Roadside Attractions

Roadside America lists Coral Castle on their website along with other “Offbeat TouristCoral Castle Attractions.”

Some of the roadside attractions on the site are interesting, and some of them are downright bizarre. Here are a few of my favorites:

The World’s Largest Horseshoe Crab in Blanchester, Ohio

The World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City, Kansas

Petrified Wood Gas Station in Lamar, Colorado

Foamhenge in Natural Bridge, Virginia

Unlike most tourist attractions, Coral Castle wasn’t built with the intention to turn a profit. Ed had no interest in making money. He often let curious visitors in for free if they didn’t have the means to pay.

While Coral Castle often makes websites like RoadsideAmerica.com, it’s far more than just a tourist trap. Ed’s story sets Coral Castle apart from kitschy attractions like the ones I’ve listed. Coral Castle isn’t just a novelty, it’s a mysterious achievement that represents the hard work and dedication of one extraordinary man.

In early advertisements Ed described Coral Castle in broken English, referring to his life’s work as an “unusual accomplishment.”I can’t describe Coral Castle more accurately than Ed did. It is truly, an unusual accomplishment.