Indiana might not be the first state that comes to mind for quirky attractions, but hidden across the Hoosier State are monuments that range from the peculiar to the downright bizarre.
From paint-covered spheres to graves in the middle of roads, these unusual landmarks reflect Indiana’s rich history and unique character. Whether you’re planning a road trip or just curious about offbeat destinations, these nine monuments will make you see Indiana in a whole new light.
1. The World’s Largest Ball of Paint
Starting as a baseball in 1977, Mike Carmichael’s creation in Alexandria has grown into a 5,000-pound globe covered with over 27,000 layers of paint. Visitors are invited to add their own coat to this colorful behemoth, which hangs from a custom-built hoist in Carmichael’s barn.
The ball began as a father-son project and evolved into a Guinness World Record holder. Each layer is meticulously documented with the painter’s name, date, and layer number.
What makes this monument truly special is its interactive nature – anyone can contribute to this ever-growing artwork. The kaleidoscope of colors creates a mesmerizing effect when viewed up close, making it worth the detour to this small Indiana town.
2. Clabber Girl Museum and Monument
Nestled in Terre Haute stands a tribute to one of America’s oldest food brands. The Clabber Girl Museum celebrates the baking powder that revolutionized American kitchens since 1899.
A gleaming monument outside the brick headquarters depicts the iconic Clabber Girl logo, complete with the young woman holding her tray of biscuits. Inside, visitors discover vintage advertisements, antique baking tools, and interactive exhibits showcasing the evolution of American baking.
The company’s founder, Hulman family, also owned the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, creating an unexpected connection between baking and racing.
Free guided tours reveal how this humble product shaped local history and American cooking traditions. The attached bakeshop offers freshly baked goods made with – you guessed it – Clabber Girl baking powder.
3. Elwood Haynes Statue
Automotive pioneers rarely get their due, but Kokomo honors Elwood Haynes with a striking bronze statue depicting the inventor standing proudly beside his original 1894 horseless carriage.
Located in Foster Park, this monument celebrates the man who built one of America’s first functional automobiles right in Kokomo. Haynes wasn’t just an automotive visionary; he also invented stainless steel and stellite, a metal alloy still used in surgical instruments.
The lifesize statue captures his confident stance, complete with period-appropriate suit and mustache. Nearby, the Elwood Haynes Museum displays his original “Pioneer” automobile alongside inventions that transformed modern manufacturing.
Visitors often touch the statue’s hand for good luck, resulting in a polished bronze palm that stands out against the weathered patina.
4. The Orville Redenbacher Statue
Popcorn enthusiasts flock to Valparaiso to snap photos with the bronze likeness of America’s most famous popcorn magnate. Orville Redenbacher, with his trademark bow-tie and glasses, sits casually on a bench in Central Park Plaza, welcoming visitors to join him for an imaginary chat.
Born on a farm in Brazil, Indiana, Redenbacher studied agronomy before developing the perfect popping corn that would make him famous. The life-sized statue captures his friendly demeanor and distinctive appearance that became synonymous with quality popcorn.
Unveiled in 2012, this monument honors both the man and Valparaiso’s historic connection to popcorn production. During the annual Popcorn Festival, the statue becomes the centerpiece of celebrations, often adorned with festive decorations and surrounded by the buttery aroma of his famous creation.
5. Grave in the Middle of the Road
Perhaps Indiana’s most peculiar monument isn’t a statue or building, but a grave situated directly between two lanes of County Road 400 South near Franklin. Nancy Kerlin Barnett’s 1831 burial site was preserved when her grandson guarded it with a shotgun as road crews attempted to build through the small family cemetery.
While other graves were relocated, Barnett’s remained, forcing engineers to split the road around it. A small concrete marker identifies the unusual resting place, which received a protective concrete bunker during road improvements in 2016.
Local legends claim Barnett requested this specific burial location for its scenic views. Archaeological work during recent road renovations revealed that Barnett isn’t alone – researchers discovered the remains of at least six other people buried alongside her, making this roadside oddity even more remarkable.
6. The Garfield Statue Trail
Cartoon cats rule in Grant County, where dozens of fiberglass Garfield statues create a whimsical scavenger hunt across Marion and surrounding communities. Each 5-foot statue features unique designs and themes, from firefighter Garfield to basketball player Garfield, celebrating both the famous feline and local culture.
Created by Marion native Jim Davis in 1978, Garfield became the world’s most widely syndicated comic strip. The statue trail honors this achievement while providing economic benefits through tourism.
Visitors can download maps to locate all statues, which are permanently installed at businesses, parks, and public buildings.
Local artists transform the identical fiberglass forms into one-of-a-kind works, with new additions appearing regularly. The trail culminates at the Fairmount Historical Museum, where exhibits showcase Davis’s early work and Garfield memorabilia.
7. Big Peach Monument
Rising 20 feet above the rural landscape near Bruceville stands a giant peach that stops traffic on Highway 41. This vibrant roadside attraction marks Melon Acres, a family-owned fruit stand operating since 1976, and celebrates Knox County’s surprising agricultural heritage as a major peach-producing region.
The oversized fruit, constructed of fiberglass and concrete, features realistic details down to its blush-colored skin and prominent leaf. Local craftsmen created the monument in 1992, and it has weathered decades of Indiana seasons while maintaining its eye-catching appeal.
Beyond serving as a photo opportunity, the Big Peach functions as a practical landmark for travelers seeking farm-fresh produce. During peach season, visitors can sample the real thing after posing with its enormous counterpart, creating a sweet connection between art and agriculture.
8. Pyramid Hill
Just outside Brookville lies an enigmatic stone pyramid that has puzzled visitors for generations. Standing approximately 10 feet tall on a wooded hillside, this carefully constructed stack of local limestone slabs forms a perfect pyramid shape that seems strangely out of place in rural Indiana.
Historical records provide few clues about its origins. Some believe it was built by early settlers as a survey marker, while others suggest it might have been created by prehistoric indigenous peoples. The monument’s precise alignment with cardinal directions adds to its mystery.
Reaching the pyramid requires a moderate hike through Brookville Lake’s recreational area, adding to the sense of discovery. Unlike Egypt’s famous structures, this humble pyramid lacks interior chambers, yet its unexplained presence in the Indiana wilderness creates a sense of wonder that rivals its massive counterparts.
9. Col. Eli Lilly Civil War Monument
Tucked away in Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis’s most striking Civil War memorial honors pharmaceutical pioneer Colonel Eli Lilly and his artillery unit. Unlike conventional military monuments, this bronze sculpture depicts no weapons or heroic poses; instead, a weary soldier slumps against a tree stump while a female angel of mercy offers water.
Created in 1911 by renowned sculptor Rudolf Schwarz, the monument’s unusual composition challenges traditional war memorial conventions. Lilly, who founded the pharmaceutical giant bearing his name after the war, commissioned this tribute to his fallen comrades in the 18th Indiana Battery.
The angel’s compassionate expression and the soldier’s vulnerable posture create a powerful anti-war statement. Cemetery visitors often leave coins or flowers at the base, continuing a tradition of remembrance for both the famous industrialist and the ordinary soldiers who fought alongside him.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
