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Il-Gardjola Guard Tower as seen from below the fortifications. — Il-Gardjola Guard Tower

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White sand dunes sit in front of red ones in southern Somalia. — Merka Red Dunes

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Introducing one of the only train station lobsters that won't leave you filled with regret — Grand Brasserie

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In this salad, rice gets topped with pinches of toasted coconut, dried fish, finely-sliced herbs and vegetables, bean sprouts, a tiny knot of noodles, crushed black pepper and dried chili. — Thai-Islam Phochana

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Laurel

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Laurel

3 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Laurel, Maryland

Updated September 27, 2017

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Unusual Attractions in Laurel

Model of a partial dinosaur skeleton.

Laurel, Maryland

Laurel Dinosaur Park

This dig site outside D.C. is known for its exceptionally high density of baby dinosaur fossils and dinosaur eggs.

Display cases.

Laurel, Maryland

On the Brink

A haunting exhibit in a wildlife refuge center highlights threatened species and the conservation efforts needed to save them.

Signage at Old Portland Rd & River Rd, as of 8/30/2023.

Laurel, Maryland

Forest Haven Asylum

This abandoned asylum was once a state of the art facility before devolving into one of the most deadly mental institutions in American history.

Are we missing something unusual?

Entrance to the museum

Fort Meade, Maryland

National Cryptologic Museum

A priceless collection of the Nation's cryptologic history.

4 miles from Laurel

The original “flame of knowledge” that once graced the Library of Congress and was replaced with facsimile in 1996.

Fort Meade, Maryland

Architect of the Capitol Archival Warehouse

A remote horde of architectural treasures fit for Indiana Jones.

6 miles from Laurel

Smokey's Fan Mail, 1979.

Beltsville, Maryland

Smokey Bear Archive

The Forest Service's surprisingly sophisticated collection of wildfire prevention art features America's most beloved bear.

6 miles from Laurel

College Park, Maryland

Pinball Parlor at MOM's Organic Market

Two dozen pinball games hidden away inside a most unlikely location.

6 miles from Laurel

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