The Quirkiest Sights Keeping Austin Weird

‘Keep Austin Weird,’ a phrase originally coined by Red Wassenich, an Austin Community College librarian, has stood relevant through time largely thanks to some of Austin’s quirkiest sights. Below are the sights so perfectly adding to the great weirdness that is Austin.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Moonlight Towers

Austin contains 17 of the only surviving light towers in the world. They’re called moonlight towers because the lights give off a sort of artificial moonlight. Built in the 1890s, they are considered Texas State Landmarks and hold a place on the National Register of Historic Places. The light tower in Zilker Park was featured in the film Dazed and Confused, starring Austin resident Matthew McConaughey.

An artwork of junk located off the beaten path. Located in Vince Hanneman’s – the creator of the cathedral – backyard, this cathedral is a true example of the phrase, ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.’ Colors and odd objects pop out at you in forms you’d never imagine like old CDs now serving the purpose of wind chimes. Always make sure you make an appointment with the owner ahead of time.

Museum of Natural & Artificial Ephemerata

One of America’s last remaining in-home museums, the Museum of Natural & Artificial Ephemerata is a gem in Austin proper. You’ll hear the stories connected to their odd relics and artifacts ranging from Venezuelan Ants to Marilyn Monroe’s last cigarette. Whether you believe the authenticity or not, the experience alone is worth the trip.

HOPE Outdoor Gallery

A place for artists of all levels to express themselves, HOPE Outdoor Gallery provides the community a way to communicate through art.

Casa Neverlandia

A remodeled bungalow turned into a three-story eco-friendly fairytale dream home. You can see this home on HGTV’s Offbeat America or in the Natural Homes magazine. The masters of this wonderland, architect James Talbot and artist Kay Pils, created a unique oasis fit with a foot bridge, fire poles, and mosaics. You can step into this one-of-a-kind storybook house on a scheduled tour by visiting their Facebook page or giving them a call.

Polka Dot Lawn

Exactly how it sounds, Polka Dot Lawn is a residential lawn with polka dots painted over what might normally be green grass, or brown grass depending on the season. The lawn’s bold statement only adds to the already colorful home sitting just behind it, a true testament to ‘Keeping Austin Weird.’

Sparky Park Austin

The littlest park you ever did see, Sparky Park is an odd oasis in the middle of a cute Austin neighborhood. The park contains a wall of art by artist Berthold Haas, grotto-like structures, large Cedar Elms, and repurposed glass dishes and marbles. All together, this tiny public park is a great place to trigger imagination or plan an afternoon picnic.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.