Crankstrap's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Niland, California

East Jesus

An off-grid art installation that encourages its visitors to imagine a world without waste.
Calipatria, California

Slab City

This abandoned Navy base was transformed into an off-grid alternative living community for thousands of people.
Calipatria, California

Salvation Mountain

A hand-built folk art installation covered with messages of God's love.
Mecca, California

Salton Sea

The ghostly remains of an accidental sea.
Bombay Beach, California

Bombay Beach

Version of the French Riviera destroyed by the sea.
Wall, South Dakota

Wall Drug

The granddaddy of all tourist traps, built on ice water, jackalopes, and a giant dinosaur.
Corona, South Dakota

Big Stone Lake

The lowest point in South Dakota and the source of the Minnesota River.
Saint Paul, Minnesota

The Nook Basement

The basement bowling alley of this St. Paul dive bar is decorated with thousands of dollar bills.
Bloomington, Minnesota

The Mall of America

Equal parts record-breaking temple to consumerism and bizarre fun park, it's more than you think it is...
Newberry Springs, California

Rock-A-Hoola Waterpark

The "Fun Spot of the Desert" is now a haunting ruin, and a reminder that putting a water park in a desert is a bad idea.
Ludlow, California

Ludlow

One of the ghostly stops along Route 66.
Yucca Valley, California

Desert Christ Park

On a barren hillside in the Yucca Valley, the recently restored Desert Christ Park has attracted pilgrims and kitsch hunters for over 50 years.
Landers, California

Giant Rock

A regular looking rock with an unbelievable history.
Pioneertown, California

Pioneertown

A fake town founded by Western movie stars is now becoming a hip desert community.
Pioneertown, California

Pappy and Harriet's Pioneertown Palace

A music-filled, booze-soaked oasis in the desert.
Liberty, New York

Ruins of Grossinger's Resort

This once luxurious Catskills resort is now a haunting ruin.
Niles, Illinois

Leaning Tower of Niles

Half-sized replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa built to honor Galileo.
Wilmette, Illinois

Bahá'í Temple

The only Bahá'í house of worship in North America and one of only a handful worldwide.