The discovery of America’s strange but wacky attractions continued as we headed into the state of North Dakota. Home to the weirdly wonderful Enchanted Highway and the ancient Turtle Mountains, this adventure was one to remember, introducing us to some truly bizarre places to visit. So be prepared to encounter some “big things” as you take the Jurnii into one of the most deserted state’s there is!

1. Tommy Turtle: Bottineau, North Dakota

The small town of Bottineau may be situated on a flatness that extends for as far as the eye can see, but there is one thing about it that never fails to stand out (or up): Tommy Turtle.

This monolithic, though oddly unrealistic, turtle is the tallest in the world, standing (yes folks you read it right, standing) at a whopping 30 feet tall.

Straddled against the world’s largest snowmobile, Tommy guards the entrance to the local tennis courts, doing a fine job with his protective gear and friendly smile.

2.  The W’eel Turtle:  Dunseith,  North Dakota

North Dakota sure does like its turtle monuments, with the town of Dunseith even going to the somewhat extreme lengths of constructing a man-made turtle, “turtley” out of wheel rims.

2,000 steel wheels have gone into making this “novelty” attraction: that’s either an incredibly innovative way to recycle, or the locals simply enjoy the whole “slow and steady wins the race” process.

3.  The World’s Largest Grasshopper – The Enchanted Highway:  Regent, North Dakota

Gary Greff’s original idea for the Enchanted Highway has soared and the grasshopper has a lot to do with this.

For all those acridophobians out there, don’t let its size fool you though; unlike real grasshoppers, this one is completely harmless.

4. Tin Family – The Enchanted Highway:  Regent, North Dakota

The local tin family offers a popular stop-off point along the Enchanted Highway, visually depicting a larger than life impression of farming life.

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the tin sculptures is the mother’s hair, which if you look closely enough will notice is made of barbed wire.

Original, to say the least.

5. Paul Broste Rock Museum:  Parshall, North Dakota

Rocks seem to be a popular feature of many of North Dakota’s more mainstream attractions, but none incorporate their clever use more so than the Paul Broste Rock Museum (and we’re talking the natural resource, not the style of music).

Every aspect of this establishment is comprised of rocks, which may at first glance appear boring and unattractive, but will eventually leave you a-stone-ished.

- Chrissy

Visited any other weird and wacky, or just plain big attractions in North Dakota? Let us know about them and we’ll give them a squizz.

Attractions, Fun, strange