Four Crazy and Strange Roadside Sites in Idaho

Idaho, although officially called "The Gem State," will always be referred to by many as "The Potato State." It has more potato museums, potato drive-in theaters, and other "spud" attractions combined than California has amusement parks. However, underneath its potato skin, there are many wild roadside sites. Theses four are among the best.

The Museum of Clean in Pocatello, Idaho

Soon there will be a place just for neat freaks when the doors of the Museum of Clean open. This museum of 75,000 square feet will showcase 200 years of history solely dedicated to cleaning. You will see everything from the corn husk broom to the new age Roomba and find out secret information about turpentine and why you should not mix ammonia and bleach. Of course, one should expect to see the great Mr. Clean himself.

There is something for the neat freaks in training to - Kid's Cleaning World. Their entire exhibit is interactive and lets your child wash dishes, make beds, vacuum, and dust. Now, if only they would do that at home!

Tour of the World's Very First Nuclear Plant in Arco, Idaho

Arco, Idaho is a city that was lit up by the nuclear power plant that once powered it, and it looks like it too. Eerie, quiet, and practically desolate. The whole atmosphere is totally authentic.

Throughout this self-guided tour, you will see firsthand the control center of the plant where you will be permitted to maneuver control rods, push buttons, and even initiate meltdowns - you can be Homer Simpson for a day. Don't worry. The plant is not operational.

The Dog Bark Inn in Cottonwood, Idaho

This Inn has a dog that requires no feeding or cleaning, but it won't fetch your slippers or do tricks. They call this Beagle Sweet Willy. Sweet Willy is actually the name of a hotel room at this bed and breakfast that features a massive Queen sized bed carved with a chainsaw as well as decor made from enough bone to satisfy any pooch.

However, the breakfast food served is fit for human consumption - fruit, bacon, and eggs.

The Oasis Bordello Museum in Wallace, Idaho

In 1988, the ladies of the Oasis Bordello fled in fear of an invasion by the FBI. After they left, the Bordello sat empty until it was turned into what is now called the Oasis Bordello Museum where everything has been left untouched.

You can experience almost every aspect the former clients of the Bordello did, including walking up an aging staircase and entering a door that is triple bolted. Once you go through the door, you will see mannequins scantily clad, catalogs from J.C. Penny, and other relics belonging to the prostitutes from the 1980's.

Most interesting of all - the house Madame exhibit that showcases her love of the Atari 5200. While she was not busy occupying her clients, she really enjoyed lengthy games of Space Invaders and Pacman.