Stories - Atlas Obscura

How a Map Mistake Saved a Forest of 300-Year-Old Trees

Minnesota's "Lost Forty" survived the lumberjack's ax thanks to a improperly drawn lake.

wonder is everywhere

Wonder Is Everywhere: Presidential Relics, a Surprising New Orchid, and More From Around the Web

Get a peek into what we’re obsessed with right now.

The Artisans Behind India's Living Root Bridges

For half a century, Hally War has been growing a bridge across a local river—and between past and present.

Podcast: The Beat Museum

This San Francisco museum is a shrine to an influential cultural movement.

Commander Liwayway and Other Filipino Women Who Fought During World War II

The “Huk Amazons” were military commanders, leaders, soldiers, spies, and more.

8 Podcast Episodes About Odd and Amazing Public Art

We've visited some surprising sculptures, monuments, and folk art masterpieces over the last two years.

Podcast: A Delicious Mission with Cheuk Kwan

Enjoy a round-the-world meal: three courses, three incredible places, three stories of Chinese immigration.

The Soviet 'Red Passovers' Where Jews Gave Thanks for Communism

Instead of celebrating freedom from Egypt, people celebrated liberation from capitalism.

The Once and Future Luna Luna Art Amusement Park

Basquiat’s Ferris wheel, Dalí’s fun house, and other wild and whimsical designs are now being restored thanks in part to rap superstar Drake.

How Did a Medieval Spice Cabinet Survive 500 Years Underwater?

Exotic saffron, black pepper, ginger, cloves, and more offer a look into how Scandinavian royalty lived.

Podcast: Wild Chocolate with Rowan Jacobsen

Join us on a journey into the Amazon rainforest to learn about a mythical chocolate.

The Restaurants at the End of the World

Some chefs seek adventure on distant islands and within far-flung forests.

A Hidden Caravaggio Masterpiece, An Inheritance Feud, and a Roman Villa up for Sale

The future of a mysterious painting by the famed 17th-century "rebel artist" hangs in the balance.

How Olive Oil and Coffee Came Together in a Cup

At first glance olives and coffee might seem to go together like, well, oil and water. But these Italian essentials possess deep cultural similarities—not to mention complementary flavors.

Podcast: Great Balls of Twine with the Places Team

A special guest adds an additional tangle to the tale.

Puzzle Monday: Pointing the Way

How Njoya the Great Put His African Kingdom on the Map

A representation of the Bamum kingdom is a rare example of early-20th-century indigenous African cartography.

The Forgotten Women Aquanauts of the 1970s

These scientists spent weeks underwater doing research—and convincing NASA women could also go into space.