If you’re planning a road trip along the West Coast during your travels in the USA, make a stop in the small California town of Baker before arriving in Las Vegas. In front of the local Big Boy restaurant stands the world’s tallest thermometer. It reaches a height of 134.0 ft, is fully functional, and is easily visible from the I-15 highway.
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History of the World’s Tallest Thermometer
The world’s tallest thermometer has stood near the I-15 highway since 1991. It was built by Young Electric Sign Company (better known as YESCO), headquartered in Salt Lake City. Local entrepreneur Willis Herron paid $700,000 for it at the time (equivalent to $1,635,071 in 2025).
The thermometer was originally intended as an advertisement for Herron’s restaurant, located near the busy highway. Although the original restaurant no longer operates, the thermometer remains.
The thermometer also commemorates the record-breaking temperature of 134.1°F, recorded near Death Valley on July 10, 1913.
Maintaining the thermometer is expensive. In 2012, monthly electricity costs reached $8,000 (equivalent to $11,075 in 2025). Due to financial difficulties, the thermometer had to be temporarily shut down.
In 2014, the thermometer underwent a full renovation and has been operational ever since. Given the extreme temperatures in the area, it is advisable to stay hydrated and have travel insurance.
You can visit the thermometer free of charge by taking the I-15 exit into Baker (view on map). For more details about the thermometer, visit WorldsTallestThermometer.com.
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