No doubt about it, the South is home to many offbeat and some downright weird attractions.
And the state of Alabama is no exception. It's here where you'll find such attractions as the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro and Boll Weevil Monument (yes, a statue honoring a bug) in Enterprise.
As different or unusual as they may seem at first glance, they are all worthy of visiting at least once.
Here are five weird attractions that you won't mind turning off the main road to see.
Located about seven miles west of Tuscumbia, in Cherokee is Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard (also called the Coon Dog Cemetery), the final resting place for over 185 coon dogs.
It all began on Labor Day in 1937 in this northwest part of Alabama when Key Underwood was looking for a burial site for his faithful friend, a coonhound named Troop. Underwood decided Troop would spend eternity at a hunting camp well-known to coon hunters.
As the only cemetery of its kind in the world, three requirements must be met before a burial takes place: owner must claim the dog is a coondog, this claim must be verified by a witness and a member of the graveyard must view the body of the coondog and declare it such.
Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard. Coondog Cemetery Rd., Cherokee. www.coondogcemetery.com
On the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Alabama's only Benedictine Abbey, is Ave Maria Grotto.
Within the 4-acre park, the grotto features over 125 miniature reproductions of famous churches, shrines and buildings.
Each structure was built by Joseph Zoetll, a Benedictine monk who used various found and donated materials. He began this project in 1918, and in 1958, he constructed his final piece, the Basilica in Lourdes.
Ave Maria Grotto. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. $7 per adult, $4.50 per child, ages 6 - 12. 1600 St. Bernard Dr. SE, Cullman. 256-734-4110, www.avemariagrotto.com
Since 1989, folk artist Joe Minter has used scrap metal, other discarded materials and his hands to create works that honor African-American history at his African Village In America.
Located in southwest Birmingham, the half-acre sculpture garden on Minter's yard also features pieces with political statements and tributes to tragic events.
Joe Minter's African Village in America. Daylight hours, open gate. 931 Nassau Ave. SW, Birmingham. 205-327-7370, www.facebook.com/joeminterafricanvillage
About 30 miles north of Eufaula in east Alabama is the town of Seale and the Museum of Wonder. Not a typical museum, the log cabin is similar to an old carnival-like traveling show featuring curiosities, oddities and artifacts. Much of what's on display was gathered from the state. The museum's collection has grown since its start in the 1970s as Butch's taxidermy shop and artifact room.
The museum also includes Butch Anthony's artwork as well as pieces from local artists. Visit on a Friday and experience Possum Trot, the auction house started by Anthony's father and featured on an episode of "American Pickers."
Museum of Wonder. Open by appointment only, email butchanthony63@gmail.com. 41 Poorhouse Rd., Seale. www.museumofwonder.com
The Spear Hunting Museum in Summerdale highlights the rich hunting career of Gene Morris. Regarded as the "greatest spear hunter recorded in history" with 592 big game kills, the museum, located minutes from Alabama's Gulf Coast, works to educate the public about this style of hunting and introduces them to Morris.
On display are some of the animals that he killed as well as the spears he used, and spears that are used around the world.
The Spear Hunting Museum. 8 a.m-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, and until 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Free. 20216 Highway 59, Summerdale. 251-989-7700, spearhuntingmuseum.com
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