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Roadside Tourist Traps We Love to Hate

Even the most sincere intention to travel directly to your destination can be a challenge; no matter how hard you try, foregoing the world's top roadside tourist traps is a difficult maneuver. Regardless, most of them provide some of the most lasting memories of the vacation! From the over-the-top gator park in Miami, to the Museum of the Weird in Austin, here are some of the nation's top roadside tourist traps we love to hate:

 

1. Gator Park in Miami, Florida. Impossible-looking sculptures and grinning alligators pull in hundreds of vacationers year round at this roadside attraction, and it's become a miniature theme park in itself with gator gift shops, a 'live' gator sitting on the porch, and airboat rides across the Everglades to watch real gators in action. Gator Park is a top spot for families looking for a break on long travels, and has earned its spot as on of the nation's top roadside tourist traps.

 

2. Miniature Graceland in Roanoke, Virginia. Not only for Elvis fans at heart, this is one of the easiest roadside tourist traps to fall into. A small yard decked out in Elvis memorabilia, Christmas lights, and even an annual candlelight ceremony on Elvis's birthday are just a few highlights of the experience. If you're not heading to the real Graceland anytime soon, this one's an easy fix for anyone yearning for Elvis.

 

3. Museum of the Weird in Austin, Texas. Even though the days of P.T. Barnum are long gone, those with a curious nature are sure to find a place to further their interests at this museum filled with unusual collections. A Fiji mermaid is waiting to greet you...

 

4. The World's Only Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota. After leading you with hundreds of billboards on I-90, this giant palace displays the best of agriculture with an enormous palace constructed with corn, grass, oats, grains and other natural embellishments. The palace was first developed in 1892 to showcase local farmers' harvests; today, it continues to be a popular place for local events, picnics and get-togethers. At the very least, round up some fresh butter and dig into a classic corn on the cob!

 

5. Santa's Land in Cherokee, North Carolina. If Christmas in July isn't enough for your year round Christmas, this spot promises a trip to Santa's Village any time of year. Frosty's place offers a chance to visit the snowman and his crew, and pick up a few early Christmas presents. Santa's Workshop lets you watch the elves toiling away. An ideal treat of kids or just the young at heart, it's a must-see regardless of its roadside tourist trap status.

 

6. The Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz, California. A spooky forest and unique clapboard shack await exploration at The Mystery Spot. After the 1989 Bay Area Earthquake, this area was left untouched and reportedly sits inside a vortex-like environment where gravity follows little logic. When you're in the mood to experience a little vertigo on your travels, head here to take a tour of the Mystery Shack that never seems to stand up straight; and neither do you...

 

From a cross-country adventure to family reunion road trip, running into a tourist trap is a natural part of most traveling plans. Even if you're not taking the entire family with you on the road, it's almost a necessity to make a pit stop at a tourist trap or two.

 

Besides, how else will you experience the best the state has to offer?

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