30 Bizarre and Brilliant Stops Along America’s Route 66

5. The Leaning Tower of Texas: A Playful Architectural Anomaly

In Groom, Texas, travelers will find a peculiar sight that might make them question their sense of balance—the Leaning Tower of Texas. This water tower, deliberately tilted at an angle, is a playful nod to Italy's famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Originally a marketing gimmick for a nearby truck stop, the Leaning Tower of Texas has become a beloved roadside attraction in its own right. Its unexpected tilt and the humor inherent in its design invite travelers to pause and appreciate the creativity and whimsy that characterize so many of Route 66's wonders. The Leaning Tower of Texas is a reminder that not everything needs to be serious or straightforward; sometimes, a little tilt can make all the difference in capturing the imagination.