Wood Travels Week: Ramses In Illinois

When I say "Egyptian Pyramids", where do you think these might be located? Wadsworth, Illinois? Good guess. Look, there's one now. Yes, just a short drive north of Chicago is this fine example of one of the Great Seven Wonders of the World. Well, if the Seven Wonders had to deal with zoning restrictions and had campers parked in the neighbors yard, I guess.

What you're looking at is 3+ acres of American soil tacklessly transformed into a little piece of paradise next to the Nile. How do you do such a thing? You start with a house that is not shaped like a house. Then dig a moat around it. Accent the driveway with dozens of goat-sized sphinxes. Then drop a giant statue of Ramses in the middle of the front yard. Top it off with a gift shop and surround the entire yard with heiroglyphic-encrusted fencing. Oh, and don't forget the fake, scrawny palm tree you swiped from Hooters.

What is this bizarre concoction in the middle of the Midwest? It is known as many things: the Gold Pyramid House, cause it's a house shaped like a pyramid that was covered in gold. (It was changed to gold paint cause the sun would reflect off the real gold and blind people driving by.) It was also the Onan Pyramid House cause it was started by some family called the "Onans." I giess. And we already covered the fact it looks like a pyramid. At one time, it may have been home to the office for Egypt Tour & Travel. I've tried to find more information on it and found a couple tidbits: Roadside America has an article on it, there's even a SixoSix article, whatever that is.

And if you think it's weird from the ground, check out these satellite pics and an above view here, too. It really gives you a perspective on the large scope of the kookiness.