The Weirdest Attractions in Airports Across the U.S.
Did you know O’Hare houses one million honeybees?
There’s a large division in airport arrival culture. Are you the type of person to arrive at the airport at the very last minute, with just enough time to make it through security and board as the doors are closing? Or are you normal and reasonable, arriving two hours before boarding so you can snag an overpriced latte and browse the various shops?
If you’re the latter, you’ve surely noticed the random assortment of stores in airports that are selling socks and rocks and everything in between. We’ve rounded up some of the strangest versions of those airport storefronts from around the US for your next flight.
Fraley’s Robot Repair at Pittsburgh International Airport
Where: Concourse A
Get all of your (window) shopping in with none of the cost at this store..that actually isn’t even really a store. One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, celebrated this novelty public art installation called PIT Robot Repair made by Toby Atticus Fraley. While the kitschy robot workshop complete with typewriter and “refurbished robot legs” can’t be purchased, there is merchandise available here.
Microcinema at Portland International Airport
Where: C Concourse after security
For cinephiles on flights between the haunting Pacific Northwest of Twilight fame and wherever else their latest obsession is currently being filmed try the Portland International Airport’s 22-seat Microcinema. This tiny moviehouse shows 10 minute shorts made by filmmakers from exclusively the surrounding region.
Where: Concourse C
Interplanetary travel is also an option at Denver International Airport for visitors of the Meow Wolf gift shop in Concourse C. Find hoodies, plushies, mugs, pins, and more from one of Colorado’s most strange and popular destinations—Meow Wolf’s permanent four-story installation, Convergence Station.
Where: All terminals
Typically, Hudson Newsstands themselves are nothing to write home about. But at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, you can grab honey and honey-based skincare products made from bees that live on the premises. In 2011, O’Hare became the first airport in the US to offer some of their extra space up to 200 bee hives are managed by BeeLove, which also trains and employs people returning from incarceration.
Prince Pop-Up at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport
Where: Terminal 1 in the MSP Mall
During your time in Minneapolis you'll probably see the Mississippi River or maybe even the Walker Arts Center. But what you should not miss on your way out is the Prince-themed store, named just “Prince” after the renowned American singer and multi-instrumentalist. Shop here for Prince-themed apparel, CDs, vinyl, and more.