Nebraska: Carhenge
Stonehenge is one of Britain’s most flocked-to landmarks, thanks to its stunningly beautiful visuals, its palpable sense of history and its continued use as a place of spiritual pilgrimage. Nebraska’s Carhenge is also plenty visually commanding, but it isn’t anywhere near as old nor as timeless looking. With that said, if you like silver spray paint obscuring vintage American cars, you’ll have a blast!
Missouri: Nuclear Waste Adventure Trail and Museum
Missouri’s Nuclear Waste Adventure Trail and Museum sounds both eerily chipper and vaguely dystopian, and that’s precisely the vibe this bizarre tourist attraction offers. Essentially, this destination is just 1.5 million cubic yards of toxic waste, made safe after being buried and abandoned for decades. Now you can wander this barren landscape knowing asbestos, mercury, radium and radioactive uranium are all under your feet – fun!
New York: Times Square
New York is one of the most exciting destinations in America, with amazing food, incredible nightlife, an amazing theatre district and tons of beautiful parks and landmarks. Maybe the only place in the entire state you shouldn’t visit is Times Square, which offers up a watered-down, lowest common denominator version of all the state’s appeal.
Kentucky: Ark Encounter
Kentucky’s Ark Encounter certainly makes an immediate visual impression, as its imposing and allegedly biblically to-scale Noah’s Ark is undeniably hard to ignore. However, with eye-watering admission prices that start at $40 per adult and $28 per child, you should probably skip it and go somewhere where the ziplining doesn’t cost an additional fee.
Maryland: Ripley’s Believe it or Not
Plenty of states have their own Ripley’s Believe It or Not museums, and there are even a couple of international installations of this dubious institution. Nevertheless, given that Baltimore, Maryland is famed for its history, architectural beauty and thriving art scene, choosing to spend time at this cheesy faux museum is difficult to defend.
Minnesota: Mall of America
No mall should be high on your list of to-visit destinations when you travel, even if the mall in question is the largest one in the country. Minnesota’s Mall of America is impressive in its sheer scale and audacity but, unless you’re a passionate fan of the Rainforest or Hard Rock Cafe, you’ll find little to do other than spend money and get overstimulated.
New Mexico: Roswell
New Mexico is basically synonymous with Roswell at this point, so it should surprise no one to know that the whole town is alien-crazy. Stores, museums, theaters and even gas stations are all decked out with little green men at all times of the year, so unless you’re an immense fan of tinfoil hats, pulpy sci-fi novels and kitsch, you might want to skip it.
Arizona: The Four Corners
Standing on the intersection of four states might sound cool but, aside from the photo opportunity, it makes for a pretty anticlimactic visit. Even ignoring the fact that the actual spot where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah meet is some 1,800 feet from where it is marked, in order to visit the site you have to drive to the middle of nowhere.
Georgia: The World of Coca-Cola
Museums are fun, and everyone loves soda, so it stands to reason that combining the two is a good idea. In reality though, Georgia’s World of Coca-Cola is just a crowded tourist trap with overpriced novelty flavors and unenthusiastic guided tours. Kids might get a kick out of it for ten minutes, but they’ll go home with a sugar high and headache.
Louisiana: Bourbon Street
New Orleans is one of America’s cultural epicentres, but that doesn’t mean all of it is created equal. While Bourbon Street is often a tourist’s first port of call, it’s not a good representation of what the city has to offer. Instead, its primary exports are overpriced cocktails, all-night loud music, and food that would be better if you ventured even slightly off the beaten path.
Connecticut: Wild Bill’s Nostalgia Store
Do you want to see a Soviet-era hockey jersey? Or a 60-year-old copy of Playboy? Or the world’s largest jack-in-the-box? Americans across the country would make a quick stop at this roadside cabinet of curiosities but not much else. The fact that you can buy some of these relics isn’t enough to make this attraction pop.
Delaware: Rehoboth Beach boardwalk
Boardwalks are often overrated but Rehoboth Beach’s boardwalk takes the cake. Chock-full of tourists and with high prices to match, this spot has been the subject of ire thanks to the extremely rare parking spots and ludicrous prices. If you’re ever in Delaware, choose literally anywhere else and you’ll have a good time.
Oregon: Undersea Gardens
Tourists can enter this underwater room for about half an hour to watch divers mingle with natural wildlife. Sadly, this USP isn’t quite enough after the initial five-minute novelty. To make matters even more pointless, there are sea lions above the surface that you won’t need to cough up money to see.
South Carolina: South of the Border
South of the Border is a roadside attraction that contains restaurants, gas stations, a video arcade, a motel, a truck stop, a small amusement park, a mini golf course, and fireworks stores. Opened in 1950, it sits just below the border of North and South Carolina. Pit stops are hardly much to write home about, but this is simply uninspired.
Illinois: The Magnificent Mile
This “attraction” encompasses the 13-block stretch of North Michigan Avenue that runs from the banks of the Chicago River to the south, to Oak Street to the north. The ‘Magnificent Mile’ is basically just a street of shops and restaurants – not exactly magnificent, is it?
West Virginia: Congressional Bunker
Have you ever wanted to see where all the hot-shot politicians would’ve lived in the event of an apocalypse? For $34 you can, at West Virginia’s Congressional Bunker! The idea seems pretty cool, but the 90-minute reality of looking at wooden bunk beds, canned food and cinder block walls is in fact pretty boring.
Vermont: Rock of Ages
Who’s for some big granite? Vermont’s Rock of Ages (not the musical film starring Tom Cruise) is a giant quarry being slowly chipped away thanks to the kind efforts of a company that makes tombstones. This attraction is a weird one, and too dull to justify a trip. Save your money for the Grand Canyon.
Maine: The Desert
The Desert in Maine is not actually a desert but a stretch of land. That alone tells you enough about this attraction. This is a glacial silt engulfed by thousands of pine trees famous in the region. The Desert is natural at least, though it comes with plaster camels and other kitsch items. 30,000 misguided tourists visit every year.
New Hampshire: Clark’s Trading Spot
Come on over to Clark’s Trading Spot if you’re down for fun on bumper boats, Segways and a steam train. Be first in line to see the performing bear shows, even if keeping trained bears for entertainment is horrifically out-dated. This New Hampshire attraction has seen much, much better days.
Washington: Gum Wall
Seattle, Washington is the birthplace of Starbucks, but if coffee isn’t your thing, the gum wall may scratch your touristy itch. This brick wall near the city’s Pike Place Market is covered in sticky, germ-ridden chewing gum left by visitors. It’s scraped off every few years though, so don’t expect to see your gum there each trip.
Oklahoma: JM Davis Arms and Historical Museum
If you’re a total gun nut, the JM Davis Arms and Historical Museum is heaven on earth. The majority of the 50,000 artefacts here are firearms from a private collection dating back to the 14th century. For those who aren’t obsessed with guns, this is one slog of an attraction.
Rhode Island: Mysterious ‘Viking Tower’
Rhode Island’s Mysterious Viking Tower was said to have been built by, you guessed it, Vikings. Carbon dating, though, has definitively proved the structure is actually the remains of a windmill built in the 17th century, making this ‘Viking Tower’ actually the much less cool-sounding 1600s farm ruin.
Mississippi: The birthplace of Elvis
We have a weird fascination with seeing the birthplaces of artists and singers, no matter how dull the birthplace. Elvis’ Mississippi birthplace, though, is really poor. This two-room shack is remarkable insofar as it once belonged to someone who would become a giant. Go find a nice restaurant instead.
Nevada: The fake Venetian gondolas
This feels a bit futile given that the whole point of Las Vegas is that it’s tacky. You don’t come here to chin-scratch at architecture and paintings. All the same, the Venetian gondolas are not worth your time or money. $116 for a 15-minute ride ruined by drunk gamblers? No thank you.
North Dakota: The Enchanted Highway
Scrap metal is scrap. Trying to make anything pretty out of is a big ask. The Enchanted Highway dared to dream, you have to give it that, but these giant scrap metal grasshoppers, fish and humans should be viewed from the comfort of a moving car and not stable feet.
Florida: Epcot
There are four Disney parks in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and Epcot is 100% the worst. The only thing worth doing here is to stand in front of the big famous Epcot golf ball and take a picture that you can put on Instagram so your friends can see it and go, “Wow, look at them in front of Epcot’s big famous golf ball!”
Colorado: Buffalo Bill Grave and Museum
Buffalo Bill is an American legend. One of the most famous cowboys of all time, his grave can be visited in Colorado at the Buffalo Bill Grave and Museum. Some advice: don’t do it. This place opened in 1921 and hasn’t changed much since. Also, it’s essentially a grave. Are you willing to pay money to see a grave?
Texas: The Big Texan
The Big Texan is great for outsiders wanting to experience this mammoth state under one loud, kitschy roof. For everyone else, including locals, it’s a bit of a slap in the face. Famous for it buzzy 72-ounce steak challenge, this leans into cliche just that little bit too much for it to be guiltily enjoyable.
Indiana: NCAA Hall of Champions
The NCAA Hall of Champions sounds grand but there’s scant memorabilia on display and the memorabilia that is there only pays homage to student-athletes. For better bang for your buck, you can drive 50 miles east to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in New Castle.
Wisconsin: Mars Cheese Castle
The biggest problem with Mars Cheese Castle is that not’s even made of cheese. Nor is it a real castle. Wisconsin is famous for its cheese but this attraction doesn’t seem to capitalise on that in any respectable way. Sure, you can buy cheese, sausages, and condiments here, but they’ll set you on the road to bankruptcy.
Michigan: Mystery Spot
Michigan has a few options for visitors. They can navigate their way around a maze, play golf and even fly down a zip line. But its main attraction is the slanted shacks built onto hills that people can pose in as if they’re defying gravity. This is a reasonably good photo opp and not much else, sadly.
Alabama: Ave Maria Grotto
Who doesn’t love a mini-city made out of cement and garbage? Alabama’s Ave Maria Grotto was built by Brother Joseph, a Benedictine monk, and is sometimes referred to as ‘Little Jerusalem’. Containing 125 miniature religious statues and grottos, it’s one of the weirder, and more overrated attractions.
Iowa: Future Birthplace of Captain Kirk
A Trekkie mayor in Iowa read Making of Star Trek found out that Captain Kirk would be born in an unknown small town in the state, and decided to erect this ‘attraction’ for other lovers of the franchise. This plaque is a funny box tick for Kirk heads but offers little else in the way of a good time.
Pennsylvania: the Liberty Bell
American students are taught about the Liberty Bell constantly in school, giving it a real mythic quality. You wonder how cracked it is, how big it is. You even picture yourself touching the sacred relic. Then you see it and it’s quite small and unremarkable. And you absolutely cannot touch it.
Tennessee: Graceland
Let’s be real, the true draw of Graceland is that it’s the exact place Elvis died. We want to see the toilet. Hell, the staff probably want to see the toilet. And yet it’s off-limits to everyone. At best, you see the funky Jungle Room, his kitschy sports room with a dozen TVs and his grave in the garden. Underwhelming for the $30.
Wyoming: Frontier Prison
As far as prison attractions go, Wyoming’s Frontier Prison is no Alcatraz, but it’s a relatively good museum of torture. Avoid bringing children here, though, as tour guides will let you sit in gas chambers and see the infamous ‘punishment pole’. Overall, it’s a damp squib.
Arkansas: Crater of Diamond State Park
Kids! Who wants to go digging? On paper, the Crater of Diamond State Park seems like a riot. Searching for diamonds? Awesome. In reality, it’s just a 37 ½-acre ploughed dirt field. The attraction is going strong, having opened in 1906, despite the fact you’re probably not gonna find any diamonds.
Hawaii: Waikiki
This goes for the whole place really. Waikiki was pretty much designed to accommodate tourists. It’s therefore teeming with pricey hotels, pricier restaurants and a bunch of chain stores holding court before a jam-packed beach. If you’re looking for a genuine Hawaiian experience, leave Waikiki.
Alaska: The North Pole
The Winter Wonderland experience in any country or state hardly ever lives up to the expectations of children. They’re also usually propped up by bored teenage employees. Don’t come to one of America’s most beautiful, preserved states for this disaster.
Idaho: Craters of the Moon
There’s a reason we haven’t gone back to the moon since the 1970s. Not only is it expensive, it’s boring as well. Idaho’s Crater of the Moon suffers from the same curse. This surreal landscape can pique our interest for a few minutes, but after that, you’ll be craving home.
Hawaii: Dole Plantation Pineapple Maze
Sure, Hawaii has beaches, volcanoes, and cultural hotspots aplenty, but if you find yourself wandering through the Dole Plantation Pineapple Maze, you might wonder why you’re wasting your time on what is essentially a glorified garden path. Granted, it holds the title of the world’s largest maze, but that doesn’t make it any less tedious.
Georgia: The Lunch Box Museum
There’s nostalgia, and then there’s a whole museum dedicated to old lunch boxes. Tucked away in Georgia, The Lunch Box Museum could be a delightful trip down memory lane for some. But, for most, it’s just a collection of dusty tin boxes that once held sandwiches and fruit snacks. Unless you’re a hardcore lunch box enthusiast, maybe pass on this one.
New Jersey: Lucy the Elephant
In a state known for its shorelines and iconic boardwalks, the 65-foot wooden elephant named Lucy might catch your eye. While it’s quirky, it’s a wonder how this six-story structure became a key New Jersey attraction. For a momentary detour? Sure. But as a must-see spot? You’d be better off visiting an actual zoo.
Oklahoma: Pops
Pops in Oklahoma is a blend of a gas station, eatery, and soda ranch. Its claim to fame: a gigantic neon pop bottle and over 700 types of soda. Ideal for those seeking a sugary treat, its appeal might not go beyond that for some. A unique stop for sure, but whether it’s a prime attraction is subjective.
Idaho: Center of the Universe Manhole
There’s a spot in Idaho where you can stand and proclaim to be at the Center of the Universe. And that spot is… a manhole. While it’s a local landmark, it may not be worth going out of your way to see. Unless you’re a manhole enthusiast, this might not be your center of the universe.
Montana: Miracle of America Museum
Montana’s Miracle of America Museum boasts thousands of artifacts – a seemingly haphazard collection of anything and everything, from motorcycles to dolls. But while it claims to be a testament to American history, it feels more like a cluttered attic than a curated exhibition.
Idaho: Idaho Potato Museum
A museum dedicated to… potatoes? While it sounds unique (and Idaho is proud of its potato status), the Idaho Potato Museum is a bit bland. You’ll find everything from vintage farming tools to a hall of fame celebrating the potato. There’s a charm to it, but it may not be worth going out of your way for.
Utah: Hole In The Rock
Utah, with its amazing red rock formations and national parks, is a beautiful place. Yet, amidst all this, there’s the Hole In The Rock. This home carved into the stone seems promising at first, but once you’re inside, you realize that it’s just… a home, in a rock. Plus, the oddly placed zoo outside doesn’t add much to the appeal.
South Dakota: Wall Drug Store
From its humble beginnings as a 1930s drugstore, Wall Drug has expanded into a sprawling 76,000-square-foot spectacle. Advertisements for this place stretch for hundreds of miles in either direction, promising free ice water and 5-cent coffee. But what actually awaits is a maze of overpriced food and souvenirs.
Arizona: O.K. Corral
The famous site of the 1881 Gunfight at the O.K. Corral might be steeped in Wild West history, but its modern-day counterpart is all tourist trap. For the price of admission, you get a short (30 seconds), dramatized reenactment that’s more comedy than history. The surrounding town tries to maintain an Old West feel, but it ends up feeling like an underwhelming theme park.
Illinois: Busy Beaver Button Museum
Buttons, buttons, and more buttons! That’s what you’ll find at the Busy Beaver Button Museum. While the history of button-making and designs can be interesting to a select few, many find it just plain boring. A niche attraction that may have you scrambling for the exit button.
Massachusetts: Quincy Market
Boston, with its rich history and charm, offers so much. Quincy Market, however, is not its shining star. While it’s architecturally impressive, its insides feel like a standard shopping mall food court — expensive and not representative of the city’s cuisine. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a quick walkthrough, but don’t let it be your meal destination.
Indiana: Ball of Paint
There’s abstract art, and then there’s Indiana’s Ball of Paint. What started as a baseball has now grown to enormous proportions, thanks to thousands of layers of paint. It’s a quirky spot, but aside from a quick photo, there’s not much else to do. A colorful oddity but perhaps not a must-visit.
Arizona: The Thing
Located along I-10 in Arizona, The Thing billboards are all over the highway, promising mystery, and intrigue. The anticipation builds as you approach, but ultimately, The Thing is an odd assortment of artifacts with a questionable main attraction. The mystery surrounding what The Thing is might be its draw, but once the secret’s out, it’s a bit of a letdown.
Iowa: Iowa’s Largest Frying Pan
In the land of agriculture and cornfields stands a monument to… breakfast? Iowa’s Largest Frying Pan is indeed large, but beyond a quick chuckle and a photo, there’s not much frying to be done here. Unless you’re carrying a giant egg, perhaps whisk yourself away to a more engaging destination.
Kansas: World’s Largest Ball of Twine
Kansas is no stranger to some quirky attractions, but the World’s Largest Ball of Twine takes the crown. While the dedication of a community to keep rolling twine into an enormous ball is… commendable, visitors might find themselves scratching their heads. Sure, it’s impressively big, but then again, it’s still just twine.
Louisiana: Nicolas Cage’s Pyramid Tomb
Amongst the rich history and vibrant culture of New Orleans lies Nicolas Cage’s future resting place: a giant white pyramid tomb. It’s a jarring sight amongst the traditional tombs, and one can’t help but wonder if Cage is planning on mummifying himself. A bizarre pitstop on any Louisiana tour.
Maryland: Peep Show at Carroll Arts Council
Not the kind of peep show you might be thinking of. This event celebrates the iconic Easter candy, marshmallow Peeps. Artists use these sugary chicks and bunnies to craft dioramas and sculptures. It’s sticky, sweet, and only for the most die-hard Peep enthusiasts.
Massachusetts: Plymouth Rock
History buffs might feel compelled to visit the famous landing spot of the Pilgrims. Unfortunately, many are left wondering if Plymouth Rock is the real deal or just another stone. With a fenced enclosure and a carved date, it’s no more exciting than reading about it in your history textbook.
Montana: Smelter Stack
Chimneys are generally designed to be functional, not tourist attractions. But the Smelter Stack in Montana is the exception, being one of the tallest free-standing brick structures in the world. Sure, it’s tall, but once you’ve looked up and said, “Yep, that’s a tall chimney,” there’s little else to do.
New York: The Rink at Rockefeller Center
While iconic, many might find The Rink at Rockefeller Center overrated, especially with hordes of tourists and sky-high prices for a brief glide. For a more serene experience, lace up your skates elsewhere and watch the Rockefeller scene from a cozy cafe nearby.
South Dakota: Corn Palace
The Corn Palace stands as a quirky testament to South Dakota’s agricultural heritage. With its intricate murals crafted entirely from corn, it might pique your curiosity at first glance. Yet, after the initial amazement fades, what remains is essentially an oversized grain tribute in a town setting.
Montana: Testicle Festival
Yes, you read that right. Montana’s Testicle Festival celebrates the culinary… delight of eating deep-fried animal testicles. While it has its share of dedicated followers, many find the experience a bit hard to swallow. If you’re not feeling adventurous with your taste buds, you might want to pass on this particular festivity.
Pennsylvania: Big Mac Museum
Celebrating an iconic fast-food sandwich, the Big Mac Museum in North Huntingdon offers a larger-than-life statue of the famous burger and some quirky exhibits. While a trip might satiate your nostalgic hunger pangs, you’re likely left wondering if this museum is a genuine tribute or just an oversized ad.
North Carolina: Land of Oz Theme Park
The Wizard of Oz is timeless, but its North Carolina park counterpart? Not so much. After a 1980 fire, its allure waned. The sporadically open park now showcases a faux Yellow Brick Road with a “jaundiced hue.” While offering nostalgia, it often feels more like a relic, attracting vandals more than enchanted visitors.
Texas: Stonehenge II
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but Texas’ Stonehenge II might be taking it a bit far. While it’s a noble attempt at replicating the iconic British monument, it lacks the historical weight and majesty. An amusing photo op, but stone-cold in comparison to the original.
Wisconsin: World’s Largest Six-Pack
Located in La Crosse, this gigantic ode to beer is certainly a sight to behold. Although it’s an amusing photo-op, it’s essentially just a set of painted storage tanks. The promise of endless beer is just a façade, as the tanks are actually filled with water.
Connecticut: Holy Land USA
Once a theme park dedicated to biblical stories, Holy Land USA now sits largely abandoned, though efforts to revitalize it have taken place. The decaying structures and eerily empty streets might make for a unique Instagram photo-op, but they hardly capture the inspirational atmosphere it once promised.
Florida: City of Live Mermaids
Florida is known for its peculiar attractions, but the City of Live Mermaids might just take the cake. It promises underwater performances of ‘mermaids’ in a natural spring, which could enchant some children, but for many adults, the spectacle falls flat.
New Mexico: Walter White’s House
From the iconic series Breaking Bad, Walter White’s house in Albuquerque draws fans eager for a slice of TV nostalgia. While many make the pilgrimage, some overly enthusiastic visitors have taken to re-enacting the infamous pizza-throwing scene, much to the homeowners’ dismay. Remember, it’s a private residence, not a film set.
