Looking for somewhere different to travel? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. These aren’t your average tourist destinations – there’s something odd about all of them, and that’s what makes them great. Without further ado, here are 7 of the strangest places that you can visit in the United States. Have you been to any of these before?
1. The Cushing Brain Collection – New Haven, Connecticut
If you want to see some brains, this is a good place for you. These brains in particular were once used for research by Harvey Cushing, who is often called the father of effective neurosurgery. This exhibit is for public viewing, so check it out if you’re interested!
Fun fact: some of these brains are over 100 years old. They came from a time when neurosurgery was not nearly as advanced as it is today.
2. Glass Beach – Fort Bragg, California
True to its name, Glass Beach got its name from the shards of glass that are often found in the sand and water. They end up looking quite beautiful after a trip in the ocean. Feel free to take a trip there, but bring some closed-toe shoes!
Fun fact: It’s illegal to remove any glass shards from Glass Beach. You’ll just have to take a picture instead – sorry!
3. Dinosaur World – Cave City, Kentucky
No, those aren’t real dinosaurs. They’re life-size replicas that visitors can look at up close – not quite Jurassic Park, but still pretty cool. There are also fossil digs if you’re into that.
Fun fact: Dinosaur World is dog-friendly!
4. Neptune Memorial Reef – Key Biscayne, Florida
This isn’t really Atlantis, but it’s close! It was actually meant to be a tribute to the mythical underwater city. If you want to go diving, give Neptune Memorial Reef a go.
Fun fact: you can have your cremated remains placed here if you want. You know, in case you want to go out in style.
5. Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo, Texas
This exhibit was made to weird people out, and it does a pretty good job of that. Yes, those are Cadillac cars lined up and facing down in the dirt. Since its birth in 1974, Cadillac ranch has become a popular destination for graffiti artists. Bring some spray paint and try it yourself!
Fun fact: Cadillac Ranch was created by a group of art-hippies lead by a billionaire named Stanley Marsh.
6. Mmuseumm – New York, New York
Here’s something you don’t see every day; this is a museum in a freight elevator! All sorts of strange things can be found here, from lost possessions to what the typical person would consider trash. If you’re looking for something unusual, this might be the place for you.
Fun fact: this museum contains the shoe that was thrown at George W. Bush at the Minister’s Palace in Baghdad. How they ended up with it is anyone’s guess.
7. The Neon Boneyard – Las Vegas, Nevada
If you’ve ever been to Vegas and noticed that a sign you saw last time was gone, you might try looking here. The Neon Boneyard is where old neon signs in Vegas go to rest in peace. Wouldn’t this be a great place to take photos?
Fun fact: over 150 old signs can be found in the Boneyard. That’s a lot of neon!
Featured image via Flickr / Photo by Keith Yahl / CC by 2.0
Sources: Buzzfeed, Atlas Obscura, California Beaches, Roadside America
