World's Tallest Thermometer stands tall, in Baker, CA

I know this particular question has kept you up many a night, when you should be cutting a few zzzzs or counting sheep: Where in the world is the world's tallest thermometer? Roll the drum... the envelope, please... Baker, California, of course!

Baker is a small town, located along I-15, about halfway between Barstow, CA and Las Vegas, NV, right smack in the middle of the Mojave Desert. It's economy is almost wholly based upon traffic from Interstate 15, as the many restaurants, gas stations and mini-marts cater to the interstate traveler. However, Baker's main claim-to-fame is it's towering thermometer. When I say towering, I mean it, as this thing is 134 feet tall.

Photos: The World's Tallest Thermometer is located next the Big Boy Restaurant, and is plainly viable on three sides from busy Interstate 15. This thing is actually a neon sign that happens to read the temperature.

Why 134 feet? Get out your record books, and you'll note that the highest temperature ever achieved in North America happened on July 10, 1913, in nearby Death Valley, and the temperature it a sizzling 134 degrees Fahrenheit. So back in 1991, the Baker Chamber of Commerce decided to put the town on the map, and erected the towering inferno that we have in place, next to the Big Boy Restaurant. By the way, if you're in the mood for a delicious breakfast at an unbelievable price, check out the review of the restaurant on our sister web site, www.erench.com.

Photo: Looking east on Baker Blvd., with the World's Tallest Thermometer dominating the landscape. Photo taken from the parking lot of The Mad Greek Diner, which is pure American Graffiti in itself...

What's cool, errr, hot about this thing is when the temperature rises, it is displayed on the tower. The higher the temperature is, the higher it is displayed. During the summer, 115 degree days are the norm, so this thing gets a pretty good workout. Whatever the case, it's certainly a marketing coup by the City of Baker, as it's really put the place on the map, along with some of the cheesy restaurants and motels the town has to offer.

So the next time you're headed to Las Vegas to flirt with Lady Luck, stop by Baker and marvel at the world's tallest thermometer. It's pure kitsch, and pure American Graffiti!

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