Confusion Hill facts for kids
Confusion Hill is a fun roadside attraction located in Piercy, California. It first opened its doors in 1949. This unique spot is famous for its "gravity house," a special building designed to trick your eyes and make you feel off-balance. It's like a gravity hill, where things seem to roll uphill!
Visitors inside the gravity house often feel like they need to lean to stand straight, even though they are already upright. Confusion Hill also features the Mountain Train Ride. This is a narrow gauge train that travels about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) on a special track. The track uses a "switchback" design to climb up a steep hill.
For 60 years, Confusion Hill was right on the busy US 101 highway, also known as the Redwood Highway. However, because of frequent mudslides blocking the road, US 101 was moved in 2009. The new road now goes over the Confusion Hill Bridges, bypassing the attraction. In 2010, Confusion Hill was recognized as a California Points of Historical Interest.
What is the Gravity House?
The main attraction at Confusion Hill is its "gravity house." This building is built in a way that creates an amazing optical illusion. When you step inside, your brain gets tricked into thinking the floor is tilted.
This makes you feel like you are leaning or falling. You might even try to stand up straight, but you'll find you already are! It's all part of the fun and mystery of the house.
Exploring the Mountain Train Ride
Another exciting part of Confusion Hill is the Mountain Train Ride. This train is a special type called a narrow gauge train. This means its tracks are closer together than regular train tracks.
The train travels about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) up a steep hill. It uses a clever design called a "switchback." This allows the train to go back and forth, like a zigzag, to climb the hill slowly. It's a great way to see the surrounding nature.
The Bill Cipher Statue
In August 2016, something special happened at Confusion Hill. Alex Hirsch, the creator of the popular TV show Gravity Falls, placed a statue there. The statue is of a character named Bill Cipher, who is a villain from the show.
This statue was part of a big scavenger hunt called Cipher Hunt. Fans from all over the world searched for clues to find the statue. After being moved from its first spot in Reedsport, Oregon, Bill Cipher found his new home at Confusion Hill.
