The World’s Most “Appeeling” Museum
You can’t help but grin when you see it. A sunny, one-room shrine to a single fruit—with more banana stuff than you knew existed.
Image source: International Banana Museum
Just off the Salton Sea in North Shore/Mecca, California, sits the International Banana Museum—a tiny spot with a giant claim to fame. It’s home to the world’s largest collection of banana-related memorabilia, recognized by Guinness back in 1999. Estimates put the number of items well past 20,000, and many sources cite around 25,000 pieces: toys, art, gadgets, and more, all gloriously banana.
The museum began with collector Ken Bannister’s Banana Club trove, later moving to the Salton Sea under new owners. Visitors raved about banana shakes and ice cream from its little snack bar, it's part museum, part nostalgia stop, all smile.
Planning a trip? Heads-up: the museum closed during the pandemic and has been reported as still closed in recent years, so check the latest status before you go.
Learn more about the record-holding banana museum.Got a fun fact of your own? Share it in the forum!
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