INDIANAPOLIS – (June 10, 2020) – Dozens of giant statues, signs, advertisements and artwork are some of the unique sights you will find across the Hoosier State. From a big peach to the world’s largest ball of paint, Visit Indiana’s #The20IN20 roadside attractions list makes hitting the road while social distancing much more entertaining.
“As Indiana continues to get Back on Track, these 20 attractions are all great reasons to reroute your road trip,” Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch said.
For 36 years, the World’s Largest Ball of Paint Ball has been cared for by Mike and Glenda Carmichael of Alexandria. The enormous ball started as a baseball, but has grown well past that size over the years. It is comprised of approximately 23,000 layers of paint and weighs over 4,000 pounds. By appointment, visitors can help expand it by painting their very own layer.
The world’s largest steer, Old Ben, weighed 125 pounds at birth in 1902 and grew at a rate of 100 pounds per month. By age four, he weighed as much as the World’s Largest Ball of Paint (see above) at 4,000 pounds. When he died unexpectedly in 1910, he was sent to a taxidermist in New York and stuffed. Old Ben became a popular roadshow when he was alive and he continues to bring in visitors at the pavilion in Highland Park. Ripley even featured him in his “Believe It Or Not” in 1968.
Located in the same pavilion as Old Ben, is the Giant Sycamore Stump. The stump is 12 feet tall, over 50 feet in circumference and 18 feet wide. By ring count, it is estimated to be 1,500 years old. Early pioneers knew the tree was old but did not know how old until it fell over during a windstorm.
The Big Peach, located in Bruceville, is a family-owned farm market with a giant peach outside. The market offers a variety of fresh produce, local honey, homemade pies and more. It is open daily from May through October, but you can always stop for a photo opportunity at The Big Peach.
“We want to see your social-distancing selfies,” said Misty Weisensteiner. “When you visit a destination from any of the lists, post your photos on Instagram with #The20IN20. You will have a chance to win a giveaway.”
Visit Indiana will randomly draw 20 winners every other month. Winners will receive one of the following custom items: beanie cap, golf umbrella, beach towel or stadium blanket.
All year, Visit Indiana will reveal 20 lists of 20 must-see, must-do, Indiana experiences at a time.
