27 Quirky Roadside Attractions That Turn Ordinary Journeys into Adventures

By

Lisette Marie

November 12, 2025

27. The Benewah County Jail Museum (St. Maries, Idaho): World's Smallest Jail

The Maries County Jail and Sheriff's House, located the corner of Fifth and Mill Streets in Vienna, Missouri. Built to serve as a combined county jail and sheriff's residence for Maries County, the building is now listed on the National Register of Histor. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons @TheCatalyst31

In the small town of St. Maries, Idaho, you'll find the Benewah County Jail Museum, often touted as the "World's Smallest Jail." This tiny, unassuming wooden structure, measuring just 10 feet by 16 feet, once served as the county's lockup in the early 20th century. It offers a fascinating glimpse into local history and the quaint simplicity of frontier justice. Its unique claim to fame and compact size make it a charmingly peculiar and surprisingly engaging stop for anyone seeking the truly unexpected in roadside Americana.

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