Top 12 Unusual Destinations to Visit in the West

The Western
Region of the United States is undoubtedly one of the most diverse areas in
the country.

Each state is different and offers unique
experiences unavailable in most other parts of the world. Hikers can spend a
lifetime exploring these states, just keep an eye out for Bigfoot. With so
many incredible things to see in the West, it’s not wonder why this region is
one of the most popular to visit. Pack your gear, head west, and make sure to
visit these 12 unusual destinations along the
way.

California

1.)
Museum of
Death– Have you ever wondered the correct way to
embalm a human body? Let’s hope not.. Real-life applicability aside, you are
sure to learn a thing or two here at the Museum of Death in Hollywood,
Southern California. This bizarre museum was created by JD Healy and Cathee
Shultz as a way to educate the public about death, a subject they felt wasn’t
discussed enough. They researched a number of highly publicized deaths and
created exhibitions explaining the circumstances. Numerous attractions are on
display here, including an actual severed head, coffin collection, and
execution devices. Tours here are self-guided and last approximately 45
minutes.

2.) Museum of
Jurassic Technology– It’s commonplace for visitors
to this museum, located in Culver City, Southern California, to feel like
they’re going insane. This is precisely the reaction that founders David and
Diana Wilson wanted to evoke. This unusual museum focuses on the
“advancement of knowledge and public appreciation of the Lower
Jurassic.” The exhibits on display are sure to confuse, so it’s best to
come here with an open mind.

3.) Trees of
Mystery– California is known for its incredible
abundance of Redwood trees, and one of the best places to see these up close
is in the family owned “trees of mystery,” in Klamath, Northern
California. This attraction, opened in 1946, brings in visitors from around
the world to see the largest trees on the planet up close. What makes this
place unusual is the collection of massive sculptures created out of the
trees themselves, including a 50 foot tall Paul Bunyan, and his 35 foot tall
sidekick, Babe the Blue Ox. This area is one of the most beautiful places in
California, so make sure to pack a camera.

(California Redwood Trees, Rex
Boggs)

Nevada

4.)
Atomic
Testing Museum– Nevada may the state best known for
its testing of atomic weapons. The massive surrounding desert and relatively
low population made it an ideal place for the government to study these
weapons. The National Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas, Nevada, is the
premier place to learn about the testing process and their results. Beginning
with the earliest days of atomic testing and culminating with the current
nuclear era, this museum highlights over 70 years of nuclear bombs, revealing
in detail how these weapons have shaped the world we live in
today.

5.) The Mob
Museum– Nothing captures the Public’s interest quite
like the mob does. Former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman knew this, and in
2012, created the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement,
informally known simply as, “the mob museum.” This unusual tourist
attraction, located in the heart of Las Vegas, tells the story of how
organized crime began in America, and the efforts that Law Enforcement
agencies gave to eliminate it. Numerous historical exhibits are on display,
including the wall where Al Capone shot down his rivals during the “St.
Valentines Day Massacre,” numerous photographs of famous gangsters, and
a collection of guns commonly used by the mob throughout history. This is a
fascinating place to learn more about the criminal underworld in America, and
a unique opportunity to learn something educational on a trip to Las
Vegas.

6.) The Hoover
Dam– This incredible feat of human engineering holds
the distinction of being the highest concrete dam in the Western hemisphere.
Tours here are not for the faint of heart, as you must descend 55 stories
straight down into the dams core. Once inside, the guides walk visitors
through numerous parts of the dam, including the generators which produce
over four billion kilowatts of energy per year. Head to Boulder City in
Southern Nevada to see for yourself why this historical landmark attracts
over one million visitors every year.

(The
Hoover Dam, Ron
Reiring)

Oregon

7.)
The Airplane
Home– For most people, designing their dream home
starts from the ground up. Bruce Campell had a different idea, and began
designing his home while it was in the sky.

In 1999,
Campell purchased a retired 727 jetliner and began transforming it into a
livable home. It didn’t take long for the public to get interested, and quickly
became a tourist attraction. The plane is parked on a forested hill in
Hillsboro, Northwestern Oregon. Many visitors comment on the surreal
experience of visiting the plane, completely surrounded by
nature.

This plane is not far from the city of Portland,
and is well worth a visit for the photograph
alone.

8.) Evergreen Aviation
Museum– For airplane enthusiasts, the Evergreen
Aviation Museum in Mcminnville, Northwestern Oregon, is one of the most
interesting places to visit in the country. This museum is filled with
incredible planes from all eras of flight, but the crown jewel is without a
doubt Howard Hughes’ famous “Spruce Goose.”

This
massive plane, the largest ever constructed, saw flight only once, and was
kept in hangar for 30 years shortly after. In 1993, the Spruce Goose found a
home inside the Evergreen Museum where it lies today.

Lovers
of aviation history could spend an entire day here without ever getting
bored. It is one of the best places to learn about the history of flight, and
a unique opportunity to see in person one of the most iconic symbols of
American Ingenuity.

9.) High Desert
Museum– Most people are unaware that a significant
portion of Oregon is actually desert. To educate people about the history and
wildlife in this area, the High-Desert Museum was created. Located just five
miles south of Bend, this museum won’t take you off the beaten path, allowing
you to easily stop by during a drive between
cities.

(Inside
the Evergreen Aviation Museum, ERIC
SALARD)

Washington

10.)
Spark Museum of
Electrical Invention– This fascinating museum, found
in Bellingham, Northwestern Washington, traces back the origins of electric
invention. It contains one of the largest collections of historical electric
artifacts from as early as the 1600’s.

Some of the Museum’s
prized possessions include the radio room from the sunken Titanic, and one of
the original light bulbs built by Thomas Edison.

11.)
Grand
Coulee Dam and Light Show– For a sensory overload
unlike anything you could imagine, head to the Coulee Dam in Northern Washington.
The dam itself is an impressive engineering achievement and is certainly
worthy of a visit, but the nightly light show is what makes this place
special. Free of charge, this show lasts approximately 30 minutes and tells
the story of the land and creation of the dam. It is one of the largest laser
shows in the world, and something you are sure to
remember.

12.) Chihuly Garden and
Glass Museum– Unanimously rated one of the top
places to visit in the state of Washington, the Chihuly Garden and Glass
Museum in Seattle reveals to visitors the extraordinary possibilities of
artwork using glass.

The museum pays tribute to the work of
renowned glass sculptor Dale Chihuly. Eight galleries are on display here, as
well as an outside garden, and glass-blowing
theatre.

Anyone traveling to Seattle should visit this
museum to see the work of a true artistic
visionary.

(Rooftop
Exhibit Inside the Chihuly Museum, Eli
Christman)