DeKalb County’s Most Roadside-worthy Whimsical Stops
DeKalb County’s Most Roadside-worthy Whimsical Stops
Written By Emma Goggans
There’s nothing quite like a good road trip—windows down, snacks in the console, and a playlist full of classics guiding you down winding roads. If you’re enjoying a road trip to DeKalb County you will be sure to find winding mountain drives, friendly small towns, and the occasional roadside oddity that makes you do a double take. While most people head for the breathtaking views at Little River Canyon National Preserve or the hiking trails at DeSoto State Park, there’s a whole other side to this area waiting to be discovered. Keep your eyes peeled for bronze statues of country music legends, a life-sized dinosaur made of junk, and even a car that looks like it drove straight into a wall. If you’re the kind of traveler who loves to pull over for the weird, the whimsical, and the wonderfully unexpected, then buckle up—this blog is your guide to DeKalb County’s most roadside-worthy stops according to Roadsideamerica.com!
Bronze Statues of the Alabama Band
If you’ve spent any time in Fort Payne, you know this town is proud of its musical roots. Right in the middle of downtown, you’ll find four larger-than-life bronze statues of the hometown heroes who made up the iconic country band Alabama. With over 75 million records sold and hits like Mountain Music and Dixieland Delight, Alabama’s influence is undeniable. But beyond the music, these statues celebrate the band’s deep connection to their hometown and their contributions to the local community. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just passing through, it’s worth a stop to snap a photo and soak in a little music history.
Gault Ave. & 4th St. North Fort Payne, AL 35967
Dye Ditch Gang
Just a few blocks away from the Alabama Band Statues, there may be something unexpected that catches your eye—a group of playful, larger-than-life sculptures standing proudly along an old drainage ditch. Meet the Dye Ditch Gang, a quirky and heartfelt art installation that pays tribute to the town’s millworking roots.
Back in the day, a drainage channel carried colorful runoff from the hosiery mills that once made Fort Payne the “Sock Capital of the World.” The dyes would streak the water in vibrant hues, earning the ditch its now-famous name. Artist Bobby Welch brought that legacy to life with these whimsical sculptures, capturing the spirit and pride of the hardworking folks who shaped this town’s industrial past. It’s a spot where art meets history—and you might just find yourself grinning at the charm of it all.
151 5th St NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967
The “Jesus Car” Crashed Into a Wall
You know you’re in for an interesting drive when you spot the front half of a car sticking straight out of a brick wall with the word “JESUS” boldly displayed above it. No, it’s not the aftermath of a wreck—it’s art… or a message… or maybe both? This unexpected roadside sight sits just off the main road in Fort Payne at DeKalb Parts Co. and has been confusing and delighting passersby for years.
Whether it’s a statement piece or just a case of eccentric creativity, no one really seems to know the full story—and that’s half the fun. It’s the kind of stop that makes you laugh, scratch your head, and immediately reach for your phone to take a picture. Whatever it is, it’s pure roadside gold.
1012 Gault Ave S, Fort Payne, AL
Junk Creatures of Mike Goggans
If you’ve ever driven along the Lookout Mountain Parkway and spotted a towering metal dinosaur peeking out from a lot full of strange creatures, you’ve stumbled across the wild world of Fort Payne’s own junk artist: Mike Goggans (or Ekim Snaggog, if you’re reading it backwards). That towering metal dinosaur is known as Junkosaurus Wrecks—a 21-foot tall dinosaur made from over 2,000 pieces of junk. It’s as jaw-dropping as it is imaginative. But that’s just the tip of the (junk) iceberg. Scattered throughout the lot next to Barnyard Antiques are more than 30 of Mike’s creations—each one quirky, clever, and completely unforgettable. Keep an eye out for a ten-foot robot named Lirpa Anad Nitsud (named after Mike’s kids—spelled backward, of course), or a giant snake called the Rattle Headed Copper Moccasin. Mike’s work is quirky, impressive, and totally worth the stop.
4616 DeSoto Parkway, Fort Payne, AL 35967
Church With a Rock In It
As you wind your way through Lookout Mountain, keep your eyes peeled for a small stone chapel tucked into the trees—and built quite literally around a giant boulder. This is the Sallie Howard Memorial Chapel, lovingly constructed in 1937 by Colonel Milford W. Howard in memory of his late wife, Sallie. It’s not just a roadside curiosity—it’s a testament to lasting love, carved in stone.
Colonel Howard had always dreamed of recreating a chapel he and Sallie had once visited during a trip to Europe. One of his final accomplishments before his death was making that dream a reality. The result is a charming, one-of-a-kind church that incorporates a massive rock right into its walls. But what really makes the chapel special are the personal touches—above the pulpit, a beam is inscribed with Sallie’s words: “God Has All Ways Been As Good To Me As I Would Let Him Be.”
The church is always left open to worshipers and visitors and still holds weekly Sunday services. Peaceful, humble, and completely unforgettable, the Sallie Howard Chapel is the kind of roadside stop that lingers with you long after you’ve left.
14 County Road 617, Mentone, AL 35984
The Barter Man
Not every roadside statue has a backstory, but that doesn’t make it any less interesting! Just outside of Rainsville, standing tall at the entrance to the Barter Post, is a giant old prospector statue, now repurposed as a friendly roadside mascot. With one arm raised in a wave, he greets every traveler who passes by like an old friend.
132 Old Hwy 35 E, Rainsville, AL
DeKalb County Mural Trail
If art is your kind of roadside stop, you’ll love the 19 murals painted across DeKalb County. Each one tells a story of local history, culture, or community pride. They make the perfect pit stops for stretching your legs and snapping a few photos. Want to see them all? Follow the DeKalb Mural Trail and turn your road trip into an art walk.
Sometimes the best parts of a trip aren’t the destinations—they’re the unexpected stops along the way. DeKalb County is full of places that make you pause, smile, and maybe scratch your head a little. So next time you’re driving through, take the long way. Roll down your windows, pull over when something looks odd, and enjoy the weird, wonderful character of our little corner of Alabama.
