Here are 11 of the weirdest New York roadside attractions worth stopping for, each offering a quirky and unforgettable experience:
1. Painted Pig Rock (Adirondacks)
A modest rock along Route 30 in Speculator that resembles a pig’s face. Painted in the 1950s, it has become a beloved and quirky local landmark.
2. Nipper Dog Statue (Capital-Saratoga)
This 28-foot-tall steel and fiberglass statue of the RCA dog, Nipper, sits atop a warehouse near Albany and draws visitors with its iconic presence.
3. Giant Garden Gnome (Catskills)
Gnome Chomsky, once the world’s largest concrete gnome, stands over 13 feet tall at Kelder’s Farm in Kerhonkson, inviting photo-ops and smiles.
4. World’s Smallest Church (Central New York)
The Cross Island Chapel in Oneida is just 28 square feet and only accessible by rowboat, hosting weddings in the tiniest of spaces.
5. “Scary Lucy” Statue (Chautauqua-Allegheny)
Located in Celoron, this statue of Lucille Ball drew public outrage for its eerie appearance but remains as part of local art alongside a newer statue.
6. World’s Largest Pancake Griddle (Finger Lakes)
Displayed in Penn Yan, this massive griddle commemorates the world’s largest pancake cooked in 1987 during a buckwheat festival.
7. Shark Girl (Greater Niagara)
A half-girl, half-shark fiberglass sculpture in Buffalo’s Canalside, celebrating whimsical art in a waterfront setting.
8. Balanced Rock (Hudson Valley)
A 60-ton granite rock mysteriously balanced on smaller stones near Route 116 in North Salem, intriguing geologists and visitors alike.
9. Little Red Schoolhouse (Coeymans Hollow)
A classic one-room schoolhouse preserved in upstate New York, evoking nostalgia and curiosity about early education.
10. The Oldest Trees in the World (Schoharie County)
Located in rural upstate, these ancient trees provide a glimpse into natural history that’s rare and impressive.
11. Two-Story Brick Outhouse
An unusual public restroom with six holes arranged in a two-story brick building, combining bizarre practicality with roadside humor.
These roadside oddities are a fun way to explore the offbeat charm and rich history of New York State, perfect for curious travelers looking to add something unexpected to their journey.
Sources
(https://www.iloveny.com/blog/post/unique-roadside-attractions-in-new-york-state/)
(https://cnynews.com/new-york-roadside-oddities/)
(https://www.fiftygrande.com/50-weirdest-roadside-attractions/)
(https://in.hotels.com/go/usa/weird-quirky-things-to-do-new-york-state)
(https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/new-york-state)
