In 2018 I will feature a random (yet alphabetical) selection of photos I have taken from my nearly 20 years of back roads travel in the United States and Canada. I may even throw in a few random shots from other trips to Japan, Mexico and the Philippines. My theme is called America’s Back Roads: A Grab Bag of Places in Pictures.
Let’s start this off with a Whispering Bang!!
Whispering Giants – art by Hungarian artist Peter Toth – Idaho Falls, Idaho; Bethany Beach, Delaware; Murray, Utah; Red Lodge, Montana; Ottawa, Illinois; Hopewell, Illinois; Paducah, Kentucky; Astoria, Oregon; Ocean City, Maryland; Iowa Falls, Iowa; Utica, Illinois
Over 62 of these around the U.S. Here are the ones I have seen:
Gigantic Peter Toth carved Indian Head in North Tourist Park in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Placed in 1980Chief Little Owl in Bethany Beach, Delaware placed in 2002Chief Wasatch in Murray, UT placed in 1985Detail of the “Whispering Giant” of Red Lodge, Montana, placed in 1979Ho-Ma-Sjah-Nah-Zhee-Ga in Ottawa, IL, placed in 1990Hopewell Giant in Hopewell, IL placed in 1975Chief Wacinton in Paducah, KY placed in 1985Ikala Nawan in Astoria, Oregon placed in 1987The Inlet Indian, Nanticoke, dedicated to the Assateague tribe, is in Ocean City, MD and placed in 1976Whispering Giant of Iowa Falls, IA in Veterans Park, placed in 1999Chief Walks With The Wind in Starved Rock State Park, Utica, IL
Wigwam Village – Sleep in Wigwam – Cave City, KY
Wigwam Village, Cave City, KYWigwam Village KeySleep in a Wigwam neon sign in Cave City, KYHanging with ALL 10 Grandkids at Wigwam Village in Cave City, KY
Wahkeena Falls – Corbett, Oregon
Wahkeena Falls in Corbett, Oregon
Wupatki National Monument – near Cameron, Arizona
Son Seth at Wupatki Ruins off of US 89 south of Flagstaff in 1992
Water Buffalo – Cebu, Philippines
Carabao Water Buffalo taken on Cebu Island in the Philippines
Winnett, Montana
Winnett, MT Welcome SignOld Store Front – Winnett, MTOld Hotel Sign – Winnett, MT
Courthouse in Weatherford, TexasSkinnys Hamburger sign in Weatherford, TXRelaxing – Weatherford, Texas
Murals of Welland, Ontario
Mural of Grandfather telling stories about Welland to GrandsonA portion of a massive mural on the side of a shopping mall. Entitled “History of the Niagara Peninsula” by Heinz Gaugel“Main Street” by Mike Svob“Wagons” by Andrew Miles
Washington, Pennsylvania
Washington, PA Historic MarkerWashington County Courthouse in Washington, PAWelcome to Washington, PA
Williams, California
Williams Hotel mural by John Ton in Williams, CADetail of a mural on the side of a building in Williams, CA
Winner, South Dakota
Winner Winner..no chicken dinner, just the name of a town in SDWinner, South DakotaPheasant Statue, Winner, SDPheasant Bar, Winner, SD
Waldo, Arkansas
Waldo Post Office, Waldo, ARWaldo, ArkansasWaldo Water Tower
Winterset, Iowa
Welcome to Winterset, Covered Bridge Capital of IowaWinterset building frontsRoseman Covered Bridge in Winterset, Iowa
Wyoming Dinosaur Center – Thermopolis, Wyoming
Large Sign about the Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis, Wyoming
World Trade Center (before 9/11) – New York City
In New York City in 1990 before the World Trade Center Twin Towers met their demiseWorld Trade Center 1990
One World Trade Center (after 9/11) – New York City
One World Trade Center all lit up at night, as seen from Sinatra Park in Hoboken, NJOne World Trade Center under construction – March 2, 2013
Wall Drug – Wall, South Dakota
Where the Heck is Wall Drug?Welcome to Wall, SDOne of many Wall Drug Billboards – notice the uniqueness?The 80 foot tall Wall Drug Brontosaurus
West Virginia Capital Building with the gold dome – Charleston, West Virginia
Wonde West Virginia’s Capital Building in Charleston, WVWV Capital Building
Wharton, Texas
Black History Mural by Dayton WordrichBuildings in downtown Wharton, TXFuture of Wharton, TX Mural by Dayton WordrichOld Plaza Theater in Wharton, TX
Wonderland Road – Upton, Kentucky
Sumoflam at Wonderland Rd. in Upton, KY
Winter Wheat – Sparta, Ontario
Welcome to Winter Wheat in Sparta, ONWinter Wheat Main BuildingBroom People at Winter Wheat in Sparta, ONThe performance room at Winter Wheat
Walpi, Arizona
While working in Arizona I made over 100 trips to Walpi on the Hopi Indian Reservation in Northern Arizona
White Sands National Monument – east of Alamagordo, New Mexico
White Sands National MonumentVisiting White Sands, NM in 2013Granddaughter Joselyn runs on a sand dune at White Sands National Monument in NM
Walnut Ridge, Arkansas
Walnut Ridge, ArkansasSumoflam with the Beatles in Walnut Ridge, ARWelcome to Walnut RidgeScene from Abbey Road, Walnut Ridge, AR
Wendy’s Museum – Dublin, Ohio
Dave Thomas statue at Wendy’s in Dublin, OHThe Wendy’s Original $150,000 Crystal Cheeseburger created by Waterford Crystal“Where’s the Beef?” memorabilia from the famed advertising campaign in the Wendy’s Museum in Dublin, OH
Wigwam Drive-In – Ravenna, Kentucky
Sumoflam at the Wigwam Drive-In in Ravenna, KYInterior of the Wigwam Drive-in Ravenna, KYThe Famous Country Boy Burger
Washington Court House, Ohio
The Washington Court House in Washington Court House, OH was one of many unique buildings I got to visit in 2016Washington Courthouse Statue
Whitetop, Virginia
Welcome to Whitetop, VAWhitetop StationAll of us at Whitetop Station at the beginning of the 10 mile downhill Virginia Creeper Bike Trail near Damascus, VA
West Side Theater – Newman, California
West Side Theatre – a common stop for Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours
Wimpy’s Hamburgers – Dallas, Texas
Wimpy’s Hamburgers – Dallas, Texas – I’ll gladly pay you Thursday for a hamburger today….
Walcott Castle – Walcott, Iowa
Castle Hall in Walcott, IAOne of the Towers on Castle Hall in Walcott
Wind Farms – Shelby, Montana; Nekoma, North Dakota; Adair, Iowa; Bloomington, Illinois; Iona, Idaho; Rugby, North Dakota; Port Burwell, Ontario
An old cabin falls apart in the midst of the giant wind turbines of the Glacier Wind Farm near Shelby, Montana
A silo and wind turbine coexist near Nekoma, NDWind Turbines of the Rolling Hills Wind Farm near Adair, IAWind Farm near Bloomington, ILApproaching Wolverine Creek Wind Farm, near Iona, IDWind Turbines seem to blossom like flowers out of the corn fields of IowaWind Farm near Rugby, NDWind Farm info center in Port Burwell, OntarioWind Farm near Shelby, Montana
Watkins Glen State Park – Watkins Glen, New York
One of over 50 waterfalls in Watkins Glen State Park, NYWatkins Glen State Park, New York
Wilbur, Washington
Wilbur, WashingtonBilly Burger, Wilbur, WABig Pig and Spider at Welcome center in Wilbur, WA
Winnemucca, Nevada
Sumoflam in Winnemucca, NevadaBig casino in Winnemucca, NevadaDriving through Winnemucca
Mount Washington – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Mount WashingtonPanoramic View of Pittsburgh from atop Mt. Washington
West Yellowstone, Montana
Welcome to West Yellowstone, MontanaWestward Motel – West YellowstoneDude Motel – West Yellowstone, Montana
Whiskey Rebellion – Washington, Pennsylvania
Whiskey Rebellion Statue in Washington, PA
Webster Falls – Hamilton, Ontario
Webster Falls near Hamilton, ONSumoflam at the top of Webster Falls, Hamilton, Ontario
White Castle, Louisiana
Welcome to White Castle, LAThere is a White Castle Fire Dept, but no White Castle restaurants to be seen
Worland, Wyoming
Highway into Worland, WYMammoth Bronze Statue by Chris Navarro in Worland, WY
Working Women mural – Welland, Ontario
“Working Women” by Ted Ziegler shows the contribution of women to the industrial work force in the factories of Welland
Wolf Creek Pass – Colorado
Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado July 1993
Wind River Canyon – Wyoming
History of the Wind River CanyonOne of many spectacular views of Wind River CanyonEntering Wind River Canyon on US 20 from Thermopolis, WY
Walking to the Sky Sculpture – Pittsburgh, Penssylvania
“Walking to the Sky” by Jonathan Borofsky
Washington Monument – Washington, D.C.
The Washington Monument and the US Capitol in Washington DC in 2016
Willie the Walleye – Baudette, Minnesota
Son Solomon (at 6’3″) at Willie the Walleye in Baudette, MN
Wichita, Kansas
Welcome to Wichita muralDonut Whole – Wichita, KansasKeeper of the Plains – 50 foot tall statue in WichitaWicked Street Art in Wichita, KS
What Cheer, Iowa
What Cheer, IowaWhat Cheer, IowaDowntown What Cheer – many abandoned buildings
If you like what you see, you may want to check out my book: Less Beaten Paths of America: Unique Town Names, available on Amazon. My second book, Less Beaten Paths of America: Quirky and Offbeat Roadside Attractions, will be available in late April or early May 2018. Click on the photo below for more details or to get a copy of the book.
During the month of April 2016 I participated in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. The challenge had each blogger select a theme and then do a post thematically from A to Z during each day of April , except Sundays.
This was my first opportunity to really participate in this annual event, which just completed its 6th year. It was not easy!! I had to not only post something daily, but also create a theme and stick with it. And, in my perfectionist way, I wanted to make sure there were plenty of photos and commentary. I wrote in such a way to draw people to the more detailed posts, where ever possible.
It was a load of fun and I completed the challenge. Not sure how many actually did, but it was certainly tough, yet fulfilling.
What I really loved about the event was being able to communicate and link up with others doing the same thing. I have made some new friends on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. I have found some interesting blogs to follow and also have a few new followers.
I most certainly look forward to participating again next year. Now to start thinking of a good theme for next year. May actually take a long time!!!
A BIG Thanks to Arlee Bird and her wonderful team!!
My blog was number 1337 out of 1670 participating blogs. This year my A to Z posts took readers across the back roads of America to many unique towns. See what other bloggers posted about, check out the link: A to Z Theme Reveal List for 2016
Following is a complete listing of each with the banners associated with each post’s link. Click on the Lettered Banner to go to the specific post.
The A Towns: Amarillo, TX – Adair, IA – Alzada, MT – Alamogordo, NM – Alligator, MS – Alliance, NE – Ada, MI – Akela Flats, NM
The B Towns: Bemidji, MN – Boring, OR – Blackfoot, ID – Burk’s Falls, ON – Booger Holler, AR – Brownsville, TN – Babb, MT – Blackwater, MO – Bena, MN – Bucksnort, TN – Bugtussle, KY – Bugtussle, TX
The C Towns: Cactus Flat, SD – Centralia, MO – Cape Elizabeth, ME – Climax, NC – Climax, KY – Choteau, MT – Cave City, KY – Charm, OH – Chelsea, MI – Champaign, IL – Cut Bank, MT – Caledonia, ON – Cut and Shoot, TX – China Grove, TX – Cool, TX – Coolville, OH
The D Towns: Douglas, WY – DeForest, WI – Discovery Bay, WA – Dublin, OH – Dublin, TX – Dragoon, AZ – Denton, TX – Durant, OK – Danville, IL – Dallas, SD – Denver, NC – Damon, TX
The E Towns: Earth, TX – Eureka Springs, AR – Elbe, WA – Easton, PA – Eldon, IA – Egg Harbor, WI – East Peoria, IL – Embro, ON – Eagle, CO – Endeavor, WI
The F Towns: Flagstaff, AZ – Friendly, WV – Friendship, AR – Flippin, AR – Fair Play, SC – Fergus Falls, MN – Feely, MT – Flippin, KY – Fly, OH – Four Way, TX – Future City, IL
The G Towns: Gainesville, TX – Gothenburg, NE – Guthrie, KY – Gregory, SD – Galata, MT – Glasgow, MT – Glasgow, KY – Gardiner, MT – Gillette, WY – Granbury, TX – Grand Forks, ND – Gravel Switch, KY – Gilboa, OH – Georgetown, TX
The H Towns: Hell, MI – Hamtramck, MI – Hamilton, ON – Hatch, NM – Hico, TX – Hopland, CA – Hoboken, NJ – Hugo, OK – Hershey, PA – Home on the Range, ND – Hamburg, IA
The I Towns: Indian Head, SK – Intercourse, PA – Ironwood, MI – Independence, MO – Idaho Falls, ID – Iona, ID – Inverness, MT – Iron River, WI
The J Towns: Jamestown, ND – Joseph, OR – Jeffersonville, IN – Juneau, AK – Jackson Hole, WY – Janesville, WI – Jackson Center, OH – Jamaica Beach, TX – Jamestown, NY
The K Towns: Kemmerer, WY – Keystone, SD – Ketchikan, AK – Kensington District, ON – Kadoka, SD – Kremlin, MT – Kirkwood, MO
The L Towns: LeClaire, IA – Lake Nebagamon, WI – Lesage, WV – LeRoy, NY – Lizard Lick, NC – Lake Jackson, TX – Lost Springs, WY – Langdon, ND
The M Towns: Mt. Horeb, WI – Meadville, PA – Metropolis, IL – Marshfield, WI – Moenave, AZ – Mystic, CT – Montrose, SD – Minot, ND – Mitchell, SD – Mapleton, ON – Medina, NY – Moose Jaw, SK – Mars, PA
The N Towns: Nicholson, PA – Nekoma, ND – Natchez, MS – Neah Bay, WA – Nauvoo, IL – Newport, OR – Newark, OH – Normal, IL – Nice, CA – New Salem, ND
The O Towns: Only, TN – Old Orchard Beach, ME – Okay, OK – Oil Springs, ON – Oak Creek, CO – Oacoma, SD – Odd, WV – Onawa, IA – Oddville, KY
The P Towns: Pella, IA – Peculiar, MO – Pierre Part, LA – Point Pleasant, WV – Paris, KY – Paris, TX – Paris, TN – Paris, ON – Port Orchard, WA – Powder River, WY – Paducah, KY – Port Gibson, MS – Palmyra, NY – Perryville, KY – Paxton, NE – Pembroke, NY – Penn Yan, NY – Ponder, TX
The Q Towns: Quincy, IL – Quartzsite, AZ – Queen City, OH (Cincinnati) – Quicksand, KY
The R Towns: Roswell, NM – Regent, ND – Rhinelander, WI – Rabbit Hash, KY – Raton, NM – Red Lodge, MT – Riverside, IA – Rugby, ND – Rudyard, MT
The S Towns: Steubenville, OH – Stanley, ID – Sedona, AZ – Santa Rosa, CA – Staunton, IL – Sisters, OR – Seymour, WI – Santa Claus, IN – Sandwich, NH – Sweet Grass, MT – Shakespeare, ON – Stratford, ON – Sikeston, MO – Success, MO – Soda Springs, ID
The T Towns: Tightwad, MO – Talent, OR – Toad Suck, AR – Thermopolis, WY – Teton Valley, ID – Tetonia, ID – Tuba City, AZ – Tornado, WV – Tavistock, ON – Tomahawk, WI – Tripp, SD – Tunica, MS – Tioga, TX – Ten Sleep, WY – Torch, OH
The U Towns: Uncertain, TX – Uncasville, CT – Upper Lake, CA – Ukiah, CA – Upton, KY
The V Towns: Vulcan, AB – Valier, MT – Vernal, UT – Vandalia, IL – Vicksburg, MS – Versailles, KY – Vincennes, IN
The W Towns: Wharton, TX – Welland, ON – Wapiti, WY – Wall, SD – Winterset, IA – Winner, SD – Walla Wall, WA – Worland, WY – Walcott, IA – Waldo, AR – West Montrose, ON
The X Towns: Xenia, OH – Lexington, KY – Cotopaxi, CO – Oxford County, ON – Texarkana, AR – Texline, TX – Rexburg, ID – Exie, KY
The Y Towns: Yampa, CO – West Yellowstone, MT – Yellville, AR – York, NE
The Z Towns: Zanesville, OH – Zelienople, PA – Zurich, MT
During the month of April I am participating in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. The challenge has each blogger select a theme and then do a post thematically from A to Z during each day of April , except Sundays. My blog is number 1337 out of 1670 participating blogs. This year my A to Z posts will take you across the back roads of America to many unique what other bloggers will be posting about, check out the link: A to Z Theme Reveal List for 2016
The I Towns
Indian Head, Saskatchewan
Sumoflam at Indian Head Statue in Indian Head, SK in Canada in Sept. 2007Indian Head Side View, Indian Head, SK, Canada
It is interesting that three of my I Towns in this post have something to do with Indians (American Indians) and so I am starting off in Canada at Indian Head, Saskatchewan. Indian Head is anchored against the mainline of the Canadian Pacific Railway at the junction of the Trans-Canada Highway just 65 km east of Regina. The town was both a railroad hub and is in the center one of the wheat producing areas of Canada. The Indian Head statue (shown above) was officially unveiled on August 4, 1985. The statue is 18 feet high (the head itself is 10 feet tall). It weighs approximately 3,500 pounds and is made from metal pipe, metal mesh and cement. The statue was designed by sculptor Don Foulds of Saskatoon. It is very easy to get to, just off of Highway 1 in Indian Head.
Intercourse, Pennsylvania
Intercourse, PA Sign – the most stolen town sign in the USDutch Haven Restaurant, Home of the famed Amish Shoo Fly Pie, located in Ronks, PA just down the road from IntercourseAn Amish Buggy speeds by in IntercourseAmish buggies can be seen everywhere in and around IntercourseAmish Buggy Sales lot just outside of IntercourseAmish Buggy Interior with all of the amenities
Contrary to those with dirty minds, Intercourse was formerly known as “Cross Keys”, which was founded in 1754. The name was changed to Intercourse in 1814. There are several explanations concerning the origin of the name of Intercourse, but none can really be substantiated. The first centers around an old race track which existed just east of town along the Old Philadelphia Pike. The entrance to the race course was known as “Entercourse”. Some suggest that “Entercourse” gradually evolved into “Intercourse”. There are others, but perhaps the most quantifiable to me comes from the “old english” language which was is use in the early 1800’s. It refers to the “fellowship” or social interaction and friendship which was so much a part of an agricultural village and culture at that time. The Amish are really quite a social people and are well known for working as groups to raise barns, etc. The town’s sign is considered the most frequently stolen town sign in the US and is now on a pole that is difficult to get to. You can read more about my visit to Intercourse and Amish Country in central Pennsylvania back in 2008 HERE.
Ironwood, Michigan
Historic Ironwood Theatre in Ironwood, MIFamed Hiawatha Statue of Ironwood, MISumoflam with Hiawatha, America’s tallest Indian Statue at over 50 feetDowntown Ironwood looking towards the giant Hiawatha statueA sign from the past…Ironwood Motel in Ironwood, MIA portion of a mural honoring 100s of iron workers in downtown Ironwood, MI
Ironwood, Michigan was the starting point of my massive US Highway 2 Roadtrip across half of the US Continent back in 2014. I started in Ironwood, which is on the western end of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and it sits on the border with Wisconsin. Ironwood has a number of unique things to see including a giant Hiawatha statue which is touted to be the biggest Native American Indian statue in the United States (it stands 52 feet tall in the midst of a park in town). They also have some nice murals and a few other unique things to see. Its actually a great place to visit. As the name implies, Ironwood is a town that was settled due to iron mining. It’s history goes back to the 1800s. There are a couple of monuments to the iron workers in this town including a beautiful mural with paintings of the faces of almost 100 of the former iron workers. There is also a nice chainsaw carved sculpture in front of the old train station. See more about my visit to Ironwood and my drive on US Highway 2 HERE.
Independence, Missouri
A mural of Harry Truman on a Law Office in Independence, MO painted by David McClain. Truman was born in IndependenceLiberty Jail is where LDS Church founder and leader Joseph Smith was held…it is nearby Liberty, MOOne of a number of Lewis and Clark Murals in Independence, MOA small wreath made of hair as can be seen at Leila’s Hair Museum in IndependenceA portion of one of a series of ceramic murals on the Clay County Public Services Building in Independence, MO
Independence is one of the great historical towns in Missouri. Decorated with murals all over town, filled with history and nearby in Liberty is the home of a major LDS (Mormon) Church Museum. It is the birthplace of American President Harry Truman. Lewis and Clark ventured here in the 1800s and many pioneers came here on the Mormon, California and Oregon trails. It is also home to one of America’s really quirky museums in Leila’s Hair Museum.
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Gigantic Peter Toth carved Indian in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He has more than 55 of these around the US, all different. I have only seen five.Snake River in Idaho FallsWild West Designs in Idaho Falls…great wooden sculpturesIdaho Falls Temple of the LDS ChurchYummy House Chinese – Idaho Falls, IdahoScotty’s Hamburgers – Old Americana
I try not to include too many “big” cities in these posts, but I wanted to include Idaho Falls. Its a nice place to visit and has plenty to see. There are vintage restaurants and burger places, such as Scotty’s above, a beautiful Mormon temple, one of the 55 Peter Toth wooden carved “Whispering Giants” Indian Statues and more. The Snake River runs through the middle of town with some wonderful waterfalls (thus Idaho Falls). You can see more about my 2013 visit there by clicking HERE.
Iona, Idaho (Honorable Mention)
Approaching Wolverine Creek Wind Farm, near Iona, IDTurbines from the Wolverine Creek Wind Farm
On a hill just northeast of Idaho Falls is another small town called Iona, a town settled by Mormon pioneers in 1884. It is now home to the Wolverine Creek Wind Farm. There are 43 turbines, which can be seen from Rexburg on a clear day. This site produces about 64.5 Mw of power.
Inverness, Montana (Honorable Mention)
Sumoflam and the Dino near Inverness, MTThe dinosaur sculpture off of US Highway 2 near Rudyard, made by farmer Byron Wolery of Inverness, MT
Driving along US Highway 2 in northern Montana near Rudyard, is the small community of Inverness. It was named by “Scotty” Watson, pioneer stockman, in memory of his native town in Scotland. The Scottish town is located on the inlet to Loch Ness, famous for the Loch Ness monster. There is a population of about 55 living there, including sculptor Byron Wolery who made an interesting scrap metal dinosaur that greets passersby near Rudyard. They have their own “monster” now! See more about the Hi Line drive of Montana HERE.
Iron River, Wisconsin (Honorable Mention)
Iron River, WisconsinIron River Mural in Iron River, WI
West of Ironwood, MI on US Highway 2 is the small town of Iron River, Wisconsin. This small town has a huge mural done by the same artists that did a number of lovely murals in Ashland, Wisconsin. They began this project in 2006 sponsored by the Iron River Lion’s Club. The town is proud to claim 96 Lakes, 12 Trout Streams, 4 Rivers, 500 miles of groomed ATV trails, Chequamegon National Forest, North Country Hiking Trail and many more great hiking trails, Camba Mountain Biking Trail System, Skiing, Snowshoeing, Dog Sledding, Waterfalls, Fishing, Birding, Berry Picking, Wildlife and Summer Sunsets. I hope to visit the area again in the future on a more extended visit. See more HERE.
Did You Miss My Other A to Z Challenge Posts? Click on a letter below to see the others.
In 2018 I will feature a random (yet alphabetical) selection of photos I have taken from my nearly 20 years of back roads travel in the United States and Canada. I may even throw in a few random shots from other trips to Japan, Mexico and the Philippines. My theme is called America’s Back Roads: A Grab Bag of Places in Pictures.
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