15 U.S. Buildings That Look Like Everyday Objects
Some buildings don’t just house businesses—they spark smiles and double-takes. Across the U.S., clever architects have transformed everyday objects into larger-than-life structures, adding a dash of whimsy to city streets and country highways. This list takes you coast-to-coast to see the most iconic, quirky, and downright fun examples. If you’re searching for hidden gems that mix American creativity with a sense of humor, these 15 picks are for you.
The Big Duck — Flanders, New York
The Big Duck is a classic piece of roadside Americana. Built in 1931 as a poultry store, it’s shaped exactly like a white duck, complete with beady eyes and a yellow beak. It draws visitors looking for offbeat sights on Long Island. Even now, it serves as a visitor center for the region.
Longaberger Basket Building — Newark, Ohio
You can’t miss the Longaberger Basket Building. Its massive woven basket shape rises seven stories tall, complete with giant handles. It was originally the headquarters for the Longaberger Basket Company, turning a simple woven basket into an icon of novelty architecture. Learn more about the history of buildings shaped like objects at this overview of novelty architecture.
Lucy the Elephant — Margate, New Jersey
Lucy stands six stories tall and is the oldest surviving roadside attraction in America. Built in 1881, she’s shaped like a giant elephant and has been everything from a summer home to a tavern. Today, Lucy draws families eager to climb inside and gaze out of her howdah.
The Coffee Pot — Bedford, Pennsylvania
This 18-foot-tall building was originally a lunch stand along the Lincoln Highway. Its rounded walls and jutting spout mimic a classic tin coffee pot. Grab a quick photo and imagine the days when travelers stopped for a quick bite inside this eye-catching diner.
Shoe House — Hallam, Pennsylvania
Built in 1948 by shoe salesman Mahlon Haines, this oddity looks exactly like a giant work boot. With five stories, complete with shoelaces and windows where eyelets belong, the Shoe House is now a museum and a fun roadside stop for families.
The Brown Derby — Los Angeles, California
Famous for its iconic hat-shaped design, the Brown Derby was a Hollywood staple since the 1920s. The original restaurant is gone, but the building’s influence lives on at Disney and as inspiration for many retro diners.
Kansas City Public Library Parking Garage — Kansas City, Missouri
This parking garage stands out with its massive book spines, each representing a classic title chosen by local readers. It turns mundane city parking into a public art installation—and a perfect selfie spot for book lovers.
The Milk Bottle Grocery — Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
This small building has a giant milk bottle perched on its roof, a nod to its dairy shop roots. It’s a great example of how simple advertising led to one of Oklahoma City’s most recognizable landmarks.
Teapot Dome Gas Station — Zillah, Washington
Shaped like a little white teapot, this gas station is a playful nod to the 1920s Teapot Dome scandal. Its round walls and curving spout make refueling a lighthearted experience. It’s a piece of political history and roadside fun rolled into one.
The Corn Palace — Mitchell, South Dakota
Corn Palace — Mitchell, South Dakota
Every year, artists redecorate the Corn Palace’s exterior with murals made entirely from corn and grains. The building itself is shaped like a fairytale palace, drawing thousands for its stunning and edible artwork.
The Big Pencil — Wytheville, Virginia
On Main Street, Wytheville’s towering roadside pencil is hard to miss. Sticking up from a local office supply store, it’s quirky, colorful, and a favorite with families on a summer drive.
Benewah Milk Bottle — Spokane, Washington
This white building with blue trim looks like a milk bottle blown up to giant proportions. Built in 1935, it first housed a drive-up dairy. Today, it’s a beloved burger and ice cream spot that remains true to its roots.
The Big Apple — Colborne, Ontario (Honorable Mention)
The Beer Can House — Houston, Texas
You’ll see thousands of flattened beer cans covering this entire home. Owner John Milkovisch started the project in 1968, turning his house into a shimmering monument to recycling and resourcefulness.
Big Chair — Anniston, Alabama
As you drive through Anniston, look for a 33-foot-tall office chair. Built in 1950, the Big Chair is a local landmark and a symbol of Southern hospitality. It’s a magnet for photos and road trip stories.
Why See These Buildings?
America’s novelty architecture is part of its charm. These buildings turn familiar objects into community landmarks, entertaining travelers and celebrating local history. You’ll find the stories behind these structures are as colorful as the buildings themselves. For more examples of buildings inspired by everyday objects, check out this collection of awesome buildings shaped like objects.
If you’re planning a scenic drive or looking for unique attractions, these quirky buildings add a sense of discovery to every trip. Don’t forget your camera—each stop promises a story to share and memories that stand out from the usual road trip fare.
