Long Island Roadside Attractions – The Ultimate List!
Fun Things to do on Long Island
One of the best things to do while visiting our shores is check out our Long Island Roadside Attractions!
Many people know Long Island as home to beautiful beaches, the glamour of the Hamptons, quaint walkable towns, and wonderful wineries. Long Island also has more to offer for those of us with offbeat or eclectic taste.
Interested in the weird, wonderful, and artsy? Looking for share-worthy places to snap pics for the socials? We got you covered. Long Island boasts some famous roadside attractions. Heck, we’re the birthplace of an icon that inspired an architectural term! Not to mention one of our roadside giants even had a cameo on an episode of The Sopranos.
So, let’s get this show on the road and explore Long Island and these post-worthy wonders.
The Best Long Island Roadside Attraction List
- The Big Duck
- Muffler Man Indian – Riverhead Raceway
- The Flying Pig
- Giant Snowman – Mr. Millennium
- Keith Haring Sculpture
- Yarnbombed Trees
- Giant Corn on the Cob
- Giant Rooftop Hot Dog [RIP!]
- The Pirate House
- Double Fiberglass Roosters
- Casa Basso
- Vintage Neon: Modern Snackbar
- Home Depot Cemetery
- Incredible Statue Menagerie
- Giant Bull
- Baby Yoda Cheeseburger Mural
- Shark Mouth Door
- Cement Sphinx
- Toothless Joan Rivers Mural
- Nipper the Dog
- Roy Lichtenstein Sculptures – Toyko Brushstroke I & II
- Chameleon Mural
- Big Rooster
- Yaphank Garage
- Toothy Fish Mural
- Jaws III Plow Train
- Larry Rivers’ Big Legs
- Pokemon Mural
- Dan Riding a Lobster
- Giant Bowling Pin
- Grateful Dead Wall Mural
- The Montauk Tiki
- The Tacopus Mural
Long Island Roadside Attractions
The Big Duck of Flanders
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Big Duck of Flanders is Long Island’s most recognizable roadside attraction, and one of the most recognizable and enduring examples of programmatic architecture. The term “duck” architecture is a nod to the Island’s beloved Duck.
The Big Duck was built in the early 1930s as an attraction to sell Peking ducks. Constructed with a frame made of wood, wire mesh was then attached and covered in cement. The Duck’s eyes are made from Ford Model-T taillights.
Each year at Christmastime, there is fun ceremonial lighting of the duck.
The inside of the Big Duck has historical photos and news clippings as well as duck-related souvenirs.
The Big Duck is open 10-5 with the exception of Saturday when it closes at 3.
Location:
The Big Duck is in the town of Flanders, New York.
Street Address: 1012 NY-24, Flanders, NY 11901
You can visit the outside of the duck at any time.
Riverhead Raceway’s Muffler Man Indian
Chief Running Fair
A list of Long Island roadside attractions would not be complete without a hat tip to our mufflerman.
This handsome silent sentry stands on the grounds of the Riverhead Raceway. He is Long Island’s only Muffler Man. Many folks will recognize him from an episode of the Sopranos where Tony walks in front of him at the raceway.
During Superstorm Sandy, Chief running fair was torn in half. The beloved icon was repaired and waves to the crowds once more.
Location: Riverhead Raceway – 1797 Old Country Road, Riverhead, NY
The Flying Pig of Miller Place
A symbol of overcoming impossible odds, this angelic pig takes flight in front of The Flying Pig Cafe in Miller Place.
Location: The Flying Pig Cafe 825 NY-25A Miller Place, NY 11764
Mr. Millennium – The Giant Snowman – Tuckahoe
The smiling snowman is nearly 20 feet tall and stands outside of North Sea Auto Radiator on Sandy Hollow Rd. I totally love his big mittens. They’re so cute! His plaque says he was made in the year 2000 and that his name is Mr. Millenium [sic].
Location: North Sea Auto Radiator-Towing – 25 Sandy Hollow Rd., Southampton, NY 11968
Keith Haring Sculpture – New Hyde Park
This untitled Keith Haring sculpture requires a little consideration as it is in the courtyard of a Children’s Hospital. You should probably park and approach on foot.
It is an excellent example of the late artist’s pop-style.
Location:
Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York
269-01 76th Avenue – New Hyde Park, NY 11040
Yarnbombed Trees of Stony Brook
There are 5 yarn-bombed trees at the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook. Talk about Instagram-worthy!
Made up of over 250,000 feet of fabric cord, over 200 people volunteered their time to complete this project.
In 2019, the Long Island Museum welcomed a new yarn-bombed tree!
Location: The Long Island Museum – 1200 New York 25A Stony Brook, NY 11790
Giant Corn on the Cob – Calverton
Okay, how much do you love this giant corn on the cob? In the realm of giant roadside vegetables, this one really pops!
See what I did there? …I’ll show myself out.
Location: Fox Hollow Farms – 2287 Sound Ave, Calverton, NY 11933
The Giant Rooftop Hotdog – Gone!
Update – July 2019
Sadly, the rooftop hotdog is no more. I’m leaving the photo in place as a memorial to its former greatness.
God speed, giant wiener.
Located on top of First National Franks in Medford, the giant rooftop wiener is a winner! You can ride to eat and see something kitschy in one shot. What’s better than that?
Former Location: 3147 Route 112 Medford, NY, 11763
The Pirate House – Miller Place
No doubt the neighbors of the Pirate House in Miller Place must get fed up with the gawkers who stop by for a look.
“The Connor Belle”
The local story that I have heard about this house is that the owner built this temple of pirating for his daughter who had a brain injury. It came in the wake of seeing her happy reaction to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride during a trip to Disney World. I cannot say if that is indeed true; it could just be an urban legend.
The house does have a notary public sign out front. Maybe you can get the scoop from the horse’s mouth while having a document notarized? Hmm…
Location: 9 Woodland Place Miller Place, NY 11764
Double Fiberglass Rooster Fantasy – Holbrook
Bello Poultry Farm in Holbrook has not one but TWO fiberglass roosters on their property. The rooster out front not only pulls a wagon, but has been outfitted to become a fountain.
On our last visit, we found the man out back laying down on the job.
Location: Bello Poultry Farm – 411 Union Ave, Holbrook, NY 11741
Casa Basso Restaurant – Westhampton
Nothing says delicious Italian food like a stucco castle with 2 Musketeers, a horse, a two-headed snake and a gold lion in the yard. From what I understand the food is actually quite good. Go for the kitsch, stay for the pasta.
Location: 59 Montauk Highway Westhampton, NY 11977
Vintage Neon: Modern Snack Bar – Aquebogue
Go for the sign, stay for the pie! Modern Snack Bar is an icon.
Location: 628 Main Rd, Aquebogue, NY 11931
Google Maps
Home Depot Cemetery – Commack
The Home Depot in Commack is now located on what was once a World War I airfield called Brindley Field. Prior to that, it was a farm.
Today it has an interesting secret “hidden” in plain sight; the Burr Family cemetery plot. As people go shuffling by with their carts full hammers and nails, many do not even realize the tree-lined little square houses a handful of tombstones.
Location: Home Depot 5025 Jericho Turnpike, Commack, NY
Behind the Fence Gallery Statue Menagerie – Southampton
You never know what’s going to be on display in the yard at Behind the Fence Gallery in Southampton! You might find dinosaurs, giant hamburgers, dragons, gorillas, and all types of animals. This place is incredible!
Location: 1547 County Road 39, Southampton NY 11968
Google Maps
The Giant Bull – Calverton
I happened upon this guy while cruising around. He stands inside the pen of a private farm. Between you and me, I like him so much more than the oft-talked about Smithtown bull. In the battle of Long Island’s big bovines? This guy is tops.
Location: Wading River Manor Rd. Calverton, NY
Baby Yoda Cheeseburger Mural – Huntington
This Baby Yoda holding a cheeseburger mural is a stunner! Painted by Andaluz the Artist, who also gave us the Pokemon Wall – you’ll find it on the back-side of Burgerology, facing the municipal parking lot in Huntington.
Location: 308 Main St, Huntington, NY 11743
Google Maps
Atlantic Seafood’s Shark Mouth Door – Center Moriches
The Shark Mouth door of the Atlantic Seafood restaurant always makes me smile. It’s amazing how many locals don’t know the name of the place and just call it ‘the shark mouth.’ View on flickr
Location: 125 Main St Center Moriches, NY
The Cement Sphinx of Bayport
A Long Island landmark since 1911.
“She who climbs the Sphinx’s head, a millionaire will surely wed.” Unfortunately, ladies, the sphinx gives mixed messages with its No Climbing sign. Always a bridesmaid, never a bride.
Location: 890 Montauk Hwy, Bayport, NY
Toothless Joan River Mural – Huntington Station
Have you seen the meme photos floating around of toothless celebrities? I don’t even want to link to them, because they give me the creeps. I’m fairly certain that isn’t what the artist was going for here with Joan Rivers, but every time I pass by this piece it’s all I can think about!
Location: 2 Cooper Ave, Huntington Station, NY 11746
Google Maps
Nipper the Dog – Babylon
This 6ft tall fiberglass Nipper the dog stands at the front door of Plesser’s Appliances in the town of Babylon. He’s a town favorite!
Location: 6 E Main St Babylon, New York 11702
Roy Lichtenstein Sculptures: Tokyo Brushstroke I & II – Water Mill
The Parish Art Museum in Water Mill proudly displays two of the Pop Art giant Roy Lichtenstein‘s painted aluminum sculptures – Tokyo Brushstroke I & II.
You will find the pieces outdoors at the west driveway. They can be respectfully enjoyed even when the museum is closed.
Location: Parish Art Museum – 279 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, NY 11976
Drew Kane Chameleon Mural – Riverhead
Artist Drew Kane’s chameleon mural blends in with the foliage on East Main in Riverhead, New York. The courtyard in front of the First Congregational Church of Riverhead is where it calls home.
Location: Benjamin Place, Riverhead, NY
Google Maps
Kaufold’s Big Rooster – Ridge
Long Island is home to several members of the Giant Chicken Army. This fine specimen is found in Middle Island.
Location: Kaufold’s Country Sheds – 724 Middle Country Rd Ridge, NY 11961
Google Maps
Yaphank Garage – Yaphank
The Yaphank Garage, a former 1930’s Shell Service Station and Garage is a beautifully restored local time capsule. It is one of my favorite Long Island roadside attractions.
The Suffolk County Police Historical Society has restored the Yaphank Garage. Mannequins and display boards tell the story of how a small community service station and its local constable worked together to serve their citizens in the 1930’s and 40’s.
The Yaphank Historical Society
Location: 3 Yaphank Ave, Yaphank, NY 11980
Google Maps
Toothy Fish Mural – Seaford
You can’t help but smile when you see the toothy fish mural outside of this pediatric dentist office.
Location: Wantagh Seaford Pediatric Dentistry – 3426 Merrick Rd, Seaford, NY 11783
Google Maps
Jaws III Plow Train – Greenport
Jaws the plow train is an oft-photographed site from the town of Greenport. Can you imagine what a sight it must’ve been tearing through snow on the tracks with its ferocious snarl?
Location: Railroad Museum of Long Island – 440 4th St, Greenport, NY 11944
Google Maps
Larry Rivers Big Legs – Sag Harbor
These giant art legs, appropriately titled Legs were made by artist Larry Rivers.
Location: Henry Street Sag Harbor, NY
Pokemon Mural – Huntington
Painted by Andaluz the Artist in 2016, the Pokemon wall mural is incredible. Talk about Instagram-worthy!
Location: 231 Broadway, Huntington, NY 11743
Google Maps
Dan Riding a Lobster – Southampton
When traveling east on Sunrise Highway, at the corner of Hills Station Road, you will see a curious sight. It’s Dan Rattiner of Dan’s Papers astride a lobster welcoming you to the Hamptons.
Giddyup!
Location: On the Corner of Hills Station Road & Route 27, Southampton, NY
Google Maps
Giant Bowling Pin – Port Jefferson Station
On the roof of Port Jeff Bowl, you’ll find a… strikingly large bowling pin!
Location: 31 Chereb Ln, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776
Grateful Dead Mural Wall – Huntington
Location: Stella Blue Bistro 188 New York Ave, Huntington, NY 11743
Google Maps
The Montauk Tiki
Over the years, the tiki has had different paint job, but the awesomeness never changes. The tiki stands outside of the former Ronjo, now Montauk Beach House hotel. It’s also joined by some smaller moai!
Location: 55 S Elmwood Ave, Montauk, NY 11954
The Tacopus Mural
This beautiful octopus chillin’ with tacos and beer mural is found in Mattituck.
Location: 10560 Main Rd, Mattituck, NY 11952
Google Maps
I hope that you’ve found this list helpful and fun. My goal is to create the ultimate list of Long Island Roadside Attractions over time. Keep checking back for new additions!
Well, What are You Waiting For?
You’ve got your list of awesome Long Island roadside attractions. Now it’s time to get to moving!
Four of those down, six to go!
Yea, not too shabby for someone who lives on the other side of the universe! Can i come and see your local spots too? 😉
DUC can also check the Pirate House off of his list. You know how much he enjoyed it 😆
I have begun compiling a full listing of all of the Long Island roadside stuff that I know of. So far the list is pretty big! I need to finish it up and get it posted.
Great post! I didn’t know about all of these and you’ve given me ideas for future rides. You’ve performed a valuable public service!
😆 Wow, you’re easy to please, Ralph! Glad you liked ’em.
…all in a day’s work 🙂
Most of those aren’t too far from my house it makes me feel like i don’t really live in the middle of nowhere lol
There is lotsa good stuff out your way and east of there. When you start getting a little elbow room… that’s when the kooks really start to show their stuff 😀
How sad is it that I’m originally from Long Island and haven’t seen any of these yet?? I had planned to see the Duck a few weeks ago, but a crazy heat wave discouraged me from leaving the comfort of central air!
Hi Traci 🙂
You’re better off waiting until the Hamptons traffic subsides anyway. Then you can make a big loop back through the island and enjoy the roadside goodness!
There is actually quite a bit of good stuff here. I need to finish compiling my list. So much to do, so little time…
I was looking into putting something like this together, But I see you have already done a great job at it. I’m pretty sure we have spoken before and I hope to hear from you again.
LJ James
Hi LJ 🙂
Thanks for the nice words.
We’d exchanged emails around the time of the PJ Wallace parking flap. I’m surprised we’ve never crossed paths in town!
any rides along the water on long island?
One of the ironies of being on long island is that your access to the water is somewhat restricted. You often have to be a stickered/permitted resident or have to pay to access it or park anywhere.
Other than Ocean Parkway, which is pin straight with limited views of the ocean (you see more of the bay,) there really aren’t any long, enjoyable stretches of road near the water.
There are little pockets here and there where you will enjoy some water views but they wouldn’t be worth traveling TO long island for. They’d be something of a stopgap measure while you’re already here.
Two things…..Behind the Fence is now located in Riverhead, and I just visited the 1930’s Shell Gas Station in Yaphank and the exterior is in serious need of upkeep….looks like nothing has been done to maintain it in years!!