Emily Flores
Some towns don’t need skyscrapers or fame to stand out—they’ve got odd traditions, strange legends, and stories you couldn’t make up if you tried. These little communities turned weirdness into a calling card. Curious enough to peek inside the quirkiest corners of the map? Let’s go exploring.
Marfa, Texas
Out in the Texas desert, you’ll stumble across… a Prada store. Yep, a luxury boutique plopped in the middle of nowhere. Built in 2005 as an art piece, it’s stocked with real Prada shoes and bags—but the doors don’t open. Weather and graffiti have since become part of its strange, stylish story.
Whittier, Alaska
In this Alaskan town, most of the town’s population lives in one giant building known as Begich Towers. The Towers houses almost everything, including homes, a grocery store, a school, and even a church. And since you can only get there through one tunnel, winters are mostly spent indoors.
Rabbit Hash, Kentucky
Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, has been electing dogs as mayors since 1998, which makes it one of the town’s strangest traditions. In fact, the current mayor is Wilbur, a French bulldog, following past canine leaders like a pit bull and a border collie. Each election even raises money for restoration, and the historic general store remains a favorite attraction.
Hell, Michigan
Yes, Hell is real, a small town in Michigan, just outside Ann Arbor. Locals even celebrate the fiery name with humor and charm. Also, visitors can send a “Go to Hell” postcard or claim the title of “Mayor of Hell” for a day. The best part is, when winter arrives, the town freezes and turns the age-old joke into reality.
Slab City, California
Slab City looks scrappy at first glance, but that’s part of its appeal. Hidden in the Sonoran Desert, this off-grid community runs without power, water, or laws. Plus, its centerpiece is Salvation Mountain, a towering folk art project bursting with color. Want real fun? Visit during an art festival or the lively annual talent show.
Centralia, Pennsylvania
Just imagine a community built over a fire that never stops. That’s Centralia, Pennsylvania, where an underground coal blaze has been burning since 1962. Nearly everyone evacuated, though a small group stayed behind. Even today, smoke still escapes from the ground, and the Postal Service has also retired the ZIP code to mark its decline.
Lake City, Colorado
In Lake City, Colorado, the past comes with one of the state’s strangest tales. This is the town where Alferd Packer, the prospector turned cannibal, was tried and convicted. The town still marks the story with festivals and a cafe called Cannibal Grill. Visitors even stop at Packer’s grave, which is now a tourist attraction.
Colma, California
Colma, California, is called the ‘City of the Dead,’ and with 1.5 million underground residents to just a handful above, you could say the dead won the housing market. This town began when San Francisco relocated its cemeteries. Today, cemeteries outnumber businesses, and even famous figures like Wyatt Earp, the legendary Old West lawman, are buried here.
Casey, Illinois
There’s a town in Illinois where everyday things aren’t just large; they’re gigantic. Casey holds Guinness records for a mailbox large enough to walk into and knitting needles made for giants. Beyond its records, the town also displays over a dozen oversized sculptures and invites visitors to explore and join the fun.
Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
In Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, all eyes turn to Phil the groundhog each February 2nd. Since 1887, this furry forecaster has delivered his weather report in “Groundhogese.” Locals claim he lives on thanks to a secret elixir, and Hollywood made him a star in the classic film “Groundhog Day.”