Can I give you some advice to make your summer of 2016 even more memorable? If you’ll be driving through Colorado for any reason and need to get out and stretch, don’t settle for a boring fast food joint or gas station. Plan to stop at one of these quirky (or even bizarre) roadside attractions that are sure to make you do a double take:
1. Cano's Castle (Antonito)
Here is something you definitely don't see everyday: Not only is this tall structure a castle, it is a castle that is constructed entirely of empty beer cans and other recycled materials. (The inspiration behind the dwelling? Jesus and marijuana, of course!)
2. Bishop Castle (Rye)
Speaking of castles, did you know that the rocky and iconic Bishop Castle was built by just one man (Jim Bishop) over a period of some 40 years? Now THAT is impressive.
3. Tiny Town (Morrison)
The adorable Tiny Town is just that; a "town" comprised of tiny homes, buildings, and other replicas. (The pièce de résistance? The opportunity to ride a real Rio Grande F7 diesel replica around the town.)
4. Mike the Headless Chicken (Fruita)
In the small town of Fruita lies a big memorial for one of the towns most infamous celebrities... who was indeed a chicken who lived without his head from 1945-1947.
5. The Face on the Barroom Floor (Central City)
Just who is the mysterious lady depicted on the barroom floor of the Teller House Bar in Central City? According to legend, it was the wife of disgruntled (and soon to be jobless) Herndon Davis, but this theory has never been verified.
6. Largest Fork in the U.S. (Creede)
The 600 pound fork (which is located in the heart of Creede) sure does give the term "fork in the road" an entirely new meaning.
7. UFO Watchtower (Saguache County)
Located just north of Hooper, the UFO Watchtower guarantees a great place to stargaze (promising no light pollution), and a platform to watch for aliens and any other kinds of unexplained extraterrestrial activity.
8. Old Homestead House Museum (Cripple Creek)
The good ol' days of brothels and the gold miners who frequented them are alive and well at Cripple Creek's Old Homestead House. (Parents, don't worry; the museum is family friendly and contains no interactive exhibits...)
9. Best Western Movie Manor (Monte Vista)
How cool is this: The Best Western Movie Manor--which is located near the stunning Great Sand Dunes National Park--not only provides you with a clean and comfortable room, but with epic views (and sounds) from the nearby drive-in theater. Don't forget to swing by the theater snack bar for some delicious buttery popcorn to take back to the room!
10. Picketwire Canyonlands (La Junta)
Who says there is nothing to do on the Eastern Plains? In addition to fascinating museums and antique carousels, the rolling plains are also home to the largest known set of dinosaur tracks in North America, as well as stunning Native American rock art and so much more.
11. Lee Maxwell Washing Machine Museum (Eaton)
Lee Maxwell knows a thing or two about antique washing machines and he is ready to share both his knowledge and extensive collection with those who visit this unique northern Colorado attraction.
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