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Step Back in Time at Peggy Sue’s 50s Diner

You can’t drive through Yermo without spotting the billboards for Peggy Sue’s Diner and trust us, this place is worth the hype. Originally built in 1954 with just nine counter stools and three booths, the diner was restored in the 1980s and transformed into a full-fledged roadside attraction.

Beyond serving up classic American comfort food with recipes passed down from Grandma, Peggy Sue’s is packed with nostalgia. The walls are lined with Hollywood memorabilia, and there’s even a “Dinersaur” Park featuring giant dinosaur sculptures, waterfalls, and shady spots to snap some fun photos. Plus, the adjacent 50s-style 5 & Dime Store sells old-school candies, quirky souvenirs, and unique collectibles. With an old-fashioned soda fountain and ice cream shop.

Eddie’s World: The Ultimate Road Trip Pit Stop

As you head down Interstate 15, driving towards Las Vegas, after you pass the dinosaurs of Peggy Sue’s, one exit later, at the Calico off ramp, you’ll see a giant ice cream sundae hanging out, off to the right in the desert. Yes, that’s correct, a giant ice cream sundae, just sitting there in the emptiness of the desert. Inside you’ll find California’s largest selection of candy, homemade ice cream, gourmet popcorn, premium jerky, and a massive collection of plush toys.

With three fast-casual restaurants, a Peet’s Coffee shop, and some of the cleanest restrooms on I-15, Eddie’s World is a road tripper’s dream stop.

Liberty Sculpture Park: Art with a Message

Just off I-15, Liberty Sculpture Park stands as a thought-provoking display of anti-communist art. Created by sculptor Chen Weiming, the park features massive metal sculptures, including the striking “64” monument, a tribute to the victims of the Tiananmen Square Massacre on 6/4/1989. This can be seen from I-15.

While the desert might seem like an unusual setting for political art, this collection of sculptures makes a powerful statement and offers a unique contrast to the kitschy roadside stops nearby.

The Yermo Cross: A Roadside Testament

Visible from the freeway, the Yermo Cross is part of the “No Greater Love” Memorial, which includes the Ten Commandments signs placed along the I-15 corridor. This faith-based roadside landmark also features a Star of David replica, making it a unique and reflective stop for travelers.

Explore the Old West at Calico Ghost Town

A short drive from Yermo, Calico Ghost Town transports visitors back to the days of the silver rush. Once a bustling mining hub in the late 1800s, Calico has been restored and preserved as a historic attraction. Wander through original buildings, visit the general store, and even take a mine tour to get a taste of what life was like for the miners who once called this place home.

Don’t miss the chance to pan for gold, check out the town’s museum, or grab a drink at an old-fashioned saloon. With reenactments, shops, and breathtaking desert views, Calico is an unforgettable stop for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.

More Adventures Near Yermo

The California Route 66 Museum

This is a treasure trove of nostalgia located in Victorville. This museum celebrates the iconic highway known as the “Mother Road,” showcasing its history and impact on American culture. Visitors can explore a wide range of exhibits that highlight the road’s significance. The museum features vintage cars, memorabilia, and photographs that illustrate the spirit of adventure associated with Route 66.

Hike the Trails at Mojave National Preserve

Mojave National Preserve is a breathtaking destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Located just a short drive from Yermo, this preserve offers stunning desert landscapes and a variety of hiking trails. With its unique rock formations, Joshua trees, and diverse wildlife, there’s much to explore.

Explore Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch

Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch is a fun and artistic destination located near Yermo, CA. This unique art installation features a vibrant collection of bottle trees created by local artist Elmer Long. Each colorful tree is adorned with a variety of glass bottles, creating a whimsical sight against the desert landscape.

Final Thoughts

We stumbled upon Yermo by accident while driving back from Palm Springs, and we’re so glad we did! Whether you’re drawn in by nostalgia, fascinated by history, or just love a good roadside attraction, this quirky desert town has something to offer. From dinosaur parks to ghost towns and giant ice cream cones, Yermo is proof that the best road trip stops are often the ones you least expect.

You never know what you might find when you’re on a road trip if you take the time and explore the off the beaten path roadways and take the exits with the tourist trap billboards. You’re sure to find a fun stop like Yermo. If you need help planning your road trips, try roadtrippers.com for great ideas. Use code BTR5QTP for $5 off.

We want to give you information and tips that we learn while we travel to help you make informed decisions when planning your getaways. We hope to inspire you to find your own adventure far away or close to home. So go out have fun and make some great memories.

The post Yermo, California: Roadside Attractions and Hidden Gems appeared first on scenicroutetravelers.com.

This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, we will receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support.

Gateway to Death Valley: The Rise and Fall of Baker, California

Deep in the heart of the Mojave Desert lies Baker, a desolate little town along the I-15 freeway between Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Best known as home to The World’s Tallest Thermometer, Baker has become infamous for its many abandoned businesses, yet it remains a fascinating stop for travelers.

Baker began in 1908 as a station of the Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad. It later developed into a town named after Richard C. Baker, a borax and railroad magnate. Located at the southern end of Death Valley, Baker is nicknamed “The Gateway to Death Valley”

The World’s Largest Thermometer: A Monument of Persistence

The World’s Largest Thermometer was created by Willis Herron, who owned many businesses in Baker and, at one point, was said to have employed half of Baker’s population. Hoping to draw more visitors into Baker, Herron partnered with Young Electric Sign Co. in 1991 to build the 134-foot monument. Why 134 feet? It’s to commemorate the hottest day ever recorded, July 10, 1913, which reached a scorching 134 degrees Fahrenheit in nearby Death Valley.

Willis Herron suffered health problems and sold several of his business endeavors to Matt Pike in 2005 before passing away in 2007. In 2012, Pike turned off the thermometer, citing a high electric bill and inaccurate temperature readings. When Willis Herron’s widow Barbara learned that the beloved landmark was being considered for demolition, she repurchased and refurbished it. On July 10, 2014, the official re-lighting was held.

Bun Boy Restaurant and Motel: A Desert Relic

Next to the thermometer sits the abandoned Bun Boy Restaurant and Bun Boy Motel.

The restaurant originally opened in 1926, and Herron became an investor in 1950. Matt Pike bought Bun Boy restaurant in 2005 and turned it into Bob’s Big Boy franchise. The restaurant closed in May 2013 after Pike faced legal trouble for not paying franchise fees.

Bun Boy now sits abandoned with a weathered Bun Boy sign out front. Beside the Bun Boy Restaurant sits the abandoned Bun Boy Motel, which appears to have closed around the same time as the restaurant. They are remnants of a busier era.

Arne’s Royal Hawaiian Motel: A Tiki-Themed Time Capsule

A block or two down Baker Blvd stand the remains of another abandoned motel, Arne’s Royal Hawaiian Motel. The Tiki-themed establishment opened in 1957 and catered to desert travelers before shutting down in 2009. Increased competition from Nevada’s casino hotels contributed to its decline.

Baker’s Present Role: Gateway to Mojave National Preserve

While Baker has lost much of its former traffic, it still serves as a key entry point to the Mojave National Preserve, a sprawling 1.6-million acre protected area. State Route (SR) 127, also called Death Valley Road, begins here leading travelers north toward Death Valley National Park. It also still serves as a great stop for tourist attractions and a pit stop for those traveling on I-15.

Must See Attractions in Baker

The World’s Largest Thermometer

The Thermometer still stands and can be seen from the highway. As of now, the thermometer is not working but there is a gift shop in the parking lot which is open. The proceeds from the gift shop are going to the refurbishing of the thermometer to get it working once again! If you love visiting unique roadside attractions, this one is a must stop. If you stand at the bottom and look up, you’ll be amazed at how tall it really is. I always love stopping at quirky roadside attractions and this didn’t disappoint.

Alien Fresh Jerky

Luis Ramallo first opened this meat shop with his wife and eldest son in 2000, in Crystal Springs, Nevada, a few miles down the road from its current location in Baker. Alien Fresh Jerky successfully lures hundreds of thousands of travelers a year, thanks to its wide variety of snacks and a kitschy theme.

The store itself looks like an alien road vehicle ready to explore an alien planet, complete with treads, guns, gears, etc. A flying saucer has landed in the parking lot along with an alien rocket. There’s even an alien car and alien land rover type car complete with alien passengers.  The lights in the parking lot are supported by tall, lanky, green aliens. The building and other structures completely light up at night, with multiple colors, twinkling and blinking lights, and alien lasers putting on quite a display. The garbage cans all have Alien 51 stencils. Inside, there are dozens of different flavors of jerky, an assortment of alien candy and many souvenirs. Aliens watch over the customers, several trying to blend in by wearing cowboy hats.  Three different alien fortune telling machines are on display, one being an Alien Trump spouting various Trumpisms. An alien also sits on a bench with arms stretched out ready for his photo op. Behind the main building sits an Alien Pretzel Stand in a time machine building. Aliens sit on top watching the parking lot. Behind the Alien Pretzel stand, construction is currently underway on an upcoming alien themed hotel! We had a lot of fun here and took many pictures, including with the Alien on the bench! Even if you don’t like jerky, there is something for everyone here plus spending time with aliens is lots of fun!

Outdoor Adventures Near Baker

 Hollow Hills Wilderness

This is a Bureau of Land Management administered wilderness area that was designated as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1994. Located five miles north of Baker, this 22,046-acre wilderness area features rugged hills, open plains and ancient archaeological remains. It’s great for outdoor enthusiasts, though there are no designated trails or water sources in the area.

Death Valley National Park

Baker serves as a southern entry point to Death Valley National Park, known for its extreme temperatures, salt flats, and stunning desert landscapes. The nearest entrance is about 113 miles via Furnace Creek. This park is the hottest and driest National Park in the nation.

Mojave National Preserve

This national preserve is a 1.6-million-acre park abutting Baker to the park’s north. The preserve is topographically diverse, and visitors can expect to see sand dunes, canyons, mountains, mesas, Joshua tree forests, and woodlands. The preserve is home to mountain lions, bighorn sheep, coyotes and bats. Within its canyons mountains and mesas are long-abandoned mines, homesteads, and rock-walled military outposts.

Final Thoughts: Is Baker worth a Stop?

Like many small towns, Baker thrived before highway expansion and faster travel times changed the landscape. While its abandoned buildings tell a story of decline, its quirky attractions and role as a gateway to Death Valley still make it worth a stop.

If you love visiting roadside oddities, unique history and desert landscapes, Baker has just enough charm to justify a visit. Whether you’re snapping a photo at the World’s Largest Thermometer, grabbing snacks and visiting Aliens at Alien Fresh Jerky, or heading into the Mojave National Preserve, this little town still has stories to tell.

We love to share the knowledge and tips that we have learned on our travels with you so that you can make informed decisions when planning your trip. If you need help planning a road trip, roadtrippers.com is a great site. Use code BTR5QTP for $5 off. We hope to inspire you to find your adventure even if it’s close to home. Go out have fun and make awesome memories!

The post Baker, California: A Lost Town with Stories to Tell appeared first on scenicroutetravelers.com.