Here are 10 Of The Oddest Places Found only in Washington

Washington, the Evergreen State, is not only known for its stunning natural beauty and iconic landmarks like the Space Needle and Mount Rainier but also for its peculiar and offbeat attractions. There are many mysterious sculptures and quirky museums, and you won’t run out of places to visit!

There is no doubt that Washington is home to some truly odd places that are sure to pique your curiosity and spark your sense of adventure. 

Here are 10 of the oddest places found only in Washington:

1. The Gum Wall (Seattle)

Source: Wikipedia

If you find yourself wandering around Seattle, try to find the alley beneath Pike Place Market! This is one of Seattle’s most bizarre attractions – the Gum Wall. What started as a tradition of sticking chewing gum to the wall in the early 1990s has evolved into a colorful, sticky masterpiece that draws visitors from around the world!

2. Ye Olde Curiosity Shop (Seattle)

Source: Instagram

Situated along the bustling waterfront, Ye Olde Curiosity Shop is a treasure trove of oddities and curiosities. From shrunken heads to taxidermy wonders, this eccentric store has been captivating visitors since 1899.

3. Fremont Troll (Seattle)

Source: Instagram

Underneath the Aurora Bridge in the Fremont neighborhood lurks a giant troll clutching a real Volkswagen Beetle. This whimsical sculpture has become a beloved landmark! You might find yourself with the other tourists and locals alike fascinated with its quirky charm.

4. The Museum of Pop Culture (Seattle)

Source: Instagram

This one is designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry! The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is as eclectic and unconventional as the music and culture it celebrates. There are exhibits ranging from science fiction and fantasy to indie video games. Surely, the MoPOP offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of art, technology, and popular culture.

5. Gravity Hill (Prosser)

Source: Instagram

Have you been to the rural town of Prosser? Why don’t you visit Gravity Hill? It is a gravity-defying phenomenon that baffles visitors with its optical illusion. Despite appearing to slope uphill, cars placed in neutral here mysteriously roll uphill, defying the laws of gravity. The tip is to put your car in neutral and watch it roll uphill!

6. Exotic Meat Market (Seattle)

Source: Instagram

Here’s a treat for the adventurous foodies! The Seattle’s Exotic Meat Market offers a tantalizing array of unusual meats, including alligator, kangaroo, and even ostrich. Step outside your culinary comfort zone and sample some of the world’s most exotic delicacies.

7. Northern State Recreation Area (Sedro-Woolley)

Source: Instagram

Once home to a state mental hospital, the Northern State Recreation Area now offers visitors the chance to explore its hauntingly beautiful grounds. Wander through overgrown gardens, abandoned buildings, and eerie corridors as you uncover the secrets of this historic site.

8. The World’s Largest Frying Pan (Long Beach)

Source: Portland Wiki

You’ll find a towering tribute to breakfast – the World’s Largest Frying Pan – in the coastal town of Long Beach. This weighs in at over 14,000 pounds and measuring over 9 feet in diameter. The colossal skillet is a true testament to the spirit of American roadside attractions.

9. Seattle Underground (Seattle)

Source: Instagram

Beneath the bustling streets of Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square lies a hidden world frozen in time. The Underground offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s colorful past, including its early days when the streets were raised due to flooding and fire hazards. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides and visitors can explore subterranean passages, old storefronts, and forgotten artifacts. You will also learn about Seattle’s fascinating history of bootlegging, gambling, and underground shenanigans. With its dimly lit tunnels and ghostly atmosphere, the Underground Tour offers a truly unique and memorable experience that’s unlike anything else in Washington.

10. The Hat n’ Boots

Source: Instagram

Look out for a giant cowboy hat and pair of boots! Originally part of a Western-themed gas station in the 1950s, these quirky landmarks now serve as a nostalgic reminder of the city’s colorful past.

From quirky roadside attractions to eccentric museums, Washington is full of odd and intriguing places waiting to be discovered. So the next time you find yourself in the Evergreen State, be sure to venture off the beaten path and explore its wonderfully weird side. Who knows what oddities you’ll uncover along the way?