Welcome to the Lone Star State, where everything is bigger, including the weirdness!
Texas is famous for its rich history, cowboy culture and wide-open spaces, but it’s also home to some of the strangest and most fascinating attractions you’ll ever see.
From giant cowboy boots to a cathedral made of junk, these 16 weird places will surprise and delight you.
Whether you’re a local or a traveler, you won’t want to miss these unique spots that showcase the quirky and creative spirit of Texas.
Get ready to discover the unexpected and dive into the weirdest adventures the state has to offer!
1. Jesus In Cowboy Boots
Does anything scream ‘Texas’ more than a statue of Jesus Christ wearing cowboy boots?
Us Texans will put a cowboy hat or boots on pretty much anything!
The unique 20-ft “Jesus In Cowboy Boots” statue is located in Evergreen Cemetery in the town of Paris in north Texas.
Interestingly, the statue is actually a grave marker and sits on the grave of Willet Babcock, a lieutenant in the Civil War who died in 1888.
It’s made of stone and has become a popular attraction for both locals and tourists.
2. Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum
Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum is a one-of-a-kind attraction located in The Colony which is a suburb of Dallas.
This quirky museum features over 1,400 decorated toilet seats, all created by retired master plumber Barney Smith.
Each toilet seat tells a unique story, with themes ranging from holidays and world events to personal memories and hobbies.
Visitors are amazed by the creativity and detail in Barney’s work, making it a must-see for anyone looking for something different.
The museum used to be located in Barney’s backyard in San Antonio, but in 2019 it was moved to The Colony.
3. Grapevine Glockenspiel Clock Tower
The Grapevine Glockenspiel Clock Tower is a fascinating attraction located in Grapevine which is in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
The exact address is 636 S. Main St. Grapevine. You’ll find it right in the heart of the historic downtown area.
This clock tower features 2 life-sized mechanical characters that perform a cowboy shoot-out show several times a day.
The characters, known as the Would-Be Train Robbers, tell an entertaining story inspired by local history.
Many people gather every day to watch the show and are amazed by the intricate movements and lively performance.
The figures are so life-like! Check out the performance:
You can catch the show at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm.
4. Munster Mansion
The Munster Mansion is a very interesting house located in Waxahachie.
It’s an exact replica of the iconic home from the 1960s TV show “The Munsters.”
This meticulously recreated mansion is the labor of love of owners Sandra and Charles McKee, who built it from scratch.
You’ll be transported into the world of the spooky sitcom as you tour the house which comes complete with eerie decor and quirky details just like in the show.
The mansion hosts many special events and tours which draw fans of all ages who want to experience a piece of TV history.
5. Bottle Cap Alley
Bottle Cap Alley is a quirky, must-see spot located in College Station, near Texas A&M University.
This unique alley is covered with thousands of colorful bottle caps, creating a vibrant path that stretches between two popular bars.
It started over 40 years ago as a spontaneous tradition among college students and has since grown into a beloved local landmark.
Many people enjoy walking through the alley, admiring the ever-changing mosaic of bottle caps left by previous guests.
Many estimates say that there are now hundreds of thousands of bottle caps in the alley!
6. National Museum of Funeral History
The National Museum of Funeral History is an intriguing museum located in Houston.
It showcases a wide array of exhibits related to funerals, from historic hearses to cultural burial practices.
You can explore everything from the history of embalming to the funerals of famous figures like presidents and popes.
The museum even features unique items like fantasy coffins from Ghana and celebrity memorial tributes.
With its educational and fascinating displays, the National Museum of Funeral History offers a unique look into how different cultures honor their dead.
7. Eclectic Menagerie Park
The Eclectic Menagerie Park is a fascinating outdoor sculpture park located in Houston, in front of the Texas Pipe and Supply Company.
This unique park features 26 giant steel sculptures made from unused pipes and equipment from the nearby pipe company.
As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by towering creatures such as an armadillo, a giant spider and even a King Kong dangling from a crane.
Situated along Highway 288, the park is a roadside attraction that surprises and delights those who pass by.
8. Palace of the Golden Orbs
The Palace of the Golden Orbs, also known as Chong Hua Sheng Mu Holy Palace, is a stunning structure located in Houston.
It’s not listed on Google Maps but the exact address is 3695 Overture Drive.
This massive 40-ft unfinished palace features intricate golden domes and beautiful architectural details inspired by Chinese Taoist design.
Originally intended as a spiritual and cultural center, the building’s construction halted when the creator was deported, leaving it as a mysterious and fascinating landmark.
If you choose to visit, you’ll be captivated by its beauty and the sheer scale of its design.
It’s pretty unique and truly stands out amongst the typical Texas landscape that surrounds it.
9. Pecan Pie Vending Machine
The Pecan Pie Vending Machine is a unique attraction located in Cedar Creek, at Berdoll Pecan Candy & Gift Company.
This vending machine offers fresh, homemade pecan pies 24/7, making it a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
It’s stocked daily with delicious pies made from locally grown pecans, ensuring top quality and flavor.
Many people are super excited by the idea of getting a whole pecan pie from a vending machine!
Apparently the vending machine was installed as the pecan pies here were so popular that people wanted to be able to grab them 24/7.
10. Cathedral of Junk
The Cathedral of Junk is an extraordinary art installation located in Austin.
Built in the backyard of creator Vince Hannemann, this towering structure is made entirely from discarded items like bicycle parts, bottles and old appliances.
You can explore the winding pathways and hidden rooms within the cathedral, marveling at the creative use of everyday junk.
It’s a constantly evolving masterpiece, as Vince adds new pieces regularly, making each visit unique. He started building it back in 1989.
No walk-ins are allowed so make sure you book a tour ahead of time if you want to visit!
11. World’s Largest Cowboy Boots
The World’s Largest Cowboy Boots are a gigantic roadside attraction located in San Antonio, right next to North Star Mall.
These enormous boots stand 35 feet tall and are made of concrete and steel, designed by artist Bob “Daddy-O” Wade in 1979.
You’ll be amazed by the sheer size and detail of the boots!
They’ve even been featured in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest cowboy boots.
The boots capture the spirit of Texas’ cowboy culture in a fun and larger-than-life way.
Standing proudly by the highway, they are an iconic and unforgettable sight for anyone passing through San Antonio.
12. Lajitas Goat
The Lajitas Goat, named Clay Henry, is a quirky and beloved figure in the small town of Lajitas, near Big Bend National Park.
This famous goat was first elected as mayor of the tiny town in 1986 and was known for his unusual habit of drinking beer.
After the original Clay Henry’s death, his descendants have been elected as mayor ever since and today, you can visit the current goat mayor, Clay Henry IV.
Visitors to Lajitas can meet the current Clay Henry at the Trading Post, where the goat often entertains tourists with his antics.
The legend of Clay Henry has made the town a fun and curious stop for travelers exploring West Texas.
13. The Steel House by Robert Bruno
The Steel House, created by artist Robert Bruno, is a remarkable structure located in Ransom Canyon in Lubbock.
This unique house is made entirely of steel and looks like a futuristic sculpture with its flowing, organic shapes.
Robert Bruno spent over 30 years building the house by hand, giving it a truly one-of-a-kind design.
You’ll be fascinated by the house’s unusual architecture and the way it blends art and living space.
14. Floating Mesa
The Floating Mesa is a unique art installation located in Bushland near Amarillo, created by artist Stanley Marsh 3.
This unique piece makes it look like the top of a mesa is floating in mid-air, thanks to a white strip of plywood placed around its edge.
At certain times of day, the illusion is so convincing that visitors often do a double-take and are amazed at the clever visual trick.
The Floating Mesa is part of the quirky art scene in the Texas Panhandle.
It’s a fascinating sight that draws curious travelers looking for something out of the ordinary.
15. Combine City
Combine City is a fascinating outdoor art installation located in Lake Tanglewood, near Amarillo.
This quirky attraction features old combine harvesters buried nose-first into the ground, similar to the famous Cadillac Ranch.
Created by local farmer Orville Ladehoff, the combines stand in a row with their rusted metal forms creating a striking and unusual scene.
People from all over the state love to see Combine City and take photos!
Unfortunately you can’t get up close or paint the combines but they are very easy to see from the road.
16. The Leaning Tower of Texas
The Leaning Tower of Texas, also known as The Leaning Tower of Britten, is a quirky roadside attraction located in Groom, not far from Amarillo.
It’s easy to spot from Interstate 40.
This old water tower, which leans at a noticeable angle, was purposely tilted by owner Ralph Britten to draw attention to his truck stop and restaurant.
And it worked! His business was booming until his truck stop burnt down in a fire.
Since the 1980s, this tower has been a popular spot for travelers to stop and take photos.
Its unexpected tilt and bright red paint make it a fun and eye-catching landmark.
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