With family road trips making a gigantic comeback, you might want to add these weird and wonderful roadside attractions to your list of “must-see” this summer.  Thank you, Chicago Parent of the great ideas!

CP Note: Due to COVID-19 concerns, some locations may be closed or only offer limited access with extra precautions. Please check each location’s website (if available) for more information.  

The Leaning Tower of Niles—6300 W. Touhy Ave, Niles
Just 15 minutes northeast of O’Hare, there’s a replica of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa that stands at about half the height of the real thing, but still makes for great Instagram ops.

The Home Alone House—671 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
If you haven’t already, introduce your kids to the fun of The Home Alone movie series and take a quick drive by the original Home Alone house.  This is still a real residence, so make your visit brief.

Paul Bunyan and Bessie the Cow—14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville
Outside Lambs Farm stands an imposing 15-foot-tall Paul Bunyan Muffler Man statue with a giant ax alongside a cow, who is apparently named Bessie.

World’s Largest Wagon—6515 W Grand Ave., Chicago
This massive Radio Flyer stands in front of the company’s headquarters. If the gates are open, you can walk up and take an up-close photo of the 27-foot long wagon that can fit up to 75 children.

Par-King Skill Golf—21711 N. Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire
When your kids set eyes on this great, tall pink suburban castle, they might actually believe a princess lives there. It’s actually home to Par-King Skill Golf.

Big Monster Door—21 S. Racine Ave., Chicago
Behind this massive yellow door is Big Monsters Toys, a toy and game design studio in the West Loop. We could only imagine the exciting things that go on inside! In the meantime, you can snap a picture outside the door.

Superdawg Drive-In—6363 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago & 333 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling
This drive-in hot dog joint has been around for decades, so you’ve might have spotted the restaurant’s hot dog mascots, Maurie and Flaurie, on the rooftop before.

Get more information about each place here.