Stories - Atlas Obscura

The Atlas Obscura Crossword: May Themeless

The Most Dangerously Populated Latitudes in the World

Impending threats may reverse everything.

What Can We Learn From the Ruins of Gary, Indiana?

Exploring deindustrialization.

The Child-Eating Wampus Cat Prowling the American South

Hide your dog; hide your children.

Wild Life: Helpful Honeyguides

In a preview of our new book, we meet birds that form a sweet alliance with people.

How to Consult an Onion Oracle

From the Midwest to a tiny town in Italy, the tradition of weather-predicting onions lives on.

7 Stories to Toast To Cinco de Mayo

Replace that margarita with vino de cocos.

The 19th-Century ‘Strawberry Parties’ That Raised Money and Spirits Each Spring

Servers wore strawberry hats and green gowns while guests feasted on shortcake, sherbet, and ice cream.

Croatia Bans Winter By Partying Like ‘Where the Wild Things Are’

Let spring's wild rumpus begin.

The Blood-Sucking Capelobo Haunts Brazil’s Dense Forests

The humanoid anteater slurps its victim’s gray matter as if devouring termites in a mound.

rites of spring

Have You Seen a Dark Watcher?

Cryptic characters lurk in California's mountains. Or maybe it's just the weather.

Podcast: Checking Into Hotel Imperial With Deborah Cohen

On the eve of World War II, the source for all good stories was an opulent hotel in Vienna.

aboriginal australians

The Child-Eating Bloodsucker of Aboriginal Australian Nightmares

The Yara ma tha who is more terrifying than any vampire.

How the World’s Largest Octopus Went From Cryptid to Protected

Turns out some monsters are real—and pretty cute.

Rabbits Are Creatures of the Underworld According to Ancient Fears

From Ancient Egypt to 'Donnie Darko', beware the bunny.

rites of spring

Meet the Creatures and Creators Behind Bali’s Parade for Banishing Evil Spirits

On the night before the Balinese New Year, villagers bring monsters to life—and then burn them.

Podcast: Exotic Feline Rescue Center

Long before Joe Exotic got the country talking about big cats, there was Joe Taft

Enter For Your Chance to Win a Summer Adventure

We’re teaming up with Cayman Jack for an epic trip giveaway.