9 Weird Landmarks in Arizona You Should Visit

Thedailymiaminews– It is understandable that Arizona’s other attractions are frequently overlooked given the five million visitors that swarm to the Grand Canyon each year. Arizona’s lesser-known icons are sometimes overlooked, even though places like Saguaro National Park and downtown Phoenix are equally impressive. Having said that, some of the most unforgettable sights and experiences can be found at some of Arizona’s more unusual and underappreciated destinations. These sites, which showcase a side of Arizona beyond its well-known canyon, offer a welcome diversion from the everyday, from oddball roadside installations on Route 66 to unique and captivating geological vistas.

Burros with Oats

Although some people consider Oatman to be a ghost town, it is actually a thriving mining community. The burro population in the area frequently approaches the thousands, despite the town having less than 100 residents. Since a portion of Route 66 passes directly through the town, they coexist peacefully with Oatman locals and are used to tourists stopping by. These inquisitive animals are regularly spotted strolling along Oatman’s main thoroughfare, sticking their heads into car windows, and interacting with visitors. It is believed that the burros are descended from the donkeys that gold miners utilized in the heyday of Oatman’s mining industry. However, their primary task these days is to ask guests for snacks.

The Meteor Crater

You can visit “the world’s best-preserved meteorite impact site on Earth” in the Canyon Diablo region of Arizona. The enormous bowl-shaped crater, which is thought to be 50,000 years old, was found in 1891. This captivating monument, which is 600 feet deep and 4,000 feet in circumference, has a way of getting people to think about the incredible force of the meteor that formed it. With its exhibits, Interactive Discovery Center, and inside crater viewing area, the Meteor Crater Visitor Center on-site is the ideal starting point for your journey. A guided tour of the rim will then help you to appreciate the enormity of the crater.

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Horseshoe Bend

Another magnificent geological formation that should be on your agenda is Horseshoe Bend. The landform is definitely uncommon and exceptional, even though it isn’t “strange” in the conventional sense. When the Colorado River created a horseshoe-shaped curve in Glen Canyon millions of years ago, it was first formed. With two million visits annually, this creative deterioration is currently one of the most photographed locations in the nation. This Glen Canyon National Recreation Area phenomena is more than just a “social media darling”; it’s a popular destination for tourists. One of the best treks in the park is the 1.5-mile Horseshoe Bend Trail, which offers breathtaking views. Try going on a weekday or outside of the summer if you want to avoid the crowds.

The Bridge in London

As a child, you may have heard the well-known English nursery rhyme about the London Bridge. However, did you realize that Arizona is the exact location of this bridge? The famous building is located in Lake Havasu City and was first built across the River Thames in London, England, between 1176 and 1209. The bridge was replaced in the early 1800s after requiring constant repairs in London for several centuries. In 1968, the “old” London Bridge was sold and moved to Arizona in an attempt to boost tourism and impact urban development. Today, the bridge connects the mainland of the city to an island in Lake Havasu, fulfilling a useful function. But it has also achieved its initial goal of drawing tourists tenfold, making Lake Havasu City a permanent fixture on the map.

Tomb of Governor Hunt’s Pyramid

Choosing where to spend your time in Arizona’s vibrant capital might be challenging. However, there is a fascinating landmark close to the Phoenix Zoo if you’re looking for a less standard Phoenix attraction. Visitors may notice a mysterious white pyramid perched on a hilltop above the zoo’s exhibit of desert animals. The grave of Arizona’s first governor, George W.P. Hunt, is marked by this impressive building. Hunt is regarded as “a colorful pioneer” and has served seven nonconsecutive terms as governor. The Egyptian pyramids he witnessed while traveling served as the inspiration for his burial place, as you would have predicted. Whether observing it from the zoo or following the tomb trail in Papago Park, this unusual Arizona landmark is worth seeing, despite its initially odd appearance.

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Castle of Tovrea

Make sure to visit Tovrea Castle, Arizona’s “Jewel in the Sonoran Desert,” and other remarkable monuments while in Phoenix. Because of its four-story, cake-tier look, the striking Italianate-style edifice is frequently referred to as the “Wedding Cake Castle.” Alessio Carraro, an Italian immigrant who envisioned turning the region into a desert resort, built it between 1928 and 1930. Although these aspirations were never fulfilled and the castle was subsequently converted into a dwelling, the historic building was finally made public in 2012. Tickets for tours of the castle and the nearby Cactus Gardens sell out months in advance these days due to their immense popularity.

The Holy Cross Chapel

Sedona, a desert town about two hours north of Phoenix, is a stunning example of how culture and environment can coexist. Because of its location and architecture, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is the town’s most important cultural landmark. The chapel was built right into the red cliffs of the area and was named one of “The Ten Most Beautiful Churches Around the World” by Architectural Digest. The Verde Valley may be seen from the church’s observation platform, which offers even more breathtaking views than the building itself. The quickest access to the church is via a 0.1-mile trail to the overlook, which is steep. As an alternative, you can hike the 1.3-mile Chapel Trail out and back, which will take more time but will give you a better perspective of the surrounding buttes.

Headicus Giganticus

Travelers and road-trippers can discover unusual roadside sites like Giganticus Headicus in the town of Kingman, which is located back on Route 66. Giganticus Headicus, as the name suggests, is a huge statue of a head that resembles the sculptures found on Easter Island. Gregg Arnold created the green, 14-foot Tiki-style sculpture in 2004. He used chicken wire, cement, and Styrofoam to build the monument. While here, guests can enjoy other Arnold installations, take a picture next to the oddball sculpture, and look for trinkets in the former petrol station. Few people regret stopping, even if most only see Giganticus Headicus briefly.

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Spring Pumpkin

Pumpkin Spring is one of the Grand Canyon’s best-kept secrets if you want to discover some of its more obscure corners. There aren’t many people around to experience this unique monument because the geothermal mineral spring can only be found by canoeing the Colorado River. From its spherical shape to its orange color, the spring resembles a pumpkin, as its name suggests. However, be advised that although the hot spring waters may appear appealing, they are solely intended for observation. This is due to the water’s contamination with lead, copper, zinc, and dangerously high levels of arsenic. Before continuing your unusual Grand Canyon adventure, make sure you snap a photo and enjoy the scenery, but don’t do anything more.

Concluding remarks

The Grand Canyon will always be in the forefront of Arizona’s top tourist destinations. That does not preclude the enjoyment of the state’s lesser-known attractions, though. These places and experiences will be the most unforgettable aspects of your journey, regardless of whether you plan to spend the full time in these unusual locations or just stop by as a detour. Beyond its canyon, Arizona presents a bizarre yet fascinating world, complete with huge tiki idols and meteor craters.

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