As far as roadside attractions go, most of them are tourist traps that you're better off skipping. After all, Plymouth Rock is smaller than expected, and the World's Largest Ball of Twine is a major snoozefest. While many of these attractions fund tourism dollars to tiny towns, they leave visitors feeling underwhelmed. Not to mention wasting gas if you go out of your way to visit!

This isn't the case with the World's Largest Dinosaur, which is a bona fide crowd-pleaser worth your time. In fact, this lovable landmark might just be worth the price of gas. Dinosaur Provincial Park is the main attraction of Canada's stunning, otherworldly badlands. After a visit to the world-renowned Museum of Paleontology, you can get up close and personal with the most iconic dinosaurs of all time: the Tyrannosaurus rex!

A Lovable Landmark

Chris Woodrich on Wikimedia

Tyra the T-Rex is a massive steel and fiberglass statue that has been welcoming dino fans to Drumheller for a quarter of a century. At 86 feet tall and 151 feet long, she's literally larger than life. In actuality, the largest t-rex skeleton measures a measly 42 feet long and 13 feet tall at the hips.

Additionally, Tyra has better posture than your average T-Rex, and not just because she wants to set a good example. Dinosaur lovers of all ages can climb up to the viewing area inside Tyra's mouth. The view offers a spectacular look at Alberta's scenery as well as a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity.

In addition to the statue and gift shop, there's also a splash pad and park, so little paleontologists can blow off some steam on the chance that the 106 stairs weren't enough. You can break up the monotony of a long drive with some well-needed exercise, take some cute photos, and learn a few things about the magnificent beasts that used to roam the planet.

If you have a child going through their dinosaur phase (it happens to everyone), there's no better way to nurture their sense of wonder and get them excited for a road trip than by visiting the World's Largest Dinosaur.

Is Tyra Slated For Extinction?

Murray Foubister on Wikimedia

Tragically, Tyra is facing extinction. Her lease is set to expire in 2029 and town of Drumheller will not be renewing it. Whether they will replace her with another attraction or move her is currently unclear. Perhaps, there is a chance of diverting the asteroid that seals her fate. Only time will tell. 

A Change.org was launched to save Drumheller's larger-than-life resident, but it's unsure how much say citizens have. Drumheller is a small industrial town heavily reliant on tourism dollars to stay afloat. Tyra has more than earned her keep over her quarter-century of life.

You still have three years to visit Tyra in her natural habitat. Drumheller is located midway between Calgary and Edmonton, approximately three hours from the border with Montana. Admission is $5 per person (children under 5 are free) every day from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Don't miss the museum either, it has more than 800 fossils on display, many of which were discovered right in the area. There are a ton of other dino-themed art installations throughout Drumheller.