Skip to Main Content

Roche Harbor, Washington: Afterglow Vista Mausoleum - Strange Grave

The local lime kilns founder is chiefly remembered for his weird faux-ruined temple mausoleum covered with cryptic symbols.

Address:
Afterglow Drive, Roche Harbor, WA
Directions:
Take the Washington State Ferry from Anacortez, WA, or Victoria, BC, to Friday Harbor. Drive about ten miles north on Roche Harbor Rd. At the intersection with Afterglow Drive turn right and park just ahead on the right. Just a little further on Afterglow Drive a trail/road on the right leads into the woods a half-mile to the mausoleum.
Save to My Sights

Visitor Tips and News About Afterglow Vista Mausoleum - Strange Grave

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Afterglow Vista Mausoleum.

Afterglow Vista Mausoleum - Strange Grave

A little bit of a hill from downtown Roche Harbor, was built in the 1930s and was supposed to have a dome on top, but money ran out.

[Clark W, 09/30/2021]

Afterglow Vista Mausoleum.

Afterglow Vista Mausoleum

"The Mausoleum" is one of the weirdest places I've ever been. It is a short walk through a spooky garden of columns, and cryptic symbols -- a monument to the founder of the local lime kilns. The memorial to John S. McMillin's family incorporates symbols from "Masonry, the Bible, Sigma Chi fraternity and his own views of family unity." It is a testament to the eccentricity of rich people in out of the way places.

[Thayer Young, 08/22/2001]

Sept. 2021: Photo added.


Nearby Offbeat Places

World's Skinniest Latte ShopWorld's Skinniest Latte Shop, Friday Harbor, WA - 8 mi.
Cadborosaurus, Cement Sea SerpentCadborosaurus, Cement Sea Serpent, Cadboro Bay, BC, Canada - 13 mi.
Orca Killer WhaleOrca Killer Whale, Eastsound, WA - 12 mi.
In the region:
Big Drill Bit, Vancouver, BC, Canada - 45 mi.

Latest Tips Across Roadside America

Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.

Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!

Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Create and Save Your Own Crazy Road Trip! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

Washington Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

JFK's World Famous Twine Ball, Highland, Wisconsin (Mar 18-24, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings