Updated September 2024.
It's time to explore the strange and unusual of Central Indiana.
From underground catacombs and the world's largest preserved steer to other strange structures—here are some of the weirdest things we've found in, or just a short drive from Indianapolis.
Rubber Horse Sculpture
Have you ever woken up and thought, "Man, I really need to see a horse made from recycled tires"? Well, now's your chance. Just go to the corner of Prospect and New Jersey and see for yourself. Sources say you can even sit on it.
Photo: Do317
Uranus Fudge Factory
Anderson | 1423 W 53rd St.
There's nothing not odd about a fudge factory named nothing other than Uranus. With a nice "Welcome to Uranus" greeting, you'll quickly find yourself fully engulfed in their gift shop.
Indiana Medical History Museum
Located on the grounds of what was formerly the Central State Hospital, the old pathology building houses an autopsy room and anatomical museum. The museum houses preserved specimens (mostly brains) organized by pathology. Take a tour and stop by Mansion Society for some coffee as well.
Big John Rocking Chair
The battle for the biggest chair is a widespread one. The one between Franklin & Edinburgh is quite a sight. Traveling down US-31, you can't help but stare at the looming chair. Long's Consignment Furniture is to the left, with a giant chest of drawers to match.
Mr. Bendo, The Muffler Man
1250 W 16th St.
Standing tall and proud at Ralph's Muffler, this large fiberglass gent is a commonly known westside oddity. Part of a nationwide trend from the '60s, this and other similar "muffler men" were simply to draw roadside attention.
Gravity Hill
Mooresville, IN
Located on Keller Road near Mooresville, Gravity Hill is a popular destination for high school kids on country cruises. It sits in the valley between the road's two steep hills. Put your car in neutral and watch it roll up the hill!
Twisted House
Indianapolis Art Center
This small structure is a work of whimsical, lopsided outdoor art by American artist John McNaughton. His goal in creating the Twisted House was to show viewers that sculpture can be both interactive and touch heavily into the imagination. To find it yourself, walk out the back doors of the Indianapolis Art Center, and the house will be a few hundred feet ahead.
City Market Catacombs
222 E Market St.
The vast brick catacombs with uneven, unfinished floors are all that remains of Tomlinson Hall. It was built in 1886 and was Indy's premier exposition hall until it burned down in 1958.
Old Ben, The World's Largest Preserved Steer
Kokomo, IN
Housed in the visitor center in Highland Park, Kokomo, Old Ben weighed 2.5 tons and measured nearly 16 feet long when he died in 1910. If you're into more fiberglass bovines, head to Cohron's RVs off Pendleton Pike in Lawrence to see a large mother cow and her calves under the Lawrence water tower.
H.H. Holmes House & "Cold Street"
Irvington
H.H. Holmes, the alias of one of the first documented serial killers in modern history, performed most of his "work" in Chicago but lived in Irvington for a short stint. It was during this time that he took the life of Howard Pitezel, the son of his partner-in-crime, Benjamin Piteszel. The cottage he rented and conducted the murder in has since been burned and rebuilt, but rumor has it that if you walk a certain stretch of the sidewalk across the road, the temperature is notably colder.
Photo: Wikipedia
John Dillinger's Grave
Crown Hill Cemetery
Another infamous criminal with ties to Indiana. In 1934, the infamous criminal's funeral was attended by nearly 5,000 people. The odd part of it all? The grave has been moved a few times. It currently resides in Section 44 close to the fence.
Camp Chesterfield
50 Lincoln Dr. Chesterfield, IN
This 44-acre camp is a place of peace, serenity, and spiritualism. It is a community dedicated to a spirit-infused environment, and you can surely feel it when you arrive. Take classes on clairvoyance, visit a medium, or visit the Tree of Lift bookstore.
Shoe Trees
3826 S Devils Hollow Rd. Milltown, IN
Does your hometown have one tree notably covered in shoes dangling from its branches? The answer is yes if you're from Albany, Milltown, or Troy!
Hannah House
3801 Madison Ave. Indianapolis, IN
Built in 1858, the Hannah House was used as a stop on the Underground Railroad. When a leaky oil lamp ignited the straw-covered floor of the basement, the night's guests were either burned to death or died of smoke inhalation. Fearing retribution for his involvement in the Underground Railroad, Alexander Hannah, owner of the house, buried the bodes (and his secret) in the basement. It is believed that the unidentified spirits still haunt the property today, and if you're brave enough, you can even participate in an overnight investigation.
Rotary Jail
255 N Washington St., Crawfordsville, IN
Built in 1881, this historic jail operated until 1973. It's one of three remaining rotary jails in the country and is now a museum.
Teeny Statue of Liberty Museum
E 10th St. Indianapolis, IN
Because who doesn't want to see tiny Statues of Liberty? Located in the up-and-coming Near Eastside district across from Pogue's Run Grocer, the Teeny Statue of Liberty Museum is also teeny. Don't let claustrophobia get the best of you!
Photo: Autumn Bones (Atlas Obscura)
Zoom Flume
Bloomington, IN
What was once a popular waterpark is now a well-known graffiti spot just south of Indianapolis. Please note this is private property.
Did we miss something? We'd love to hear your thoughts, ideas, and submissions!
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