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25 Of The Weirdest Tourist Attractions In America

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Tourists come from far and wide to take in the vastness of the Grand Canyon, the majestic snow-caps of the Rocky Mountains, the soaring architecture of Chicago, the glistening skyline of New York City, and the sleek styles of Rodeo Drive.

However, for as many seals as there are in the San Francisco Wharf (there's a lot) that make passersby stop to squeal with excitement (really, barking seals suntanning is pure joy), there's even more destinations that you wouldn't believe someone would go out of their way to get a glimpse of (or pay to see, for that matter).

You've heard of the world's largest ball of twine just off the interstate. But what about the world's largest chest of drawers? From a museum that is solely dedicated to bad art (but charges admission as though it was a fine gallery) to an unconventional motel with a doggy twist, we dug up twenty-five of the weirdest tourist attractions in America. Of course, our list wouldn't be complete without an enormous eating utensil and a mechanical ride that will make you do a double take.

Keep scrolling to see that the old adage of one man's junk is another man's treasure is alive and well in America. You can make a tourist attraction out of anything, and we've got the proof.

25 The World's Largest Chest Of Drawers Is Just An Exit Away

What could you possibly need a thirty-eight foot tall chest of US Colonial drawers for, you ask? Why, to hold gigantic socks, of course.

At the intersection of Westwood and Hamilton Streets in High Point, North Carolina (aka the Home Furnishings Capital of the World, according to Roadside America), sits the world's largest chest of drawers. What started out as a nod to the business in 1926 is now a roadside attraction rated as "major fun" by Roadside America.

24 The Price Is High, The Lines Are Long, And The Art Is Bad

The Museum of Modern Art. The Museum of Fine Art. The Museum of Bad Art. Wait. What?

Yep, MOBA (as it is commonly referred to) has been confusing people in Somerville, Massachusetts since 1994. According to Atlas Obscura, the first-ever piece was an awful painting found in a garbage can. That inspired a local gallery owner to look for more bad art, which he successfully found to the point that the collection now takes up two buildings.

According to the Museum's website, the art is so bad that it's good. You can see for yourself by paying the $5 admission charge.

23 Saddle Up For A Spin On An Unconventional Ride

You have no doubt either seen someone mount a mechanical bull and watched them fall off one second later after the first spin or done this yourself (no judgments).

The more family friendly version of this (typically) adult drinking game is the Pronto Pup ride in Rockaway Beach, Oregon. Home to the original corn dog (so they say), Pronto Pup has a mechanical corn dog out front lovingly known as "Bucking Pup". According to Roadside America, you can saddle up the corn dog for just a quarter.

22 No Forking Way Could This Be Any Bigger

Sometimes a little healthy competition can be a good thing. For example, the biggest fork in America resides in Colorado because someone in that state wanted to make a bigger one than the previously-held record fork in Missouri. Bragging rights for the win.

According to Roadside America, the aluminum fork in Creede, Colorado at the Cascada Bar and Grill is forty feet long and weighs over six-hundred pounds. That's some heavy lifting just for one bite!

21 We've Gathered Here Today To Pay Our Last Respects

The Ben & Jerry's factory tour in Waterbury, Vermont includes a look at the machines (and people) that make the magic happen, free ice cream samples (obviously the best part), and a history lesson about the two guys that are the brains behind it all. The tour also includes a somber stroll through the Flavor Graveyard.

According to Atlas Obscura, the "dearly de-pinted" includes thirty-five flavors that just didn't reach the expected sales mark like White Russian, Turtle Soup, Fossil Fuel, and Wavy Gravy.

20 No Vacancy For Months On End At This Dog House

Sweet Willy might not fetch or greet you when you come home, but he will provide a cozy place to lay your head for a night or two.

The thirty foot tall beagle in Cottonwood, Idaho is actually a Bed & Breakfast. According to Atlas Obscura, it is known as Dog Bark Park Inn and was designed by a dog-loving couple. You'll have to wait awhile to snag a reservation and the price might be a little out of your road trip budget, but the opportunity to forever tell stories about the time you slept in a loft in the belly of a beagle is priceless.

19 A Tourist Haven And Resting Place For Forgotten Neon Signs

When Las Vegas hotels and other mainstays cease to exist (read: are imploded), a small piece of them remains. Not far from the Strip, abandoned neon signs that previously adorned these treasured buildings (rest in peace, Stardust) are preserved in a museum.

Founded in 1996, the Neon Museum allows visitors to take an educational stroll through old Las Vegas. According to TripAdvisor, the oldest sign in the collection dates back to the 1930s.

Travelers rate the experience as excellent on TripAdvisor and recommend going at night to see the signs fully illuminated. Watch your step though, part of the ambiance is the broken glass and rusted metal.

18 If The Shoe Fits, Grab A Buddy And Sit On It

LL Bean is a sacred store in Freeport, Maine. And, as a rite of passage, everyone in Freeport needs to have a photo with the giant boot in front of the flagship store.

According to Roadside America, the Bean boot is a whopping sixteen feet tall, complete with a rubber sole just like a real pair. As a Bean bonus, visitors can now see a pair of mock boots after the second sixteen-foot boot was stolen a few decades ago and mysteriously returned earlier this year.

17 Dinosaurs Survived Extinction At This Attraction

Amid the palm trees and desert climate of Palm Springs, two long necks can clearly be seen from the highway peaking curiously toward passing cars. Upon closer inspection, the long necks belong to a pair of dinosaurs.

According to Roadside America, the dinos were built just off Interstate 10 by a dinosaur-aficionado and local businessman in the 1980s. They have been attracting visitors ever since.

Wander the prehistoric grounds for free or cough up some cash to explore the museum inside Dinny the Dinosaur's stomach.

16 Billboards Are So Last Year In This Tiny Town

Excuse the Wizard of Oz reference, but you will know you're not in Kansas anymore when the over-sized Van Gogh painting is no longer visible in your rear view mirror.

As you pass through Goodland, Kansas, your eyes will be drawn to a beautiful work of art. Where any other town would have an advertising billboard, the citizens of Goodland raised the $150,000 necessary to commission a replica of Van Gogh's famous sunflower painting.

According to Roadside America, the easel the painting sits on is made of steel, weighs 45,000 pounds, and is eighty feet tall. The painting itself is nearly eight-hundred square feet, making Goodland home to one of the best (and largest) welcome signs.

15 Tall Tales And A Taller Blue Ox On Display

If you thought a live stream of the pandas at the San Diego Zoo was fascinating, wait until you view the cameras pointed at an 18 foot tall, two ton statue of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox in Bemidji, Minnesota. Spoiler alert: they don't move.

According to the New York Times, Minnesotans hold a special place in their heart for Paul and Babe. So special, in fact, that the pair are memorialized in some way in nearly every town in the state. The police even wear a patch in their honor.

So, the next time you're in Bemidji (or Brainerd or Akeley), take a moment to give our favorite lumberjack a little wave.

14 The Giant jackalope At Wall's One Stop Shop

What was once just a pharmacy in the small town of Wall, South Dakota has burgeoned into a sprawling mall and an oasis for the imagination.

Wall Drug sits in a town of only about 900 people, the majority of which work at the shop. Despite its small size, according to Roadside America, the town receives nearly one million visitors per year. Everyone that comes is eager to stroll the grounds of Wall Drug to do their souvenir shopping and take a picture atop the giant jackalope.

13 I Know Why The Caged Tourist Sings

One man's mission to bring business back to the small town of Casey, Illinois ended up doing much more than that.

After years of hard work, tourists are now veering off the path to see enormous replicas of everyday things like wind chimes, a rocking chair, an ear of corn, and a mailbox. A crowd favorite is the walk-in bird cage, complete with a swing for that perfect photo of a tourist looking like a canary.

According to Roadtripper, the locals can even take part in workshops to learn how the replicas were crafted and try their own hand at woodworking, pipe fitting, and steel cutting.

12 The Grass Is Always Greener And The Coffee Always Hotter On The Other Side

The aptly named The Coffee Pot has been posing for pictures since its construction in 1927. Even though the coffee isn't flowing anymore, Roadside America still rates it as worth a detour to its destination in Bedford, Pennsylvania.

The Coffee Pot is one of the last remaining pieces of an architectural style known as programmatic architecture in which buildings were designed based on what was to be sold inside (think along the lines of a big cowboy hat shaped building for a hat shop or a building shaped like a bowl of chili if the inside was a diner).

11 The Golden Arches Speak To Passersby

Even locals will tell you there isn't much to do in Sunbury, Ohio, but you've got to make it there at least once on your way to Columbus to try to figure out why there is Ronald McDonald statue in the middle of a field.

According to Cleveland Scene, nobody seems to know the reason. Whatever it may be, your vacation photos can include a full happy meal set complete with a smiling hamburger and french fries.

10 A Chance To Sit With A Popcorn Legend

We owe it to the King of Popcorn for our favorite movie time snack. Thanks to the ingenuity of a group of people in Valparaiso, Indiana, we can sit next to him as we think about that buttery goodness.

Orville Redenbacher made a name for himself in Valparaiso after he pitched the idea of popped corn. A statue of him (a little too lifelike if you ask us) sits on a bench in Lincoln Park. There's plenty of room for two, so everyone cozies up to Orville for a snapshot.

However, there is no mention of popcorn anywhere near the statue (due to the likeness of his image being purchased by a company, according to Roadside America) so you'll just have to look for the bronze guy and maybe help other tourists locate him, too.

9 There Once Was A Troll Under A Bridge That Everyone Wanted To See

Underneath a dark bridge in Seattle, Washington lives a Volkswagen car-crushing, hubcap-for-an-eyeball staring troll. The eighteen-foot Fremont Troll was sculpted on Halloween in 1990 and has been the epicenter of folklore ever since.

According to Roadside America, weird things have been happening in the vicinity of the Fremont Troll from its beginning. So, go at your own risk to get your photo next to the troll (or dare your friends to go and then spook them).

8 It's All Fun And Games At South Of The Border

South of the Border is not actually south of the border you're thinking of. Rather, it's a rest stop turned kitschy amusement park and hotel in Dillon, South Carolina. You can, however, still enjoy a stopover in the shade of a giant sombrero or dine on the South Carolinian version of Mexican food.

According to Roadside America, South of the Border also offers one of the best selections of fireworks in the whole state. You know, if you want to liven up your road trip.

7 If You See The Giant Buffalo, You're Headed In The Right Direction

When a new interstate was being built in Jamestown, North Dakota, construction crews had to work around the world's largest buffalo that had already staked a claim on the land.

According to Roadside America, the concrete buffalo weighs sixty tons, is twenty-six feet tall, and measures forty-six feet long. On its fiftieth birthday, the buffalo was named Dakota Thunder and he is the unofficial welcome to the town of Jamestown.

6 Good Fortunes Come To Those That Ask

The 1988 Tom Hanks movie, "Big", centers on a thirteen year old boy that makes a wish on a fortune telling machine to grow up. A wish that he realizes was granted when he wakes up the next day as an adult. The machine, known as Zoltar, sprang into popular culture after the release of the film.

Though there are many replicas, according to Lohud the original from the film was located at Playland, an amusement park in Rye, New York. You won't be able to catch it there still, but we can almost guarantee any amusement park will have a Zoltar that can at least listen to your wishes.

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10 of the World's Most Unusual Attractions

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Most tourist attractions are popular for obvious reasons. They are defined by superlatives — the biggest, oldest, most beautiful — or they benefit from heavy promotion by a city or country's tourism stakeholders. And then there are those attractions that have gained fame for less obvious reasons.

Some of these offbeat places are so odd or unusual that you can't help but want to see them. Social media has certainly helped their causes, but Facebook and Instagram aren't the only influencers. The popularity of many strange and unexpected attractions predates the rise of YouTube and Facebook when promotion consisted of word of mouth, physical guidebooks, and perhaps the occasional feature in a magazine or newspaper.

Here are 10 of the world's most-unexpected attractions.

Nicolas Cage's Tomb

Star of both acclaimed films and box-office flops, Nicolas Cage is known for his eccentric behavior away from the screen. One of the more noticeable examples of his quirks is his tomb in New Orleans. Back in 2010, the year that he turned 50, Cage purchased two plots in the famed St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans. He used the space to build a white, 9-foot-tall pyramid. Cage fans might recognize the Latin phrase on the front of the structure: "Omnia Ab Uno" ("Everything from One"). The words were featured in his action movie, "National Treasure."

The grave was a popular attraction in the cemetery, which is one of the most crowded burial grounds in the city, until authorities restricted access to the area in 2015. If you don't have a family member interred in the cemetery, you need to join a guided tour to visit. Theories about the tomb abound: that Cage hid money from the IRS inside, that he is counteracting a voodoo curse, or that the grave is somehow connected to the Illuminati.

Fremont Troll

The Troll Under the Bridge, more popularly known as the Fremont Troll , is an intimidating-looking sculpture in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle, under the Aurora Bridge. There have been numerous "troll sightings" under the bridge since the 1930s, when the span opened, and the artists who sculpted the monster in 1990 chose the subject after local residents overwhelmingly voted for it.

The troll is 15 feet tall and made from concrete. It is a popular spot for visitors who take selfies, and it gained notoriety among tourists after being featured in the 1999 movie, "10 Things I Hate about You." Seattle residents also like the troll. Some celebrate Trolloween on Oct. 31. During this event, people in troll-inspired costumes meet at the statue before walking through Fremont, past other art installations and street performances . Another reason the troll is attractive to tourists and locals is that you can climb on it. The concrete material is durable, and there is space behind the troll to scramble up for an elevated picture.

Bude Tunnel

The Bude Tunnel is in its namesake town in Cornwall, England. This acrylic glass tunnel is next to Bude's Sainsbury's supermarket. The 70-meter (229-foot) passage is transparent, so people can see the town as they walk along the street while protected from the elements. Its purpose is to keep customers dry as they walk between the supermarket entrance and its parking lot, so you would not expect it to be the main attraction in this pretty Cornish seaside destination.

However, when the Bude Tunnel was rated as Bude's No. 1 attraction on TripAdvisor, the U.K. media took notice, and the site earned a fair amount of viral attention. Perhaps the attraction is due to the length and transparency of the tunnel or its holiday lights show. During the holidays, the long corridor is lit with LED lights that change in rhythm with holiday music.

Haserot Angel

Cleveland's Lake View Cemetery is an historic site that has the tombs of some of America's most famous industrial-age figures as well as the grave of U.S. President James Garfield. One of the most-well-known figures here, however, is the Haserot Angel . It is a statue that marks the burial place of food industry mogul Francis Haserot. The dramatic, life-size bronze figure, created by artist Herman Matzen in 1923, is officially titled the Angel of Death Victorious. The angel is seated, and its hands rest on an extinguished torch.

The most unusual feature of this melancholy-but-thought-provoking statue is that it appears like it has "tears" running down its cheeks and onto its neck. The tears are not actually liquid; they are a discoloration caused by the aging of the bronze material that Matzen used to make the statue. The cemetery is open daily, though groups of more than 12 people need permission before entering.

Seattle's Gum Wall

The Gum Wall is in Post Alley, a lane under Seattle's Pike Place Market. The tradition of sticking gum on the wall here started in the 1990s when patrons of a local theater stuck their gum on the wall while waiting to get inside. At first, theater workers scrapped off the gum, but they gave up after people persisted with the practice. Eventually, the colorful additions stretched up and down the alley. Pike Place Market officials even started calling the strange decorations a tourist attraction, and Washington's governor, Jay Inslee, once said the spot was one of his "favorite things about Seattle."

City officials scrapped the wall and steam-cleaned it in 2015 because they were concerned about the gum eroding the old brick structure. During the cleaning, they removed more than 2,000 pounds of gum. Almost immediately after they finished, people began adding new gum.

Island of the Dolls

Isla de las Munecas , the Island of the Dolls, seems like it should be in a hidden, remote location. It is actually in the Mexico City metro area, not far from the famous Estadio Azteca soccer stadium. This unusual, undeniably-spooky place is defined by hundreds of dolls. The dolls (many of which have been disfigured by weathering) hang from the trees around the island, which is within a labyrinthine network of canals in the Xochimilco district. The property, now run by the family of the original owner, is a major tourist attraction for people who cruise the canals.

The story of Isla de las Munecas is disturbing or tragic depending on your viewpoint. When a man named Don Julian Santana Barrera moved to the island to live as a hermit, he found a girl who had recently drowned in a nearby canal. Barrera felt haunted by the experience and began hanging scavenged dolls in the trees as a kind of memorial meant to appease the drowning victim's spirit. Barrera lived on the island for 50 years, collecting and hanging dolls the whole time. When he passed away (some say he drowned in the same spot as the girl he discovered 50 years earlier), members of his family opened the island as a tourist attraction.

Hell, Michigan

Hell, Michigan, has embraced its strange name and the attention that has come along with it. The town's official website has clever catchphrases such as, "More people tell you to go to our town than anywhere else on Earth." A large number of tourists descended on the southern Michigan village on June 6, 2006 (6-6-06), the date that reminded many of the biblical "sign of the beast." Others come when they are in the area, not far from Ann Arbor, so that they can say that they have been to Hell.

Actually, the name "Hell" may not refer to the place of eternal damnation. Some theories about the origin of Hell, Michigan, contend that early German settlers in the area described it as "hell," which means "bright" or "light" in German. ("Hell" in German is "Hölle.") Others say that the name refers to the English word "hell" because early residents had to contend with extensive wetlands, numerous mosquitoes and generally harsh conditions. The name is now embraced for tourism purposes, but the U.S. Post Office uses the name of neighboring Pinckney for addresses.

Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks

The Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks are on the popular Lamai Beach on Samui Island, Thailand. If you did not know what you were looking for, chances are you would miss these rocks, which are located amidst other formations on the shoreline. The names of these two particular formations, which translate from Thai as "Grandpa Grandma rocks," come from the fact that they resemble, somewhat vaguely, male and female sex organs.

This might seem like a good site for a chuckle, but it is actually one of the most popular places on Samui, which is one of Thailand's most popular island destinations. The popularity might have more to do with the central location of the beach and the great views of the sea and neighboring islands from the area near Hin Ta and Hin Yai. Locals have embraced the interest, even placing a board explaining the legend of how the rocks came to be known by their names. According to the story, an old man and his wife were traveling to a neighboring island to finalize marriage plans for their son when they drowned after their boat capsized. They were swept to the shore, where they turned into rocks. The over-sized genitalia was supposedly a sign to tell their families to go ahead with the wedding.

World's Largest Catsup Bottle

The World's Largest Catsup Bottle , in Collinsville, Illinois, does not actually contain ketchup (or catsup). It was built to provide water for a nearby ketchup plant in the late 1940s. The water tower eventually became a landmark in this southern Illinois town. Actually, it became so well-known among locals that when the company that owned the factory decided to sell the tower, a group of people came together to save it. They were even able to raise money for renovations and a fresh paint job.

In 2002, the tower earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Collinsville is along historic Route 66, so the bottle is a landmark for people taking that road trip. The tower even has its own fan club and annual festival , which takes place in June. (Ketchup bottles are hardly the only culinary-related roadside attraction. From doughnuts to bananas, apples to hot dogs, buildings that look like food can be found all over the country.)

Fairy Glen is on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. This fairy tale-like landscape is above a small village called Uig. The area consists of gentle green hills with round tops that rise up in between small ponds. There is even a rock formation on the top of one of the hills that resembles the ruins of a castle, though it is actually just a rock formation. Some visitors think that if you press coins into the rocks in a small cave near the castle, you will enjoy good luck in the future.

The odd thing about this site is that it has absolutely no connections whatsoever to fairies or fairy legends. Though the Isle of Skye has some legends involving fairies, none are related to this particular place. Tourists simply decided that this area was "Fairy Glen" and the idea took off. Tour guides have apparently added stories about various rituals involving making spiral shapes with rocks and placing coins in the middle (also for good luck). Again, these rituals have no connection to traditional legends (and locals frown on the practice and remove the rock spirals).

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19 weird landmarks in the U.S. that are worth a visit

Plan a trip to these quirky sites because this kind of travel can't go wrong

The Statue of Liberty , the Golden Gate Bridge  and the Grand Canyon . Sure, these U.S. landmarks are cool and all, but have you ever seen hundreds of mustard brands at the National Mustard Museum? Or witnessed the world's largest collection of ventriloquist dummies? How about visiting a building hosting an incredible number of large objects?

Well, in America, you can have it all.

If you're the kind of traveler who's always down for a funky road trip stop, this list of weird landmarks in the U.S. is for you. What's so bizarre about them? Think shrunken heads and wax movie monsters at the Museum of the Weird in Austin to a collection of 140 human skulls at the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia , each of these destinations is bucket-list worthy in the most untraditional of sense. 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Famous weird landmarks in the U.S.

1.   big fish set | jackson lake island, al.

Just outside of Montgomery on the Alabama River, you’ll find a Tim Burton wonderland on a privately owned island. The production company behind the movie Big Fish  built the fictitious town of Spectre here back in the early 2000s and decided to leave it up after filming. For a small fee, visitors to Jackson Lake Island can follow Ewan McGregor’s footsteps through the town square to the rundown church, to the remaining styrofoam trees from the haunted forest and even hang a pair of shoes off the clothesline. Best part? Goats roam the island, too.

2.  La Brea Tar Pits | Los Angeles, CA

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At the La Brea Tar Pits in L.A., see where animals of yore ambled over—and became stuck, forever, in tar. Their predators would see them struggling, come over to partake in the easy feast, and become stuck themselves. It’s actually pretty awful to contemplate, yet fascinating. Paleontologists have recovered around 1 million bones from the tar pit, including from a mammoth, dire wolves, saber tooth cats and one unlucky woman. Walk the outdoor park to sniff the signature sulphuric smell and see pits that are still being excavated, then head into the Page Museum to check out the incredible collection of items found in the pits.

3.  World Erotic Art Museum | Miami, FL

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Don’t bring the family to this Miami museum devoted to all kinds of X-rated art (it's only open to 18+). Billed as the only institution that exclusively shows fine erotic art in the entire country, the World Erotic Art Museum has a renowned collection of antique sex toys, carved phalluses and nudes by Picasso and Rembrandt. Just thinking about exploring the 12,000-square-foot space is enough to make you blush. 

4.  The World's Only Corn Palace | Mitchell, SD

Corn is quite important in the Midwest, so it rightfully deserves a palace in its honor. The aptly named World's Only Corn Palace —designed with 13 different colors and shades of corn—has been charming visitors for the past century. During the day, tourists stop by to snap selfies with the building, including the six-foot-tall ear of corn named Cornelius (because why not?). At night, color-changing domes illuminate the town. While the exterior of the building is an attraction in itself, the building has a lot going on inside, too, hosting basketball games and concerts throughout the year. 

5.  Madonna Inn | San Luis Obispo, CA

The Madonna Inn on the central California coast is the epitome of kitsch. Built by Alex and Phyllis Madonna in 1958, the hotel supposedly has a Swiss Alps theme, but in reality, it seems dedicated to all things over the top. Each of the 110 rooms is decorated in a unique theme—the Caveman has faux rock walls and a waterfall shower while the Pony Room has bright red carpets and prominently features a carousel horse statue. You certainly won’t forget a stay here.

6.  Dole Plantation Maze | Oahu, HI

One of the world’s largest plant mazes is located on the Dole Pineapple Plantation on the north shore of Oahu. More than two miles of paths wind through the hedges of 14,000 colorful Hawaiian plants such as hibiscus, heliconia and pineapples, of course. The maze itself from the air includes a pineapple shape. Most people complete the maze in about an hour, but this couple did it in five minutes, sprinting. 

7.  Mystery Spot | Santa Cruz, CA

Whether you believe the tour guide’s schtick about the supposed “gravitational anomaly” at work at this roadside attraction, the tilted cabin seemingly defying the laws of physics is still fun to visit. Even skeptics will have a blast exploring the curious shack that is the Mystery Spot where balls appear to roll uphill and chairs seem to sit on walls. Not convinced? See if you can puzzle out the reason behind this optical illusion for bonus points. 

8.  The world’s largest objects | Casey, IL

This small town in Illinois is home to not one, not two, but 12 of the world’s largest objects, including a rocking chair, mailbox, gavel, wind chime and golf tee, plus a slew of really big things. Resident Jim Bolin installed the first piece, the wind chime, in 2011 and things snowballed from there. Bolin thought a  public art installation (titled Big Things in a Small Town ) might help bring in some tourists. His theory seems to be working, and the attractions are all free to visit. 

9.  Witch House | Salem, MA

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This New England town’s dark past draws urban witches and history buffs from all over the country. Learn about the  infamous Witch Trials of 1692 with a visit to the Witch House . This 17th-century home was owned by James Corwin, a local merchant who presided over many witchcraft examinations. The self-guided tours offer a great primer on both the country’s largest witch hunt and early colonial life.

10.  Busy Beaver Button Co. | Chicago, IL

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The Busy Beaver Button Co. has produced tens of millions of shiny pins and buttons since it opened in 1995. They’ll still gladly make you any design you desire, but shopping isn't the only reason to visit the Chicago store. Art lovers and culture vultures will also want to check out the eponymous museum. Scope out the collection of more than 9,000 historical pin-back buttons, including concert memorabilia and political campaign collateral.

11.  The Mapparium | Boston, MA

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You’ll find another of the world’s largest items inside the Mary Baker Eddy Library in Boston: The world’s largest walk-in globe. The Mapparium is a three-story spherical model of a globe built to scale out of brightly-hued stained glass. Stand at one edge of the glass bridge that bisects the globe's interior and whisper something to a friend at the other end. Since the glass walls amplify sound, they’ll be able to hear you loud and clear. Built in 1935 and representing the world at that time, it has some outdated country names, so this registers as a historical artifact as well.

12.  Area 51 | Lincoln County, NV

Deep in the middle of the barren Nevada desert, you’ll find Area 51 , the top-secret installation that has been shrouded in mystery for decades. Little is known about what goes on inside, except that the military developed and tested spy planes at the base during the Cold War—this is the site of a U.S. Air Force base specializing in experimental aircraft, after all. The secrecy, combined with strange sightings leaving Area 51, led to countless rumors of UFO sightings, alien abductions, and other extraterrestrial activities over the years. Curious visitors and alien enthusiasts should check out the Alien Research Center.

13.  Tony Packo's | Toledo, OH

If you're planning a coast-to-coast road trip and have decided to incorporate Route 66 , you'll want to make this one weird and wonderful pit stop:  Tony Packo's  authentic Hungarian restaurant. Why? Because every wall of the eatery's interior is covered with autographed hot dog buns. Burt Reynolds signed the first one, and now there are more than 1,500, all in display cases. Everyone from Debbie Reynolds to Stevie Nicks and Steve Martin has somehow, at some time, visited this obscure restaurant and signed one.

14.  Mütter Museum | Philadelphia, PA

• Science and technology
• Center City West

If you’re the squeamish type, you better avoid the Mütter Museum . It’s jampacked with human specimens, stomach-churning medical objects and more bones than you could imagine. Think you can handle it? Don’t miss the slices of Albert Einstein’s brain, the Hyrtl Skull Collection of 139 human heads, or the corset skeleton, which shows what Victorian corsetry may have done to ribcages.

15.  National Mustard Museum | Middleton, WI

They may not be wrong when they say there's a museum for anything. At the National Mustard Museum in Wisconsin, you'll find the widest selection of quality mustards in the world. Admissions are free, so browse away—and enjoy some high-quality mustard from around the globe at home. You can also peruse the vast displays of mustard memorabilia, including over 6,000 jars, bottles, and tins from all 50 states and more than 70 countries.

16.  Museum of the Weird | Austin, TX

• Congress Ave District

In the tradition of old-school curio museums, the Museum of the Weird celebrates oddities like shrunken heads, wax movie monsters and the Minnesota Iceman, a carnival exhibit of a “caveman” trapped in a block of ice. The museum also added a photograph of the infamous Cottingley Fairies to its collection in recent years. It’s only fitting that such a museum would be in Austin—the city’s unofficial slogan (predating Portland by a year!) is “Keep Austin Weird,” after all.

17.  Vent Haven Museum | Fort Mitchell, KY

The stuff of nightmares or a cool ode to an interesting American entertainment act? You choose. The Vent Haven Museum claims to be the only museum in the world dedicated to the act of ventriloquism, ventriloquism, a stagecraft technique where the performer speaks as if your voice is coming from a "dummy" puppet. Housing more than 1,100 dummies used by ventriloquists throughout the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, this museum is only available to view by appointment only. 

18.  Dinosaur Drive | Granger, WA

Not far from Yakima, you’ll find the city of Granger with the tagline, “Where dinosaurs roam.” Its Dinosaur Drive welcomes you to drive around town and see various dinosaurs. Fittingly, the first dinosaur was a baby brontosaurus and now there are 33 dinosaurs, typically constructed and painted by the community at a “Dino-n-a-Day” work day at Hisey Park. Catch the plesiosaurus in the park’s pond or the nearby dimetrodon, see the apatosaurus positioned by a tree to “eat” its greenery, or thrill at the sight of a T-Rex busting through the side of a building. Strong bonus: in the park, you can see volcanoes that once used to spew smoke (they house non-operational bathrooms).

19.  Gravity Hill | New Paris, PA

Just outside of Pittsburgh in McCandless Township, you can experience this wild road that defies gravity. At a particular intersection, you’ll stop at a stop sign and put your car into neutral and then wait for your skin to crawl. Because instead of your car rolling forward, downhill, as it should, it will start to move backward, up the hill. Why? How? We don't know, but check your rearview mirror before doing this, or the anomaly could become an accident. Watch this video to see Gravity Hill in action. More weirdness? There is also water that flows the wrong way.

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10 Weird Tourist Attractions

City Breaks Multi Destination

There are some really strange tourist attractions out there, so we have decided to compile a list of weird tourist attractions  for those of you who enjoy the surprising and unconventional – places where it’s acceptable to stick gum on the walls, where rats are worshiped, and if you enjoy noodles, there’s even a spa where you can swim in a massive bowl of Ramen!

Here is our selection of the most bizarre must- sees  attractions :

1. Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, Japan

At this spa themed park in Hakone, Japan, visitors can enjoy an interesting combination of hot springs , ranging from traditional European, Japanese and even more unusual and unique creations such as the “Noodle Bar”, where you can swim in a bowl of Ramen. It might smell yummy, but remember, it’s probably best to keep your mouth closed!

2. Bubblegum Alley, California, USA

In San Luis Obispo, California , there is an entire wall covering a stretch of over 20 meters full of used bubble gum! Though some might find it disgusting, the alley has become a popular local landmark that keeps attracting many curious tourists.

3. Karni Mata Temple, India

Found in Rajasthan, India, the Karni Mata Temple is famous for its unusual inhabitants. Rats! While in other places these animals might be unwanted guests, here they are being worshiped and given shelter in tribute to the female Hindu sage Karni Mata, also known as the rat goddess.  The over 20,000 rats that have made this their home continue to attract an increasing number of visitors each year… what an unusually wild attraction !

4. Dead Vlei, Namibia

Dead Vlei, or “Dead Marsh” is essentially a forest frozen in time. The absence of water and the intense heat has scorched all the vegetation in this valley, leaving behind black skeleton-like trees that cannot decompose because the land is too dry.  This unique, yet odd natural landscape has captured the interest of many, particularly photographers.

5. The Paper House, Massachusetts, USA

The name is a dead giveaway! Yes, it is in fact a house made entirely out of paper, including the furniture inside. Located north of Boston, Massachusetts, this house was built by Elis F. Stenman in the 1920’s to serve as a two room summer home for him and his family. It took him over 20 years and 100,000 newspapers to complete! Surely a sight worth seeing, just make sure to keep all things flammable far, far way.

6. Toilet Theme Park, Suwon, South Korea

Let’s talk about weird tourist attractions… In Suwon, South Korea, tourists can visit a theme park built around the history and culture of toilets ! This place was built in memory of the city’s former mayor, a man who sparked a toilet revolution of sorts, dedicating a lot of time and resources to improve Suwon’s public toilets. The park has started to attract a lot of ‘toilet themed’ art, and even hosts the locally renowned Golden Poop Festival!

7. Cappadocia Cave Hotel, Turkey

This hotel in Turkey is not so much bizarre as it is incredibly creative. The rooms and suites are incorporated inside local cave dwellings from Roman and Byzantine periods, combining very well the history, the modern and luxurious. An amazing Turkish experience that you don’t come across every day!

8. Inveraray Jail, Scotland, UK

This jail is a living museum, where visitors can see prisoners in jails, watch courtroom trials, and even speak to the warden. The jail is also open at night time, and tourists can sign up to participate in paranormal investigations and ghost hunting activities. A peculiar, and yet popular Scottish weird tourist attraction !

9. World’s Largest Ball of Paint, Indiana, USA

Mike Carmichael and his wife Glenda own the largest ball of paint in the world! This object started out as a baseball covered in paint by their 3 year old son; 30 years later, the blob has over 25,000 layers! Not only has this attracted the attention of record books such as the Guinness World Book of Records , but it makes more and more visitors want to come and add their own coat of paint to this monstrosity.

10. Valle de la Prehistoria, Cuba

The construction of this bizarre prehistoric themed park in the Santiago de Cuba province was carried out by the inmates of a nearby prison; the park includes more than 200 life size creature and human statues, from the brontosaurus to the cave man. We wonder what the creators of Jurassic Park would have to say about this!

Which of these weird tourist attractions is your favorite? What other bizarre places have you heard of or seen?

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11 Strangest Tourist Attractions in the World

New Zealand's Steepest Street

Baldwin Street in Dunedin, New Zealand, is home to one of the most photogenic optical illusions in the world: when photos of houses on the street are taken on a specific angle, it creates the illusion that all are sinking. At just 1,150 feet long, Baldwin is at a 19-degree slope, and is the Guinness World Record holder of the world's steepest street. Still, despite its trick on the eyes and mind, the street may be most famous for the annual Cadbury Jaffa Race, where thousands of colored chocolates are released down the hill to raise money for charity.

California’s Life-Size Dinosaurs

With just two life-size residents, the World’s Biggest Dinosaurs don’t exactly rival Jurassic Park . But if you ever wanted a T. Rex’s-eye-view of California, climb up into Mr. Rex—all four stories—and gaze through his teeth to the world beyond. Mr. Rex’s counterpart is Ms. Dinny, a 150-foot-long, 150-ton model of an Apatosaurus. Claude K. Bell designed the pair, and since his death in 1988, the World’s Biggest Dinosaurs have been taken over by a religious group who also set up a Creationist museum at the site.

England’s Gnome Reserve

There’s no place like the Gnome Reserve: Fans of the cheeky lawn ornaments can travel here to see more than 1,000 gnomes and pixies in their natural outdoor habitat. (There are also more than 250 labeled species of wildflowers.) The Reserve hosts an on-site museum with a collection of antique statues. The dress code? Pointed hats and fishing rods are loaned out to visitors for free, “so you don’t embarrass the gnomes.”

Nebraska’s Carhenge

No one knows who built Stonehenge, or why, but we do know who built Carhenge (artist Jim Reinders and his family) and why (as a tribute to his father, and because it’s cool). The Stonehenge replica uses 38 classic cars, all painted gray and arranged in the same proportions as the original. Since the dedication of Carhenge—on the summer solstice in 1987—other works of car art have been added to the site, including Reinders’ Ford Seasons , inspired by Vivaldi’s Four Seasons .

China’s Upside-Down House

If you’ve ever felt like dancing on the ceiling, head to the China Folk Painting Village in Fengjing Ancient Town, just south of Shanghai. Once inside, you’ll have to look up to see the furniture; everything from a kitchen table set for dinner to a child’s bedroom is arranged in a way that appears to defy gravity.

Japan’s Ramen Museum

Those inexpensive instant noodles got you through those college all-nighters—surely they’re worthy of their own museum, right? The Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum pays tribute to the Cup Noodles founder and his creations. Visitors can see a reproduction of the shack where Momofuku Ando first invented chicken ramen, explore an exhibition about instant noodles all over the world , and, of course, visit a tasting room of different Nissin products, giving visitors a sampling of flavors that might not be sold in their region.

Australia’s Big Lobster

Australia has its fair share of giant kitschy monuments —including an oversized park bench that holds eight people and a huge tennis racket honoring player Evonne Goolagong Cawley. But none have as much personality as Larry, the Big Lobster. (How big? About 56 feet.) Larry was built in 1979 to promote the region’s seafood, wine, cheese , and timber industries. At its base is a tourist complex, complete with restaurant and gift shop.

Iceland’s Phallus Museum

It’s “members only” here: The Icelandic Phallological Museum hosts a collection of more than 200 phallic specimens representing almost every mammal in the country. Simply put, if you ever wanted to see a whale penis in a jar, this is the place to do it. The museum is currently the subject of a documentary, The Final Member, about two (brave?) souls competing to be the first human specimen.

South Africa’s Big Pineapple

There’s no better place to look out over the Eastern Cape’s pineapple industry than from the top-floor observation deck of this nearly 55-foot-high fiberglass pineapple. After checking out the 360-degree view, visitors can watch a film about the area’s agriculture, or head to the ground floor to buy pineapple jam and chutney.

England’s Petrifying Well

Legend has it that Mother Shipton was a witch with the power of prophecy, predicting many events, including the Great Fire of London in 1666. At Mother Shipton’s Cave, you’ll discover her stony dwellings as well as the Petrifying Well, also said to have magical properties. Early on, some claimed the waters had healing powers; others feared that touching the cascade would turn you into a rock. Today, science may have demystified the petrifaction process, but that doesn’t make the cave any less fun. The cheeky Brits have tied up everyday objects in the stream, waiting for them to turn to stone.

Thailand’s Hell Garden

The sign that greets visitors entering this sculpture garden pretty much says it all: “Welcome to Hell.” The Wang Saen Suk’s “hell garden” depicts, in garish detail, the punishments in store for those who transgress in life. If the statues are to be believed—with impaling, transfiguration, and disemboweling all represented—the tortures for sinners are pretty gruesome, so you might want to bank a few good deeds before you visit.

42 seriously strange places in the world you didn’t know about

Travel Travel Inspiration Offbeat Travel Strange places in the world

The best thing about traveling the world is the ability to discover the places that are lesser known to most. Media is ubiquitous and all-powerful now but one thing it still can’t provide is the sheer joy and exhilaration of travel. Even prolific travelers have often admitted that it is impossible to explore all the gems this planet has to offer. Whether you prefer adventurous destinations or the ones that are known for their spiritual experiences, some places on earth are simply bewildering. Read on to know about some of the most fascinating and downright bizarre places on Earth where you can go for your next trip. These destinations are bound to be a hot talking point at every party.

42 Weird Places In The World

• Spotted Lake, Canada
• The Catacombs, France
• Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland
• Tianzi Mountains, China
• Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia
• Thor’s Well, USA
• Pamukkale, Turkey
• Guelb, Mauritania
• Lake Retba, Senegal
• The Wave, USA
• Mendenhall Ice Caves, Alaska
• Fingal’s Cave, Scotland
• Nyaung Ohak, Myanmar
• Danakil Depression, Ethiopia
• Pancake Rocks, New Zealand
• TMan-Pupu-Nyor, Russia
• Plain of Jars, Laos
• Hand in the Desert, Chile
• Nazca Lines, Peru
• Whale Bone Alley, Siberia
• Die Rakotzbrück, Germany
• Chocolate Hills of Bohol Island, Philippines
• Lake Hillier, Australia
• Badab-e Surt, Iran
• Dead Vlei, Namibia
• Socotra Island, Yemen
• Fly Geyser, USA
• Huashan Mountain, China
• Christ Of The Abyss, Italy
• Red Beach, China
• Montaña de Siete Colores, Peru
• Tunnel of Love, Ukraine
• Glass Beach, USA
• Jellyfish Lake, Palau
• Caño Cristales, Colombia
• Slope Point, New Zealand
• Painted Hills, USA
• Lencois Maranhenses National Park, Brazil
• Giant Crystal Cave, Mexico
• Cat Island, Japan
• Moai, Chile
• Island Of Dolls, Mexico

1 Spotted Lake, Canada

Entry: free.

The native Okanagan people have long respected Spotted Lake, and it is simple to see why. In the summer, the lake's water evaporates, leaving behind 365 little mineral pools, each one different in color from the next. Visitors are cautioned not to trespass on tribal grounds when seeing the unique lake on Highway 3, northwest of the little town of Osoyoos. Best time of the year to visit: June to August Hot Tip: British Columbia has been infamous for fickle weather in recent times, so enquire about the weather before you visit.

2 The Catacombs, France

Entry: starting from 29€.

The Paris Catacombs are a network of old quarry tunnels beneath Paris that serve as the ultimate resting place for about six million Parisians. The majority of the skulls and bones were collected from the city's overcrowded cemeteries in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The bones were not arranged in the horrific displays seen today until the government realized its potential as a tourist attraction. Best time of the year to visit: April and October Hot Tip: Book Skip the Line tickets to Paris Catacombs as the queues outside can go upto 2 hours long.

3 Giant's Causeway, Ireland

A massive volcanic eruption sixty million years ago blasted forth a mass of molten basalt, which consolidated and contracted as it cooled, forming the fractures that can still be seen today. This World Heritage Site is home to an estimated 37,000 polygon columns, which are so geometrically perfect that local mythology claims they were built by a giant. It is a strong contender for one of the world's strangest locations. Best time of the year to visit: June and July Hot Tip: Make sure you take your time and walk the shores of the Giant’s Causeway.

4 Tianzi Mountains, China

These towering limestone pinnacles, located in Hunan Province, China, are surrounded by lush foliage and frequently shrouded in mist. A cable car connects Huangshi village to Tianzi (meaning 'son of heaven') village, and from there, there are numerous routes to enjoy the spectacular views of Tianzi. They are, unsurprisingly, the model for the floating mountains in the hit film Avatar. Best time of the year to visit: March and November Hot Tip: Don’t skimp on the cable car ride to the top if you want to fully feel the might of the Tianzi Mountains.

5 Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia

The world's largest salt pan, as well as one of the strangest locations on the planet, is located in the Potos and Oruro departments. It is also the world's largest natural mirror when a thin layer of water forms on the surface. Salar de Uyuni is the dried-up remains of a prehistoric lake, leaving behind a void of bright-white salt, granite formations, and cacti-islands. Best time of the year to visit: December and January Hot Tip: The best view of this Salar de Uyuni may be had from Incahuasi Island in the center.

6 Thor’s Well, USA

In stormy weather, the surf rushes into the gaping pit at Thor's Well in Oregon, also known as Spouting Horn, and then shoots upwards with enormous power. Take the Captain Cook Trail from the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area visitor center to see it, but keep well back for your own safety, especially at high tide or during winter storms. Best time of the year to visit: May to August Hot Tip: If you are particularly adventurous, head to Thor’s Well in Winter to witness its fury.

7 Pamukkale, Turkey

Pamukkale (Cotton Palace) is a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwest Turkey that also includes the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, the once great city that was built around it. Water pours down the white travertine terraces from natural springs, forming lovely thermal pools ideal for a brief dip. Best time of the year to visit: March and November Hot Tip: Go for a group tour with friends and family to Pamukkale for a relaxing experience.

8 Guelb, Mauritania

The Richat Structure, also known as Guelb er Richât, is a remarkable circular geological formation in the Adrar Plateau of the Sahara, near Ouadane, Northwest Africa. Richat means feather in the local dialect, and it is also known as tagense in Arabic. This is one of the weirdest places in the world and you will want to see it for yourself. Best time of the year to visit: April and October Hot Tip: If you are a photography enthusiast, take a drone shot of this place.

9 Lake Retba, Senegal

Because of the presence of specific plankton and minerals, the lake has a peculiar pink color. It is a 30-kilometer drive northeast of Dakar. The presence of Dunaliella salina algae in the water body is what causes the water to be pink. It is notable for having a high salt content, up to 40% in some places. Best time of the year to visit: December and January Hot Tip: Pack your swimsuit and experience swimming at this lake.

10 The Wave, USA

Entry: starting from us$9.

The Wave is a sandstone rock formation close to Arizona's northern border with Utah. It is a surreal world of psychedelic patterns and whirling hues. The Jurassic epoch is supposed to be represented by the rock formations. There is no signage for hikers in order to protect the natural beauty and integrity of this natural place. You will have to figure out how to get in and out of this place. Best time of the year to visit: April and October Hot Tip: Be very sure before you go for this activity as the canyon experiences extreme temperatures.

11 Mendenhall Ice Caves, Alaska

Entry: us$5 (may to september); free (october to april).

The many tints of blue in the ice crystals within these tunnels is a natural phenomenon that has perplexed scientists for years. With global warming on the rise, these ice caves may be harmed. Geologists are doing all in their power to prevent the extinction of these ice caves. While this phenomenon still occurs naturally, you will do well to visit the caves and see them with your own eyes. Best time of the year to visit: June and July Hot Tip: If you can bear the cold, visit the ice caves in winter to save your entrance fee.

12 Fingal’s Cave, Scotland

Caves are usually bounded by asymmetrical rocks naturally formed over centuries. Take a peek at these square caves in Scotland that are symmetrical. These caverns are located on Staffa's uninhabited islets. People rarely enter these caves, with the exception of researchers and scientists. However, if you are interested, you can visit these caves and take a peek at this nature’s anomaly. Best time of the year to visit: June and July Hot Tip: Take a ferry from Ulva to visit this strange attraction.

13 Nyaung Ohak, Myanmar

Entry: 300 kyat.

Image Courtesy: Mark Fischer | Flickr

Myanmar may not be the most well-known location, but it is undoubtedly one of the countries you should see at least once before you die. This is why. Myanmar is home to Nyaung Ohak, which is a sight to behold in and of itself. It is difficult to find a strange forest community with over 1000 ruined temples anywhere else. This location is lush with vegetation. It is quite a sight to see. Best time of the year to visit: November to February Hot Tip: Take photos of the site with your phone cameras instead of camera equipment as the site charges for cameras and video photography equipment.

14 Danakil Depression, Ethiopia

These are not your typical swimming pools; they are essentially acid pools. Even what appears to be land is made up of brittle salt and sulfur crusts. This is one of the oddest places on the planet. Even after millions of years, the tectonic plates beneath the Danakil Depression are still moving. Scientists predict that unless the movement stops, the land will continue to sink below sea level. Best time of the year to visit: November to January Hot Tip: Reach the destination from the town of Berahile to save your travel expenses

15 Pancake Rocks, New Zealand

These stacks of pancake-like rocks were formed by thousands of layers of sandstone and limestone that collected on the ocean floor. A series of walkways flowing through the rock formations lead to the Pancake Rocks, some of which are wheelchair accessible and others carved into stairways up and down the rock sides. On your trip to New Zealand, make sure to stop by this location. Best time of the year to visit: January Hot Tip: Visit this attraction during high tide to witness the blowholes in full flow

16 Man-Pupu-Nyor, Russia

The Manpupuner rock formations are a group of seven stone pillars found west of the Ural Mountains in the Komi Republic's Troitsko-Pechorsky District. They are situated on the mountain Man-Pupu-nyor, between the Ilych and Pechora rivers, on the Pechoro-Ilychski Reserve's land. Best time of the year to visit: July Hot Tip: Don’t attempt to visit this place in the winter as it tends to get frigid here.

17 Plain of Jars, Laos

Entry: 15000 kip.

Megalithic stone jars, shrouded in legend, are found in clusters of one to one hundred around Xieng Khouang Province. The enormous cylindrical jars may have been used in ancient death rituals, according to one notion. Northern Laos was bombed heavily by the United States in the 1960s, and some regions have just lately been cleansed and designated safe for travelers. Best time of the year to visit: January Hot Tip: Use local buses to reach the destination if you want to save some money.

18 Hand in the Desert, Chile

This strange work of art, growing out of the sand in the center of Chile's Atacama desert, 46 miles south of Antofagasta, is the creation of Chilean sculptor Mario Irarrázabal. Irarrázabal is recognized for his works that depict human pain, and this massive unsettling sculpture evokes a sense of loneliness, which is heightened by its desolate and isolated setting. Best time of the year to visit: March and October Hot Tip: Set out early as the monument is located far away from any civilization and the to and fro journey is bound to be time-consuming.

19 Nazca Lines, Peru

Entry: free from land, us$100 by an aircraft.

These colossal lines seared into the desert landscapes of southern Peru are one of the world's most bizarre destinations. These only make sense from the skies where people can see the unusual forms etched into the normally desolate desert landscape, as illustrated in the film, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Best time of the year to visit: May to October Hot Tip: The best way to see this attraction is by hiring an aircraft.

20 Whale Bone Alley, Siberia

On lonely Yttygran Island, 82 kilometers off the coast of Alaska, a stretch of the northern shore has become a macabre tourist attraction. Massive whale jawbones, ribs, and vertebrae form an eerie passageway in the ground. The site is thought to be from the fourteenth or fifteenth century, although no one knows whether it was a sacred gathering place for aboriginal tribes or merely a gathering place for mass killing. Best time of the year to visit: July Entry: Free

21 Die Rakotzbrück, Germany

Entry: €2.50.

The Die Rakotzbrück bridge is another unique location that belongs in the category of strange places in the world. Built in the 19th century, the bridge and its mirror merge into a complete and perfect stone circle no matter which way you look at it. The bridge, however, has little utility as there is no way for people to mount it. Best time of the year to visit: May to September Hot Tip: Take a cab and ask for Devil’s bridge from Dresden to reach this site.

22 Chocolate Hills of Bohol Island, Philippines

Image Courtesy: Didier Baertschiger | Flickr

The 1700-odd conical hills of Bohol, Philippines, dot the center of the island. They vary in height, but their shape is so consistent that they may be mistaken for man-made. They are, however, the elevation of coral deposits, according to UNESCO. Only during the dry season, when the foliage turns from rich green to brown, do the hills earn their moniker of "chocolate." Best time of the year to visit: March and April Hot Tip: Visit during the early part of the dry season to avoid crowds as well as witness the chocolate hills in all its glory.

23 Lake Hillier, Australia

On the largest of the islands in Western Australia's Recherche Archipelago, this unique lake was found in 1802. The lake's deep pink color is maintained all year, according to some experts, due to high salinity paired with the presence of salt-loving algae called Dunaliella salina and pink bacteria called halobacteria. Best time of the year to visit: April and September Hot Tip: Witness the lake and its beauty from above by taking a flight from Esperance airport an hour away from the lake.

24 Badab-e Surt, Iran

These stunning travertine terraces in northern Iran are a natural wonder that has evolved over thousands of years. Travertine is generated by calcium deposits in flowing water, and in this case, the calcium deposits are from two distinct hot springs with varied mineral compositions. The terraces' unique reddish color is due to a significant concentration of iron oxide in one of the springs. Best time of the year to visit: November to January Hot Tip: Visit Badab e Surt during sunrise or sunset to witness its reflective beauty.

25 Dead Vlei, Namibia

Deadvlei translates to 'dead marsh,' and the area is also known as 'Dooie Vlei.' It is a sun-blackened dead forest in a white clay pit, resembling a dried oasis. The lack of water causes tree roots to come outside in search of moisture, making it one of the strangest places on the planet. This location has been used for filming feature films before. Best time of the year to visit: December Hot Tip: Cover yourself as much as possible before you head to this place as the extreme dryness of the air will cause dehydration through the surface of the skin.

26 Socotra Island, Yemen

Entry: round trip flights from cairo would cost in the region of us$1300.

This lonely island, which was separated from mainland Africa more than six million years ago, seems like something out of a science fiction movie. Because of Socotra's extraordinary and unique biodiversity, there are plants and trees found nowhere else on the planet, like the old and twisted dragon's blood tree and the bulbous bottle tree, which are particularly strange. Best time of the year to visit: March and November Hot Tip: Compare the airfares of the different airlines providing services to Socotra from both Cairo and UAE to find the cheapest deal.

27 Fly Geyser, USA

Entry: us$43.

Image Courtesy: Ken Lund | Flickr

This unearthly geyser can be found on private land on the outskirts of Nevada's the Black Rock Desert. A scorching fountain erupts up to five feet high today after an energy firm bore down into geothermal waters in 1964, and the consequent mineral build-up means the cone is increasing by several inches each year. Best time of the year to visit: August to October Hot Tip: Photograph the colorful rock around the geyser that is the result of several different types of thermophilic algae.

28 Huashan Mountain, China

Entry: starting from 100 yuan.

Although there is only a tea house at the end of this dangerous death-defying trail in China, the Mount Huashan Plank Walk in the Sky is famous for its adrenaline-pumping effects. The Road to Heaven is what it is called because of the near-deadly consequence you face if you happen to meet an accident. Best time of the year to visit: May to July Hot Tip: Try the cable car experience if the plank walk seems too much of a risk to you.

29 Christ Of The Abyss, Italy

Entry: snorkel tours start at $55.

Christ Of The Abyss is a 2.50-meter tall bronze statue of Jesus Christ. Deep-sea divers' favorite spot, and undoubtedly one of the strangest underwater locations on the planet. Guido Galletti's submerged bronze statue of Jesus Christ is one of the top tourist attractions in Italy for thrill lovers. Best time of the year to visit: May to June Hot Tip: Explore Christ of the Abyss via a snorkeling boat to get a close look at this strange attraction.

30 Red Beach, China

Entry: starting from 60 yuan.

This beach is covered in a species of seaweed called Sueda, which turns a vivid red color in the autumn. These tidal wetlands, located 30 kilometers southwest of Panjin, are an important wildlife reserve for migrating birds. Only a small area of the beach is exposed to the public, but a wooden path that goes out to sea can be explored. Best time of the year to visit: September to November Hot Tip: Take a day trip to this fascinating location and watch the migratory birds at Red Beach.

31 Montaña de Siete Colores, Peru

Wide lines of pastel blue, vibrant red, green, pink, and yellow cover the surface of this mountain. There are no scientific explanations for this behavior at this time. Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or Montaña de Siete Colores, is a multicolored peak in Peru. The views from the summit of the mountain will astound you and show you why it is on every list of the strangest places on the planet. Best time of the year to visit: May to July Hot Tip: Remember that the trek is quite strenuous. Attempt it if you are used to trekking.

32 Tunnel of Love, Ukraine

This green leafy tunnel, part of an industrial railway in Ukraine, looks like something out of a fairy tale. It is well-known for being a popular spot for couples to promenade in the morning or evening. If you want to surprise your significant other on Valentine's Day, schedule a vacation to the Tunnel of Love instead of going to Disneyland. Best time of the year to visit: May Hot Tip: Add this trip to your Kyiv itinerary to make the most of your time in Ukraine

33 Glass Beach, USA

This gleaming sea glass beach in California is an amazing result of years of trash deposited on the beach. This was not stopped until the 1960s, by which time the sea had been clogged with everything from electrical gadgets to bottles and cans. The waves eventually shattered everything into colorful pebbles, and the beach became a popular tourist destination. Best time of the year to visit: April and October Hot Tip: Glass Beach is now endangered because of the high number of visitors collecting glass pieces. Do not add to that when you visit and let the beach thrive.

36 Jellyfish Lake, Palau

Entry: us$100.

In this region of Palau, there are 70 marine lakes. This lake is distinct from the others because it contains jellyfish. Jellyfish Lake was closed to the public in 2012 due to a decline in the number of jellyfish in the lake. However, the jellyfish population has bounced back now. Jellyfish Lake is one of the strangest places on the planet. Best time of the year to visit: December to February Hot Tip: Take a dive into Jellyfish Lake to be in close proximity of the dwellers of the lake.

35 Caño Cristales, Colombia

Entry: 53,500 pesos.

This Colombian river glows red throughout the hot months. The riverbed is covered by a peculiar variety of plants that turns red, making it one of the strangest places on the planet. The "River of Five Colors" or the "Liquid Rainbow" are two names for the river. It has been dubbed the most beautiful body of water on the planet. Best time of the year to visit: May to August Hot Tip: Make a day out of your visit to the river by touring the La Macarena National Park.

34 Slope Point, South Island, New Zealand

Slope Point, the southernmost point of the South Island, is another of the world's weird places. Because of the strong Antarctic winds, the trees in this woodland are permanently bent and windblown. This is one of the world's windiest and oddest locations. The steep cliffs, eroded by powerful winds and time, add to the beauty of the scene. Best time of the year to visit: December to February Hot Tip: Don’t forget to check out the AA signpost that shows the distance to the equator and the South Pole.

37 Painted Hills, USA

Painted Hills is one of the strangest places on the planet. Make plans to visit Oregon as soon as possible to explore this fascinating place. Minerals stain the slopes at John Day Fossil Beds' Painted Hills in a variety of colors. The yellows, reds, golds, and blacks are affected by altering light and moisture levels. Best time of the year to visit: June to August Hot Tip: When you drive to Painted Hills, be sure to download your navigation map because you will lose cell service when you are close to the destination.

38 Lencois Maranhenses National Park, Brazil

Entry: starting at us$19.84.

Lencois Maranhenses National Park is a protected area in Brazil and one of the most mysterious places on Earth. There is a reason why this location is considered unique in the country. Although it appears to be a desert, this Brazilian national park features numerous tiny lakes separated by sand dune-like structures. The contrasting colors of the area make it a great fit for your Instagram photos. Best time of the year to visit: May to July Hot Tip: Take an ATV ride through the dunes if you are looking for an exhilarating activity in the area.

39 Giant Crystal Cave, Mexico

Entry: us$16.

The Naica Mine's Giant Crystal Cave is also one of the strangest places on the planet. These massive gleaming mineral pillars deep within the Earth's innards are enough to make you feel claustrophobic. For more than 500,000 years, this massive structure has been built beneath Mexico. It is a fascinating case study of how creatures cope with high heat and humidity. Best time of the year to visit: December to February Hot Tip: Ask for the paid parking spots near Naica mine when you purchase your tickets.

40 Cat Island, Japan

Entry: 1230 yen.

There are only 100 humans on this island, but there are thousands of cats. The inhabitants, on the other hand, are ecstatic about their living situation. Cat Island is located in the Ehime Prefecture of Japan, which is a remote part of the country. The cats surpass the humans by a factor of ten. Cats were introduced to fishing boats to kill rats, but they stayed on the island. Best time of the year to visit: June and July Hot Tip: Visit the shrine at the center of this island that is said to bring good luck to married couples.

41 Moai, Chile

Entry: us$80.

There are innumerable carved effigies of huge heads sprawled across the beach, made by the Rapa Nui civilization back in the first millennium CE when this place was not even called Easter Island. They were fashioned right out of the black rock rocks on the island, chiseled and chipped to perfection, by the Para Nui people using primitive tools. Best time of the year to visit: May and November Hot Tip: Avoid touching the Moai as they are protected by law and it can land you in legal trouble.

42 Island Of Dolls, Mexico

Entry: us$4.

Eerie and battered toys hang from the trees on the desolate Mexican island of Xochimilco. The scene seems like something out of a horror film, with dolls dangling in the middle of nowhere. Legend has it that these dolls began washing up on the sand after a girl drowned in one of the nearby canals. After that, one of the town's single residents hung them from the trees for unknown reasons. Best time of the year to visit: October and November Hot Tip: Visit this place during Día de Los Muertos to get the spookiest of experiences.

Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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6 of the world's most ridiculous tourist attractions

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written by Mike MacEacheran

updated 10.11.2020

Not every place has the looks of the Taj Mahal , the majesty of the Grand Canyon , or the intrigue of Angkor Wat . Some wow from the first glimpse, others fail miserably and some, well, just bemuse.

1. Washlet Museum, Kitakyushu, Japan

2. the gum wall, seattle, usa, 3. the big things, australia, 4. four corners monument, new mexico, usa, 5. giant ferris wheel, dudley, england, 6. hell, michigan, usa.

If you’re willing to make the effort, here’s our rundown of the most ridiculous attractions to visit around the world.

Eccentric museums are nothing new. Turkey has one about hair, San Francisco has a gallery dedicated to vibrators, while Reykjavík prides itself on a collection of odd-shaped phalluses. England , meanwhile, has a dog collar museum and the nuttily-brilliant British Lawnmower Museum.

But Japan’s latest blows them all away, with a museum dedicated to one of the country’s most celebrated inventions: the robotic toilet. Opened in December, to celebrate the centennial of Toto, the innovator behind the Washlet, this £40 million museum charts the birth of the Japanese crapper from antique ceramic potty-bowl to bidet-splashing, cheek-warming, cranny-washing triumph. When nature calls, you’ll never look at the humble loo the same way again.

© Lane V. Erickson/Shutterstock

Described as the ‘germiest’ place on Earth, this notorious dead zone at the back of Pike Place Market was never intended as an attraction. But for the past 20 years, lazy tourists and chewing gum vandals have left cloggy dollops behind on the alley as a memento, sticking more than one million blobs of goo to the walls – that’s more than 150 pieces of gum per brick.

Despite a heavy-duty steam-clean last November, the wall continues to be redecorated by hardcore fans in a rainbow spray of bubblegum. Some say its crowd-sourced art, others say it’s Jackson Pollock for idiots. Grit your teeth and dive right on in. If you’ve come this far, you deserve no sympathy.

It started in 1963 with the Big Scotsman, a five-metre-tall novelty Highlander in a kilt and puke-green jacket plonked on top of Scotty’s Motel in Medindie, Adelaide . The fact it was nonsense didn’t matter: it was soon followed by the Big Dinosaur in Somersby and the Big Banana at Coffs Harbour.

Then things got really silly: Queensland rolled out a whole supermarket shelf’s worth of super-sized kitsch – the Big Pie, the Big Peanut, the Big Paperclip – while Kalgoorlie in Western Australia and Robertson in New South Wales hit all-time lows. For that, look no further than the Big Dustbin or the Big Potato.

Some deluded travellers see ticking off all 150 as a worthy lifetime challenge – but those in the real world choose to see Australia’s other Big Things, the Great Barrier Reef , Red Centre and Uluru.

If you’re still curious, consider this: Kiama in New South Wales is the proud home of the Big Poo.

© frerd/Shutterstock

Plenty of places have tacky signs proclaiming a town as the most extreme point on the compass. Others have bouncy castles dedicated to pointless geographic quirks. But few can claim a site that touches the corner of four different US states.

That’s the so-good-it’s-bad highlight at Shiprock, a town on the brink of New Mexico, Colorado , Utah and Arizona . The crosshair point is marked by a second-rate brass LP-shaped disc, but what really makes it worthwhile is it’s in the wrong spot – an error worthy of a comedy klaxon horn honk.

The right point, according to locals, is 600m away. Located in the sweltering heat of the badlands desert, it’s since become a sweaty pilgrimage for hundreds of misled tourists each year.

Gigantic observation wheels have been in vogue since London launched the Eye prior to the Millennium. Paris has one, as does Beijing , Birmingham , Orlando, Sharjah… the list goes on.

But jumping on the bandwagon isn’t always a good idea. Just ask Dudley about its “Dudl-Eye”.

For £4.50 a spin, it was possible to get a bird’s eye view of the Black Country town’s skyline. Cue a 35m-high ride past an abandoned bingo hall, the town centre car park, and several close-ups of grey, concrete misery.

When it opened in March for a month-long stint it was lampooned as the worst tourist attraction in the UK.

© UAV 4/Shutterstock

Jean-Paul Sartre said “hell is other people”. But he clearly hadn’t been to this small town in the Midwest where eternal suffering can be found in attempts to wring every last innuendo and witticism from the town’s name.

Wise guy entrepreneurs have set up a fake college – Damnation University, of course – the high street store issues death certificates and scorched postcards, and its themed mini-golf course is modelled on Satan’s fiery abode of the damned.

Want more? Drop in to hokey gelato parlour Scream’s Ice Cream where they serve scoops in miniature coffins.

Compare flights , find tours , book hostels and hotels for your trip, and don’t forget to buy travel insurance before you go.

Top image: The big lobster, Australia © Ninefiver Media/Shutterstock

Mike MacEacheran is a travel journalist & guidebook author based in Edinburgh, Scotland. He has reported from 108 countries for National Geographic, Conde Nast Traveller, The Times, The Telegraph, The Guardian, The Observer, The Sunday Times, The Wall Street Journal, Mail on Sunday, The Independent, Evening Standard, The Sun, The Globe and Mail, Scotland on Sunday, The National and South China Morning Post. Follow him on Twitter @MikeMacEacheran

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Here's The Weirdest Tourist Attraction In Every State In America

Say goodbye to boring road trips.

BuzzFeed Staff

The coronavirus pandemic is still impacting travel, and destinations around the world have different COVID-19 restrictions in place. Always check and adhere to local government policies, and use our content to dream about a future trip.

1. Alabama (Scottsboro): Unclaimed Baggage Center

A store where all unclaimed luggage goes to die...or get thrifted by passing tourists.

2. Alaska (Anchorage): World's Largest Chocolate Waterfall

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Is this Alaska or Willy Wonka's factory? This choc waterfall is apparently the world's largest, and it uses over 3,000 pounds of chocolate!

3. Arizona (Mesa): Organ Stop Pizza

Amongst communal-style tables and greasy pizza sits the largest theater pipe organ ever built (or so they claim). Oh, and it's fully functional, as their nightly musical shows prove.

4. Arkansas (Little Rock): Billy Bass Adoption Center

You know those super annoying singing fish everyone hung on their walls decades ago? Well, the Flying Fish restaurant will gladly "adopt" yours (in exchange for a free basket of catfish) once you officially can't listen to it one more time.

5. California (San Francisco): Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze

There's nothing quite like getting lost in a psychedelic mirror maze on Pier 39 to really hone in on the fact that you're in San Francisco.

6. Colorado (Fort Collins): Swetsville Zoo

You won't find any giraffes, lions, or flamingos at this unique "zoo" — instead you can check out a varied assortment of handmade creatures made from things like old cars.

7. Connecticut (Orange): PEZ Visitor Center

Your favorite childhood toy/candy comes to life in this memorabilia museum, which is even home to the world's largest PEZ dispenser!

8. Delaware (Fenwick Island): DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum

This gallery is dedicated to recovered and found artifacts from shipwrecks, but its weirdest item has to be the Feejee mermaid that totally gives me the creeps.

9. Florida (Safety Harbor): Whimzeyland

Yes, this really is someone's house, and yes, you can really visit it! Owned by two artists, this quirky abode has something interesting to see in every corner (including hundreds of hand-painted bowling balls).

10. Georgia (Lookout Mountain): Rock City

The 4,100-foot trail that winds through Rock City offers magical caves (like the rainbow one above), fairy gardens, and a breathtaking view that spans over seven different states.

11. Hawaii (Wahiawa): World's Largest Maze

If the world's largest maze isn't an interesting enough sell, how about the world's largest maze that is also shaped like a pineapple? Don't forget to grab a Dole whip after conquering it.

12. Idaho (Cottonwood): Dog Bark Park Inn

The world's tallest beagle isn't just a roadside attraction, it's also an adorable bed and breakfast.

13. Illinois (Casey): Big Things Small Town

Casey may be a small town, but it's home to 12 big world records, including the world's largest rocking chair, pitchfork, mailbox, and wind chime.

14. Indiana (Alexandria): World's Largest Ball of Paint

What started as a baseball dipped into paint has become, well, this. Visitors can even take a stab at painting a new layer.

15. Iowa (Madrid): High Trestle Trail Bridge

This bridge-turned-art-installation that runs through five different cities is well worth the walk (or bike, or jog) across, especially at night when the lights are turned on and the bridge glows around you.

16. Kansas (Lucas): Bowl Plaza

This might be the most beautiful public bathroom you ever pee in. Besides its interior full of unique mosaic art, the outside is shaped like a giant toilet!

17. Kentucky (Cave City): Dinosaur World

It's not quite as high tech as Jurassic Park , but maybe that's for the best.

18. Louisiana (New Orleans): Mardi Gras World

Even if you're not in NOLA during February, you can still celebrate Mardi Gras by touring the very factory where they make the floats for the big parade.

19. Maine (Columbia Falls): Wild Blueberry Land

This park dedicated to the state's official fruit is just as strange — and tasty — as it sounds.

20. Maryland (Silver Spring): Wheaton Station Escalator

An elevator doesn't sound too exciting, but the longest escalator in the Western Hemisphere? Now that's a three minute ride worth making a pit stop for.

21. Massachusetts (Salem): Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery

At Count Orlok's, it's Halloween every day. Filled with movie monster replicas and plenty of ~spooky~ artifacts, you'll feel like you walked into another dimension.

22. Michigan (Frankenmuth): Bronner's Christmas Wonderland

If Christmas is more your thing, Bronner's is your place for celebrating the holidays (almost) all year long. Spanning one and a half football fields, you can find every kind of ornament here.

23. Minnesota (Austin): Spam Museum

Spam: you either love it or hate it. Either way, this fun and colorful museum dedicated to the notoriously mysterious meat in a can is a must-see on any road trip.

24. Mississippi (Iuka): The Apron Museum

A unique collection of 3,500 aprons , ranging from old-school to totally modern. Make sure to call ahead to make sure this small-town museum will be open!

25. Missouri (Independence): Leila's Hair Museum

Who would have thought the Victorian-era trend of making art out of hair would be so...beautiful? Creepy, but beautiful.

26. Montana (Havre): Havre Beneath the Streets

After the town of Havre's business district burned down in 1904, shops and businesses were rebuilt underground — and you can still walk the "streets" to this day.

27. Nebraska (Alliance): Carhenge

Carhenge : Stonehenge, but made with cars. Iconic, right?

28. Nevada (Tonopah): Clown Motel

Whether you're really into clowns (why...?) or terrified of them but enjoy the thrill of staying at a creepy hotel, this place is for you.

29. New Hampshire (Manchester): Cat Alley

This walkway of public art is right up any feline lover's ~alley~.

30. New Jersey (Hamilton Township): Grounds for Sculpture

This unique indoor/outdoor museum lets you, quite literally, step into your favorite paintings with life-sized versions of famous art.

31. New Mexico (Albuquerque): Musical Highway

Strategically placed rumble strips play "America the Beautiful" as you drive down this section of Route 66 — but only if you stick to the speed limit of 45 mph.

32. New York (Romulus): Pumpkin Chuckin' at Varick Winery & Inn

What pairs perfectly with a glass of wine? Chuckin' pumpkins, of course. During fall, this winery lets you catapult veggies at targets for a little bit of wine-infused fun.

33. North Carolina (Collettsville): House of Mugs

What started as a couple's quirky decor choice grew into a 25,000-strong mug collection . They welcome visitors and even encourage you to add your own mug...if you can find space for it.

34. North Dakota (Jamestown): World's Largest Buffalo Monument

Basically the size of 60 regular buffalo, this monster of a roadside attraction is quite literally unmissable.

35. Ohio (Cincinnati): American Sign Museum

This unique museum has a fake "main street" which displays a huge collection of used signs, some even dating back to the 1800s.

36. Oklahoma (Arcadia): Pops

This modern take on old-school roadside attractions flags you down with its 66-foot tall LED sculpture, but makes you stay with the huge assortment of soda flavors at its "soda ranch."

37. Oregon (Bend): The Last Blockbuster

Somehow, even in the time of "Netflix and chill," the world's last Blockbuster is still going strong in Oregon.

38. Pennsylvania (Bucks County): Ringing Rocks Park

The stones at this park emit a mysterious musical sound when hit with a hammer, so grab your toolbox and get ready to throw your own ~rock~ concert.

39. Rhode Island (Charlestown): The Fantastic Umbrella Factory

Despite its name, you won't find an umbrella factory here — instead you can shop local goods, wander through the nursery, or visit animals in the petting zoo. Don't forget to say hi to the emus!

40. South Carolina (Bowman): UFO Welcome Center

Forget Roswell — aliens need look no further than the small town of Bowman for their next stop. Although this UFO was built in a private backyard, the owner welcomes tourists to take pictures and even tour inside.

41. South Dakota (Spearfish): Termesphere Gallery

This artist paints beautiful scenes on spheres rather than canvases, creating a unique gallery of 360-degree works of art for you to peruse.

42. Tennessee (Gatlinburg): Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum

Grab the salt to your pepper and visit the world's only museum of its kind (besides its sister museum in Spain, that is).

43. Texas (Cedar Creek): Pecan Pie Vending Machine

This 24-hour vending machine will kick your homemade pecan pie cravings with just the press of a button (and $24.99).

44. Utah (Monroe): Mystic Hot Springs

Bathtubs embedded into a natural rock face may seem out of place, but once you're soaking in the hot spring water under the stars, you won't even care.

45. Vermont (Waterbury): Ben & Jerry's Flavor Graveyard

A place for ice cream fans to mourn discontinued flavors of yore (and learn about new ones at the factory next door).

46. Virginia (Lexington): Coffee Pot House

This giant coffee pot (and cup) used to be a restaurant, followed by an art gallery, but it now appears to sit empty. You can still stop for pictures though!

47. Washington (Seattle): The Gum Wall

In the words of one visitor : "gross, but unique." Sounds about right for a colorful wall of chewed-up gum.

48. West Virginia (Ansted): The Mystery Hole

This magical roadside stop featuring mysterious illusions and magic tricks was built in 1973, and it hasn't changed much. It's kooky carnival flair extends into the gift shop, too.

49. Wisconsin (Middleton): National Mustard Museum

The best part of this condiment museum is the gift shop (of course), where you can try and buy hundreds of different types of mustard. Ketchup lovers, better luck next time.

50. Wyoming (Encampment): Two-Story Outhouse

This replica is located in the Grand Encampment Museum (GEM). The second story was practical in the olden days when the bottom toilet would get covered in snow, but it's just plain weird in modern times. Still worth a photo, though.

Does your state have another bizarre tourist attraction? Let us know in the comments below!

Don't forget to check out bring me for all of buzzfeed's best travel tips and hacks, vacation inspiration, and more.

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Top 10 weird and wonderful USA roadside attractions

May 5, 2024 • 5 min read

Embrace your inner-artist at Cadillac Ranch © YuniqueB / Shutterstock

There is a sense of humor around every corner when you're driving in the USA . How else to explain those wacky, way-out-in-left-field roadside attractions you’ll stumble upon? Sculptures made of cars, energy vortexes and oversized household items are just the beginning. Here are our favorite offbeat stops.

1. Cadillac Ranch – Texas

In 1974, the late, local eccentric millionaire Stanley Marsh planted 10 Cadillacs (vintage 1949 to 1963) headlights down in a deserted stretch of dirt outside Amarillo – and then moved them further out in 1997 to escape town encroachment. The reason? He said he constructed what has come to be known as Cadillac Ranch (I-40 between exits 60 & 62) in a salute to Route 66, using cars he considered to represent the golden age of car travel.

The accepted practice today is to leave your own mark on the art by drawing on the cars. Bring spray paint in case other visitors haven’t left any around. Occasionally, the cars get a makeover, like when they were all painted pink in honor of breast cancer awareness. To get here, park along the south feeder road a couple of miles west of Loop 335, and walk the well-worn path. As cool as it sounds, there’s a sort of forlorn feel to the place.

2. World’s Largest Ball of Twine – Minnesota

There’s much ado about which ball of twine actually holds the record these days, but why not pay your respects to the original that started all the fuss?  Behold the World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Darwin , 62 miles west of Minneapolis on US 12. To be specific, it’s the “Largest Built by One Person” – Francis A Johnson wrapped the 17,400lb whopper on his farm over the course of 29 years. Gawk at it in the town gazebo. Better yet, visit the museum  beside it and buy your own twine ball starter kit in the gift shop.

3. Unclaimed Baggage Center – Alabama

Head into downtown Scottsboro, Alabama, on Hwy 279 and follow the signs to the Unclaimed Baggage Center . Wait…is that your iPhone? The one you left in the seat pocket on that flight from Poughkeepsie? Probably. This Macy’s-sized retail space is the end of the line for the majority of unclaimed bags in the US. After 90 days, the airlines send your lost luggage here. It takes thrift shop-level patience, but there you'll find Tumi luggage, Kate Spade bags, Bruno Magli loafers, cameras, laptops, golf clubs – you name it – all for a fraction of retail.

4. Wall Drug Store – South Dakota

A tourist trap par excellence, this drugstore in South Dakota is famous for its roadside billboards that start advertising “free ice water” several states away, but it's a surprisingly worthy stop.  They really do have 5¢ coffee, free ice water and enough diversions to warm the heart of schlock-lovers everywhere. D on’t miss the animatronic dinosaurs.

5. Coral Castle – Florida

This favored stop in Homestead is one man’s kitschy do-it-yourself testament to lost love. Latvian immigrant Ed Leedskalnin dug up over 2.2 million tons of coral rock to build this mock castle  that took him nearly 30 years (1923-1951) to complete. Its engineering was once a bit of mystery, especially since the broken-hearted Romeo worked secretively at night without using any mortar. Some claim that the marvel has unusual electromagnetic properties.

6. Lucas – Kansas

“Outsider art,” meaning works created outside the bounds of traditional culture, has blossomed in tiny Lucas . Samuel Dinsmoor began it all in 1907 by filling his yard with enormous concrete sculptures espousing his eccentric philosophies. His Garden of Eden is visible from the sidewalk, but paid admission lets you hear some wonderful stories and see his remains in a glass-topped coffin.

7. Lucy the Elephant – New Jersey

Drive around the beach communities just south of Atlantic City, and something massive, gray and kitsch will stop you in your tracks: Lucy the Elephant ,  a 65ft-high wooden pachyderm constructed in 1881 as a developer’s truly weird scheme to attract land buyers to the area. It was variously used as a hotel, beach cottage, private mansion and last, a tavern, but rowdy patrons almost destroyed her. Now recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, Lucy is a beloved part of the city.  

8. The Shoe Tree of Middlegate – Nevada 

Located on the "Loneliest Road in America," the Shoe Tree of Middlegate is a testament to love. Story goes that to keep his girlfriend from leaving after an argument, a man threw the women's shoes into a tree. After cooler heads prevailed, the two reconciled and went on to live a happy life. Since then, traveling sweethearts having been throwing their shoes into the tree. The original tree was chopped down by vandals in 2010, but a second tree was selected in 2017.  

9. Roswell – New Mexico

No list is complete without Roswell, New Mexico – if you believe that "The Truth is Out There,” then this is your spot. In 1947, a mysterious object crashed at a nearby ranch. No one would have skipped any sleep over it, but the military made a big to-do of hushing it up, and for a lot of folks, that sealed it: the aliens had landed!

International curiosity and local ingenuity have transformed the city into a quirky extraterrestrial-friendly zone. Bulbous white heads glow atop the downtown street lamps.

Believers and kitsch-seekers must check out the International UFO Museum & Research Center , displaying documents supporting the cover-up as well as lots of far-out art and exhibitions. The annual Roswell UFO Festival beams down over the July 4 weekend, with an otherworldly costume parade, guest speakers, workshops and concerts.

10. Meteor Crater – Arizona

The second most impressive hole in Arizona was formed by a fiery meteor that screamed into the atmosphere about 50,000 years ago, when giant sloths lived in these parts. Meteor Crater , 40 miles east of Flagstaff , is an out-of-this-world site for those with a thimbleful of imagination. Nearly a mile across and 600ft deep, there are lookout points around the crater’s edge but no hiking to the bottom. Check out the fun, informative visitor center.

Keep planning your USA road trip: 

Plot your route with  the best road trips in the USA Listen to the experts:  I took my camper van across 48 US states. These are my 10 favorites Hit the highlights with  11 amazing experiences in the USA

This article was first published Jun 16, 2010 and updated May 5, 2024.

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Protect Your Trip »

13 unusual roadside attractions across america.

You'll want to schedule a stop at these unconventional sites, found everywhere from Texas to Hawaii.

(Getty Images) |

Make room for these quirky attractions on your next road trip.

Salvation Mountain: Niland, California

Hole N" The Rock: Moab, Utah

(Getty Image) |

Carhenge: Alliance, Nebraska

Prada Marfa: Valentine, Texas

(Courtesy of North Dakota Department of Commerce-Tourism Division) |

Enchanted Highway: North Dakota

Dinosaur Kingdom II: Natural Bridge, Virginia

Cadillac Ranch: Amarillo, Texas

Winchester Mystery House: San Jose, California

Pineapple Garden Maze: Wahiawa, Hawaii

Bubblegum Alley: San Luis Obispo, California

Wall Drug Store: Wall, South Dakota

(Courtesy of Dog Bark Park Inn) |

Dog Bark Park Inn: Cottonwood, Idaho

(Richard Maack Photography | Courtesy of Flintstone Bedrock City)

Flintstones Bedrock City: Coconino County, Arizona

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