Sightseeing Sunday: Weird Things to Do in New York
Looking for weird things to do in New York? The state is more than just the city — think giant ducks, Jell-O museums, and eternal flames burning behind waterfalls.
Fun Facts About New York
The Unisphere, on this list in Queens, was built for the 1964 World’s Fair and remains one of the largest global structures ever built.
New York is home to the Bronx Zoo, the largest city zoo in the United States.
The first railroad in America ran the 11 miles between Albany and Schenectady, New York.
New York was the first state to require license plates on cars.
Some of these we’ve visited, others are still on our list. When we’ve been somewhere, the link takes you to our photo page with details and snark. Otherwise, you’ll head to their official site — assuming one exists, since sometimes that’s half the adventure.
Unique Attractions & Weird Things to Do in New York
Weird Roadside & Oddities
Flanders
The Big Duck – Giant duck-shaped building and Long Island landmark.
Le Roy
Jell-O Museum – Celebrating the wiggly dessert’s hometown roots.
Mount Tremper
World’s Largest Kaleidoscope – Interactive kaleidoscope experience in a 60-foot silo.
New York City
Spot Sculpture – 4-story tall Dalmatian dog balancing a NYC taxi on her nose. Located at The Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital, East 34th Street.
Queens
350-ton Unisphere – Massive steel globe at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Parks, Trails & Waterfalls
Orchard Park
Eternal Flame Falls – Natural eternal flame burning behind a waterfall in Chestnut Ridge Park.
Otto
Griffis Sculpture Park – One of the largest sculpture parks in the United States.
Plan Your New York Road Trip
We’re always adding new weird things to do in New York to this list, so check back for more roadside attractions, quirky museums, oversized oddities, and future road trip discoveries.
Where to next? Check out our Rhode Island roadside attractions guide for more Northeast oddities, browse our complete roadside attractions by state guide, get tips for traveling with pets, or head back to the Right At The Light homepage.
Interactive Map: Weird Roadside Stops We’re Tracking
This map includes weird roadside attractions, big-rig friendly stops, and places still on our running road trip list across the country.