Funky and fun Midwest destinations to add to your next road trip

It turns out that Texas isn’t the only state where everything is bigger. You can visit the World’s Largest Ball of Twine in the small town of Cawker City, Kansas. This unusually big ball of sisal twine began its journey to world domination back in 1953. Local farmer, Frank Stoeber started the project inside his barn as a means to pass time and get a little exercise. Neighbors soon began sharing their twine with Stoeber, and in 1961, the growing ball was moved to where it lives today. As of 2022, the ball weighed more than 27,000 pounds and had a circumference of more than 46 feet. You can even add to its size by visiting Eyegore’s Odditorium and Monster Museum across the street for twine and instructions on how to add to this beastly ball.

Why travel across the world to visit England’s Stonehenge monument, when you can gawk at its car-themed relative in Nebraska? Carhenge is a proportional replication of the famed Stonehenge and was created by the late Jim Reinders in 1987. After closely studying Stonehenge while living in England, Reinders (with the help of his family) built Carhenge as a memorial to his father who lived on the property where the installation is located. Today, visitors can see the artist’s original works along with other unique car art and sculptures.

Whether you love it, hate it, or have never tried it, this stop proves why SPAM deserves its own space of celebration. The weird, often misunderstood food has an interesting history that dates back to the 1930s. From acting as an inexpensive way to feed families to serving soldiers on the frontlines of World War II, the cubed concoction has worn many hats throughout the years, all of which are documented inside its namesake museum. Some devoted SPAM lovers have even chosen this site as a place to say, “I do.” Wedding or not, this is one funky food museum you won’t want to miss. Did we mention admission is free?

Bring your baseball dreams to life at the original Field of Dreams featured in the 1989 hit movie featuring Kevin Costner. This once make-believe baseball field used for filming has turned into a major attraction adored by baseball enthusiasts and non-sports fans alike. Run the famed bases of the diamond, tour the home used by the film’s Kinsella family, catch the Ghost Player show, and take in the magic of this property. You can even spend the night on-site at the newly remodeled farmhouse and rent the field for private events.