In the mood for a road trip to some unique places?
It’s true that Washington State has many beautiful destinations, but how about visiting some of its most unique and weird destinations? Some of these spots will make you feel like you’re in another country altogether!
1. Hobbit House
This little piece of The Shire is hidden behind a plant nursery in Port Orchard, WA. Visitors can enter the tiny house and explore its charm from inside. Marylin Davis and Cheryl Pelkey are responsible for building this Hobbit House back in 2015. The design was inspired by J.R.R Tolkien’s fantasy novels, and depending on the time of year you visit, you’ll be able to enjoy different sorts of blooms.
Where: 3200 Victory Dr, SW, Port Orchard, Washington
2. Maryhill Museum and Stonehenge
If you don’t want to go all the way to England to experience Stonehenge, this spot in Washington has an impressive replica. Sam Hill built this concrete Stonehenge as a memorial to the human sacrifice of war, making this is the earliest World War I memorial in North America. Hill’s grave sits nestled in the hillside just below.
Where: 35 Maryhill Museum Drive, Goldendale, Washington, 98620
3. Afterglow Vista
This fantasy vibe mausoleum is the final resting place of John S. McMillin’s family. He was a mineral magnate who owned a successful Washington lime works during his life. McMillin constructed this epic mausoleum as an open-air rotunda with a huge limestone table and stone chairs, that not only represent the members of his family but actually contain their ashes.
Where: 664 Afterglow Dr, Friday Harbor, Washington, 98250.
4. Gravity Hill
A strange phenomenon causing gravity to “work backward” happens on this hill, and it’s been blamed on the paranormal. Here’s how it works: if you shift your car into neutral you will begin rolling uphill. Pretty crazy, right?
The reasons for this unique occurrence range from aliens to ghosts, but actually, it’s an optical illusion known as “magnetic hill”. What happens on these mystery spots is that the uphill incline is part of a larger downhill incline, this is misinterpreted by our brains, so it looks like we’re defying gravity. This road is located on a stretch of North Crosby Road, about 10-15 miles north of Prosser, the road is down the street from an old grain elevator.
Where: 101204 N Crosby Rd, Prosser, Washington
5. Edith Macefield’s House
The late Edith Macefield was a folk hero when she refused a $1 million dollar offer to sell her 100-year-old farmhouse in Ballard, Seattle. Commercial builders began developing businesses and storefronts around it, accentuating the charm of her aged home. Sadly, Macefield passed away in 2008 leaving her home to Barry Martin, the senior superintendent of the construction with whom she developed a close relationship. Martin sold the house next year to a real estate agency that agreed not to demolish the house. This unique story inspired the Disney movie “Up”.
Where: 1438 Northwest 46th Street, Seattle, Washington, 98107
6. Hat ‘n’ Boots
This iconic attraction is located in Oxbow Park and it features a 44-ft. wide cowboy hat and 22-ft. high boots. These massive rancher apparel pieces were designed to host a gas station office and restrooms. This themed destination attracts herds of tourists every year, and for some time this was the most successful gas station in the entire state. According to legend, Elvis Presley even stopped by when he was in the area for Seattle’s World Fair in 1962.
Where: 6430 Corson Ave S, Seattle, Washington
7. The Junk Castle
Victor Moore was the creator of this unique building, which he called “Junk Castle”. When he married Bobbie Moore the couple decides to move to this obscure place and together made new additions to their new and strange home. This small castle is nestled on a hill, and it’s made of glass from washing machine doors, car windows, auto body parts, sheet metals, household appliances, and various materials. This unique home sits on private property, but it can be admired from the road.
Where: 500-658 Armstrong Rd, Pullman, Washington, 99163.
8. Elandan Gardens
This world-class bonsai collection is the work of botanist Dan Robinson. Here you can admire 100 years old bonsai trees, making this a major spot for horticulture lovers. Elandan Gardens are the perfect place to enjoy ponds, waterfalls, sculptures, and lush gardens with impressive views of the Puget Sound. Admission is $8 per adult and $1 for children between 6 and 12 years old.
Where: 3050 W. State Hwy 16, Port Orchard, Washington.
9. The Teapot Dome
This teapot-shaped building in WA was constructed in 1922 along the Old Highway 12 in Zillah. This unique destination is a humorous reminder of the scandal involving the Secretary of Interior Albert Fall for leasing Navy petroleum reserves to private oil companies without the competitive bid process. Fall went to prison for taking bribes, and both the oil field and scandal borrowed their names from Teapot Rock. In 2007 the teapot, its pumps, and outhouse were relocated to their current location.
Where: 117 1st Avenue, Zillah, Washington, 98953
10. Kalaloch Tree Of Life
This large Sitka spruce has defied gravity for years and survived despite erosion tearing away its foundation. Kalaloch Tree of Life is also known as Root Cave Tree. This marvelous nature show can be enjoyed if you visit Kalaloch Lodge.
Where: Kalaloch Campground C Rd, Forks, Washington, 98331
11. Alki Flower Houses
These West Seattle flower houses are an amazing and unique destination minutes away from Seattle downtown. This spot is home to red, purple, and pink flowers that bloom every summer and give away a spectacular show of flora diversity.
Where: 1400 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, Washington, 98116
12. Big Red Wagon
This incredible attraction is located in Spokane’s Riverfront Park, and it was built back in 1989 as part of the “Centennial Celebration of Children”. This is the world’s largest Radio Flyer wagon, it’s 12ft tall, and is made with over 26 tons of concrete and steel. Children and adults are welcome to climb and slide down this unique destination!
Where: Riverfront Park, 507 N Howard St, Spokane, Washington, 99201
Also, see: 10 Capitol Hill Gems You Need To Visit This Weekend