19 Bizarre Tourist Attractions That Are Strangely Irresistible

Have you ever stumbled upon a place so odd that you just couldn’t look away? Our world is dotted with bizarre tourist spots that might make you scratch your head in wonder.

Let’s explore these strangely irresistible attractions that prove the world is full of surprises!

Barney Smith's Toilet Seat Art Museum
Photo by Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum

1. Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum

If you’re keen on quirky art, Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum should be on your must-visit list. In the heart of Texas, this museum is truly a unique spectacle, featuring over a thousand ornately decorated toilet seats.

Each seat tells its own story, adorned with everything from rare trinkets to pieces of historical significance. The creator, Barney Smith, transformed his plumbing profession into an art form that has drawn curious visitors from all over.

2. World’s Largest Chocolate Waterfall

In Anchorage, Alaska, your chocolate dreams come to life with the World’s Largest Chocolate Waterfall. It’s a whopping 20 feet of pure, cascading cocoa splendor.

Crafted by artist Mike Sirl, this marvel isn’t just eye candy. It incorporates 3,000 pounds of chocolate, flowing over a sculpted copper wonder!

3. Carhenge

Carhenge is a quirky slice of Americana you can’t miss out on. Picture a replica of England’s Stonehenge, but made entirely of cars. Nestled in the Nebraska plains, this eccentric attraction is the brainchild of Jim Reinders, erected as a memorial to his father.

You’ll find 39 vintage cars painted gray, mimicking the stone slabs of its famous counterpart. Stand amidst the automotive monoliths and marvel at the creativity on display, all free of charge. Nebraska’s rolling fields are ready to unveil this rare spectacle.

carhenge
Carhenge Photo by Chris M Morris

4. The Paper House

In Rockport, Massachusetts, there’s an attraction that might just pique your curiosity. Meet The Paper House, a structure where traditional building materials take a backseat to something you might find in your recycling bin: newspapers!

Built in the 1920s, its walls, furniture, and even curtains are crafted from paper. Imagine running your hands over walls that consist of 215 layers of newspaper—that’s enough reading material to last for ages!

5. New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum

Have you ever been curious about the mysterious world of voodoo? In the heart of the French Quarter, the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum brings a fascinating slice of Creole culture right to your fingertips.

This small but captivating museum showcases an array of authentic voodoo artifacts, offering a peek into rituals, spells, and traditions that have been a part of New Orleans’s unique history for centuries.

6. The Bubblegum Alley

If you’re up for an unusual sight, the colorful Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo is a must-see! Stretching 15 feet high and 70 feet long, this alley is coated in layers of chewed gum.

It’s a vibrant and sticky spectacle where you can leave your own mark among thousands! Visitors often contribute to this gooey collection, adding to the alley’s rich tapestry of stories.

The Gum Alley
The Bubble Gum Alley Photo by melfoody

7. Leila’s Hair Museum

Leila’s Hair Museum in Independence, Missouri, showcases an amazing collection of art crafted from human hair.

With over 600 hair wreaths and thousands of pieces of jewelry, this museum takes you on a journey back to Victorian times when hair art was a popular way to cherish memories of loved ones.

It’s not every day you see intricate designs woven from something as personal as hair, including pieces featuring locks from celebrities like Michael Jackson and Marilyn Monroe.

8. Hole N The Rock

Utah’s Hole N The Rock, carved into magnificent sandstone, is a sight you have to see! Once a home, this marvel now invites yourself and curious visitors to explore its 5,000 square feet of history.

Marvel at its crafted rooms and galleries, and appreciate the quirks with a fun twist on traditional living spaces.

9. The Salt And Pepper Shaker Museum

Have you ever seen over 20,000 different salt and pepper shakers? At the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg, you can explore this vast collection that spans from the 1500s to today.

Every shaker tells a story, revealing quirky artistry and fascinating history. This unique museum showcases creativity from all corners of the globe, capturing the charming essence of these everyday table toppers.

The Salt and pepper shaker museum
Photo by The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum

10. Ben And Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard

At Ben And Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard in Vermont, you’ll stroll among headstones for ice cream flavors no longer in pint-sized existence. Paying homage to bygone treats like Dastardly Mash and Wavy Gravy, it’s a quirky spot where you can laugh and reminisce about your old favorite scoops.

11. Unclaimed Baggage Center

Have you ever wondered where lost luggage from airports ends up? Look no further than Alabama’s one-of-a-kind Unclaimed Baggage Center. This unique retail space brings together forgotten treasures from around the globe.

Curious about the rare finds? Some visitors have stumbled upon items as intriguing as ancient Egyptian artifacts and even NASA cameras that have journeyed to space!

12. The Museum Of Bad Art

Visit the Museum of Bad Art, where art too quirky and odd to go ignored finds a home. This isn’t your typical gallery. Each piece on display is a marvel of imperfection, a true nod to human creativity when it veers off the expected path.

You’ll chuckle and shrug in wonder at the collection, which celebrates the unique charm of artistic mishaps. Free admission means there’s no reason to miss out on the fun.

Grant County Historical Museum
Photo by Grant County Historical Museum

13. Grant County Historical Museum

Ever find yourself drawn to the strange and unusual? The Grant County Historical Museum is your go-to spot for peculiar exhibits. You won’t believe your eyes when you see the human skulls from the county’s first hangings.

And just when you think it can’t get more unique, there are the two-headed calves born right in the area! Each artifact tells a fascinating tale of the wild and rugged past of eastern Oregon.

14. The Mystery Spot

Have you ever heard of a place where gravity doesn’t seem to obey the rules? At The Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz, California, you can witness this peculiar phenomenon firsthand.

People often describe feeling a little topsy-turvy as they navigate the tilted house on a hill, where balls seem to roll uphill and chairs stay perched at impossible angles. It’s no ordinary attraction!

15. Sunken Forests Of Rye

New Hampshire’s coastline holds secret remnants of ancient stumps, roots, and soils. During low tide, Rye’s underwater woods peek out, revealing a world from over 3,500 years ago.

If you’re a fan of nature’s mysteries, these forests are a must-see. Rye’s submerged landscapes offer a glimpse into Earth’s changes.

Organ Stop Pizza
Photo by Organ Stop Pizza

16. Organ Stop Pizza

If you’re in Mesa, Arizona and crave something uniquely entertaining, don’t miss out on visiting Organ Stop Pizza. It’s not just a pizza parlor—it’s a musical extravaganza! Picture a meal with live soundtrack played on the largest Wurlitzer pipe organ in the world.

Talented musicians bring this magnificent instrument to life, serenading you with everything from Bach to the Beatles while you enjoy a slice. Guests of all ages find themselves mesmerized by the powerful music that resonates through the rafters.

17. The Tree Of Life In New Orleans

Have you ever seen a tree so grand it stops you right in your tracks? Nestled in Audubon Park, the Tree of Life draws visitors with its awe-inspiring presence. This massive oak spreads its limbs wide, offering a unique spot to relax and enjoy a moment of peace.

With each branch telling a story of centuries past, you’ll find yourself marveling at this natural wonder. It has witnessed countless picnics, marriage proposals, and lazy afternoons beneath its shade.

18. The Farnham Colossi

If you adore the quirky side of travel, the Farnham Colossi in Unger, West Virginia, will have you in awe. Picture yourself being greeted by a collection of giant statues, towering impressively in a rural setting.

These mammoth figures were once used as advertising giants along American roads, and they’ve got a story to tell!

The neon museum
Photo by The Neon Museum

19. The Neon Museum

Las Vegas sparkles with history at The Neon Museum, where bright lights meet vintage charm. Here, signs from the city’s glowing past come alive, telling stories of the old Strip. It’s not just old bulbs and rusted metal; every sign has a tale rich with glitz.

Families and solo travelers alike enjoy day or nighttime tours, basking in a colorful symphony of Vegas’ bygone era. Who knew nostalgia could shine so bright?