The 11 Oddest Places You Can Possibly Go In Colorado
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Annie
Author
Please don’t take this the wrong way, but Colorado is one of the weirdest places in America. Hear me out. In this case, we mean that it is quirky, colorful, and flat-out unique! Ready to see the odd side of our little slice of heaven? Here are the 11 weirdest places in Colorado that keep folks coming back for more!
Museum of Colorado Prisons, 201 N 1st St, Cañon City, CO 81212, USA
Have you ever wanted to see the inside of a prison without having to be an actual inmate? You, my curious friend, are in luck. The Museum of Colorado Prisons in Cañon City is a former women’s prison that has been transformed into a place of learning, established to preserve the historical heritage of the Colorado Prison System. Their collection exhibits inmate art and contraband items collected from prisoners, as well as a glimpse into what life looks like inside an actual jail cell. You’ll find it at 201 N 1st St., Cañon City, CO 81212.
International Church of Cannabis, 400 S Logan St, Denver, CO 80209, USA
The International Church of Cannabis name speaks for itself, but we will try to explain it in a little more depth: this less-than-traditional place of worship boasts itself as being a place for adults to come in and enjoy marijuana (or the "cannabis sacrament," as they call it) in peace. The church doors are open and they are accepting new applications for membership, and their "BEYOND
A Guided Meditation & Laser Light Experience" offering runs every hour, 365 days per year. It's located at 400 S Logan St., Denver, CO 80209.
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Cano's Castle, State St &, 285 E 10th Ave, Antonito, CO 81120, USA
Eat your heart out Disney World, as Colorado is home to Cano's Castle an impressive structure created entirely of old hubcaps, empty beer cans, and other recycled materials. Created by a Native American Vietnam vet of the Vietnam War, the Castle is one of the most impressive structures in the state. You will find it at State St & E 10th Ave., Antonito, CO 81120.
Note: According to the Castle website, it was badly damaged in a fire in January 2022.
Note: According to the Castle website, it was badly damaged in a fire in January 2022.
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Outlaws & Law Men Jail Museum, 136 W Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813, USA
Didn't get your fill of the slammer from the Museum of Colorado Prisons? Before you go out and commit a petty crime, hightail it on down to Cripple Creek's Outlaws & Lawmen Jail Museum, which offers an exact replica of prison life during the days of the Old West. The museum is located at 136 W Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek, CO 80813.
Editor's Note: We're sorry to say that after many years of service to the community, Casa Bonita is permanently closed.
C'mon ... you knew we couldn't have a list of the oddest places in Colorado without mentioning the most unusual restaurant in the WORLD! For those who have never had the - err, pleasure? - of visiting, Casa Bonita is home to - err, food? - and a mangy gorilla who chases you around the restaurant, as well as waterfalls and other quirks.
C'mon ... you knew we couldn't have a list of the oddest places in Colorado without mentioning the most unusual restaurant in the WORLD! For those who have never had the - err, pleasure? - of visiting, Casa Bonita is home to - err, food? - and a mangy gorilla who chases you around the restaurant, as well as waterfalls and other quirks.
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Mike the Headless Chicken Statue, 128 E Aspen Ave, Fruita, CO 81521, USA
The epitome of the roadside attraction, Mike the Headless Chicken is a five-foot-tall metal sculpture that pays homage to the legendary Mike! How did poor Mike lose his head? Well, he was supposed to be Sunday dinner, but survived his own decapitation and lived for 18 months on a diet of milk, water, and small grains of corn. You'll find the statue at 128 E Aspen Ave., Fruita, CO 81521.
UFO Watchtower, CO-17, Center, CO 81125, USA
In the heart of the San Luis Valley, you’ll find the mystical UFO Watchtower. The observation area offers visitors a pristine view of the night sky with no light pollution, making it a perfect place to (potentially) spot a UFO. During the daylight hours, the 360-degree view of the surrounding valley is pretty spectacular as well, and there’s even a campground on-site, should you want to stay a few nights during your search for alien life. The UFO Watchtower can be found along Highway 17 near Center, CO.
Bishop Castle, 12705 CO-165, Rye, CO 81069, USA
Do you think the castle fun ends with Cano? Think again! Located in Rye, Bishop Castle is the jaw-dropping work of one man who started out building his family a small stone cottage but continued to expand upon it after hearing neighbors say the materials made it look like a castle. Today, Bishop Castle stands at an impressive 160 feet tall and features wrought iron stairs and bridges, stained glass windows, and even a fire-breathing dragon made of discarded stainless steel warming plates! You'll find it at 12705 CO-165, Rye, CO 81069.
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Blucifer, Denver, CO 80249, USA
If you've ever seen Blucifer you might have been thinking, "What?" Or maybe even, "Why?" Commissioned by Denver International Airport in 1993, Blue Mustang (nicknamed Blucifer) is a 32-foot-tall, 9,000-pound cast-fiberglass sculpture that actually killed its sculptor after a section of it fell on him and severed an artery in his leg.
No Name, CO 81601, USA
Though a town with the No Name should require no introduction, let us just briefly explain that the community was named for its nearby No Name Canyon and No Name Creek. You'll find this tiny town just a few miles east of Glenwood Springs along I-70. It is just one of several Colorado towns with the silliest names.
If you drink coffee like it is water (or water like it is water) and/or had your bladder destroyed during pregnancy, this one is for you, as America's best and most beautiful bathroom is hiding out right here in Colorado! Located in Minturn, this public restroom was designed to resemble the horizontal passageways found in mines, making for Perfection with a capital P (pun completely intended)! You can learn more about this wonderfully weird (and truly beautiful) public bathroom in our previous feature article.
Have you ever been to any of these places? If so, what were your favorites? Would you agree that they are among the strangest roadside attractions in Colorado? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
You can keep the strange times going by checking out this bizarre Colorado home that is just too weird for words!
If you’re still in the mood for more Centennial State adventures, take a look at this video about beautiful Hanging Lake and Spouting Rock:
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More to Explore
More Fun in Colorado
Where can we find the best breweries in Colorado?
- The Colorado Farm Brewery in Alamosa is the only 100 percent estate, farm-to-glass, site-contained brewery in the country.
- The Wynkoop Brewing Company in Denver is Colorado's first brewpub.
- J Fargo’s Family Dining and Microbrewery in Cortez marries the best of both worlds — delicious food and exciting beer flavors.
Read on to learn about some of the many other popular breweries in Colorado.
Where can we find farmer’s markets in Colorado?
- The Boulder Farmers Market in Boulder represents the longest market season in the state.
- The Glenwood's Downtown Market in Glenwood Springs is a combo farmer’s market and music series event space.
- The Durango Farmers Market in Durango features not only farm-to-table products but also a wide array of artisan vendors.
Read on to learn about some of the many other fun farmer’s markets in Colorado.
Where can we find hiking trails in Colorado?
- The Hanging Lake Trail in Glenwood Springs is a popular one because it goes by beautiful Hanging Lake, one of the most pristine lakes in the state.
- The Bridal Veil Falls Trail in Telluride rises up 1,650 feet leading to the 365-foot-tall Bridal Veil Falls.
- Fox Run Park in Colorado Springs offers several different trail options that traverse through Fox Run Regional Park.
Read on to learn about some of the many other amazing hiking trails in Colorado.