There's No House In The World Like This One In Wyoming
Caryl
Author
There’s no way to rationalize the construction of this eccentric house in the Cowboy State. This whimsical home, known as the Smith Mansion, is located in Wapiti Valley, Wyoming, where it sits on a hill overlooking the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway. There is no house like this one in Wyoming as the house is made of logs gathered from Rattle Snake Mountain and features five stories of bumpy slide-like staircases, balconies, and unfinished rooms. It is incredible and unique architecture in Wyoming.
Construction on this house began in 1980. It was built by engineer Francis Lee Smith. Smith spent 12 years working on his 5-story dream home for his wife and three children. He was obsessed with the building of the house and worked on it every moment that he wasn’t at work. Apparently, his building obsession led to a divorce from his wife. Unfortunately, he fell to his death while working on one of the balconies during strong winds.
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Every phase of the house was built on a whim. There were no blueprints or house plans, therefore, the house lacked many essential features. The house had no electricity, instead, it was powered by a generator and the only heat source was a wood stove. Interestingly enough, there were also no designated bedrooms for him or his children. Who knows how long this endless construction would have continued if not for his untimely death.
Despite the unique and large design of the home, it sat empty with no occupants for many years. The house is located on private property and tours are not available. However, you can view the unique architecture from the road. There truly is no house like this one in Wyoming.
Have you ever driven by this popular landmark in the Cowboy State? If so, what was your first impression of this house like this one in Wyoming?
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no house like this one in WY
What are some unique attractions in Wyoming?
The Cowboy State is home to many well-known attractions such as Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Devils Tower National Monument. However, it is also home to some unique and bizarre attractions that Wyoming residents and out-of-state visitors will not want to miss. Tree in the Rock is a large tree growing out of a granite boulder along Interstate 80 in Buford. It is certainly a sight you will not see every day and will make you appreciate the wonders of nature.
The Fossil Cabin, located along the Old Lincoln Highway and U.S. Route 30, features incredible architecture in Wyoming. This unique attraction in Wyoming is made out of more than 5,700 dinosaur bones.
What are some incredible landmarks in Wyoming that I should visit?
There are incredible and well-known landmarks in Wyoming that every Wyomingite must visit. Mormon Row at Grand Teton National Park is not only beautiful but it is one of the most photographed landmarks in Wyoming. Old Faithful is another landmark that individuals all over the world travel to see. If you haven’t sat waiting in Yellowstone National Park for this remarkable geyser to blow, you’ve likely seen a photo of the remarkable event.
Independence Rock is a landmark in Wyoming that is part of the historic Oregon Trail. It is certainly a landmark that is not only fun to explore but it has a fascinating history as well.
For even more landmarks in Wyoming that you’ll want to visit, check out our article here.