Roadside attraction

Roadside Attraction

A roadside attraction is a feature along the side of a road meant to attract tourists. Often, these attractions are created as a method to draw visitors into a local area and potentially stimulate economic growth. Roadside attractions can range from the natural wonders of the world, such as Grand Canyon National Park, to man-made oddities like the World's Largest Ball of Twine.

History

The history of roadside attractions dates back to the early 20th century, coinciding with the rise of automobile travel. As more people began to travel by car, businesses saw an opportunity to attract these mobile consumers by creating unique and eye-catching attractions. One of the earliest examples of a roadside attraction is the Meramec Caverns in Missouri, which began advertising on barns along Route 66 in the 1930s.

Types of Roadside Attractions

Roadside attractions can be categorized into several types:

• Natural Attractions: These include national parks, waterfalls, and other natural wonders. Examples include the Niagara Falls and the Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park.

• Man-Made Attractions: These are often quirky and unusual structures or landmarks, such as the Cadillac Ranch in Texas or the World's Largest Ball of Twine in Kansas.

• Museums and Historical Sites: These attractions offer educational value, such as the Gettysburg Battlefield or the Roswell UFO Museum.

• Theme Parks and Amusement Parks: These attractions offer entertainment and thrill rides, such as Disneyland or Six Flags.

Impact on Local Economies

Roadside attractions can have a significant impact on local economies. They draw tourists to areas they might not otherwise visit, leading to increased business for local hotels, restaurants, and shops. In some cases, a particularly popular attraction can lead to the development of a full-fledged tourist industry in an area.

See Also

• Tourism
• Cultural Heritage Tourism
• Eco-tourism