Spence's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Springfield, Missouri

Wonders of Wildlife Museum

An unexpected but incredible collection of wildlife dioramas spanning rainforests, swamps, forests, and plains.
West Sacramento, California

'Subtile' Sculpture

A mesmerizing disco ball-like sculpture along the Sacramento River Walk.
Springfield, Illinois

Abraham Lincoln's Receiving Vault

The original vault that held the president's remains still stands, empty, not far from where he was finally buried.
Washington, D.C.

International Temple of the Order of the Eastern Star

Obscure Freemasons still live in D.C.’s largest private residence.
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.
Sacramento, California

Sacramento Locomotive Works

This 19th century train workshop is a treasure trove of railroad history.
Koblenz, Germany

Schängelbrunnen

This fountain of a little boy that spits on passersby at erratic intervals is a town icon.
Santa Clara, California

Shrine of Our Lady of Peace

One of the largest Marian shrines on the West Coast stands rather unexpectedly in Silicon Valley.
Palmyra, New York

Grandin Printing Shop

The press that first printed the Book of Mormon.
Sacramento, California

Sacramento's Original Street Level

The California capital city once stood 10 feet lower than it does today.
Boston, Massachusetts

Make Way for Ducklings Statue

Mrs. Mallard and her brood are a beloved fixture in Boston Public Garden.
Sacramento, California

Samson Luggage Sculpture

Pillars made of 700 pieces of luggage climb to the ceiling of Sacramento Airport's baggage claim.
San Luis Obispo, California

Madonna Inn

A hotel and restaurant serving as the mecca of kitsch.
St. Augustine, Florida

Treasury Street

St. Augustine's record-setting narrow street was designed to protect against pirates.
Washington, D.C.

Washington Monument Marble Stripe

Look closely and you’ll notice that the color changes a third of the way up the tower.
Avery Island, Louisiana

Tabasco Museum and Factory

For 150 years one family has been producing the iconic hot sauce on a bayou island made of salt.
San Simeon, California

Hearst Castle

The unbelievably opulent home built for an infamous newspaperman.
Washington, D.C.

Capitol Building Tunnel System

Members of Congress have traveled between the buildings on Capitol Hill for a century hidden from tourists, press, and storm clouds.
Solvang, California

Hans Christian Andersen Museum

Honoring the famed folktale author, this California museum looks like it belongs in the Black Forest.
San Diego, California

Sheriff's Museum

It would be a crime to miss it.
San Luis Obispo, California

The Bells of El Camino Real

A chain of bells connect the California Missions and honor the legend of the "King’s Highway."
Los Angeles, California

Musso and Frank Grill

This star-studded Old Hollywood restaurant is where fettuccine Alfredo made its United States debut.
Las Vegas, Nevada

Flamingo Habitat

An exotic wildlife habitat right off The Strip.
San Diego, California

Whaley House

San Diego's most historic and haunted home.