The 3 Strangest Buildings in Texas Are Unlike Anything Else Around

Whether you're an architecture buff or you love offbeat roadside attractions, we're highlighting some of the strangest buildings in Texas that will make you look twice. From a Prada store in the middle of the desert to a cliffside Airbnb that looks like a sculpture and an abandoned temple in a busy Houston suburb, these destinations are far from ordinary—and that's what we love about them.

1. Prada Marfa - Marfa

If a Prada store in the middle of the desert sounds a little sketch, that's because it isn't actually a Prada store—it's an art installation. Located just outside Marfa, this roadside oddity once featured real Prada bags on display, but you can probably guess how that ended. It's empty now, but it still makes an epic photo-op, especially with the vast, desolate landscape in the background. Make a pit stop on your way to check out all the other great art, food, music, and magical desert vibes Marfa has to offer (oh, and UFOs—how could I forget that?).

2. Chong Hua Sheng Mu Holy Palace (Palace of the Golden Orbs) - Houston

I'm pretty sure every resident of Alief knows about the Chong Hua Sheng Mu Holy Palace. After all, it would be pretty difficult to drive past the abandoned temple's 40-foot golden orb without doing a double take. The building has quite a sad backstory. It was meant to be a Taoist temple, but its creator, Kwai Fun Wong, was deported in 2001, just two years after construction began, for failure to solidify permanent residency, leaving the unfinished temple to the mercy of the elements. The two smaller orbs were removed, and plans to turn the building into an event venue have been teased, but it's unclear whether that will actually happen. Either way, seeing the deteriorating facade of the abandoned temple is eerie, to say the least, and you can't help but picture what could've been.

3. The Steel House by Robert Bruno, Ransom Canyon

When it comes to weird architecture in Texas, it's hard to top The Steel House. This strange building has an epic comeback story, and you can even rent it on Airbnb!

The Story Behind The Steel House

Located in the small town of Ransom Canyon, The Steel House was constructed by the late Texas Tech professor and artist, Robert Bruno. It was never finished, and likely would've sat abandoned and forgotten on the edge of a cliff for eternity, if Bruno's daughter hadn't sold the property. The new owners turned it into a vacation rental, and the interior is as visually stunning as the outside. Stained glass, unique geometry, intricate details, and expansive views of Lake Ransom Canyon offer an unforgettable stay.

The Strangest Buildings You’ll Find in Texas

How many of the strangest buildings in Texas have you seen in person? Would you add any others to the list? If you want to discover more unusual destinations in the Lone Star State, these abandoned places are certifiably creepy. And if you love quirky roadside attractions, the World's Largest Cowboy Boots in San Antonio are worth a stop.

If you're feeling inspired to discover more architectural oddities in Texas, try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.