Published on: May 21, 2026, 12:00h.
Updated on: May 21, 2026, 12:00h.
- The Iconic ‘World’s Largest Thermometer’ in Baker, California is Now Available for Purchase
- Originally erected in 1990 to commemorate Death Valley’s extreme temperatures, this 134-foot structure has endured both structural issues and years of disrepair
- The current proprietors are searching for a new owner who will uphold the heritage of this landmark
Interested in acquiring the World’s Tallest Thermometer?
One of America’s iconic roadside attractions has officially hit the market. The family that has managed the impressive 134-foot height in Baker, California, indicates that they can no longer handle the upkeep required for its operation. The selling price has not been revealed,
Although not a traditional thermometer, it is actually a three-sided digital display that indicates temperatures measured by sensors inside its structure. Since its initial illumination in 1992, the “thermometer” has attracted countless travelers off the I-15 route between Las Vegas and Southern California.
The Herron family, who have maintained the landmark, expressed, “As we transition into retirement, we find it increasingly difficult to dedicate the hands-on time that this site deserves. While some family members reside locally, they are engaged in their own careers, and others have moved out of state, leaving no one ready to manage daily operations.”
They are optimistic about locating a buyer who shares their enthusiasm for this landmark and possesses the means to ensure its future success.
Bun Warmer
Back in 1956, Willis Herron became a co-owner of the Bun Boy restaurant on Baker Boulevard, known for its famed strawberry pie and delicate pancakes.
The original Bun Boy was destroyed by a kitchen fire in 1990. Herron rebuilt it using insurance funds but aimed for something grander to give Baker a distinctive identity rather than just being a roadside stop.
Baker was primarily recognized for two things:
- Intense heat
- A brief stop along the way to another destination
To capitalize on the area’s heat fame, Herron enlisted YESCO (Young Electric Sign Co.)—the same company behind Vegas Vic and numerous Vegas signs—to create a monumental temperature display.
The entire project incurred a cost of approximately $700,000.
Under the Weather
Before the thermometer was even turned on, misfortune struck as high winds—reportedly reaching 70 mph—damaged the structure, breaking it in half, and impacted the gift shop underneath.
YESCO managed to rebuild it, fortifying the steel framework with 125 cubic yards of concrete. The thermometer finally illuminated on October 9, 1992.
Eight years later, a health-challenged Herron sold the thermometer and surrounding properties—including the Bun Boy and an adjacent motel—to a Burger King franchisee. In 2005, this franchisee sold the properties to local entrepreneur Matt Pike, who transformed the Bun Boy into a Bob’s Big Boy.
By 2012, Pike had to turn off the thermometer to avoid incurring an $8,000 monthly electricity bill. Even in darkness, the landmark continued attracting visitors, prompting Barbara Herron—Willis’s widow—to express interest in repurchasing it.
Pike’s asking price of $1.75 million was deemed excessive, but after a foreclosure and a federal court ruling, ownership was transferred. In 2014, during a ceremony attended by most of Baker’s approximately 900 residents, Barbara switched the thermometer back on, now illuminating with energy-efficient LEDs.
Barbara Herron passed away in 2022, leaving ownership to her children, who are now seeking a new buyer.