While Karl stood in awe of the majestic mountains and prairie skies, I was equally captivated by the massive roadside oddities along my journey across North America. These giant sculptures are as iconic as they are whimsical, part of a longstanding tradition of novelty architecture.

From colossal roadside cans of Coca-Cola to immense prairie chickens, these oversized landmarks were erected during the eras of family vacations when car travel reigned. After the automobile became a staple in the mid-20th century, roadside attractions flourished, luring travellers with promises of the world’s largest ball of twine, a towering Paul Bunyan, or a massive banana. These were more than quirky pit stops, they were markers of local pride. Unique claims to fame beckoning weary travellers to pull over, stretch their legs, and take in something unexpectedly grand.

Each giant sculpture has its own story. For instance, the first big thing I sought along Karl’s route was the world’s largest axe in Nackawic, New Brunswick. The giant axe symbolizes “the importance of the forest industry past, present and future.” The Big Orange in Montreal is a fast-food restaurant that has been serving Hermas Gibeau’s Orange Juleps since 1947.

I was less enthralled by the biggest truck in the Western Hemisphere—the Terex Titan, a dump truck big enough to haul two buses plus two pickup trucks. Truth be told, I wasn’t captivated by the giant spoon and cherry in Minnesota, but the ginormous animals were worth every extra kilometer I went off-track.

While travelling through North Dakota, I veered to Jamestown to see “Dakota Thunder”, the 26-foot-tall, 60-ton concrete world’s largest buffalo created in 1959. This attraction weighs as much as five African elephants or 30 average-sized automobiles. Construction costs to build the giant monument were $8,500, the equivalent of $70,000 today. And I would challenge anyone to drive through Moosejaw, Saskatchewan and not take the time to visit Mac the Moose! Mac was “born” in 1984 and is one of Canada's most photographed roadside attractions.

This love for the oversized doesn’t just reflect a desire for attention; it tells us something about the spirit of the places that host them. Towns and cities have used these attractions to create landmarks and memories, drawing in visitors and giving communities a sense of identity. Driving through these places feels like entering a gallery of the fantastic and the absurd, where you’re bound to spot something worthy of pulling over for a photo.

Through mountains of metal and fiberglass, and places far from bustling urban centers, I see how these oversized creations continue to evoke joy. They help to put towns and cities on the map, which may otherwise be just a place you drive through. From the Big Apple in Colborne, Ontario, or the giant blue rooster in Minneapolis - there’s special charm in these attractions, which refuse to blend in and instead declare, “Here I am – larger than life!”

I travelled the furthest off Karl’s trail and doubled back to seek out Sue, the world’s largest Holstein cow!

Situated on School Hill between New Salem and I-94 Highway, the cow (38 feet high and 50 feet long) is visible for 5 miles. It was built in 1974 for the New Salem Lions Club, transported to New Salem in 3 parts and erected under the direction of Dave Oswald, the artist. The project's total cost was approximately $40,000, which was contributed by dairymen, farmers, businessmen, the dairy industry, and residents. According to the New Salem Lions Club: “Its purpose is to honour and advertise the dairymen of the area, their superior herds and the production of high-quality milk. Salem Sue is known worldwide. She continues to be promoted and maintained by the New Salem Lions. She also helps promote tourism, business and serves to educate and interest our youth in the science of animal husbandry and the qualities of living in a rural community.”

Dear reader, Sue did not disappoint. Perched high on a hill, I managed to get up close to the massive cow and her nether regions at sunset, which was “udderly” fantastic.

These big things can help make a long road trip an adventure—each stop an invitation to marvel, laugh, shake your head, or perhaps consider what roadside attraction you would like to see or have built in your neighbourhood. Do you have any ideas, Dear Reader?

Sadly, following Karl, I did not get to go to Alamogordo, New Mexico, and see the 30-foot-tall, largest pistachio. Still, I’m hoping to see a giant pineapple once I get to Australia to make up for it - stay tuned!