Strange Things in Greeley: 8 Oddities Worth Seeking Out

Location: Near 30th Avenue and 6th Street, Greeley 

A fallen tree might be an eyesore to some. In Greeley, artist Faye Braaten transformed a tree stump into a gorilla using a chainsaw, giving an ordinary piece of wood a surprisingly lifelike presence. Will this gorilla charm you, or will it haunt your dreams? 

The sculpture is on private property but can be viewed from the street. Please admire it from the public right-of-way. 

Location: Margie’s Java Joint, 931 16th Street, Greeley, CO 80631 

At Margie’s Java Joint, you can order a coffee, settle in for breakfast or lunch, and engage in a staring contest with the doll preserved beneath the floor. 

The doll is a holdover from a previous era of the space, when its owners incorporated a collection of unusual objects into the floor. When the current owners took over, they decided the doll deserved to stay. 

Grab a drink, a bite to eat, and keep an eye on the floor near the register. 

Location: Taste of Philly, 829 16th Street, Greeley, CO 80631 

Volkswagen Beetles are recognizable just about anywhere. But how often do you see one parked upside down? 

Along 16th Street, Taste of Philly has some unusual decor, turning an ordinary storefront into a roadside curiosity. The restaurant is known for its Philly cheesesteaks, hoagies, and fries. Pick up a sandwich and see the Beetle for yourself. Just don’t expect to drive away in it. 

Location: Greeley Fire Station 2, 2323 Reservoir Road, Greeley, CO 80634 

At Fire Station 2, a historic 1916 engine is on display, offering a glimpse of the equipment and machinery that helped shape firefighting over the years. 

The station itself has a history in Greeley: the original Station 2 was completed in 1958, as the growing city needed more firefighting coverage. The current station at Reservoir Road serves surrounding neighborhoods and parts of the University of Northern Colorado campus. 

Location: The Downtown Oddity Parlor, 906 9th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631 

If your idea of a perfect October outing includes bones, skeletons, and objects you didn’t realize could even be bought, make this a priority. 

Since opening in 2021, the Downtown Oddity Parlor has built a collection for people drawn to the unusual. Inside, you’ll find curiosities ranging from animal remains and vintage taxidermy to strange artifacts, antiques, and macabre collectibles. 

The intrigue doesn’t stop on the main floor. The shop has also opened a basement museum known as The Private Collection. Among the items to look for is a tooth fairy doll made with real children’s teeth. 

Location: The Downtown Armory, 614 8th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631 

The Downtown Armory is a place to shop, grab a coffee, and catch a performance. But along one hallway, pieces of ship rope from the personal collection of Fletcher Christian, the British sailor behind the infamous 1789 mutiny aboard HMS Bounty, offer an unexpected connection to history. Donated to the Armory as a family heirloom, the rope brings a touch of high-seas intrigue to downtown Greeley. 

Built in 1922 as a Colorado National Guard training center, the Armory has also served as a temporary morgue following two tragedies in Weld County, including the 1955 Flight 629 bombing and a 1961 school bus collision. 

Location: LINC Library, 501 8th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631 

Libraries are full of stories about strange worlds. At the LINC, you can step into one for real. 

Upstairs in the Discovery Hub features a distinctive art installation by artist Wes Bruce, inspired by water and designed to invite exploration, movement, and discovery. Its winding paths, unusual perspectives, and immersive spaces can feel almost otherworldly. 

The LINC is a public library and innovation center, so visitors of different ages can explore its creative spaces. Check current hours and any access guidelines before you go. 

Location: Weld County Administration Building, 1150 O Street, Greeley, CO 80631 

The final stop takes the tour back millions of years, to a time when a very different kind of creature roamed the region. 

Meet Pops, Weld County’s official fossil: a real Triceratops discovered in 1982 on a ranch northeast of Greeley. The fossil was donated to Weld County by the landowner, Roland “Sonny” Mapelli, in 1986. His only request was that the fossil be on display for all residents to enjoy. 

Visit the public lobby at the Weld County Administration Building. One step inside and you can’t miss Pops!