Hamilton Pool, Big Bend, the Palo Duro Canyon, and other places with extreme popularity are cool and all – I mean, they had to earn that fame somehow, right? But what about lesser-known, under-the-radar attractions that don’t get nearly as much attention as they deserve? Here are 10 of the best in Texas that you should definitely check out when you get a chance.
- Museum of the Weird (Austin)
Yelp/Ray D.
Yelp/Shay B. You’ll see everything from shrunken heads to wax figures to two headed animals and everything in between. Who doesn’t like weird things? Normal people, I suppose.412 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
- Fort Worth Water Gardens (Fort Worth)
Yelp/Kaitlin H. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and find some peace and relaxation amidst the rushing water all around you. You’ll leave rejuvenated and ready to get back to work!1502 Commerce St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
- Cathedral of Junk (Austin)
Yelp/Kaithlyn R. Made up of over 60 tons of discarded items, the Cathedral of Junk gives a whole new meaning to recycling. It’s free and open to the public for tours - who knows, maybe you’ll find a long-lost childhood toy somewhere in the madness?4422 Lareina Drive, Austin, Texas, 78745
- Hope Outdoor Gallery (Austin)
Flickr/nanpalmero This vibrant explosion of art is everything we love about Austin. Graffiti artists from all over the city make their mark, and the space provides a refreshing place for self-expression that every city could benefit from.1100 Baylor, Austin, Texas, 78703
- Stonehenge II (Ingram)
Flickr/matthigh Why fly overseas to visit the real thing when there’s a replica right here in our own backyard? Stonehenge II is 2/3 as big as the original, but you won’t even be able to tell the difference.120 Point Theatre Rd S, Ingram, Texas, 78025
- Mueller Sunflowers (Austin)
Flickr/running_like_an_antelope If you’re driving on I-35 and see a flash of electric blue lighting up the night, don’t be alarmed. This solar “Electric Garden” produces energy that offsets carbon emissions from cars - an incredible feat and a piece of art all in one!4699 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd, Austin, Texas, 78723
- Waco Mammoth Site (Waco)
Yelp/Mark B. This is the world’s largest concentration of mammoths that died from the same catastrophe. You’ll be able to walk above their fossils, which are still embedded in the dirt after all these years. 6220 Steinbeck Bend, Waco, Texas, 76708
- Dr Pepper Museum (Dublin)
Yelp/Yvette R. This is where it all started. The very birthplace of our lifeblood, the sweet nectar that runs through our veins and powers us through the day. If you’re curious about the history of Dr Pepper, you’ll learn more than you probably wanted to know.300 S. 5th St., Waco, Texas, 76701
- Slug Bug Ranch (Panhandle)
Flickr/gingerelle Cadillac Ranch might be overrun by tourists, but this gem is the same exact concept - only with Volkswagen Bugs instead of Cadillacs. I-40 Frontage Rd, Panhandle, Texas, 79068
- Sometimes Islands (Austin)
Flickr/drewkolb Sometimes they’re there, sometimes they aren’t. No, we aren’t talking about a person here…we’re talking about islands. Nicknamed, “The Sometimes Islands,” these finicky landmasses come and go as the water levels on Lake Travis change.Austin, Texas, 78732
Have you been to any of these places? Which one is your favorite? Name some other underrated attractions in Texas that everyone needs to check out!
Yelp/Ray D.
Yelp/Shay B.
You’ll see everything from shrunken heads to wax figures to two headed animals and everything in between. Who doesn’t like weird things? Normal people, I suppose.412 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Yelp/Kaitlin H.
Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and find some peace and relaxation amidst the rushing water all around you. You’ll leave rejuvenated and ready to get back to work!1502 Commerce St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
Yelp/Kaithlyn R.
Made up of over 60 tons of discarded items, the Cathedral of Junk gives a whole new meaning to recycling. It’s free and open to the public for tours - who knows, maybe you’ll find a long-lost childhood toy somewhere in the madness?4422 Lareina Drive, Austin, Texas, 78745
Flickr/nanpalmero
This vibrant explosion of art is everything we love about Austin. Graffiti artists from all over the city make their mark, and the space provides a refreshing place for self-expression that every city could benefit from.1100 Baylor, Austin, Texas, 78703
Flickr/matthigh
Why fly overseas to visit the real thing when there’s a replica right here in our own backyard? Stonehenge II is 2/3 as big as the original, but you won’t even be able to tell the difference.120 Point Theatre Rd S, Ingram, Texas, 78025
Flickr/running_like_an_antelope
If you’re driving on I-35 and see a flash of electric blue lighting up the night, don’t be alarmed. This solar “Electric Garden” produces energy that offsets carbon emissions from cars - an incredible feat and a piece of art all in one!4699 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd, Austin, Texas, 78723
Yelp/Mark B.
This is the world’s largest concentration of mammoths that died from the same catastrophe. You’ll be able to walk above their fossils, which are still embedded in the dirt after all these years. 6220 Steinbeck Bend, Waco, Texas, 76708
Yelp/Yvette R.
This is where it all started. The very birthplace of our lifeblood, the sweet nectar that runs through our veins and powers us through the day. If you’re curious about the history of Dr Pepper, you’ll learn more than you probably wanted to know.300 S. 5th St., Waco, Texas, 76701
Flickr/gingerelle
Cadillac Ranch might be overrun by tourists, but this gem is the same exact concept - only with Volkswagen Bugs instead of Cadillacs. I-40 Frontage Rd, Panhandle, Texas, 79068
Flickr/drewkolb
Sometimes they’re there, sometimes they aren’t. No, we aren’t talking about a person here…we’re talking about islands. Nicknamed, “The Sometimes Islands,” these finicky landmasses come and go as the water levels on Lake Travis change.Austin, Texas, 78732
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