Indiana’s highways and backroads are filled with quirky, nostalgic, and downright fascinating roadside attractions. From giant sculptures to historic oddities, these stops capture the charm and creativity of the Hoosier State. Whether traveling across Interstate 70 or meandering through small towns, these attractions make any Indiana road trip unforgettable.

Indiana’s roadside attractions reflect the state’s creativity, humor, and sense of community. From giant sculptures and eccentric art installations to historic curiosities, these stops turn an ordinary drive into an adventure. Whether adding a layer of paint in Alexandria or snapping a photo with the Big Peach, travelers will find that Indiana’s roads are full of surprises worth pulling over for.

1. The World’s Largest Ball of Paint – Alexandria

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World's Largest Ball of Paint

What began as a simple baseball has become one of Indiana’s most famous roadside curiosities. The World’s Largest Ball of Paint, created by Mike Carmichael and his family, has been coated with over 30,000 layers of paint since 1997. Visitors can even add their own layer, becoming part of this ever-growing art project. I added a layer myself!

2. The Giant Candle – Centerville

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Warm Glow Candle

Standing tall along I-70, the Warm Glow Candle Company’s massive candle-shaped building is impossible to miss. Inside, travelers find a sprawling store filled with handmade candles, home décor, and local gifts. The oversized candle outside makes for a perfect photo stop on the historic National Road. I love visiting when there’s a candle sale!

3. Big Peach – Bruceville

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Big Peach in Bruceville Knox County

A beloved southern Indiana landmark, the Big Peach is a massive roadside fruit that marks a family-run produce stand. Open seasonally from May through October, it offers fresh peaches, local honey, and homemade jams. The cheerful peach statue has become a symbol of summer road trips through Knox County.

4. Twisted House – Indianapolis

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Indianapolis Art Center twisted house

Located in the Indianapolis Art Center’s ArtsPark, the Twisted House is a whimsical sculpture that looks like a home bent in half. Created by artist John McNaughton, it invites visitors to walk through and explore its distorted design. It’s a fun and free stop for art lovers traveling through the city.

5. The KokoMantis – Kokomo

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A towering 17-foot praying mantis sculpture made from recycled car parts, the KokoMantis is a striking example of creative reuse. Designed by artist Scott Little and built by developer Scott Pitcher, it stands near downtown Kokomo and has become a local icon. It’s a must-see for fans of roadside art and industrial design.

6. The Shoe Tree – Milltown

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Shoe tree attraction in Albany

Hidden along a quiet stretch of road near Milltown, the Shoe Tree is exactly what it sounds like—a large tree covered in hundreds of shoes tossed by passersby. The origins of this quirky tradition are unclear, but it continues to grow as travelers add their own footwear to the collection. While the original shoe tree was struck by lightning, no worries: the surrounding trees have stepped up to the task.

7. The Giant Santa Claus Statue – Santa Claus

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Giant Santa Claus statue

In the aptly named town of Santa Claus, a 22-foot-tall statue of St. Nick welcomes visitors year-round. Unveiled in 1935, it’s one of the oldest and most beloved holiday-themed landmarks in the state. Nearby attractions include Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari amusement park and the Santa Claus Museum.

8. The Rotary Jail Museum – Crawfordsville

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Rotary Jail & Museum

This unique jail, built in 1881, features a rotating cell block designed to improve security and efficiency. Today, it operates as a museum where visitors can see the mechanism in action and learn about Indiana’s law enforcement history. It’s both educational and delightfully odd.