Weird & Unusual Attractions in Jacksonville, United States
1. Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
A sanctuary for big cats, including lions, tigers, and leopards. The challenge it solves is providing a safe haven for these magnificent creatures.
- Hands-on Experience: Offers an opportunity to interact with the cats through educational programs.
- Conservation Efforts: Dedicated to preserving and protecting these species in the wild.
- Support of Local Community: Encourages visits to raise funds for their conservation work.
2. The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA)
A contemporary art museum featuring works by both local and international artists. The challenge it solves is promoting modern art in Jacksonville.
- Rotating Exhibitions: Regularly updates its exhibits to showcase a wide range of contemporary art.
- Educational Programs: Offers workshops, classes, and tours for all ages to educate about modern art.
- Community Engagement: Encourages community involvement through events and collaborations with local artists.
3. Jacksonville's Haunted Inns of Moncrief Road
A series of inns rumored to be haunted. The challenge it solves is providing a unique and thrilling experience for paranormal enthusiasts.
- Ghostly Encounters: Guests often report experiencing supernatural phenomena.
- Historical Significance: Many of the inns have rich histories dating back to the late 1800s.
- Paranormal Investigations: Some inns offer guided ghost tours and investigations led by paranormal experts.
4. The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
A museum featuring art and gardens with collections from ancient times to the present. The challenge it solves is preserving and showcasing a broad range of art.
- Art Collections: Showcases European, Asian, and American art.
- Beautiful Gardens: Features various gardens, including a Japanese garden and a rose garden.
- Educational Programs: Offers classes, workshops, and lectures about art and gardening.
5. King's Avenue Art District
A district filled with local artists' studios, galleries, and unique shops. The challenge it solves is supporting the local arts community.
- Artistic Expression: Provides a platform for local artists to showcase their work.
- Unique Shops: Offers a variety of one-of-a-kind shops selling everything from vintage clothing to handcrafted jewelry.
- Community Events: Hosts art walks, festivals, and other events throughout the year.
6. The Boneyard Beach
A beach covered in fossilized shark teeth. The challenge it solves is providing a unique and educational experience for nature lovers.
- Fossil Hunting: Visitors can search for shark teeth along the shore.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers a serene and beautiful beach setting.
- Educational Opportunities: Provides educational resources about fossils and the geology of the area.
7. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
A zoo and botanical garden featuring over 2,000 animals. The challenge it solves is conserving endangered species.
- Animal Conservation: Works to preserve and protect endangered species through breeding programs.
- Beautiful Gardens: Features a variety of beautiful gardens, including a rose garden and a cypress swamp.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about animals, conservation, and gardening.
8. The Jacksonville Landing
A riverside entertainment complex with shops, restaurants, and live music venues. The challenge it solves is providing a lively and entertaining destination in the heart of Jacksonville.
- Entertainment Options: Offers live music, comedy shows, and other entertainment events.
- Diverse Dining: Features a variety of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world.
- Shopping Opportunities: Offers unique shops selling everything from jewelry to souvenirs.
9. The Beaches Museum & History Park
A museum dedicated to the history of Jacksonville Beach. The challenge it solves is preserving and sharing the area's rich historical heritage.
- Historical Exhibits: Displays artifacts, photographs, and other items related to the history of Jacksonville Beach.
- Historic Buildings: Features several historic buildings, including a turn-of-the-century beach cottage and a 1902 schoolhouse.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about the history of Jacksonville Beach for all ages.
10. The Tapestry Park
An interactive and immersive art park. The challenge it solves is providing a unique and engaging art experience for visitors.
- Interactive Art Installations: Features numerous sculptures and installations that encourage visitor interaction.
- Family-friendly Environment: Designed with families in mind, offering a safe and engaging experience for children.
- Community Engagement: Frequently hosts events and workshops related to the arts.
11. The Riverside Avondale Historic District
A historic district featuring beautifully preserved Victorian homes. The challenge it solves is preserving the city's architectural heritage.
- Historic Architecture: Showcases well-preserved Victorian and early 20th-century homes.
- Scenic Beauty: Features tree-lined streets, beautiful gardens, and picturesque riverside views.
- Community Events: Hosts various events throughout the year, including holiday celebrations and art walks.
12. The Jacksonville Arms Collectors Association (JACA) Museum
A museum dedicated to firearms and military history. The challenge it solves is preserving the history of firearms and their role in society.
- Firearm Collections: Displays a wide variety of firearms, from antiques to modern weapons.
- Military History Exhibits: Features exhibits about military history and the role of firearms in conflicts.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers educational programs about firearm safety, history, and collecting.
13. The Wicked Ray's Ghost Tour
A ghost tour of Jacksonville's historic St. Johns River area. The challenge it solves is providing a thrilling and educational paranormal experience.
- Ghostly Encounters: Guides share ghost stories and legends about the area.
- Historical Significance: Tours through Jacksonville's historic St. Johns River area, focusing on its rich history.
- Paranormal Investigations: Some tours offer the opportunity to use ghost-hunting equipment.
14. The Jacksonville Fire Museum
A museum dedicated to the history of firefighting in Jacksonville. The challenge it solves is preserving and sharing the city's firefighting heritage.
- Firefighting Exhibits: Displays fire engines, equipment, and artifacts related to firefighting.
- Historical Significance: Features exhibits about the history of firefighting in Jacksonville.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers educational programs about fire safety and the history of firefighting.
15. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens' Wild Florida Exhibit
An exhibit featuring native Florida wildlife, including alligators, panthers, and bobcats. The challenge it solves is educating visitors about the diverse wildlife of Florida.
- Wildlife Education: Offers educational opportunities about native Florida wildlife.
- Florida Ecosystems: Represents various ecosystems found in Florida, such as wetlands and forests.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation efforts for endangered species in Florida.