Fun Facts About the Northeast
The Northeast is the most densely populated region in the U.S., which means more weird roadside stuff per square mile than anywhere else in the country.
Maine produces 90% of America’s lobster supply, but also has a desert—yes, a literal 40-acre desert of sand dunes in Freeport.
New York’s Statue of Liberty was a gift from France in 1886, and it’s held that torch up for over 130 years without a bathroom break.
Vermont has more cows than people, produces more maple syrup than any other state, and somehow still finds time to be aggressively quirky.
Pennsylvania is home to Hershey, the “Sweetest Place on Earth,” where even the streetlights are shaped like Hershey’s Kisses because subtlety is not their brand.
The Northeast isn’t just fall foliage and lobster rolls—it’s packed with weird roadside attractions, quirky museums, and hidden gems that make you slam on the brakes. From bizarre roadside dinosaurs to castles built out of beer bottles, this region perfects the art of the unexpected pit stop. The best part? You can hit three states in one day and discover a giant Paul Bunyan statue, a lunch box museum, and a diner serving the same pie recipe since 1952.
Northeast Roadside Attractions by State
Connecticut
Home to Mark Twain’s house, the Barnum Museum, and quirky New England charm packed into the third-smallest state.
Maine
Giant lobsters, lighthouses, desert sand dunes (yes, really), and Stephen King’s house in Bangor.
Massachusetts
Salem witch trials history, giant milk bottles, and the birthplace of basketball in Springfield.
New Hampshire
Castle in the Clouds, quirky covered bridges, and the Old Man of the Mountain (RIP, but still legendary).
New Jersey
Lucy the Elephant (a six-story building shaped like an elephant), Atlantic City boardwalk, and Jersey Shore oddities.
New York
Statue of Liberty, Niagara Falls, giant Uncle Sam statue, and the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
Pennsylvania
Liberty Bell, Hershey’s Chocolate World, Centralia (the town on fire), and Punxsutawney Phil.
Rhode Island
The smallest state with big personality—giant blue bug (Big Blue Bug), Newport mansions, and quirky Providence art.
Vermont
Ben & Jerry’s factory tour, covered bridges, maple syrup everything, and the world’s tallest filing cabinet.
Want more regional weird? Check out our complete roadside attractions guide covering all the quirky stops across America, get tips for traveling with pets, or browse our Homepage for road trip resources.
Have a little out-of-the-ordinary Northeast spot you’d like to share? Feel free to comment or message us!