Places dustylibraries Wants to Go

A ruined mansion hidden in the woods of the Hudson Valley, home of a tragically doomed romance.

A 19th century hat factory still stands as a crumbling ruin in upstate New York.

The remains of what was once the world's steepest passenger funicular.

This abandoned factory on the Hudson River once churned out a million bricks a week.

Ruins of the elaborate house where the enigmatic costume designer threw glamorous parties for New York's theatrical elite.

When the town wouldn't allow the fast-food behemoth to build a new restaurant, they put one inside an 1850 home.

Former laboratory of radical psychiatrist Wilhelm Reich.

An artist sees trees as a medium for sculpture.

The eccentric mansion of one of the most popular horror authors of modern times.

One of the world's tallest Ferris wheels takes visitors high above Las Vegas in a spinning party room.

A collision of human error and natural geothermal pressure created this rainbow-colored geologic wonder.

A replica that won't float away.

This geothermal hot spring hides beneath a slowly growing mineral dome.

This prison-turned-museum is a remnant of the Old West's grizzly, violent past.

An institution that preserves the history of institutionalization.

Magical-looking cottages that inspired one of the most famous animated films ever.

A prohibition-style speakeasy takes up residence in the last Victorian residence in Hollywood.

The last of its kind in the country.

This iconic L.A. bookshop is housed in an abandoned bank—both symbolic and chic.

World's largest collection of serial killer artwork and other macabre exhibits.

A lively annual event in which thousands of people race to push coffins heavy with bodies up a hill.

Community owned and operated, this property is home to a diverse set of nudists.

This "zoo" is a cross between a junkyard and a sculpture garden, featuring animals you won't see anywhere else.

The kind of mixed-up place that drives archaeologists crazy.