Strange Tucson
Welcome to Tucson, Arizona, a city that's more than just cacti and sunshine. Tucson is a treasure trove of unusual and quirky sights that you won't find anywhere else. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the strangest, wackiest, and most wonderful sights that Southern Arizona has to offer.
One of the most unusual sights in Tucson is Jurassic Alien Park. This artistic creation began as a cinder block wall that the homeowner built after his truck was broken into. Over the years, the homeowner at 3674 N Park Avenue has added an airplane made from tennis rackets, Saguaros made from drainage pipes and studded with glass beads, and a small cave carved into the wall that houses a miniature western town. The park is a cross between a prehistoric times theme park and fantasyland right out in front of his home.
Another quirky sight to check out in Tucson is Paul Bunyan's Neighborhood. Since 1964, the axe-wielding lumberjack has stood guard at a local strip mall on North Stone Ave. The late owner picked up the 20-foot-tall fiberglass Paul Bunyan while attending a trade show in San Francisco. The statue has been the target of many vandalism and theft attempts, including being shot at and having his ax stolen. Once, when dressed up for Christmas, his Santa suit was set on fire.
If you're looking for something more futuristic, check out the Chrome People house in central Tucson near East Water St. and N Highland Ave. The late homeowner created a collection of robotic figures, including musicians playing a guitar, banjo, and trumpet, and an army of warriors while going through chemotherapy. The chrome and metal structures attract many drive-up visitors.
The Waterless Fountain is another unique sight in Tucson. Developers of a Foothills master-planned community sought to make the entrance stand out by installing a tower that doubled as a fountain. In 1966, the tower at East River and N Via Entrada was designed by the famous Mexican architect Juan Warner Baz. Water originally flowed from the tower's interior and then cascaded down the sides. Unfortunately, when the wind blew, the spray from the fountain was soaking cars driving by, and the water feature was soon shut off.
Finally, make a stop at the A-Mountain Shrine. In 1993, Pancho Murietta put a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe in a grotto on the side of "A" mountain. He wanted to give thanks for his release from the Pima County jail, where he had been locked up for a crime he says he did not commit. Over the years, vandals have smashed the religious statues and candles left by people who make pilgrimages to the shrine, but they are quickly replaced by people coming to worship at the shrine.
Tucson is filled with unusual and quirky sights that are worth checking out. From Jurassic Alien Park and Paul Bunyan's Neighborhood to the Chrome People house, Waterless Fountain, and A-Mountain Shrine, there's something for everyone in Southern Arizona.
Watch our video on the STRANGE TUCSON and see these amazing attractions for yourself!
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