://sillyamerica.com/roadside-attractions/maryland/)
(https://uncustomary.org/roadside-attractions-caves-crypt-of-curiosities-shoe-house-lotus-temple-a-giant-strawberry/)
(https://roadtrippers.com/magazine/americas-weirdest-roadside-attractions/)
(https://www.reddit.com/r/maryland/comments/xezyvb/weirdest_sitesattractions_in_maryland/)
(https://www.fiftygrande.com/50-weirdest-roadside-attractions/)
