Here are 11 of the weirdest roadside attractions in Colorado that are definitely worth stopping for:
- Rita the Rock Planter (Victor)
This giant wooden troll sculpture made from recycled materials depicts “Rita” pushing a pile of rocks. Created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, it combines art, folklore, and environmental messages, inviting visitors to explore nature while finding it. - Blucifer at Denver International Airport (DIA)
A towering, 32-foot-tall electric blue Mustang statue with glowing red eyes. It’s both fascinating and infamous for its intimidating presence and the eerie backstory linked to its creator. - The Swetsville Zoo (Timnath)
This quirky outdoor sculpture park features eclectic animal sculptures made from recycled metal and found objects. It’s a funky, artistic celebration of wildlife creativity. - Bishop Castle (Rye)
A massive, hand-built stone and iron castle created by Jim Bishop over 60 years. It includes towers, bridges, a grand ballroom, and a fire-breathing dragon, making it a fantastical medieval marvel in the Colorado wilderness. - Mike, the Headless Chicken Statue (Fruita)
Dedicated to a literal headless chicken named Mike, who famously survived for 18 months without his head. The town celebrates Mike with a statue and an annual festival honoring the quirky creature. - Cano’s Castle (Morrison)
A unique castle structure made largely of beer cans and scrap metal, providing a folk-art vibe and intriguing architectural oddity. - Sun Spot – The 25-foot Dog of Dog Tags (Denver)
A huge stainless steel sculpture made from 90,000 dog tags, placed at the Denver Municipal Animal Shelter, symbolizing pet adoptions and animal shelter success stories. - UFO Watchtower (San Luis Valley)
A quirky tower for extraterrestrial enthusiasts, designed to offer prime viewing for UFO watchers. Surrounding the tower are alien sculptures and mystical gardens. - The Concrete Cows (Longmont)
An odd collection of concrete cows standing on a roadside pasture—hard to miss and delightfully strange. - The Naked Lady in the Garden (Colorado Springs)
A mysterious and humorous statue of a nude woman in a garden that surprises passersby with its unexpected presence. - The World’s Largest Fork (Creede)
Claiming the title of the largest fork, this giant utensil sculpture is a fun, free stop for a quirky photo op.
These attractions showcase Colorado’s eclectic and imaginative spirit, blending art, whimsy, and local culture into roadside stops that make any road trip memorable.
Sources
[1] https://roadtrippers.com/magazine/americas-weirdest-roadside-attractions/
[2] https://k99.com/10-crazy-colorado-roadside-attractions-im-most-excited-to-see/
[3] https://www.colorado.com/articles/quirky-roadside-attractions-colorado
[4] https://www.fiftygrande.com/50-weirdest-roadside-attractions/
[5] https://www.5280.com/best-colorado-roadside-attractions/