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In the mood for something a little unusual? Check out these locales. 

These nerdy places are perfect for a quick local day trip or to add to planned comic-con in the neighborhood. Some are science nerdy, some are nostalgic (The Batcave), some are fandom (Wizarding World of Harry Potter), and some are just great places to hang with like minded nerdy folks (Meltdown Comics and Collectibles). As with everything on waywardnerd.com, we have personally visited these places. We are always on the hunt for more nerdy places. 

CALIFORNIA

Bronson Canyon (Griffith Park)

Attraction/Film Location

3200 Canyon Drive

Los Angeles, CA 90068

323-913-4688

www.laparks.org/griffithpark

The location of the batcave from the classic 1960s “Batman” TV series. Open to the public. The cave is a short walk from the parking area.

There are actual bats in the batcave!

For related information see To the Batcave!

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Earth-2 Comics

Comic Shop

8967 Reseda Boulevard

Northridge, CA 91324

818-993-7804

www.earth-2comics.com

A small comic shop packed full of new and back issues, as well as collectibles and toys.

Co-owned by Geoff Johns, DC Entertainment, Chief Creative Officer

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Good Times At Davey Waynes

Restaurant/Bar

1611 N. El Centro Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90028

323-962-3804

www.goodtimesatdaveywaynes.com

A 1970s themed lounge in Hollywood. The large “Good Times” neon sign directs you to the location but to get inside you must walk thru a refrigerator door. Once inside the first room is a living room ala Brady Brunch with large sofas, the bar is in the back room and the food out on the patio served from a tear drop RV. 

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Universal Studios Hollywood

Attraction

100 Universal City Plaza

Universal City, CA 91608

1-800-864-8377

www.universalstudioshollywood.com

The newest attraction to this theme park is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter including Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. Don’t miss dining in the Three Broomsticks Tavern and have a Butterbeer in Hog’s Head Pub while in Hogsmeade.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride incorporates 3D glasses. It is still worth walking through Hogwarts Castle even if you are not planning to ride the ride. Ask for a Castle Walk Pass.

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Ye Olde King’s Head Pub Restaurant & Gift Shoppe

Restaurant/Bar/Shopping

116 Santa Monica Boulevard

Santa Monica, CA 90401

310-451-1402

www.yeoldekingshead.com

This English pub will satisfy all your Doctor Who and Sherlock cravings. In addition to the standard pub fare, they also serve afternoon tea. The shop stocks British favorites including the eleventh Doctor’s obsession: Jammie Dodgers.

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California Science Center/Samuel Oschin Pavilion Space Shuttle Endeavour

Museum/Space

700 Exposition Park Drive

Los Angeles, CA 90037

323-724-3623

californiasciencecenter.org

The center includes interactive science galleries, IMAX theater, and air and space exhibits, most notably the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Part of historic Exposition Park which also includes the Natural History Museum, California African American Museum, and Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. There is a large gift shop and dining facilities with picnic tables outside facing the Rose Garden.

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The Exploratorium

Museum

Pier 15 (Embarcadero @ Green St.)

San Francisco, CA 94111

415-528-4444

exploratorium.edu

An interactive museum exploring the world around us in all aspects of science, even art. Along with galleries and exhibits there’s a cinema screen and tactile dome. Built on a pier, the museum also interacts with the world around them with outdoor exhibits, observatory terrace and the restaurant with views of the bay.

Pi Day was founded by the museum in 1988, and has been an annual event ever since.

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Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

Space

California Institute of Technology

4800 Oak Grove Drive

Pasadena, CA 91109

818-354-4321

jpl.nasa.gov

A national research facility funded by NASA, most famous for building and operating the Mars Rovers. While it’s an operating facility with secure grounds, they do offer public tours. The guided tours include visitor center, museum, Space Flight Operations, and spacecraft assembly facility. Reservations are required and booked 6 months in advance.

During the tour, you’ll be able to view data transmitted by Voyageur I in real time.

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Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park

Film Location/Natural Wonder

10700 West Escondido Canyon Road

Aqua Dulce, CA 91350

661-268-0840

www.Parks.lacounty.gov

Awe-inspiring natural rock formations featured as a filming location for several TV shows and movies. Most iconic is the classic Star Trek episode “Arena” where Captain Kirk fought the Gorn.

Excellent photo op re-creation potential.

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Death Valley National Park

Film Location/Natural Wonders

328 Greenland Boulevard

Death Valley, CA 92328

760-786-3200

www.nps.gov/deva

A national park of immense quiet beauty. It is also the filming location for some of the Tatooine scenes in Star Wars. Most notable the Mos Eisley Valley (Dantes View) overlook scene with Obi-Wan warning Luke about the “hive of scum and villainy.”

Make your own video of Mos Eisley overlook reciting the Obi-Wan quote “You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. ”

For related information see Wayward Adventure page

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Griffith Observatory/Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon

Space/Museum

2800 East Observatory Road

Los Angeles, CA 90027

213-473-0890

www.GriffithObservatory.org

An observatory with the purpose of astronomy being accessible to the public. Numerous opportunities with telescopes (both solar and optical), exhibits, and a planetarium are offered. In the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon theater plays a documentary on the observatory narrated by Leonard Nimoy.

Check the website for dates/times when the International Space Station crossing overhead is visible in the evening sky.

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The Last Bookstore

Bookstore

453 S Spring St

Los Angeles, CA 90013

(enter on 5th Street)

www.lastbookstorela.com

​An independent bookstore currently in 22,000 sq ft of space. As much of a sight-seeing adventure as a shopping experience. Carrying used and new books, comics and vinyl. 

For related information see Books, Books, Everywhere Books

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Warner Bros VIP Studio Tour

Attraction

3400 W. Riverside Drive

Burbank, CA 91505

877-492-8687

http://vipstudiotour.warnerbros.com

Guided tour of filming lots from past and current projects including Central Perk from the TV show “Friends.” Live tapings of current shows also occur here, ticketed separately.

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FLORIDA

Disney Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World

Attraction

351 S. Studio Drive

Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

407-939-5277

www.disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/hollywood-studios

The home of Star Wars’ Star Tours – The Adventures Continue 3D motion ride and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular show among others. There is a Jedi Training Academy for younglings, and build your own lightsaber and droids for fans of all ages.

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater restaurant is a great choice for lunch. Tables are shaped as convertible cars from the 50s and the movie screen shows clips from the black and white era of sci-fi creature features.

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John F Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Space/Attraction

State Road 405

Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899

866-737-5235

www.kennedyspacecenter.com

At the Visitor Complex you can see the space shuttle Atlantis, have lunch with an astronaut, view launches, embark on facility bus tours, and more.

Plan your trip ahead, some of the tours and events overlap.

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Universal Orlando Resort

Attraction

6000 Universal Boulevard

Orlando, FL 32819

407-363-8000

www.universalorlando.com

Two theme parks and CityWalk dining/nightlife area (no admission required for CityWalk). Main attraction is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, King's Cross Station, and Diagon Alley connected by the Hogwarts Express train. To experience the whole Wizarding World you need to purchase the park-to-park pass.

Plan for two days. There is an enormous amount to do even if you do not plan to ride the rides. Don’t miss dining in the Three Broomsticks Tavern and have a Butterbeer in the Hog’s Head Pub while in Hogsmeade and the Leaky Cauldron while in Diagon Alley.

For related information see Wizarding World of Harry Potter Gallery.

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GREAT BRITAIN

King’s Cross Station - Platform 9 3/4

Harry Potter/ Filming Location

At King’s Cross Station, Harry Potter ran through the brick wall between platforms 9 and 10 to catch the Hogwarts Express. On the station’s concourse is a photo op for Platform 9¾, located just outside the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 3/4.

Make time for the shop; it’s full of exclusive, unique Harry Potter items.

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Glencoe Scotland

Harry Potter/ Filming Location/ Natural Wonder

Glencoe
Argyll, Scotland PH49 4HX

https://www.glencoescotland.com

A scenic and historic Highland glen that served as a filming location and backdrop for several scenes in the Harry Potter movie series. Many other films, including The Highlander and Monty Python – The Holy Grail, used the glen’s sheer scale and grandeur for filming locations.

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The Real Mary King’s Close

Harry Potter

High Street, 2 Warriston’s Close

Edinburgh EH1 1PG

https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/

Beneath Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile is a section of the old medieval city covered over centuries ago. It’s now open to the public for tours as the Real Mary King’s Close with costumed guides adding a dramatic flair. The labyrinthian close has been featured in a number of television shows associated with hauntings and ghosts.

Though not officially confirmed, Harry Potter fans will notice a similarity between the close and the sinister Knockturn Alley.

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Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

Harry Potter/ Filming Location

Studio Tour Drive

Leavesden WD25 7LR

https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk

The Leavesden soundstages were home to all eight Harry Potter films. The studio tours feature soundstages and backlots filled with original, film-used sets, props, costumes and exhibits from the special effects and art departments. Included in the tour is the exquisite filming model of Hogwarts Castle.

Advanced tickets are required.

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Greyfriars Kirkyard

Harry Potter

26A Candlemaker Row

Edinburgh EH1 2QE

https://greyfriarskirk.com/

The Greyfriars storied kirkyard may have provided character-name inspiration for JK Rowling’s Harry Potter books. Studious Potter fans can find grave markers for a “Thomas Riddell Esq.” and the poet William McGonagall (a map of the kirkyard is available in the gift shop). Steeped in history , the kirkyard is on the grounds of the seventeenth-century Greyfriars Kirk.

Visitors are welcome; however, Greyfriars Kirk is a working church with regular services. Please be respectful while visiting.

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Spoon Restaurant/Bistro

Harry Potter/Food/Drinks

6A Nicolson St

Edinburgh EH8 9DH

https://spoonedinburgh.co.uk/

Spoon, a quietly fashionable bistro, occupies the location of the former Nicolson’s, the café where JK Rowling wrote the bulk of what would become Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. A black plaque affixed to the building’s exterior is the only reference to the café’s Potterworld fame.

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The Elephant House

Harry Potter/ Filming Location

21 George IV Bridge

Edinburgh EH1 1EN

https://elephanthouse.biz/

This tea and coffee house is one of the most popular locations in Edinburgh for Harry Potter devotees to visit, as it was one of the writing places for author JK Rowling. Potter-related memorabilia and photographs adorn the walls, and the view from the backroom is of Edinburgh Castle, the inspiration for Hogwarts.

A relatively small establishment, so it’s best to come early in the day.

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The Jacobite Train Trip

Harry Potter/ Filming Location

Tom-na-Faire, Station Square

Fort William, Highland, PH33 6EN

https://westcoastrailways.co.uk

The Jacobite, a 1930s era steam engine, journeys through the Highlands of Scotland and across the Glenfinnan Viaduct — known as the “Harry Potter Bridge” due to the iconic footage from the films. While the viaduct is the actual filming location, the Jacobite is not the actual train used in the filming, though it does resemble the beloved Hogwarts Express.

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Victoria Street

Harry Potter/Postcard Worthy

Victoria Street, connecting the Grassmarket to George IV Bridge, is a narrow, shop-lined thoroughfare that has come to represent for many Harry Potter fans the inspiration for Diagon Alley, though Rowling’s herself has never made the connection explicitly. The tall stone buildings with the gentle slope and dramatic curve lends the area an otherworldly aura.

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HAWAI’I

Byodo-In Temple

Film Location

47-200 Kahekili Highway

Kaneohe, HI 96744

(808) 239-8811

http://www.byodo-in.com

The Byodo-In Temple, a non-practicing Buddhist temple, is a smaller-scale replica of the over 950-year-old Byodo-In Temple World Heritage Site in Uji, Japan. The lush grounds include koi ponds, meditation areas and waterfalls. A filming location for several TV shows including LOST.

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Police Beach

Film Location

Kamehameha Highway

Haleiwa, Hawaii 96712

Accessible from Haleiwa Beach Park or Papa’iloa Beach. Iconic filming location of the survivors’ beach camp and Sawyer’s tree from the TV show LOST.

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Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Natural Wonder

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718

(808) 985-6000

https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm

**Check online for updates on which sections of the park are closed. Stunning views of the scenery, lava tubes, past lava flows, and Kilauea. There are observation areas for great photo ops. Nerds – welcome to Vulcan or Mustafar, while not a filming location for either, this National Park will evoke the feel of either of these fictional planets.

Please respect the Hawaiian culture and federal laws. From NPS.gov: “It is a federal offense to remove, destroy, alter, deface, dig or disturb anything from its natural state.” Let’s all keep Pele happy.

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Kualoa Ranch

Film Location

49-560 Kamehameha Highway

Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744

(808) 237-7321

www.kualoa.com

A private nature reserve and working farm, as well as an active TV and movie filming location. Several guided tours are available. The Hollywood Movie Sites Tour includes areas with props still in place from movies like Jurassic Park.

Ask your tour guide to show you the area for Hurley’s joyride in the DHARMA van from the TV show LOST.

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YMCA Camp Erdman

Film Location

69-385 Farrington Highway

Waialua, Hawaii

(808) 637-4615

https://www.ymcahonolulu.org/camp-erdman/

This operating camp, was the filming location of Dharmaville – the Others Camp from the TV show LOST. As of this writing, some of the Dharma Initiative signage remains. Check-in at the office first before proceeding to the village.

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ILLINOIS

Adler Planetarium

Space/Museum

1300 S Lake Shore Drive

Chicago, IL 60605

312-922-7827

https://www.adlerplanetarium.org

America’s first planetarium, built in 1930, to engage the public in looking at the universe around us. The Adler Planetarium is also a stunning building in a stunning location, so as you are looking up don’t forget to look around too.

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The Albert and The Archive

Food/Drinks

228 E Ontario Street

Chicago, IL 60611

312-915-0000

https://thealbertchicago.com

A restaurant named for Albert Einstein along with the Archive Lounge are located in the Hotel EMC2. Science and art blend harmoniously as well as art deco and modern design here.

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Fermilab

Science

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory

Kirk Road and Pine Street

Batavia, Il 60510

630-840-3351

www.fnal.gov

The national laboratory dedicated to particle physics and accelerator research, the second largest particle accelerator complex in the world. Much of the campus is open to the public for guided tours and some self-guided areas. Also there are public events, family science days and a science learning center.

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The Field Museum

Museum

1400 S Lake Shore Drive

Chicago, IL 60605

312-922-9410

www.fieldmuseum.org

Since its opening in 1894, The Field Museum has become world renowned for its exhibitions, collections, cataloging and research. Visitors can see scientists and archaeologists at work in the lab.

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Hotel EMC2

Lodging

228 E Ontario Street

Chicago, IL 60611

312-915-0000

www.hotelemc2.com

A hotel where science meets art, and form meets function. Part of the Marriott chain, ideally located, comfortable and fun.

For related information see "Rest your Bones, Engage your Mind".

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The Marion E. Wade Center at Wheaton College

Book Nerd/ Museum

351 E. Lincoln Avenue

Wheaton, Il 60187

702-794-5151

www.wheaton.edu/wadecenter

The center houses a collection of manuscripts, papers, and artifacts of writers C.S. Lewis, J.R.R Tolkien, and others on display in the museum area and reading room which are open to the public. Included in the display are the wardrobe and desk owned by C.S. Lewis, and several handwritten letters from Tolkien.

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IOWA

Birthplace of James T. Kirk

Future History

51 West 1st Street

Riverside, IA 52327

The future birthplace of James T. Kirk is marked by a granite headstone. It is located behind the building, accessed by a pathway well marked with banners.

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Trek Fest

Event

361 East 1st Street

Riverside, IA 52327

319-930-8735

www.trekfest.com

An annual event held in June including a parade, concerts, and swap meet.

Parade includes floats of many Star Trek starships, fun photo ops.

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City of Riverside

Postcard Worthy

United States Post Office

81 Greene Street

Riverside, IA 52327

The city of Riverside is the location of the future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk, the Voyage Home Museum, Trek Fest annual event, and William Shatner’s TV show “Invasion Iowa.”

Bodly Go.

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The Voyage Home Museum

Museum

361 East 1st Street

Riverside, IA 52327

319-648-2226

A museum for Riverside, Iowa’s role in the Star Trek universe as Captain James T. Kirk’s birthplace.

As an unusual souvenir, you can buy a vial of dirt from the future birthplace of Captain Kirk.

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MINNESOTA

Brit's Pub

Food/Drinks

1110 Nicollet Mall

Minneapolis, MN

612-332-3908

www.britspub.com

Cheers! a taste of Britain in Minnesota and rooftop lawn bowling greens in the middle of downtown. In addition to the pub menu they have afternoon tea, pop quiz nights, royal wedding and rugby viewing parties, rooftop outdoor patios, open and league lawn bowling (weather permitting).

Supernatural stars played lawn bowling late one night here during a convention.

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Red Balloon Bookshop

Bookstore

891 Grand Avenue

Saint Paul, MN 55105

651-224-8320

www.redballoonbookshop.com

An independent bookstore for all ages that features a large selection of books for kids and young adults. Numerous events held each month including author readings and signings.

John Barrowman and Carole Barrowman have done signings here in the past for their Hollow Earth series.

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Space Aliens Grill & Bar

Food/Drinks

11166 County Road 37

Albertville, MN 55301

763-497-6718

www.spacealiens.com

A restaurant and arcade in one, with alien décor. There are also two locations in North Dakota.

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Tardis Little Library

Attraction

94th Street and Columbus Avenue

Bloomington, MN

www.facebook/TardisLittleLibrary

A not so little location of the Little Free Library program. As Whovians (Doctor Who fans) and bibliophiles’ (book fans) know books are TARDIS’ – bigger on the inside – so this Little Library is a perfect pairing. Stop for a photo, then stay a while on the park bench and page thru a book.

There's a weeping angel on the roof of the house.

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DreamHaven Books, Comics and Art

Bookstore/Comic Shop

2301 E. 38th Street

Minneapolis, MN 55406

612-823-6161

www.dreamhavenbooks.com

DreamHaven specializes in new and used science fiction books and comics. A large selection of pulp classics, first editions, and signed copies. They have limited hours, call ahead.

Large selection of rare, unique Neil Gaiman items.

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Runestone Museum

Museum/Attraction/TV

206 Broadway

Alexandria, MN 56308

320-763-3160

www.runestonemuseum.org

This museum focuses on the infamous Kensington Runestone, a stone with runic writing some believe provides proof Vikings were in Minnesota before Columbus. This stone is mentioned often on the History Channel’s “America Unearthed.”

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The Lego Store, Mall of America

Shopping/Attraction

164 South Avenue, Mall of America

Bloomington, MN 55425

952-858-8949

www.mallofamerica.com

A freestanding store with three stories of open air space above where you will find a 34-foot-tall massive mecha robot named Herobot 9000 made of Legos.

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Uncle Sven’s Comic Shoppe

Comic Shop

1838 Saint Clair Avenue

Saint Paul, MN 55105

651-699-3409

www.sourcecomicsandgames.com

Sibling to the Source Comics & Games. This is a very small, neighborhood place and the oldest comic shop in the upper Midwest.

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Galactic Pizza

Restaurant

2917 Lyndale Avenue South

Minneapolis, MN

612-824-9100

www.galacticpizza.com

Their moniker is “Planet Saving Pizza” and with caped crusading delivery by electric vehicles, local produce, vegan choices, and charitable work they might just live up to it. Try the Paul Bunyan pizza – Minnesota’s first superhero?

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Science Museum of Minnesota

Museum

120 W. Kellogg Boulevard

Saint Paul, MN 55102

651-221-9444

www.smm.org

This science museum features an abundance of interactive exhibits covering a variety of science fields, a domed Omnitheater, gift shop, and restaurant with the best view of the Mississippi River in downtown. Outdoors is a 9 hole EarthScapes Mini-Golf that teaches about erusion, Native American gardens, and a prairie plant maze.

Plan to spend the entire day.

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The Source Comics & Games

Comic Shop

2057 Snelling Avenue North

Roseville, MN 55113

651-645-0386

www.sourcecomicsandgames.com

The source for comics and gaming needs. A large store full of new and back issue comics, comic collecting supplies, tabletop games, gaming supplies, and the “I didn't know I needed this but I have to have it” fun, nerdy collectibles.

Received the Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award presented at San Diego Comic-Con International.

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NEVADA

Extraterrestrial Highway

Road Trip

This state road has long been a draw for X-Files fans and UFO enthusiasts due to its proximity to Area 51, Groom Lake and Rachel, NV. In 1996, Nevada officially designated the route as the Extraterrestrial Highway, and posted related special road signage.

Pay attention to the road signage! The open range cattle sign is a cow abduction scene.

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Little A’Le’Inn

Food/Drink/Lodging

9631 Old Mill Street

Rachel, NV 89001

775-729-2515

www.littlealeinn.com

Located near Area 51 on the Extraterrestrial Highway (SR 375), this establishment caters to aliens and earthlings alike. Don’t miss the spaceship self-parking sign on the roof. A fun, cheeky place.

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National Atomic Testing Museum

Museum

755 E. Flamingo Road

Las Vegas, NV 89119

702-794-5151

www.nationalatomictestingmuseum.org

A Smithsonian affiliate museum focused on the nation’s history of atomic testing and test sites both in Nevada and nationwide. There’s also a special exhibit on Area 51: Myth or Reality.

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Millennium Fandom Bar

Drinks

900 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Ste 140 (entrance on Hoover Ave.)

Las Vegas, Nevada 89101

702-405-0816

www.fandombar.com

If Han Solo went looking for a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster, this is the place he’d go. The Millennium Fandom Bar has a private club feel but is open to the public (21+), that’s if Sci-Fi’s villains and heroes had a clubhouse. You’ll find R2 hanging out by the bar, tucked in the back is a TARDIS, and it looks like Captain America and Zelda checked their shields at the door. Cosplayers are welcome.

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NEW MEXICO

Bradbury Science Museum

Museum/Science

1350 Central Avenue

Los Alamos, NM 87544

505-667-4444

https://www.lanl.gov/museum/

The museum covers the history and legecy of the town of Los Alamos and the Los Alamos National Laboratory and it’s current research projects. Most notable is the exhibit on the Manhattan Project and the Manhattan Project National Historical Park.

The TV show Eureka was based on this secretive city.

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National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

Museum/Science

601 Eubank Blvd SE

Albuquerque, NM 87123

505-245-2137

www.nuclearmuseum.org

A Smithsonian affiliate museum focused on the nations’ history of nuclear science with both civilian and military perspectives. An outdoor exhibit of nuclear transportation methods is also included.

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The Very Large Array

Space

On US-60 west of Socorro

Magdalena, NM

575-835-7410

https://public.nrao.edu/visit/very-large-array/

No physical address, GPS coordinates: 34 04'43.497N, 107 37'05.819W

 

Radio telescope array about 2 hours south of Albuquerque. Visitor center and self guided walking tours available daily. The walking tour has interactive exhibits and a stop at the base of a working antenna dish.

Filming location for the movie Contact.

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International UFO Museum & Research Center

Museum

114 N. Main

Roswell, NM

575-625-9495

https://www.roswellufomuseum.com

Extensive collection of research materials and exhibits regarding the infamous Roswell crash and UFO phenomian. Located in the postcard-worthy city of Roswell.

Every July the city of Roswell and the museum host the Roswell UFO Festival.

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New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science

Museum/Science

1801 Mountain Road NW

Albuquerque, NM

505-841-2800

http://www.nmnaturalhistory.org

Includes exhibits that are an overview of Albuquerque’s and New Mexico’s role in science and space developments.

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Meow Wolf

Attraction

1352 Rufina Circle

Santa Fe, NM 87507

www.meowwolf.com

The house that George built. It is an art collective’s fun house, a plus sized Victorian house with secret passages and portals within a warehouse, and George R.R. Martin is the landlord. Can be described as a physical manifestation of a sci-fi mystery spot type story.

If you want to explore all the possible combinations of passages and look at all the art you are immersed in plan a half day.

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New Mexico Museum of Space History

Museum/Space

3198 State Route 2001

Alamogordo, NM 88310

575-437-2840

www.nmspacemuseum.org

The museum covers the history of space study in New Mexico from archaeoastronomy to the future of space exploration.

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White Sands National Monument

Natural Wonder/ Space

On US-70 between Alamogordo and Las Cruces

575-479-6124

https://www.nps.gov/whsa/index.htm

No physical address, GPS coordinates for Visitor Center:  32° 46' 45" North, 106° 10' 19" West

 

Otherworldly scenic sand dunes, adjacent to the White Sands Space Harbor and the alternate landing site for the Space Shuttle.

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NORTH DAKOTA

Geographic Center of North America Cairn

Geographic Location/Postcard Worthy

Southeast corner of US 2 & SR 3

Rugby, ND 58368

701-776-5846

www.rugbynorthdakota.com/pages/Attractions

A cairn, pyramid-shaped stone obelisk, marks the approximate spot of the center of North America.

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Space Aliens Grill & Bar

Food/Drinks

1840 45th Street Southwest

Fargo, ND 58103

701-281-2033

 

1304 Century Avenue East

Bismarck, ND 58503

701-223-6220

www.spacealiens.com

A restaurant and arcade in one, with alien décor. There are two locations in North Dakota, and one in Minnesota.

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OREGON

Laughing Planet Café

Food/Drinks

721 NW 9th Ave Suite 175

Portland, OR 97209

503-505-5020

www.laughingplanetcafe.com

A quick serve style burrito joint using healthy local ingredients with an international twist on flavors. Several locations in Oregon.

Try the Soylent Green bowl, don’t worry it’s not people.

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Powell’s City of Books

Bookstore

1005 W. Burnside Street

Portland, OR 97209

503-228-4651

www.powells.com

This is the ulimate bookstore. The name “City of Books” does not mislead. A massive collection of new and used books. The science fiction section alone is larger than most other bookstores.

Check out rare book collection (rare doesn’t always mean expensive) on the top floor.

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Voodoo Doughnut

Food/Drinks

22 SW 3rd Avenue

Portland, OR 97204

503-241-4704

www.voodoodoughnut.com

The directions could state just look for the line. There always seems to be a line, but it moves quickly and nerds now how to queque. It’s all about the toppings from breakfast cereal to bacon and shapes like the Voodoo Doll doughnut.

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TEXAS

Family Business Beer Company

Drinks/Food

19510 Hamilton Pool Road

Dripping Springs, Texas 78620

512-829-4202

https://familybusinessbeerco.com

Taproom located in the Austin area hill country, co-owned by Supernatural’s Jensen Ackles. Location includes taproom, food truck, patio, merchandise area, kid & pet friendly areas. Live music on occasion.

Supernatural fans - try the Cosmic Cowboy IPA, mentioned in episode 10 of season 14.

For related information see “Family Business Beer Company.”

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Fort Worth Water Gardens

Filming Location

This public urban park is a filming location of the 1976 science fiction classic “Logan’s Run.” The iconic scene of Logan diving into the water intake system of the domed city was filmed here.

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McDonald Observatory

Space

Frank N. Bash Visitors Center

3640 Dark Sky Drive

McDonald Observatory, Tx 79734

www.mcdonaldobservatory.org

Just as the song goes “The stars at night are big and bright deep in the heart of Texas,” this part of Texas is one of the darkest places in the contiguous United States. That makes it an ideal location for observatories. Visitors during the day can tour the facilities and view solar flares in real time. In the evenings there are Star Parties, Twilight programs and special events.

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Prada Marfa

Roadside Attraction

An art installation by Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset of a fully stocked Prada boutique on the side of the road in the middle of the desert. Marfa, Texas has become an active community for contemporary art. Prada Marfa is located 37 miles west of Marfa on Route 90.

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WASHINGTON

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

Museum

325 5th Avenue North

Seattle, WA 98109

206-770-2700

www.mopop.org

What started as the Experience Music Project and Sci-Fi Museum has evolved into a pop culture museum that creates stunning exhibits from original artifacts involving major guest curators such as John Landis. The primary focus is rock ’n’ roll and science fiction. Many interactive opportunities occur periodically to bridge the gap for fans to fandom such as the Oculus Rift 4D Game of Thrones North Wall experience.

Not only do they have Captain Kirk’s original captain’s chair from the bridge of the Enterprise, they have an original film used Dalek.

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Space Needle

Attraction

400 Broad Street

Seattle, WA 98109

206-905-2100

www.spaceneedle.com

Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, designed as a flying saucer with a tripod base. The observation deck is at 520 feet of the total 605 feet the Space Needle soars above the city. To prolong your stay consider dining in the restaurant located at the 500 feet mark, SkyCity.

The experience in the evening hours provides for incredible views of the city, and that being in a flying saucer over the city feel.

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WISCONSIN

Alderaan Coffee

Drinks

1560 N Water Street

Milwaukee, WI  53202

414-395-9955

https://alderaancoffee.com

The name is a nod to the “Star Wars” planet. A coffee shop that roasts and blends their coffees, makes their own flavourings and has craft beers in the afternoon. The coffee mugs make great gifts for the subtle nerd.

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Lakefront Brewery

Drinks/Attraction

1872 N. Commerce Street

Milwaukee, WI 53212

414-372-8800

http://www.lakefrontbrewery.com

Shlemiel! Schlemazel! A “Laverne & Shirley” theme song sing-along accompanies the brewery tour during the bottling area in mirroring that iconic opening sequence of the show.

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The Bronz Fonz

Attraction

Milwaukee Riverwalk at Wells Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

702-794-5151

https://www.visitmilwaukee.org/articles/about-mke/bronze-fonz/

Jump the Shark! The TV show “Happy Days” set in Milwaukee gave us The Fonz and his signature line “ayyy.” This fun bronze statue pays homage to the show and makes a great photo op.

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Marquette University – Tolkien Manuscripts

Book Nerd

Raynor Memorial Libraries

Department of Special Collections

1355 W. Wisconsin Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53233

414-288-7556

www.marquette.edu/library/archives/jrrtshowings.php

The original manuscripts to “The Hobbit,” “The Lord of the Rings” and more are part of the University’s special collections department. Scheduled special public viewings and by appointment.

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The House on the Rock

Attraction/ Filming Location

5754 State Road 23

Spring Green, WI 53588

608-935-3639

www.thehouseontherock.com

An attraction that almost defies description. Now more than a house, it’s a complex of buildings housing artifacts and oddities. Neil Gaiman and “American Gods” fans will recognize this place and its Carousel room. It is a filming location for the show “American Gods.”

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SafeHouse Milwaukee

Food/Drinks

779 N Front Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

414-271-2007

https://www.safe-house.com

Also known by its cover identity – International Exports Ltd, SafeHouse is a spy themed restaurant that’s been in Milwaukee for over 50 years. Entrance granted by password or a task to prove you’re on the mission. A scavenger hunt called Recon Duty will spur you to explore the artifacts throughout.

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