Main attractions are like a main dish. It’s what puts a place on the map. Literally! On the other hand, oddities and curiosities are the spice of life. These are the things that spark a bit of wonder and are raised in conversation with friends and family. They’re just plain… different. Would you travel far to see them? Probably not, but if you’re near any of these weird things to see in California High Sierra, they’re well worth a diversion.
Freakish Lamb
Near the outdoor mecca known as Bishop is the quiet unassuming Laws Railroad Museum. On its eleven-acre piece of property, there are a myriad of things to check out like the vintage human powered rail cars you can actually ride on the narrow gauge. The coup-de-gras though is the stuffed Siamese two-headed lamb. The lamb was born on Matlick farm northwest of Bishop and ended up at the museum.
Check out Visit Bishop’s amazing post for more weird & wonderful things to see in the Eastern Sierra.
Upside Down House
Inspiration comes to people in many different ways. For one long-time resident of the Eastern Sierra, it came through two children’s stories “Upside Down Land” and “The Upsidownians.” Can you imagine a world where people lived upside down? Well, you now get a chance to see it in person in the world-renowned Upside Down House. Located on the front lawn of the Mono Basin Historical Society and Museum, everything inside and out is upside down including the plaque. This marvel alongside the other unique museum attractions will definitely spark the inner wonder in you. Here’s 10 additional trip ideas in and around Mono County to consider checking out too.
Railroad Tracks Into Lake Tahoe
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Up and down the western shores of Lake Tahoe, you’ll see a few spots where there are railroad tracks that seemingly go nowhere and into the lake. The resounding question most will ask is “Why?” Despite the fact that there were at least four narrow-gauge railroads that helped transport lumber from the shores to the Comstock lode in Virginia City, these tracks are not related to them at all. In fact, nearly all of them were used to transport large wooden race boats to the waters. A great example of one can be seen near the Hellman-Ehrman mansion.
There’s BOOKS In Them Thar Hills…
All throughout the Sierra Nevada, the California Gold Rush can be seen and felt in many ways including inside of a bookstore. The town of Sonora was built upon old mine shafts and underground tunnels. So, the Legends Books, Antiques, & Soda Fountain decided to use this to their advantage. The café and soda shop is located in what was originally a general store. Take heed though and head underground to the old gold mine shaft. Instead of gold nuggets, they’ve now transformed the abandoned shaft into a bookstore. You can now peruse the books that are now lining the walls.
Explore Tahoe’s First Tourist Destination
Tucked on the southeastern edge of Lake Tahoe—just below the towering Mt. Tallac and near the shores of Fallen Leaf Lake—you’ll find Glen Alpine Springs Resort. This was the very first dedicated resort in the Tahoe area, once home to more than 25 buildings, including a hotel, dining room, kitchen, and even a post office. It’s also where John Muir and fellow nature lovers helped form the first Sierra Club. Today, this hidden gem is a living museum. You can explore it during the summer, with docent-led tours available on weekends. Dive into the history of Glen Alpine Springs here.
Glowing Millipedes
During the day, the elder statesmen known as the Sequoias in Sequoia National Park loom tall over you. But, it’s when the sun goes down something emerges that’s a bit different… a glowing millipede. These blind, nocturnal creatures give off a teal hue that’s iridescent. How? Well, the Motyxia has a special type of protein that produces the glow from beneath their tough exterior. We’re not talking a mild glow, but rather one so bright that you could technically read something. This is a warning to all predators saying “Hey! I’m toxic!”
Tharp’s Log
Sequoia National Park is home to star attractions like Moro Rock and the mighty General Sherman Tree—but for every iconic sight, there are just as many hidden gems that visitors often pass by. One of those treasures is Tharp’s Log, also known as Tharp’s Cabin. Tucked along the Crescent Meadow Trail in the Giant Forest, this unique shelter was built inside a fallen sequoia by Hale Dixon Tharp—the first European to explore the area. He used it as a summer base for cattle grazing, and it even offered shelter to early pioneers, including John Muir himself.
Sierra’s Shiniest Oddity
Tucked inside the California State Mining and Mineral Museum in Mariposa just outside of Yosemite National Park, you’ll find one of the most bizarre and brilliant relics of Gold Rush lore: the Fricot Nugget. Weighing in at over 13 pounds, it’s one of the largest crystalline gold specimens ever discovered. But the oddities don’t stop there. The museum also features a walk-through recreation of an 1800s-era mining tunnel, complete with dim lantern lighting and the echoing clang of pickaxes, giving visitors a first-hand feel for what life was like underground.
Quirky fact: the miner figures inside the tunnel are modeled after the construction crew who built it. It’s an unexpected, educational, and slightly quirky stop, perfect for curious families exploring the High Sierra of Yosemite Mariposa County.
Want to uncover more hidden history? Check out Yosemite Mariposa County’s quirky tour.
Journey to the Center of the Earth
Unbeknownst to many, the Mammoth Lakes area is a geological wonderland—home to a diverse mix of volcanic formations shaped by powerful natural forces. One standout example is the Inyo Craters. Just 600 years ago, groundwater came into contact with a large pocket of partially molten rock deep underground. The result? A massive steam explosion that blasted out of the earth, creating the dramatic pumice craters you see today.
The High Sierra is home to A LOT of big adventures, attractions, and things to experience… but as you can see, it’s a good idea to make sure you have a bit of flexibility in your schedule so that you can also enjoy these obscure attractions in the rugged Sierra Nevada.
Author: Alex Silgalis
Alex founded Local Freshies® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.
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