7 Quirky Tennessee Roadside Stops You Won’t Believe Exist

Driving across Tennessee, I’ve realized that the highways offer more than the usual rest stops and familiar chains. Between the big cities and scenic byways, I’ve run into all sorts of oddball attractions that bring a smile, a story, or a quick photo opportunity. These are the kind of stops that stick in your mind long after the trip is done.

Here are seven unique Tennessee roadside curiosities that I think are worth pulling over for. Each one adds its own flavor to the state’s landscape, promising a quick detour that might just become the highlight of your road trip.

1. The Treehouse in Crossville

There was a time when every road trip through Crossville came with a detour: the Minister’s Treehouse. This towering wooden structure wasn’t just big, it seemed almost endless, with stairways leading nowhere and hidden rooms tucked deep within. Even after closing for safety reasons in 2019, it continues to draw travelers who can’t help but peek at what’s left from behind the fence.

Wandering up to the perimeter, I felt the draw of childhood forts magnified to a gigantic scale. The skeletal frame, built by a local minister over decades, is still visible through the trees. Its presence is a testament to Tennessee’s love for big, unconventional dreams.

While you can’t step inside anymore, the treehouse is still a roadside legend. There’s something about the lingering shape against the sky that makes you stop, snap a photo, and wonder what stories those boards could tell if you could get a little closer.

2. Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum (Gatlinburg)

Walking into the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum feels like stepping into someone’s wonderfully eccentric kitchen. It’s not just about quantity, the displays are arranged with clear affection and a dash of humor. With more than 20,000 sets from every corner of the globe, there’s always some new detail to catch your eye.

The museum was born out of one family’s collecting passion, and you can sense that warmth in every corner. Each shelf features themes ranging from animals to famous landmarks, and there’s a story behind almost every set. It’s a gentle reminder that even the most everyday objects can spark joy and curiosity.

Not many places can claim to be the only one of their kind, but this quirky spot stands nearly alone in its field. It’s a fun, offbeat stop for anyone with a love for the small things that make travel memorable, and you’ll be surprised by just how many ways salt and pepper can be packaged.

3. The Bell Witch Cave (Adams)

Folklore runs deep in Adams, where the story of the Bell Witch is more than just a local tale. The cave linked to the legend sits quietly by the roadside, its modest entrance belying centuries of ghostly lore. Guides lead visitors into the darkness, sharing stories that have chilled locals and travelers since the early 1800s.

Walking near the mouth of the cave, you can almost sense the weight of history. Some say the Bell family’s haunting was so intense that even President Andrew Jackson paid a visit. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, there’s no denying the cave’s ability to stir the imagination.

This spot is both eerie and fascinating, a place where Tennessee’s haunted past comes alive. For those curious about the intersection of history and legend, the Bell Witch Cave is a stop that’s as educational as it is spine-tingling.

4. World’s Largest Rubik’s Cube (Knoxville)

If you love puzzles, you’ll get a kick out of the enormous Rubik’s Cube at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Originally built for the 1982 World’s Fair, this massive cube once spun and turned just like the handheld version. Today, it stands as a colorful landmark, bright, bold, and just a little bit nostalgic.

Wandering past, it’s hard not to recall hours spent twisting those smaller cubes, trying to solve the puzzle. The Knoxville installation is no longer functional, but its presence connects generations who’ve all tried their luck with the classic brain teaser. It’s not just a sculpture, it’s a piece of pop culture history frozen in time.

This roadside oddity has become a tradition for campus visitors. Even if you’ve never solved the real thing, the giant cube’s playful spirit is hard to resist. It’s a quirky bit of fun in the heart of the city’s academic life.

5. Ellie the Pink Elephant (Cookeville)

Nothing says roadside Americana quite like a giant animal sculpture, and Ellie the Pink Elephant in Cookeville has a personality all her own. Painted bubble-gum pink and sporting comically large sunglasses, she’s been a fixture since 1986. Whether you’re running errands or on a cross-state trek, Ellie grabs your attention and demands a cheerful pit stop.

Kids and adults flock to take photos, sometimes posing for group shots or leaning against her enormous trunk. She stands as a local landmark, quietly connecting generations of travelers through a shared moment of delight. There’s no entrance fee, just a moment of lighthearted fun by the side of the road.

For some, Ellie marks the halfway point between destinations; for others, she’s a tradition. Either way, her gentle grin has made her one of Tennessee’s most memorable and endearing roadside stops. You can’t help but leave with a smile.

6. The Grand Guitar (Bristol)

Roadside architecture doesn’t get much more literal than the Grand Guitar in Bristol. Built to resemble a giant hollow-body guitar, this three-story structure once housed a music museum and recording studio. Even though the doors are now closed to the public, its silhouette against the sky remains unforgettable for anyone driving by.

With Bristol’s deep roots in country music, the Grand Guitar feels perfectly at home. Its striking design, complete with faux strings and tuning pegs, makes you wish you could step inside and hear what echoes within. It’s a tribute to the city’s claim as the “Birthplace of Country Music.”

People stop for photos, stories, or simply to marvel at the audacity of building a guitar big enough to walk into. The Grand Guitar is a love letter to music and the roadside attraction tradition itself, standing as a quiet salute to Tennessee’s creative side.

7. UFO House (Signal Mountain)

If you ever wanted proof that Tennessee is open to out-of-this-world ideas, the UFO House near Signal Mountain is all you need. Built in 1970, this home sits high above the road and looks every bit like a spaceship preparing for lift-off. Its circular shape and retractable ramp give it a retro-futuristic vibe that’s hard to find anywhere else.

The house remains private property, but the view from the road has become a must-see for fans of the unusual. Locals still point it out to newcomers, sometimes spinning stories about its origins or supposed alien visitors. It’s a little flash of sci-fi in the middle of Southern woodland.

Even after decades, the UFO House keeps its mystique. It stands as a playful piece of Tennessee imagination, a roadside curiosity that feels both rooted in history and delightfully out of place.