One thing that we all see when traveling America’s highways is signs. All kinds of them: road signs, exit signs, mile markers, billboards, “Welcome to Our Town” signs and the massive assortment of business signs from fast food places to local eateries. Indeed, our eyes and minds are deluges with them!
Over the course of my 6000 mile road trip to Washington State and back, I probably saw way more than a sign a mile (on average). Yes, there are many places with no signs, but then, there are others, such as going through small towns, where they are in abundance.
One of hundreds of Wall Drug signs to be seen on I-90 from as far away as Minnesota.Lostant The Mint Bar and a Coca-Cola Wall Art sign in Livingston, MontanaZigzag Inn – Zigzag, Oregon
This post presents a variety of signs from the road. This “eye-candy” is just one more fun piece of the travel puzzle. Discovering new signs, whether they be unique neon signs advertising local burger joints to the unique town signs and water towers, these signs are the little “color fillers” on the grand expanse of two lane highways zig-zagging this nation.
I always watch for fun town name signs. This one is in Illinois….not sure if they found the ant.Welcome to Gold Bar, Washington.
Follow me along on this colorful journey (in no particular order) to see some of the signs I saw along the way. And watch for the occasional Wall Drug sign to pop up on the ride (just like they do on I-90).
Saigon Rendezvous Restaurant – Olympia, WashingtonStarve Rock State Park – IllinoisLuxury 5 Cinema in Mitchell, SDBilly Burgers – Wilbur, WashingtonOld Piggly Wiggly Ad on the side of a building in Helper, UtahWall Drug Sign on I-90 in South DakotaA Sign at a convenience store door in Ferdinand, Indiana. So bummed! Wanted to go into store Donald Duck style….Sunset Motel Ad on building in Belle Fourche, SDClassic neon Stardust Motel in Wallace, IdahoWelcome to Nevada – Denio, NevadaSasquatch Sign Company, Manitou Springs, ColoradoCorn Palace – Mitchell, South DakotaWelcome to Henry, IllinoisLivingston Bar & Grille – Livingston, MontanaWall Drug sign in southwest MinnesotaSafeco Field Sign in Seattle, WAMurray Theatre – Murray, UtahWelcome to Tonica, IllinoisWelcome to Davenport, WashingtonLogger Restaurant in Astoria, OregonAl’s Oasis in Chamberlain, South Dakota – Largest stop for 200 miles (next one down the road is Wall DrugBrothers Stage Stop – Brothers, OregonCuster Battlefield Trading Post – Crow Agency, MontanaWelcome to Kingston, WashingtonSilver Saddle Motel in Manitou Springs, CO. I stayed there. Nice place. That is Pkes Peak in the background.Iowa River Greenbelt – Iowa Falls, IowaDr. Pierces Golden Medical Discovery Barn Ad in Waterville, WashingtonKit Carson Trading post, Kit Carson, ColoradoOyster Capital of the World – South Bend, WashingtonWinners Casino – Winnemucca, NevadaLame Deer, MontanaRoxy Theater – Ottawa, IllinoisOld Hotel Newhouse neon sign in Helper, UtahPunkin Center, Colorado. Smack dab in the middle of nowhereCenex Sign on I-90 warning of last gas station for miles. Chamberlain, South DakotaWall Drug Sign on I-90 in South DakotaWarrior Trail – US Hwy 212 in Montana…taken near Ashland, MontanaSolomon, KansasPapa Joe’s in Crescent Junction, UT – The middle of nowhere touristy stop for gas, snacks and odds and ends quirky souvenirs.Antique Archaeology in LeClaire, IowaJerry Strong Landing on the Illinois River in Lacon, IllinoisSign at door of Belle Restaurant in Belle Fourche, SDCutter’s Barber Shop in Olympia, WashingtonPortway Tavern – Astoria, OregonDirection Signs in Wallace, IdahoBlack Bear Clothes wall ad in Sultan, WashingtonWallace, IdahoYet another Wall Drug Sign – in Western MinnesotaThe Empire Theater in Livingston, MontanaBig Foot Road, near the Badlands National Park in South DakotaKountry Korners Krazy Kreatures in Kingston, WashingtonWelcome to Helper sign with old Coke Wall Ad in backgroundWelcome to Kentucky, home sweet homeWall sign in Olympia, WashingtonColorado State Line
ENJOY THE RIDE! CHOOSE HAPPY!
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, is currently being worked on and I hope to make it available in late June 2018. Click on the photo below for more details or to get a copy of the book.
