World’s Tallest Thermometer: The Story Behind Interstate-15’s Iconic Roadside Attraction

The World’s Tallest Thermometer is an iconic landmark in Baker, California. Towering 134-feet above the Mojave Desert, this marvelous monument can be seen from miles and miles away by motorists driving between Los Angeles and Las Vegas!

This is truly one of the best and quirkiest roadside attractions in America! The colossal-sized red and white thermometer weighs 76,812 pounds and is held together by 125 cubic yards of concrete.

More importantly, this thermometer is capable of displaying a maximum temperature of 134 degrees Fahrenheit. Why 134 degrees? Because the highest official temperature ever recorded on earth was 134°F (57°C).

And can you guess where the world’s hottest day ever occured? I’ll tell you. Nearby in Death Valley, a place known to be one of the hottest places on the planet! The record breaking temperature happened on July 10, 1913.

And since Baker is considered the “Gateway to Death Valley” it’s only fitting that there should be a monument to commemorate the world’s hottest day here in this town. At least that’s what Willis Herron thought.

Willis Herron is the brains behind the World’s Tallest Thermometer. And coincidentally, he grew up in the same town, and at the same time as Colonel Sanders. Yes, the same Colonel Sanders who invented Kentucky Fried Chicken!

Anyway, Willis moved to Baker and opened up a restaurant named Bun Boy, but when it burnt down in 1990, he wanted to rebuild his restaurant with a roadside attraction that would draw even more attention than KFC’s revolving bucket.

Introducing the World’s Tallest Thermometer! Willis wanted his thermometer not only to be able to record temperatures up to 134 degrees, but also to stand just as high in feet. He figured if it was visible from miles around it would lure motorists off the freeway and into his restaurant.

Long story short, Willis hired Young Electric Sign Company to build the digital thermometer and construction was completed in 1991. But before he had a chance to even light it up, high winds blew the thermometer over.

Undeterred, Willis had his thermometer rebuilt, this time stronger. The official completion date was October 9, 1992. It has been standing ever since.

You would think that was the end of the story but it wasn’t. As Herron got older, he began to sell off his properties including Bun Boy and its associated star attraction. His restaurant changed hands several times, and none of these owners cared to maintain it.

It fell into complete disrepair, and in September 2012 the thermometer was turned off. The owner at that time claimed the power bill had reached $8,000 per month to keep the roadside attraction in operation.

But people still kept taking photos next to the thermometer. One day, Willis’s widow stopped by for a visit and was devastated to see how terrible it looked. She vowed to somehow get it back and restore it for her late husband.

A miracle happened. In March 2014, the property went into foreclosure. Willis’s family jumped into action and reclaimed what was once theirs. The World’s Tallest Thermometer was restored back to its former glory at a cost of $150,000 which came out of the family’s savings.

Willis’s daughter has said that “we’re just hoping to make enough to keep the thermometer on”. The family does this by selling gifts in the gift shop adjacent to the giant thermometer. Money from the shop’s sales is used to maintain the thermometer.

So if you appreciate seeing this beacon in the Mojave Desert, whether its on your way to or from Las Vegas, be sure to stop by and show your support by purchasing a souvenir. The gift shop sells mini-thermometer key chains, fridge magnets, t-shirts, and ironically even snow globes!

Also inside Temp 134 (that’s the name of the gift shop), you’ll find plenty of artifacts that relate to the history of the tall landmark including light bulbs from the original thermometer. Additionally they sell snacks inside which you can eat out front underneath Baker’s iconic skyscraper.

The World’s Tallest Thermometer is situated adjacent to Interstate-15, a freeway that connects Los Angles and Las Vegas. If you’re planning a road trip between the two cities, be sure to add a stop in Baker to visit this awesome roadside attraction.

Even if you don’t make it in time to visit during business hours, you can stop by for fun photo opportunities! While you’re in Baker, I recommend trying a fresh strawberry shake from Mad Greek and picking up some beef jerkey from the Alien Jerky shop.

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