Places lepainperdu Wants to Go

The diverse and sometimes odd cultural heritage of the Golden State is collected, examined, and displayed in this proud museum.

A haunted hot springs hotel that went from healing retreat to asylum before it was restored.

The only Native American museum along the Oregon Trail, run by the peoples who have lived on the land for generations.

A stunning landscape of bunkers that once stored chemical weapons.

1920's mining camp and environmental education center is serving to protect the surrounding forest, one of the last of its kind in the Pacific Northwest.

Japanese gardens dedicated to the Japanese farmer that refused to throw in the trowel.

A century-old tradition has culminated in a small but singular collection of feline effigies.

A tiny art gallery in Sunnyside helps keep Portland weird.

A scale model of Russia so big visitors are offered binoculars to rent so they can see the whole thing.

This detailed miniature model covers all aspects of life in a small Mexican village.

A tomb in the shape of a traditional Mexican hat and shawl for the father of modern rancheras.

A Mexican Romeo-and-Juliet-esque legend has given this super-narrow alleyway a reputation for romance.

At a museum of everyday objects, it is the act of collecting that is really on display.

A museum in the former home of Marxist revolutionary Leon Trotsky.

66,000 pieces of art, donated by one of the world's richest men.

Frida Kahlo's childhood home, now a museum of her life and works.

Mirrored floors and arched shelves create the illusion of an infinite tunnel of books.

A colorful architectural gem in Seattle’s uniquely modern Central Library.

A tiny red pebble marks what may be the quietest outdoor spot in the United States.

The legendary birthplace of the Japanese maneki-neko is dotted with hundreds of lucky beckoning cats.

The Buddhist temples of Yamadera, built into a mountain side, feature a viewing deck with sweeping views.

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

This small-town Connecticut restaurant gives each diner a free book from its vast library.

Special tunnels built so that frogs won't be killed when crossing the highway.