Presidents Quest: The Ultimate Presidential Road Trip
Presidents Quest
Who is that person sitting behind the Oval Office desk? It's never been easy to know. We're told to view our Presidents (or presidential hopefuls) in stark shades of red or blue. They are either good or bad, strong or weak, liberal or conservative, wise or whacked-out, leaders or losers.
Polarizing generalities may work in politics, but democracy requires smartified citizens. In that spirit, RoadsideAmerica.com presents this selection of America's most diverse and dizzying presidential attractions. JFK gave us hope for the future -- but did you know he hedged his bets with his own private bomb shelter? Franklin Pierce was a lousy President; could it be because he once wore a dress?
To really see our Presidents requires a journey far beyond the Washington Beltway, out among the people, riding the roads from Yorba Linda, California, to Casco, Maine. No need to worry about the potholes of infrastructure non-investment -- we'll get you there!
2016 Campaign Road Trip
Throughout the 2016 Presidential campaign we're highlighting the essential landmarks. Tapping unimpeachable resources such as the Roadside Presidents App for iPhone, this road trip will roll like Manifest Destiny.
Peculiar and portentous presidential pit stops can transform our Chief Executives from flat and gray stereotypes to living, breathing, rainbow-hued heroes.
The Sights
- Hall of Presidents and First Ladies - Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Chatty Chief Executives and their tiny wives remind us that America's Presidents are still A-OK. - Street Corner President: George W. Bush - Rapid City, South Dakota
Bush 43 gives thumbs up to America -- or maybe just Rapid City. Don't blame his dog. - Abe Lincoln Vs. Steven Douglas - Alton, Illinois
Debating forever, in bronze, and the artist made it easy to tell the good guy from the bad guy. - Lincoln's Last Bowel Movement - Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
The most intimate relic of Honest Abe is tastefully framed. But is it honest? - Unloved Statue of President McKinley - Arcata, California
Assassinated 25th President is not as cherished as he once was. - Hannibal Hamlin's Death Couch - Bangor, Maine
Forgotten first VP for Lincoln expired on this well-preserved leather couch. - The President's House - Philadelphia, PA
Before there was The White House, there was this house - rebuilt as a strange open-air Chief Executive habitat. - Charlie Taft, Robot Son of President Taft - Cincinnati, OH
A politician like his dad, but he just wanted to fish. - Mount Rush Hour - Houston, TX
Stuck in traffic? Gaze upon the heads of four mighty Commanders-in-Chief for inspiration. - Sharpshooter President's Target Board - Springfield, IL
Lincoln could handle a rifle, as this PR artifact attests. - Nixon Museum and Birthplace - Yorba Linda, CA
Nixon's the one, from Checkers to China to Deep Throat - President Reagan Ate Here McDonald's - Northport, AL
After a 1984 presidential campaign speech, regular-guy Reagan came here for lunch and asked, "What am I supposed to order?" - Bronzed Foundation of Lincoln's Log Cabin - Lincoln, IN
Because he didn't leave behind his baby shoes. - Strange FDR Sculpture on a Fireplace - West Wyomissing, PA
The president famous for radio fireside chats with the nation is a forgotten fireplace sculpture. - Washington's Tooth - New York, NY
A Founding Father relic at the venerable Fraunces Tavern. - Street Corner Presidents - Rapid City, SD
Bronze statues of every past U.S. President inhabit downtown intersections. - Disturbing Gift for Herbert Hoover - West Branch, IA
It's the Goddess of Life statue. Thanks, Belgium. - The Billiken - St. Louis, MO
Inspired by President Taft, looks like a cross between a Buddha and a goblin. - Upside-Down White House - Wisconsin Dells, WI
Visitors walk on the ceilings of "Top Secret," a topsy-turvy attraction. - Ronald Reagan Museum and Library - Simi Valley, CA
First Lady Nancy joins Ron in the hilltop grave next to his extensive museum. - America's Only One-Day President - Plattsburg, MO
David Rice Atchison had a 24-hour term as Commander-in-Chief. - Scheels Animatronic Presidents - Sparks, NV
Great Presidents win their bets, and our best political gamblers are enshrined in a Nevada sports megastore. - George Washington's Teeth - Mount Vernon, VA
At GW's home and grave, you can buy false teeth refrigerator magnets. - McKinley Coffee Break Monument - Wilmington, DE
Heroic future President William McKinley risked his life to serve coffee. - Grover Cleveland's Wedding Cake - Caldwell, NJ
Mmmmm.... cake from 1886. - Mural of the Presidents - Washington, DC
A fantasy line-up, Eisenhower through Obama share their appreciation for Middle Eastern cuisine. - JFK's Bomb Shelter - Peanut Island, FL
If Cold War diplomacy didn't work, President Kennedy had a nice place to hide. - Jimmy Carter Peanut - Plains, GA
President Carter's toothy smile, grinning from a Goliath-size Georgia goober. - Lincoln Marriage Temple - Harrodsburg, KY
Abe Lincoln was conceived in this cabin, made into a shrine for future parents. - Teddy Roosevelt's Giant Head - Watford City, ND
Teddy's foes thought he had a big head as President -- now he really does. - George W. Bush: No Child Left Behind - Hamilton, OH
If No Child Left Behind is left behind, how much longer will this tribute survive? - Reagan Eats Invisible Potato Pancake - Doylestown, PA
This strange statue captures Ronald Reagan's appetite for reelection. - George, Washington - George, WA
A town in Washington that named itself George because... well, you get the idea.
Come back soon -- more oddball landmarks ahead! Those presidents have been busy.