Quirky Colorado – Oddities and Unusual Attractions
Colorado, a state renowned for its majestic Rocky Mountains, vibrant cities, and outdoor recreation, also harbors a treasure trove of the unusual, the bizarre, and the delightfully odd. Beyond the well-trodden tourist paths lie attractions that defy expectations, stories that stretch the imagination, and communities that embrace their own unique brand of eccentricity. This article delves into the heart of quirky Colorado, exploring some of its most captivating oddities and unusual attractions.
From roadside marvels that beckoned travelers in bygone eras to towns that celebrate the macabre with gusto, quirky Colorado offers a glimpse into a world where the ordinary takes a backseat to the extraordinary. Prepare to be amazed, amused, and perhaps a little bewildered as we uncover the hidden gems that make Colorado a destination unlike any other.
One of the most iconic relics of quirky Colorado‘s roadside attraction history is the Genoa Wonder Tower. Once a towering beacon visible for miles across the eastern plains, the Wonder Tower stood as a testament to one man’s vision and the allure of the American open road. Built in the 1930s by Charles W. Gregory, the tower offered panoramic views of six states – or so the legend claimed.
The structure itself, constructed from local materials including petrified wood and various minerals, was a curiosity in its own right. Inside, visitors could explore a museum filled with oddities and artifacts collected from around the world. While the tower itself has seen better days, remaining as a skeletal frame of its former glory, its story continues to captivate those interested in quirky Colorado. The Wonder Tower serves as a poignant reminder of a time when roadside attractions were king, offering weary travelers a respite from their journey and a glimpse into the strange and wonderful. Though partially collapsed, the site remains open to the public, a tangible link to a bygone era of automobile travel and a testament to the enduring appeal of the unusual. The tower has had many challenges over the years including weather and funding, but still stands as a symbol of the American spirit.
Moving from roadside architecture to agricultural anomalies, we arrive in Fruita, Colorado, home to an annual festival dedicated to a chicken that lived without its head. Mike the Headless Chicken, as he became known, was a Wyandotte chicken who defied all odds by surviving for 18 months after having his head nearly completely severed in 1945.
The story of Mike is as bizarre as it is fascinating. Farmer Lloyd Olsen intended to butcher Mike for supper, but his axe skills were less than precise. Despite losing most of his head, including an ear and most of his brain stem, Mike remained alive. Olsen, astonished by the chicken’s resilience, decided to care for him. He fed Mike a mixture of milk and water through an eyedropper and cleared his esophagus with a syringe.
Mike’s fame spread rapidly, and he became a national sensation. He toured the country, appearing in sideshows and earning Olsen a considerable sum of money. Scientists and curious onlookers alike were baffled by Mike’s survival. While the exact reasons for his longevity remain debated, it’s believed that a significant portion of his brain stem and one ear remained intact, allowing him to maintain basic bodily functions.
Today, Fruita celebrates Mike’s improbable life with the annual Mike the Headless Chicken Festival. The festival features a 5k run, a chicken clucking contest, egg toss, and other family-friendly activities. The festival is a celebration of quirky Colorado‘s unique history and is a lighthearted reminder that even the most unlikely of creatures can achieve extraordinary feats.
For those with an interest in the more salacious side of history, a visit to the Brothel Museum in Cripple Creek is a must. Cripple Creek, a former gold mining boomtown nestled high in the mountains, once boasted a thriving red-light district. The Old Homestead, now the Brothel Museum, offers a glimpse into the lives of the women who worked in these establishments during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The museum is housed in a well-preserved Victorian-era building that served as a brothel for many years. Visitors can tour the rooms, which have been meticulously recreated to reflect their original appearance. Exhibits include artifacts such as clothing, furniture, and personal items belonging to the women who lived and worked there.
The Brothel Museum provides a fascinating, if somewhat sobering, look at a bygone era. It sheds light on the social and economic realities that led women to enter the sex industry and offers a glimpse into the daily lives of those who lived outside the boundaries of conventional society. The Brothel Museum, though not for the faint of heart, offers a unique perspective on the history of quirky Colorado.
Venturing further into the realm of the unconventional, we encounter the curious case of the Frozen Dead Guy in Nederland. The story begins in 1989 when Trygve Bauge, a Norwegian man, brought the cryogenically frozen body of his grandfather, Bredo Morstoel, to Nederland, Colorado. Bauge intended to build a cryogenic facility to preserve his grandfather’s body indefinitely.
However, Bauge was later deported from the United States for overstaying his visa, and his mother, Aud, was left to care for the frozen corpse. Aud struggled to maintain the facility, and eventually, the town of Nederland discovered the existence of the frozen body.
Initially, there was some concern about the legality and ethics of storing a frozen corpse in the town. However, Nederland ultimately decided to embrace the oddity. The town even passed an ordinance making it illegal to thaw a dead body.
Today, Bredo Morstoel remains frozen in a shed in Nederland, preserved by a team of volunteers. Every year, the town celebrates Frozen Dead Guy Days, a three-day festival featuring coffin races, a polar plunge, and other macabre-themed activities. Frozen Dead Guy Days has become a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to celebrate the unusual and the absurd. The story of the Frozen Dead Guy is a testament to quirky Colorado‘s willingness to embrace the unconventional and to find humor in the face of the macabre.
Guffey, Colorado, a tiny former mining town nestled in a remote valley, exemplifies the spirit of quirky Colorado. With a population of just a few dozen residents, Guffey has managed to preserve its unique character and charm.
The town’s history is as colorful as its residents. Guffey was founded in the late 19th century as a mining camp. It quickly became known for its lawlessness and its colorful cast of characters. Over the years, Guffey has remained largely unchanged. The town’s main street is lined with historic buildings, including a saloon, a general store, and a schoolhouse.
Guffey is home to a number of unusual attractions, including a pet cemetery, a collection of vintage cars, and a quirky museum filled with local artifacts. The town is also known for its annual Guffey Days celebration, which features a parade, a rodeo, and a variety of other activities.
A more recent, though equally intriguing, addition to Colorado’s collection of oddities is the Tropical Bug Museum in Colorado Springs. While Colorado is hardly known for its tropical climate, this museum offers visitors a chance to explore the fascinating world of insects from around the globe.
The museum features a vast collection of preserved insects, including butterflies, beetles, spiders, and scorpions. Exhibits provide information about the insects’ life cycles, habitats, and ecological roles. The museum also has a live insect display, where visitors can observe various species up close.
The Tropical Bug Museum is an unexpected but welcome addition to Colorado’s diverse array of attractions. It offers a unique educational experience and provides a glimpse into the hidden world of insects. For those seeking an offbeat adventure, the Tropical Bug Museum is a must-see destination in quirky Colorado.
In conclusion, quirky Colorado is a state that embraces its oddities and celebrates its unusual attractions. From roadside towers to headless chickens, from frozen corpses to quirky mining towns, Colorado offers a diverse range of experiences that are sure to delight and amaze. So, if you’re looking for an adventure that is a little bit different, be sure to explore the hidden gems of quirky Colorado. You might just discover something truly unforgettable.