Stories - Atlas Obscura

Sex Tips I Learned at the New York Public Library

The Berg Collection of English and American Literature has some fascinating erotica.

Grunge Band Shows Up for Christening of Research Boat Called SoundGuardian

The '90s were good.

Massachusetts Overrun By the Biggest Caterpillar Outbreak in 25 Years

The voracious gypsy moth larvae are munching, squirming, and pooping their way through the state.

Found: A Beautiful Old 10-Cent Bill

In a time capsule, no less.

Happy Birthday to the World's First Emergency Number

London's '999' turned 79 this week.

Here are 8 Fascinating New Locations in the Atlas

The week of June 27 saw the addition of Disney’s Singing Runway, Philadelphia’s Moon Tree, and more.

cultures and civilizations

1916's Song Of The Summer Was the Fake-Hawaiian Tune 'Yaka Hula Hickey Doola'

One hundred years ago, Tin Pan Alley met Hawaii, and it didn't go great.

Go For a Virtual Swim in a Beautiful Finnish Pond

Who knew a humble puddle could be so pretty beneath the surface?

Google's New 5,500-Mile Undersea Cable from the U.S. to Japan Is Now Going Online

It's faster than your modem.

female explorers

The 1890 Version of 'Wild' Saw a 10-Week Slog Through the Carpathian Mountains

Feminist travel writer Menie Muriel Dowie was understandably irate about her book's reception.

Beijing is Sinking up to 4 Inches Every Year Because They're Using Too Much Water

It doesn't look good.

America's Hogwarts Is Located on Massachusetts' Highest Peak

J.K. Rowling revealed Mount Greylock as the location of the U.S.'s wizarding school.

Found: Evidence of Shakespeare’s Bold Social Climbing

He really wanted that coat of arms.

There’s a Secret VIP Club in Penn Station

Its online reviews are terrible, so we went to investigate.

Pamplona Installs Urine-Repellant Paint Before Running of the Bulls

Stop peeing everywhere.

At This Lost Alpine Resort, You Could Ski Among California's Orange Groves

Why choose a winter or summer vacation when you could have both at once?

The Artist Who Makes Bug Infestations Beautiful

Jennifer Angus has bought thousands of insects in her lifetime.

The Time When the U.S. Conducted Telepathic Experiments at Fort Meade

Our government's dip into the paranormal is a matter of public record.