Whether you’ve just moved to the area or you’ve been a lifelong resident of Western Massachusetts, as long as you’re interested in weird attractions, this list is for you!
License Plate House – Hinsdale, NH
This small house in Hinsdale, N.H. was plastered with license plates by the late Albert (Bob) Duso, who reportedly did it because he wanted passersby to ask him about it.
Dead Frog Circus – Holyoke, MA
This silly diorama was created by naturalist Burlington Schurr of Pittsfield, MA in 1927. The display features dozens of taxidermied frogs (and a few rats and turtles) positioned as circus performers and spectators. Originally displayed in the Holyoke Museum, it can now be found in the Wistariahurst Museum’s visitors center.
Victorian House Grave – Springfield, MA
Located in Springfield Cemetery, this solid white marble sculpture of a Victorian Mansion marks the grave of Andrew Titus (1823- 1896), a successful real estate businessman from Springfield.
Parrish Shoes – Keene New Hampshire
A large painted advertisement for the fictional shoe store “Parrish Shoes” as seen in Jumanji, still remains on a brick wall in the middle of town. Most of the Robin Williams movie’s exterior shots were filmed in Keene.
Buttonball Tree – Sunderland, MA
This American sycamore is estimated to be 350-400 years old and is over 113 feet tall, with a spread of 140 feet, and a girth of 24 feet and 7 inches—and growing! It is considered the widest tree east of the Mississippi.
Stanley Park Black Squirrels – Westfield, MA
If you haven’t seen a black squirrel before, Stanley Park in Westfield has an abundance there. The black squirrels were given to Frank Stanley Beveridge as a gift from Michigan. Now you can find black squirrels all over Pioneer Valley.
Three Sisters Sanctuary – Goshen, MA
Located in the hills of mass this hidden gem is where human creativity meets nature. The Three Sisters Sanctuary Junk is an interesting spot with junk art spread throughout multiple outdoor spaces. There are gardens, natural structures, metallic pieces, old bikes, stones, and statues. It is definitely a sight to see and explore if you find yourself in the boonies of western mass.
Cheshire Cheese Monument – Cheshire, MA
This monument resembles an old-fashioned cheese press. It was created to honor a 1,235-pound cheese that was presented to President Thomas Jefferson in 1802. Its critics mocked it as “The Mammoth Cheese,” and the name stuck.
World’s Largest Candle in World’s Largest Candle Store – South Deerfield, MA
The Yankee Candle Store and distribution center is like a free theme park, but without rides. Way more than candles – and lots of things that you never knew you needed. It is definitely worth the detour if you are in the area, you are sure to spend far too much time than expected there when you arrive. If you go there, make sure you see the “King Candle” which is a 1,377 pound candle that would burn for 7 1/2 years if lit!
Beer Can Museum – Northampton, MA
A local bar in Northampton is stacked floor to ceiling with an extensive collection of beer cans. Over 4,000 beer cans stand on display.
