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.
Lost Springs, Wyoming (Was Population 1, now Population 4)
Visited Lost Springs, WY, Pop 1 in 2007. Went back in 2014 and it had grown 400% to Pop 4. And yes, I have a photo of that sign too!Lost Springs in 2014 – ironically I was wearing the same shirt 7 years later!!!Lost Springs Store and Post Office, Lost Springs, WY
Lake Andes, South Dakota
White Pelicans at Lake Andes in South Dakota
Lambert’s Cafe – Home of Throwed Rolls – Sikeston, Missouri
Sumoflam and wife at Lambert’s Cafe – Home of Throwed RollsLambert’s Cafe – Sikeston, Missouri – big placeThrowing Rolls at Lambert’s
Lima, Montana
Downtown Lima, Montana“Not the Hotel California” in Lima, Montana
Lexington Cemetery in Spring – Lexington, Kentucky
Spring Colors at Lexington Cemetery
Letchworth State Park – Castile, New York
Letchworth State Park, New York
Lindley Sign Post Forest – Danville, Illinois
Lindley Sign Post Forest SignLindley Sign Post Forest in Danville, IL
Lake Oswego Art Walk – Lake Oswego, Oregon
Large Skelephant, part of the Lake Oswego Art Walk
Lethbridge, Alberta
High Level Bridge in Lethbridge, Alberta was built in 1909. It is 5327 feet long and the largest of its type in the worldRic’s Grill – Restaurant in a Water Tower – Lethbridge, Alberta
Lawn Order – Nebraska City, Nebraska
Great Name for a Lawn Care Business – Lawn Order
Lincoln Mural – Lexington, Kentucky
Completed Painting on November 15, 2013
Lordsburg, New Mexico
Interstate 10 near Lordsburg, New Mexico
Leland, Mississippi – Birthplace of Kermit the Frog
Birthplace of Kermit the Frog, Leland, MSSumoflam at the “Birthplace of Kermit the Frog” in Leland, MS
Lake Wobegon Trail – Avon, Minnesota
Lake Wobegon Trail
Libby’s Pumpkin Factory – Morton, Illinois
Welcome to Morton, Illinois – Pumpkin Capital of the WorldWe missed the Morton Pumpkin Festival by only a few days.
Lookout, West Virginia
Lookout, WV Post Office
Log Cabin Motel – Ashton, Idaho
Log Cabin Motel – Ashton, Idaho
Lucy in Disguise Costumes – Austin, Texas
Lucy in Disguise, Austin, TX
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville, KY as seen from across the Ohio River in IndianaLouisville BridgesDetail of Noah Church mural in Louisville. Not sure who all of these folks are…
Larry Vennard Iron Sculpture Park – Centralia, Missouri
Sumoflam and Larry Vennard at his Iron Sculpture Park in Centralia, MOLarry Vennard’s Highway “T” Rex near Centralia, MO“Dimetrodon” by Larry Vennard
Lostant, Illinois
Id the ant is lost, how do they know which direction it is?
Leif Erikson Statues – Cleveland, Ohio and Duluth, Minnesota
Statue of Leif Erikson in Cleveland, IllinoisLeif Erikson Statue in Duluth, Minnesota
Lava Hot Springs, Idaho
Welcome to Lava Hot Springs, Idaho
Abraham Lincoln Statue – Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Sumoflam and Lincoln in Jackson Hole
Leaning Tree Cafe – Babb, Montana
Leaning Tree Cafe, Babb, MontanaKade and Charlie, with their Dad Aaron at Leaning Tree Cafe in Babb, MT at the base of Glacier National Park – March 2013
Laboratory, Pennsylvania
Community Honor Roll for Veterans in Laboratory, PA
Large Wooden Trolls – Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin
One of dozens of HUGE trolls in Mt. Horeb, WisconsinAhhh..trolls
Welcome to Louisiana
Welcome to Louisiana on US Hwy 61
Laughing Ladies Cafe – Salida, Colorado
Laughing Ladies Cafe – Salida, Colorado – love the name and the sign
Langdon Wind Energy Center – Langdon, North Dakota
Langdon Wind Farm Info Center near Langdon, NDSilo and Wind Turbine near Nekoma, ND
Little Big Horn National Monument – Crow Agency, Montana
Grave markers of the US Calvary Soldiers that died at the Battle of Little Big Horn in Little Big Horn National Monument in Montana
Lizard Lick, North Carolina
Lizard Lick, North CarolinaLizard Lick Towing mural on sign outside of towing placeLizard Lick lizard on top of gas station
Lucille Ball Birthplace – Jamestown, New York
Lucille Ball BirthplaceJamestown Banner advertising Lucille Ball Festival
Landry and Lombardi – NFL Coaching Icons – Dallas, Texas and Green Bay, Wisconsin
Legendary Dallas Cowboy Coach Tom Landry (At Cowboys Stadium)Legendary Green Bay Packers Coach Vince Lombardi (At Lambeau Field)
Longaberger Baskets – Newark, Ohio
Amaree, Solomon and Seth at Longaberger Basket HQ in Newark, OH Fall 1999
Lynn’s Paradise Cafe – Louisville, Kentucky
Unfortunately, this place closed down around 2010 or so.
Sumoflam at Lynn’s Paradise CafeLegs on walls at Lynn’s Paradise Cafe
Lovesick Falls – Ontario, Canada
Lovesick Falls in Ontario
Little Italy – Cleveland, Ohio
Little Italy Historic District in ClevelandMayfield Road and Random Road, by the little park in Little Italy
Lopatapillar – Butterfly House – Chesterfield, Missouri
Grandkids play on the 30 foot long “Lopatapillar”, created by artist Bob Cassilly at the Butterfly House in Chesterfield, Missouri
Logan’s Shoe Shop Neon Sign – Denton, Texas
Logan’s Shoe Shop Neon, Denton, TX
Lusk, Wyoming
US 20 East out of Lusk, WYOld Lusk Drive-In Theatre MarqueeCovered Wagon Motel in Lusk, Wyoming
Little River Cafe – Oregonia, Ohio
The Little River Cafe in Oregonia, OH is most easily reached by bike. It is literally on the side of the trail. The road to Oregonia is way out of the way.
Troy Landry – Swamp People icon – Pierre Part, Louisiana
Sumoflam and Troy Landry from Swamp People
LSA Burger Company – Denton, Texas
LSA Burger Company Neon, Denton, TXTexas Instruments, a unique sculpture at the LSA Burger Co., in DentonAlbum Counter at LSA Burger Co.
Lewistown, Montana
Golden Statue of Liberty in Lewistown, MontanaDeer grazing in the snow in Lewistown, MontanaEagle I saw when driving by Lewistown, Montana (my very first Bald Eagle sighting/photo)
Lund Theatre – Viborg, South Dakota
Lund Theatre – Viborg, South Dakota
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.
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.
Judy Garland Birthplace – Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Sumoflam at Judy Garland birthplace in Grand Rapids, MNJudy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, MN
Jakeman’s Maple Syrup – Beachville, Ontario
Jakeman’s Maple Products – Beachville, OntarioJakeman’s Sign
Jackalopes Everywhere – Superior, Wisconsin; Wall, South Dakota; Douglas, Wyoming; Fort Worth, Texas
Jackalope CrossingA cuddly Jackalope at Wall Drug, SDA Jackalope Bird or something at Gronk’s in Superior, WisconsinDouglas, Wyoming JackalopeJackalope on top of a car dealership in Ft. Worth, TX
Jungle Jim’s Restroom – Cincinnati, Ohio
Jungle Jim’s Restroom entrances are deceptive. They actually lead to immaculate huge restrooms.
Jimmy’s Ice Cream – Waldo, Arkansas
Jimmy’s Ice Cream – Waldo, Arkansas
Jolly, Texas
Jolly, TexasI am being Jolly – I think
Juke Boxes – Mel’s Diner – San Francisco, California
Rockola Juke Boxes line the store and fill it with 50s and 60s music
Jerry Siegel / Joe Schuster – Creators of Superman – Cleveland, Ohio
Story of Superman at Joe Shuster’s former homeSuperman Street signs at the corner of Kimberley and Parkwood in Cleveland – Jerry Siegel Lane and Lois LaneA plaque in front of the Jerry Siegel house gives the history of his work.Action Comics blowups at Joe Schuster HomeAmor St. has become Joe Shuster Lane. It too is on Parkwood (known also as Lois Lane)
James Frank Kotera – JFK The Twine Ball Man – Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin
James Frank Kotera – JFK – The Twine Ball Man of Lake Nebagamon, WI
Jumbo the Elephant Statue – St. Thomas, Ontario
Sumoflam with Jumbo in 2008
JELL-O Museum – Le Roy, New York
JELL-O Museum in LeRoy, New YorkHead shot of JELL-O Cow in Leroy, NY
Future Birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk – Riverside, Iowa
Future Birthplace of James T. Kirk in Riverside, IA
Jurustic Park – Marshfield, Wisconsin
Another of the premiere roadside attractions in America!!
Jurustic Park – Marshfield, Wisconsin20 foot tall Jurustic Park dragon in Marshfield, WIJurustic Park
J.C. Penney Mother Store – Kemmerer, Wyoming
Where it all started
J.C. Penney Mother Store
Jesus in Cowboy Boots – Evergreen Cemetery – Paris, Texas
The famed “Jesus in Cowboy Boots” monument at Evergreen Cemetery in Paris, TX
Jolly Green Giant – Blue Earth, Minnesota
Jolly Green Giant in Blue Earth, MN
Jerusalem Rocks – Sweetgrass, Montana
Jerusalem Rocks near Sweetgrass, MontanaJerusalem Rocks near SweetgrassSumoflam at Jerusalem Rocks in December 2012
One of the Jelly Belly WallsSCORE! Tabasco flavored Jelly Belly candies!! How exciting!
John Wayne House – Winterset, Iowa
Birthplace of John Wayne, Winterset, IowaJohn Wayne Drive, Winterset, Iowa
Jeffersonville, Indiana
Welcome to JeffersonvilleThe Howard House – one of 12 floodwall murals in Jeffersonville
Three Jamestowns – Jamestown, New York; Jamestown, North Dakota; Jamestown, Virginia
Large Lucy Mural in Jamestown, NY painted by Gary Peters Jr. and Gary Peters Sr.Lucy Desi Museum – Jamestown, NYFrontier Village, an old-timey Western Village in Jamestown, NDWorld’s Largest Buffalo in Jamestown, NDMy sons Seth and Sol on deck of one of the ships in Jamestown, VA in August 1995Kids in the Jamestown Settlement in August 1995
Joplin, Montana
Joplin, Montana…Biggest Little Town on Earth
James Garfield Monument – Lake View Cemetery – Cleveland, Ohio
James Garfield Statue inside Garfield MonumentThe James Garfield Memorial at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland
Jackalope Capital of the World – Douglas, Wyoming
Get your Jackalope Hunting License Here
My Official Jackalope Hunting License from Douglas, WYNew Douglas Chamber of Commerce Logo with a JackalopeLarge Jackalope – Douglas, WYKissing the Jackalope goodbye
Joseph Smith Cabin – Palmyra, New York
LDS Church founder Joseph Smith’s Cabin in Palmyra, NY
Big Jud’s Gourmet Burgers – Rexburg, Idaho
Big Jud’s Gourmet Burgers, Rexburg, IDTotal indulgence in a Big Jud’s “small” burger
Jaarsma Bakery – Pella, Iowa
Jaarsma Bakery – Pella, IowaYummy Dutch Goodies at Jaarsma Bakery
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Welcome to Jackson, Wyoming!!Jackson, Wyoming and Ski SlopeAntler Arch of Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Joe Mama’s Fine Italian – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Joe Mama’s Fine Italian Restaurant
Jacobson Park – Lexington, Kentucky
My Happy Place
Lovely parhelion (sun dog) over Jacobson Lake in December 2016Winter sunrise at Jacobson ParkFall at Jacobson Park
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.
One cannot travel any road in America or Canada without running into some sort of historical site, monument or building. That is part of the fun of a back road adventure. Our country of 2017 is defined in great part by the history of the country dating back to the 1600s (and earlier if you count the Native Americans).
Camp Disappointment west of Cut Bank< Montana looks out towards the mountains of Glacier National Park. This is one of many Lewis and Clark Monuments across the United States.Monument in Beachville, Ontario commemorating the first baseball game in Canada.
Dotting the roads of America are historical markers that tell about events that occurred in that exact location or nearby. There are literally 1000s of these. In the eastern US many of them are about Civil War incidents while in the west many are related to Indian Wars, Lewis and Clark or pioneers. They are often interesting to stop and read. As a History/Geography major in college, I have found these to be a sort of “roadside wikipedia.”
Historical Marker about West Columbia, TXFort Steuben Historical Site, Steubenville, OHThe Overland Trail historic SignPound Gap Historical Sign on the Virginia/Kentucky BorderRugby, ND in 2014Alligator Blues Marker in Alligator, MS – One of many markers along the Blues Highway in MississippiPlaque describing the naming of the roads This Way and That Way in Lake Jackson, TXMeriwether Lewis meets John Clark at the Falls of the Ohio in Clarksville, IN
When traveling through the heart of the country, one can come across a myriad of monuments and historical sites dedicated to Meriwether Lewis and William Clark…better known as just Lewis Clark. From May 1804 to September 1806, these two, accompanied by 29 or 30 others, in what was named by then President Thomas Jefferson as the “Corps of Discovery.” They left Camp Dubois (near St. Louis) and ventured westward to the Pacific Coast. In my travels I have come across dozens of monuments, plaques, museums and other places all dedicated to or referencing this amazing expedition. Their pioneer spirit has always amazed me.
One of a number of Lewis and Clark Murals in Independence, MOA plaque commemorating a Lewis and Clark Campsite near Elk Point, South DakotaPioneer Relief Sculpture at Council Bluffs Library
Of course, after them went the pioneers. There were those who followed the Oregon Trail. Others, chiefly the Mormons, forged their own trail, now called the Mormon trail. In the south there was the famed Santa Fe Trail. Then, along the way there were other smaller, lesser known trails, such as the Oyate Trail in South Dakota, and others. Travel the roads that follow these trails and an abundance of unique history can be seen. As a member of the LDS Church (Mormon) I have been able to visit many church historical sites.
A sculpture of a pioneer/trapper overlooks the Shields Valley in MontanaPioneer brotherhood – Pioneer Memorial, Omaha, NebraskaPioneer Monument – Opal, WYLife size Pioneer Diorama on outside of the National Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier, IDLDS Church founder Joseph Smith’s Cabin in Palmyra, NYMartins Cove in Wyoming, part of the Mormon Handcart TrailSumoflam and Cannons at Vicksburg National Military Park
Across a good portion of the southeast and all the way into Ohio and Pennsylvania, one will come across a plethora of Civil War related monuments, historical sites and otherwise. Many sites have annual Civil War reenactments.
The big parks such as Vicksburg and Gettysburg are huge and have a ton of history. But there are smaller ones, such as Perryville Battlefield in Kentucky that are unique in their historic perspective.
Sculpture at VicksburgGettysburg Address Commemorative Sign, July 1998Seth and Solomon with Civil War reenactors in Perryville, KY October 1994Perryville Battlefield ReEnactmentOne of four bronze statues that surround the large Civil War monument in Cleveland, OH. Called “At Short Range” it is a representation of the Artillery Group
In the far eastern parts of the United States one comes across places like the Jamestown Settlement and Williamsburg. There are many others.
Kids in the Jamestown Settlement in August 1995Kids take over the ship at Jamestown, VA – August 1995Lucille Ball Birthplace
For fun, many cities have the “Birthplace of …” signs when you enter their small towns. These could be famous actors, historical figures or athletes. Typically there are monuments or statues. I have come across many of these. They are always a fun little side adventure.
I have come across many of these over the years. Its always fun to “discover” the birthplaces. (Ironically, Lucille Ball was born in Jamestown, NY…not the same as Jamestown, VA which I posted above.) Some of the “birthplaces” are a bit on the corny side.
Sumoflam at Judy Garland birthplace in Grand Rapids, MNBirthplace of John Wayne, Winterset, IowaDean Martin mural in his birthplace of Steubenville, OH painted by Robert Dever in 1998Singing Perry Como statue in downtown Canonsburg, PAA couple of my children at the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln in the 1990sBirthplace of Kermit the Frog, Leland, MSFuture Birthplace of James T. Kirk in Riverside, IAWashington County Courthouse in Washington, PA
Then, of course, there are the historical buildings. Hundreds of unique courthouses and their fascinating architecture can be seen in diverse little towns and counties. There are old churches large and small. And many long forgotten dilapidated old buildings. All of them tell some sort of story about the place.
I have visited dozens of courthouses around the country. I love the old architecture. I have some favorites. Some are more interesting than others. I have added a few below.
Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square in Denton, TXWoodstock, Ontario City HallOld courthouse in Wharton, TXCourthouse in Buena Vista, COMadison County Courthouse, Winterset, IowaLit Pillars at Courthouse in Columbia, MOOld Church “San Xavier del Bac” in TucsonSumoflam and Pyramid in Nekoma, NDSumoflam Gothic at the Grant Wood American Gothic House in Eldon, IAOld Prairie School House on Smith-Frisno Road west of Havre, MT. I wanted this one in black and white…Mustard Display – Plastic Bottles – Mustard Museum in Wisconsin
Finally, there are the many “oddball” or “quirky” historical sites and objects. One never knows what they will run into in a small town. A quaint historical museum? An oddball monument? A unique cemetery?
I have had fun discovering historical sites, quirky museums and other fun stuff. Here are a few below.
Sod House Museum, Gothenburg, NEMothman Museum in Point Pleasant, WVCanadian Warplane Museum in Hamilton, Ontario“Where’s the Beef?” memorabilia from the famed advertising campaign in the Wendy’s Museum in Dublin, OHAt the Idaho Potato Museum in 2013My son Seth at the SPAM Museum in Austin, MN July 2004The Pyramid in Nekoma, NDGateway to the Blues, Tunica, MississippiKregel Windmill Factory Museum in Nebraska City, NEThe Rockpile Museum in Gillette, WY