As one of North America’s earliest European settlements, Massachusetts is as rich in history as JFK was in lovers. A simple walk down Boston’s famed Freedom Trail, gives the traveller a profound sense of history and purpose.

Frankly though, we could care less about finding a greater sense of purpose. Our purpose is finding you a greater sense of fun. These 5 Insanely Bizarre Massachusetts Attractions will certainly have you on your way:

1. Jordan’s Furniture – “Mardi Gras” Natick: Massachusetts

Furniture stores have a long standing history of outlandish stunts. From cheesy ads, to obscure promotions and b-list celebrity endorsements, they’ll do just about anything to get us to buy their wares. But trust us, you haven’t seen a thing, until you’ve stepped foot inside Jordan’s Furniture.

Go ahead and cancel your trip to the New Orleans because the best of Mardi Gras is right here on Jordan’s showroom floor (though you won’t likely be flashed by a sales associate). If the replicas of the French Quarter, Riverboats and bayou plantations don’t sell you on a new couch, the 30- minute animatronic Mardi Gras show certainly will.

Still not sold? There’s a full on IMAX movie theatre here too. Now playing: Curse Of The Killer Dinette Set- In 3D.

2. Beer Can Museum: Northhampton, Massachusetts

Art lovers have MOMA, History buffs have the MET and beer aficionados have Ye Olde Watering Hole. The prestigious Northhampton beer can museum has a collection of empties so vast you’ll be intoxicated before ever having a drink. And if by chance the empties don’t quite wet your whistle, you can pull up a chair and chose from a wide selection of cold beers on top. Appreciating “art” never tasted so good.

3. Witch Dungeon: Salem Massachusetts

If the Wicked Witch of the West ever left you writhing in you bed at night, this is your chance to enact your revenge on all Witchkind.

First take in a live performance of an authentic Salem witch trial and watch a 17^th century prosecutor tear apart the flawed testimony of the accused witch. Next, rise to your feet in celebration as the witch is convicted of her heinous crimes. Finally, head down to the Witch Dungeon for a round a witch flogging, water boarding, planking, broomstick beating and any other forms of devious witch torture you can devise.

If anything, this is sweet pay back for having to suffer through 5 seasons of Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

4. Thermometer Museum: Onset, Massachusetts

Thermometer enthusiast Richard Porter has taken obscure collecting to a whole new degree. Visiting flee markets, yard sales and antique shows around the world, the Onset Massachusetts man has amassed a stockpile of over 4100 thermometers.

Descend into his basement museum and marvel at the thermometer pigs, spaceships, earrings, windmills and countless other wacky works of art. Frankly, we think all that mercury has gone to his head.

5. Mapparium: Boston, Massachusetts

If you’ve ever dreamt about travelling to the centre of the earth, the Mapparium is your direct ticket. Here you’ll step inside a massive 608 panel stained glass globe and look up to one of the only world maps free of perspective distortion. Thanks to its uniquely shaped concave panels, everything appears at its true size and distance from each other.

Sure the map is circa 1935, boasting such nations as Prussia, Rhodesia, and Siam, but who needs geographical accuracy, when have colourful flashing lights and sounds.

-Sam

Spotted anything weird and wonderful in the state of Massachusetts yourself? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Attractions, Fun, strange