When it comes to roadside attractions, Northern California delivers, big time. From scenic overlooks, small towns with plenty of charm, and these 7 bizarre sights located just off major highways, we have plenty of things to keep us entertained as we travel throughout the state.
The following roadside attraction was selected because it’s kitchsy and cute like Northern California close knit communities, it’s quirky and unusual, and it’s located in an incredibly beautiful location. There’s a lot of things to love about the Trees of Mystery, a one of a kind stop in the Northern California redwoods.
When you first pull to the Trees of Mystery, it looks like an average roadside stop in the middle of the redwoods.
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You can’t miss the giant statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, however. They are an homage to the lumberjack history of this region.
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The Trees of Mystery is so much more than a gift shop, however. For 70 years, the purveyors of this old fashioned family oriented establishment have offered an up close and personal experience to get to know the California redwoods.
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There is a must see interpretive trail through the surrounding woods that offers unique facts along the way.
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In addition to this stump that explains the incredible lifespan of these giants and how they compare to human history, other popular trees to see include the Brotherhood Tree, the Cathedral Tree, The Candelabra Tree, and the Elephant Tree.
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The path is also full of interesting wood sculptures like this one. Think of the time and patience that went into each of these!
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Clever signs are speckled throughout the interpretive trail and evoke a great sense of nostalgia as you walk through these towering redwoods.
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Don’t forget to look up and take in the majesty of these trees.
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Don’t be fooled by the old fashioned charm of this place. They have a state of the art gondola that gives you a whole new perspective on the redwoods.
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The gondola takes you up and above the canopy of redwoods, allowing you to get a bird’s eye view of the surrounding forest. The best part is when the gondola breaks through the trees and you can see all the way to the coast.
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At the top, you can get out and walk around before getting back in the gondola for the ride down.
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Of course, if you feel like getting a little exercise, you can also hike up to the vista point.
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Or if you need a break from the outdoors, head inside to the “End of the Trail Museum,” where you can learn about Native Americans and view historic artifacts.
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The museum includes pieces from all over the North America and the world and is truly fascinating.
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The gift shop, of course, also doesn’t disappoint. It’s one of the quirkiest stores you will ever set foot in. I mean, where else would you ever find a pair of flip flops like these?
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There’s also endless opportunities for great photos here! It might be one of the most memorable spots in the redwoods.
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This helpful sign serves as a reminder… There’s simply just so much here that visitors should treat this roadside stop through the redwoods as a destination all in its own! Enjoy your time at this unique road trip attraction.
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The Trees of Mystery are located at
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You can learn more by calling (707) 482-2251 or visiting their website, www.treesofmystery.net.
Have you ever stopped at the Trees of Mystery? Let us know what you think about this fun and quirky roadside attraction today!
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