31 Of The Most Unusual Places In All Of North America That People Can Actually Visit

16. The World’s Tallest Thermometer (Baker, California): A town most people only pass through on their way to Las Vegas, Baker boasts a 134-foot functioning thermometer built to commemorate 1913’s record-breaking 134 degree Fahrenheit day in Death Valley.

Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times

17. U Thant Island (New York, New York): A group called Peace Meditation at the United Nations named Manhattan’s smallest island (2,000-square feet) after the Burmese former United Nations Secretary General. It acts as a sanctuary for migrating birds.

Viewing NYC

18. Newby-McMahon Building (Wichita Falls, Texas): After a nearby oil boom, J.D. McMahon collected investments for a skyscraper to house the influx of people. He swindled the investors, however, when he built the world’s tiniest skyscraper—just 480 inches (40 feet) tall—and pocketed the rest of the money.

Michael Barera / Wikimedia

19. Musical Roads (Tijeras, New Mexico): Musical roads scattered throughout America utilize rumble strips to produce audible vibrations—songs! Roll down your window on this road in Tijeras, and you’ll hear “America the Beautiful.”

ATS Modding

20. Fenelon Place Elevator (Dubuque, Iowa): Claimed as the shortest and steepest railroad on the planet, this 189-foot incline railway brings travelers to observation decks where they can glimpse stunning views of downtown Dubuque.