Tree in the Rock

Smack dab in the middle of Interstate 80, in The Smallest Town in America (population: 1), literally in the median between the road lanes is a tree growing from the top of a boulder.

This roadside attraction was first discovered in the 1860’s by railroad workers who were laying track for the Union Pacific, which was eventually replaced by the modern highway. The skinny pine tree leans out of the top of the boulder trying to get enough sun to sustain itself while it clings to life via its foundation trapped by tons of solid rock. No one is sure how old the tree is, although its species has been known to live for over 2,000 years. Visitors can pull off to view the strange foliage and read the accompanying plaque.