Idaho is full of wacky attractions but few are as strange as the place featured below. Located in historic Idaho City, this place sticks out like a sore thumb within the Western-style town. Boasting hundreds upon hundreds of wacky antiques (and that’s just on the exterior), this structure has made a name for itself as one of the most photographed buildings in all of Idaho. However, there’s a lot more to this place than just how it looks. There’s something about this place that you just can’t put your finger on. Maybe it’s the shop’s fascinating history or the fact that it’s rumored to be haunted, or both! One thing’s for sure. Visiting this haunted antique shop is bound to be a strange experience you never forget.
Hiding out in Idaho City is one of our state's wackiest structures—The Sluice Box. This old antique shop is the type of place you just can't seem to look away from. After all, there sure is a lot to look at!
Although the antique shop recently re-opened under new ownership, the store originally opened sometime during the 1970s by Larry and Ruthie Carter. It wasn't long until The Sluice Box made a name for itself as one of the strangest buildings in the Gem State.
The couple were a dynamic duo of sorts. Ruthie was the expert on antiques and Larry was the master builder. He continued to build onto the shop for years after it opened, adding things like towering eves, curved stairways, false rooms, and a wide array of windowed lookouts.
Larry always took a particular interest in the tales of ghosts and supernatural stories. In fact, he would often say that he built the tower on top of the store in order to invite wandering souls...and he may have done just that. This place definitely gives off a haunted vibe, even if there hasn't been any concrete evidence of paranormal occurrences.
The peculiar appearance is what draws visitors in, but it's the massive collection of vintage antiques that will keep you occupied for hours on end. This place has a little bit of everything, and then some. Ruthie may no longer be in charge of the antiques but the new owner has kept the shop mostly the same. Here you'll find historic items from all over the West.
The Sluice Box doesn't really feel like a shop, although everything and anything is considered for sale. It feels more like a time capsule. Stuffed to the brim with unique items, you can't help but feel like you're experiencing a little piece of Idaho history as you wander through the store.
Larry passed away back in 2010 but according to their old website "there is a big possibility that he might be visiting his favorite stomping grounds from time to time". We can definitely believe that! As you peruse the shop's endless treasures, you might just feel the unexpected presence of the man who made this quirky shop possible.
Have you visited this haunted antique shop? Do you believe that something paranormal lurks here? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! If you thought this place looked awesome, just wait until you check out The 9 Weirdest Places You Can Possibly Go In Idaho.
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