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.
outside of cathedral of junk
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.
library chair in cathedral of junk
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.
blue televisions in cathedral of junk
Kyle Delp/Google Local

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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.
an American symbol in cathedral of junk
Kay Dz/Google Local
Electricity is run through some of the items such as neon signs, which adds some light to this massive structure.
an abstract piece of art in cathedral of junk
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.
looking up at cathedral of junk
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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Cathedral of Junk, Lareina Drive, Austin, TX, USA