See Art & Sculpture Icons of the American Road Trip

No all-American road trip is complete without a visit to some of the USA’s most unique and inspiring sculptures. These larger-than-life pieces of art show off the very best of U.S. creativity, often combined with local flair and impressive architectural features. From quirky roadside stops to beloved memorials, discover top road trip stops to infuse your journey with art and wonder.

Marvelous Monuments in South Dakota

The Black Hills of South Dakota are world-renowned for their surreal natural beauty, but you’ll also find human-made wonders decorating the vast landscape. Among the most iconic pieces of American sculpture is Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a towering depiction of four U.S. presidents (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln) carved into the granite cliff face. Nearby at Crazy Horse Memorial, the largest mountain carving project ever undertaken is in full swing. A larger-than-life monument to the Oglala Lakota leader has been in progress since 1948. Today, most of Crazy Horse’s face and much of his left hand is completed. Watch artisans as they chip away at the mountain and visit the Indian Museum of North America to learn more about the USA’s Native Nations.

New York’s Leading Lady

Since 1886, the Statue of Liberty has been welcoming travelers and immigrants to New York Harbor. Lady Liberty, as she’s nicknamed, is one of New York City’s most recognizable landmarks. See the artistic masterpiece up close on a tour of Liberty Island, which you can access via a ferry ride from either The Battery in New York City or Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. You’ll be able to admire the fine details of the statue from her pedestal – or climb the stairs to her crown for panoramic views of New York City. Be sure to check out the Statue of Liberty Museum and National Immigration Museum on Ellis Island to learn more about how the statue was created and what it means to the USA.

St. Louis’ Amazing Arch

Standing over 190 meters tall, the Gateway Arch is the USA’s largest human-made monument. The awe-inspiring stainless steel structure serves as a symbol of the USA’s westward expansion. See it on a tour of Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri, which also encompasses the Museum at the Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse. A tram ride will take you on a scenic journey up one leg of the arch to the observation area at its peak. The natural beauty of the surrounding Mississippi River makes a perfect complement to the arch’s impressive architecture.

Art Icons in Chicago, Illinois

While its official name is Cloud Gate, you might hear Illinois locals refer to this gleaming art piece as “the Bean.” The silver sculpture has become one of the city’s most popular attractions, anchoring Millennium Park with its unique blend of artistry and impressive technical construction. Snap a selfie in front of its smooth surface and watch how the Chicago skyline and passersby are reflected and refracted in its shiny façade. Continue your journey with a stroll through Millennium Park to discover more public art (Crown Fountain and the Millennium Monument are must-sees), then continue to the other museums and institutions located on the walkable Loop district.

U.S. History in Washington, D.C.

When it was completed in 1884, the Washington Monument was the tallest building in the world. While it’s since been surpassed in height, Washington D.C.’s tribute to the USA’s first president is still an impressive achievement. Visit the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to stand beneath the nearly 170-meter-tall obelisk, or purchase a ticket at the Washington Monument Lodge nearby to ride the elevator to the top. Explore the observation deck and museum before returning to the National Mall. You’ll find even more sculptural gems on the 125-hectare green, from somber war memorials to depictions of U.S. presidents.

Whimsical Wonders in North Dakota

Travel the 51-kilometer Enchanted Highway through western North Dakota to be charmed by the world’s largest scrap metal sculptures. Retired teacher-turned-artist Gary Greff is the creative mind behind the unique display, spending years learning to weld to bring his quirky roadside attractions to life. Take a drive down this stretch of road to spot flying geese, giant pheasants, leaping fish and prancing deer amid blooming sunflowers. The road leads you to the artist’s hometown of Regent, where you’d be remiss not to stay the night in the Enchanted Castle Inn – complete with fantastical knight and dragon sculptures out front.

Retro Vibes in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada, is well-known for its dazzling lights and electric energy. Explore the history of the city’s illuminated signs at the Neon Museum Las Vegas, an open-air experience packed with artifacts and preserved signs from days gone by. Take a guided tour through the museum (cinema buffs will love the movies-themed tour) or explore its outdoor exhibit spaces at your own pace. While daytime admission is offered during the cooler months, visiting after dark will allow you to take in the restored pieces in the Neon Boneyard in all their illuminated glory.

Seaside Discoveries in Seattle

Nowhere is Seattle’s reputation as a city rich in nature and culture more apparent than in Olympic Sculpture Park. Enjoy free admission to this scenic park on Elliot Bay, where peaceful walking paths are studded with creative installations and towering metalworks. You’ll spot benches shaped like eyes, dancing fountains and swirling steel walls. The park is a 10-minute drive from the Seattle Art Museum, which is worth a visit if you’d like to see more Washington art. While you’re out exploring, make a stop in the Fremont neighborhood – on 36th Street, the fantastical five-meter-tall Fremont Troll peers out from beneath the Aurora Bridge.

Iron Clad Curiosities in Birmingham, Alabama

High above Birmingham, Alabama, the world’s largest cast iron statue stands on Red Mountain. This is the Vulcan, originally created to commemorate the area’s iron industry at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Now, you can visit the sculpture in its permanent home at Vulcan Park & Museum. Take the elevator up the side of the statue to admire it up close from the observation deck, which also offers incredible views of Birmingham below. Dive into Alabama history with annually rotating exhibits, and time your visit just right to enjoy special events like movie nights on the mountain.