Ok, so the term “tourist trap” doesn’t sound too appealing. It sounds as if you’re being tricked into visiting some random location and emptying your wallet. However, that’s not the case. Many tourist traps are actually worth visiting. Why? Because they are unique and unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. One of our favorite spots is in Austin, Texas and it is known as Cathedral of Junk. Anyone who has visited knows why this is a must-see spot. But, if you’ve never been to it, we are going to tell you why it should be the next stop on your bucket list.
The Cathedral of Junk in Austin, Texas is located in a hidden spot, behind a house in the suburbs. It is completely invisible from the street, so many people don’t even know it’s there.
Hannah Kaminsky/Google Local
Vince Hannemann is the artist who built this abstract piece. He didn’t do it for attention, he states, but rather just for fun because it seemed cool to him. Construction began in 1988 when Hannemann was in his mid-20s.
Jule Patterson/Google Local
Even now, Hannemann adds new pieces to his collection. So if you go more than once, expect to see some changes. There are over 60 tons of junk in Catherdral of Junk.
Kyle Delp/Google Local
The Cathedral of Junk is made up of many items including but not limited to bricks, lawnmower wheels, kitchen utensils, car parts, bottles, tools, cables, and other miscellaneous items.
Kay Dz/Google Local
Electricity is run through some of the items such as neon signs, which adds some light to this massive structure.
Audrene Edwards/Google Local
From the outside, Cathedral of Junk seems rather small, but when visitors enter they realize they could spend hours examining its pieces.
Saurabh Vinchu/Google Local
Hannah Kaminsky/Google Local
Jule Patterson/Google Local
Kyle Delp/Google Local
Kay Dz/Google Local
Audrene Edwards/Google Local
Saurabh Vinchu/Google Local
If you choose to give this tourist trap a try, be sure to share with us what you liked the best. Bonus points if you leave a photo for us in the comments!
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Address: Cathedral of Junk, 4422 Lareina Dr, Austin, TX 78745, USA
