One of my absolute favorite things to do when I am out riding around is to find roadside oddities and attractions. I have been known to make many a U-turn while driving down the road. This page will be dedicated to any roadside attractions that I have found in the state of Rhode Island.
It will be a constant work in progress as I will add new oddities and attractions every time I find one. Make sure you check back often for new updates. Better yet, subscribe to my site so you will be informed each time content is added. Don’t worry, no spam here. I only send out emails once a week, usually on Fridays. Subscribe Here
Beavertail Lighthouse
Location: Beavertail Road
City: Jamestown
Region of State Located: South
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The Original Beavertail Lighthouse location in Jamestown is a premier destination for maritime history, marking the site of the third lighthouse established in the thirteen colonies. Perched at the southernmost tip of Conanicut Island, the current 1856 granite tower stands as a rugged sentinel at the entrance to Narragansett Bay.
Geological Wonder: The surrounding Beavertail State Park is famous for its striking geological formations, where ancient metamorphic rock meets the crashing Atlantic waves, creating a favorite backdrop for landscape photographers.
Historic Foundation: While the current tower dates to the mid-19th century, the site has hosted a beacon since 1749. Visitors can still see the exposed stone foundations of the original 1749 and 1851 lighthouse structures near the current tower.
The “Whale” of a Point: The lighthouse sits on a peninsula known for its unique “beavertail” shape, where the dramatic, rocky coastline provides some of the best saltwater fishing and tide-pooling spots in the region.
Interactive Museum: The former assistant keeper’s house now serves as a museum, featuring a massive fourth-order Fresnel lens and detailed exhibits on the evolution of lighthouse technology and Rhode Island’s shipwreck history.
Dusty The Snowman
Location: 662 Atlantic Ave
City: Westerly
Region of State Located: South/West
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“Dusty the Snowman” is a legendary local landmark serving as the unofficial “sentinel” of the Misquamicut beach area. Standing tall in front of Dusty’s of Weekapaug (formerly part of the iconic Dusty’s Dairy Bar empire), this fiberglass giant is a classic example of roadside kitsch that has been confusing and delighting tourists for decades.
Survival of the Storms: Despite being made of fiberglass and standing on one of the most storm-vulnerable stretches of road in New England, Dusty has survived countless hurricanes and blizzards, occasionally needing a fresh coat of paint to keep his “cool” demeanor.
The “Mixed Message” Mascot: Dusty is a massive, grinning snowman who, somewhat ironically, spends his days in the blistering summer sun holding a giant ice cream cone and a cup of lemonade. He is often described as “Janus-like” because he has a face on both sides, allowing him to greet travelers coming and going along the beach road.
A Living Legend’s Legacy: The “Dusty” in the name refers to Willis “Dusty” Edgecomb, a WWII veteran and local entrepreneurial legend who operated dairy bars in the area for over 40 years. While Dusty himself passed away in 2023 at the age of 100, his namesake snowman remains a permanent fixture of the Westerly shoreline.
The Snowman Sentinel: Because he stands right near the entrance to Dunes Park and the Weekapaug Breachway, he has become a primary navigational landmark. For generations of Rhode Islanders, seeing “the snowman with the ice cream” is the official sign that you’ve reached the far end of the beach.
Point Judith Lighthouse
Location: 1470 Ocean Rd
City: Narragansett
Region of State Located: South/Central
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Located at the western entrance to Narragansett Bay in Narragansett, the Point Judith Lighthouse is a striking 51-foot octagonal granite tower that has long been a vital beacon for one of the most dangerous stretches of the Atlantic coast. Built in 1857 to replace two earlier structures, the lighthouse features a distinctive “two-tone” paint job, white on the top and brown on the bottom, that makes it a standout landmark for both mariners and coastal photographers. The surrounding grounds are a popular spot for viewing the Block Island Ferry as it navigates the often-turbulent waters of the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” so named for the hundreds of shipwrecks that occurred here before the modern light and the massive Harbor of Refuge breakwater were completed. While the tower itself is a working Coast Guard station and closed to the public, the sea-sprayed cliffs and panoramic ocean views make it a quintessential Rhode Island stop for anyone documenting the rugged beauty of the New England shoreline.
Scrap Metal Scorpion
Location: 445 Nooseneck Hill Rd
City: Exeter
Region of State Located: South/West
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Located at the entrance to Exeter Scrap Metal LLC, the Exeter ScRrap Metal Scorpion is a massive, multi-ton tribute to the art of industrial recycling. This “roadside guardian” was constructed entirely from salvaged parts found within the yard, transforming what was once heavy machinery into a striking piece of folk-art sculpture that has become a favorite photo op for travelers on Route 3.
Community Landmark: In a stretch of road dominated by forests and fields, the sudden appearance of this mechanical arachnid has turned a functional business site into a must-see destination for oddity hunters and metal-working enthusiasts.
Industrial Anatomy: The sculpture is a scavenger hunt of heavy-duty components, reportedly including parts from an old jet engine or well-drilling rig for its head, propane tanks for its tail, and excavator or farm plow teeth for its pincers.
A “Muffler Man” Alternative: While many roadside giants are made of fiberglass, this beast weighs an estimated 2 to 3 tons and stands over 12 feet tall, reflecting the rugged, hard-working character of the local scrap industry.
Vibrant Warning: Painted in eye-catching shades of green and yellow with glowing red eyes, the scorpion serves as a playful but imposing “guard dog” for the facility, looming over the driveway to greet patrons.
Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge
Location: 105A Central Pike
City: Foster
Region of State Located: Central/West
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Located in the quiet town of Foster, the Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge holds the unique distinction of being the only covered bridge on a public road in the state of Rhode Island. Crossing Hemlock Brook, this 40-foot span is a Town lattice truss design that feels like a centuries-old relic, though it was actually built in the early 1990s as a replacement for an earlier bridge. It was constructed primarily by volunteers using locally harvested timber, reflecting a deep commitment to preserving the state’s rural character and architectural diversity. Surrounded by lush forest, the bridge offers a peaceful, storybook-like setting that makes it a favorite destination for local residents and photographers looking to capture a rare slice of “covered bridge” charm in the heart of the Ocean State.
Watch Hill Lighthouse
Location: 14 Lighthouse Rd
City: Westerly
Region of State Located: Central/South
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Perched on a high bald peninsula at the extreme southwestern tip of the state, this lighthouse serves as a stoic guardian overlooking the dangerous reefs that mark the entrance to Fishers Island Sound.
The “Flying Horse” Neighbor: Just a short distance away in the village of Watch Hill, you can find the famous Flying Horse Carousel, which is the oldest continuously operating carousel of its kind in the United States.
A Historic Site: While the current granite lighthouse was built in 1856, the site has been a beacon for mariners since 1807, when President Thomas Jefferson signed the decree for the original tower.
Unique Museum: The lighthouse keepers’ duplex houses a small museum featuring maritime artifacts and photographs, though it is famously run by a dedicated group of local volunteers rather than the Coast Guard.
Strategic Vantage Point: From the lighthouse grounds, you can see the ruins of Fort Mansfield and enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic, including a clear look at Block Island on the horizon.
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