The artist James Turrell is repurposing an extinct volcano crater as an observatory to experience the cosmos.

A motel dedicated to Southwestern nostalgia.

A stealthy Apache hideaway that became the haunting site of a mass grave.

The story of Two Guns, Arizona could easily be described as a Shakespearian tragedy on Route 66.

An immersive environment that is part haunted house, part choose-your-own-adventure, and part jungle gym.

This centuries-old pueblo church houses the body of a Franciscan friar who is said to be a rare "incorruptible" corpse.

A museum devoted entirely to the rattlesnakes and snake-related art.

A burnt-out motel with priceless Native American artwork in the basement, redeveloped into apartments.

This mysterious petroglyph evokes the ancient swastika symbol but was later vandalized with the more troublesome Nazi one.

An eclectic trailer park retreat in the middle of the California desert.

An old California photo stand has been turned into a shrine to the cozy art of crochet.

Despite sitting firmly in the global cradle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this Hare Krishna temple is host to one of the largest color festivals outside India.

A hidden garden of stones engraved with scriptures, a Joseph Smith Sphinx, all carved by one man.

Sandstone rock formations that look like they belong on the cover of a progressive rock album.

An earthwork sculpture built by Robert Smithson in the Great Salt Lake only reemerges during drought.

The creator of the carousel's bingo-pinball hybrid survives in California's oldest gaming establishment.

A nursery specializing in strange and beautiful succulents and cacti.

Suburban observatory was personal lab of the father of modern astrophysics.

Home of the "Father of Forestry."

Contemporary art inspired by natural history and science drawing on ancient techniques in a modern world.

A landmark for a trailblazer for female architects and the designer of one of the most famous and opulent buildings in California.

One of Hollywood’s favorite government buildings.

Medical and zoological curiosities for sale.

A cobblestone alley with an interesting past.