Over the next number of weeks we’ll be travelling from state to state to bring you the strangest, most outlandish (yet highly interesting) U.S roadside attractions. We’ll take you off the beaten path, far from the Disneylands and the Knott’s Berry Farms, and deep into the heartland of the bizarre.

We start off our America The Strange Series in the nations most populous state, California. Hold onto your hats folks, things are about to get very weird.

1. Litto’s Hubcap Ranch: Pope Valley, California

Deep in the heart of California’s Napa Valley, across winding country roads, sits this sparkling metallic oasis. You’ll smile widely as the sun gleams brightly off the more than 5000 hubcaps lucky enough to call this place home. Admission to the ranch is free, though donations to the museums collections (read: spare hubcaps) are highly appreciated.

Evidently the real gem of the Napa Valley is not fashioned out of grapes, but out of steal.

2. Moaning Cavern: Vallecito, California

Mmmmmm! That moaning you hear is not from the bedrooms of the locals, but from the sound of water dripping gently into the cavern’s flowstone formations.

The decaying remains of some 100 humans are said to be found here in California’s deepest vertical chamber, each plummeting over 100 feet to their death. Fortunately for you, it’s much safer today, with a winding staircase leading you gently to the base of the cavern.

3. Willow Creek Bigfoot Museum: Willow Creek, California

If you’ve ever wanted a peak at a real-live Sasquatch, Willow Creek just might be your best shot; it’s the location of the most recorded Bigfoot sightings in the world.

The museum boasts a staggering array of evidence, including footprints, photographs, and official archives, proving beyond a reasonable doubt that big-foot is for real (though maybe not in a court of law).

Though no living Sasquatches were spotted on this journey, the twenty-five foot beast standing over the museum serves as reasonable enough facsimile.

4. Big Tree Drive-Thru(s): Avenue of The Giants. California

For years now, the drive-thru has made been making it easier for us to complete life’s daily tasks. In fact, in today’s America, you can eat, cash a cheque, and even get married, all without ever leaving your vehicle.

It only makes sense then, to bring the drive-thru idea to nature, where along California’s Redwood Highway, you can drive-thru the hallowed out stumps of some of the world’s biggest trees. Getting close to nature has never been so easy.

You’ll have to pay a fee of course, so have your money ready at the next window, err…tree.

5. Burro Schmidt Tunnel: Garlock, California

He didn’t quite get all the way to China, but William “Burro” Schmidt’s 2087 foot long hand-dug tunnel is none the less an impressive feet. Over 38 years, Schmidt used nothing but himself and his hand tools to carve out his legacy deep in the rock of the El Paso Mountains.

While originally the tunnel was to serve the practical purpose of transporting ore from his mines to the railroad, Schmidt continued to dig deep into the tunnel long after his mines went dry. Failing to break through the other side before his death, this Garlock, California landmark remains a true tunnel to nowhere.

- Sam

Come across any paranormal places in the Golden State yourself? Tell us about it below.

Attractions, california, strange