Summer isn’t over yet — and for Colorado travelers looking for something less ordinary, the state offers an eclectic roster of roadside attractions that range from alien-themed observation points to outsized public art.
Why these stops matter
Smaller tourism sites drive visitors into rural towns, supporting local businesses and giving residents accessible outdoor experiences. The five sites below are spread across the state, each offering distinct photo ops, local history or a dose of the weird that characterizes roadside America.
Five Colorado curiosities worth a detour
- UFO Watchtower — Alamosa: Located in the San Luis Valley, the Watchtower offers a museum, a healing garden and a gift shop. The attraction was founded in 2000 and is promoted as an inclusive space for skywatchers and the curious. The site is open seven days a week; the gift shop operates Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- World’s Longest Fork — Creede: This aluminum sculpture measures 40 feet long and weighs more than 800 pounds. The oversized utensil leans at a 45-degree angle against a building in downtown Creede and has become a popular snap-and-share landmark.
- Sasquatch Outpost — Bailey: A small museum and gift shop dedicated to Bigfoot lore, the Outpost offers exhibits geared to both believers and skeptics. It’s a family-friendly stop with rotating hours; visitors should check the attraction’s website for current opening times.
- Herkimer — the world’s largest beetle (Colorado Springs): Nicknamed “Herkimer,” this Hercules beetle statue sits at the John May Natural History Museum. The museum houses roughly 7,000 insect specimens; the beetle statue was trademarked in 1952 and has stood at the entrance to Rocky Creek Canyon for more than six decades.
- Petrified wood gas station — location noted by photo archives: Part of Colorado’s collection of roadside oddities, this stop combines classic Americana with geological interest. (Details and hours vary; visitors should confirm availability before traveling.)
"A judgement-free zone," the Watchtower’s founder described the site, emphasizing an open approach to visitors and their stories.
Practical details at a glance
Below is a quick reference for the locations included in this roundup. Because hours and seasonal services can change, call ahead or consult each attraction’s website before visiting.
| Attraction | Town | Address / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UFO Watchtower | Alamosa | Off Hwy 17, 2 miles north of Hooper; open daily; gift shop Mon–Fri 10 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| World’s Longest Fork | Creede | 981 La Garita Ave.; 40 feet, ~800 pounds; leans against building |
| Sasquatch Outpost | Bailey | 149 Main Street; museum and gift shop, varying daily hours |
| Herkimer (Hercules beetle) | Colorado Springs | John May Natural History Museum; statue trademarked in 1952; at Rocky Creek Canyon entrance |
| Petrified wood gas station | Various | Featured in historical photo collections; confirm location and access before visiting |
How to plan a visit
These attractions are best visited by car and often sit outside major urban centers. A few planning tips:
- Check official websites or social media pages for current hours and any admission requirements.
- Be prepared for limited services in rural areas — bring water, snacks and a full tank of gas when heading into high-country or sparsely populated regions.
- Respect private property and posted signs; many roadside installations are on business property or maintained by small local organizations.
What visitors tell us
Visitors to these sites often highlight the mix of regional culture and offbeat charm. For many small towns, such attractions are a draw that boosts foot traffic for restaurants, galleries and lodging during the tail end of summer travel season.
Whether you’re chasing a photo op, a local legend or a piece of kitschy Americana, these five sites offer accessible day-trip options across Colorado. With summer still in session, now is a convenient window to explore them before fall schedules and cooler weather arrive.
