Ditch the Crowds: Skip These Overhyped Tourist Traps in the United States!

There are tons of sights to see and things to do across the United States. These places draw tons of visitors every year, and people travel hundreds and thousands of miles just to see or do something new. But, some of the most popular travel destinations have become tourist traps. Some places don’t meet expectations, and people get let down. Instead of wasting your time and money seeking these tourist destinations, it is better to skip them and do better things with your well-earned time and hard-earned money. So, read on to learn what tourist destinations to avoid in all 50 states across the United States.

Market Theater Gum Wall: Seattle, Washington

Seattle, Washington, is full of sights to see. Known for Starbucks, Seattle has grown as a tourist destination. Besides being known for its coffee culture, Seattle is also home to the Market Theater Gum Wall. If you are a germaphobe, or things get under your skin easily, then the Gum wall probably isn’t for you. 

Underneath Pike Place Market lies Market Theater and its wall covered entirely in chewed-up and spit-out chewing gum. The tradition dates to 1993 when visitors stuck coins to the wall solely using chewed-up gum. Considering that Emerald City is famous for numerous things, it might be best to skip the Gum Wall and visit other destinations instead.

Times Square: New York, New York

Travel guides always recommend that those who visit New York hit the city and Times Square for the first time. But, every true New Yorker knows to avoid Manhattan’s Times Square at all costs, so you should too. 

Located in the center of Manhattan, Times Square is crowded and full of expensive souvenirs and chain restaurants that aren’t unique to this region. The area is also home to gigantic stores and people dressed in outrageous costumes to take photos with. For those who don’t like crowds especially, Times Square is not the place for you.

Corn Palace: Mitchell, South Dakota

South Dakota is known for its breathtaking national parks and other natural wonders. Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, and Mount Rushmore are just a few sights people love to visit in South Dakota. While these are popular and with good reason, another tourist attraction: the Corn Palace, is incredibly overrated. 

The Corn Palace is a building covered in murals made from corn and other grains. It serves as a concert venue and hosts concerts, sporting events, and other occasions. The bottom line is that if you aren’t attending a show or game at this venue, it is not worth going out of your way to visit.

Shell Service Station: Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Winston-Salem, North Carolina’s Shell Station, has been around since the 1930s, following a decision to build it in the 1920s. When first opening stations around the United States, When first opening stations around the United States, R.H. Burton and his son Ralph built the structure to bring awareness to the Shell gas station brand. 

The bright yellow and red-shaped shell building is the only structure left out of the eight constructed in the area. It is located at Sprauge and Peachtree streets, and it is recognized as a historic landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market: Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts, is a huge tourist area. There are many sights to see and things to do within the Northeastern city. But, Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market could be skipped. Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market is a staple of downtown Boston, but just like New York’s Times Square, locals know that it is a tourist hub.

The long building is a marketplace containing a food hall where visitors can have a hearty meal and shops where visitors can shop til they drop. Sure, this sounds like fun, but there are also plenty of other beautiful places to eat and shop in Boston that are more worthy of checking out.

Venetian Gondolas: Las Vegas, Nevada

What would Las Vegas, Nevada be without its tourist attractions? Since this city in the desert is known for fun and excitement, of course, it also has its fair share of tourist traps. However, one of the biggest attractions that sucks people in is the Venetian gondolas. 

Modeled after Italy’s gondola rides, passengers are taken around to view the area’s hotels, shops, and other attractions. Sure, it sounds fun in theory, but it is a stretch from the genuine gondola experience that people are looking for. Instead, passengers have said it feels like floating through a chlorinated pool for a few minutes for a high, unworthy cost.

Liberty Bell: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell is a staple of American history. After all, the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the bell was rung after the deed was done. As a result, people line up to see the broken bell in person and wait 30 minutes to take a picture of the historical artifact. 

But. the reality is that this time could be spent on other adventures. There are many things to see and do in the City of Brotherly Love, but going to Old City to see the Liberty Love is worth doing once in a lifetime, if even at all.

Hollywood Sign: Los Angeles, California

Hollywood is world-renowned for making movies, so movie fanatics and tourists alike flock to California to see the Hollywood sign in person. Though people might want to touch the sign, it is currently illegal. Nevertheless, this hyped-up tourist trap is something to look at from afar, especially when it comes to photo opportunities.

Besides the Hollywood sign, the city’s Walk of Fame is also overrated, but at least with that attraction, you can get close to the brass stars embedded in the sidewalks. If you find yourself in Los Angeles, the best way to get the most out of the city would be to check out restaurants, retail shops, and museums instead.

Waikiki Beach: Oahu, Hawaii

The tropical paradise known as Hawaii doesn’t have much of a downside. But, Waikiki Beach is one of those areas explicitly designed to please tourists. Essentially, Waikiki Beach is a strip of hotels, expensive shops, and chain restaurants accompanied by a crowded beach. 

Waikiki Beach is more similar to other travel destinations in America than to the rest of Hawaii. However, suppose you are looking for a more authentic Hawaiian experience. In that case, it is best to visit places that show off the island’s natural wonders, such as Pipiwai Trail in Maui or Lanai Lookout, which is also located in Oahu, not far from Waikiki Beach.

Alien Sanctuary Town: Roswell, New Mexico

For all of the alien believers out there, the city of Roswell, New Mexico, is the perfect place for you to visit. However, if you aren’t a fan of extraterrestrial life and UFOs, the town certainly is not for you. This town is the alleged “flying disc” landing site that resembles a UFO in 1947. 

Following the crash, the town created a tourist industry centered around aliens and featuring UFO memorabilia, appealing to a particular group of those that love outer space. But, if we’re being honest, this town can be seen in a day and is not with anyone’s time who is not enamored with this stuff.

Walt Disney World’s Epcot: Orlando, Florida

Disney World is said to be the happiest place on earth. The amusement world contains multiple parks and is divided into two sections called Future World and World Showcase. The more prominent part, the World Showcase, has country-themed pavilions where people can try different foods and drinks worldwide. 

This park has rides too, but not as many as the other sectors of Walt Disney World. In addition, the pavilions do come off as flashy, and many park goers and Disney fanatics believe that Disney World’s other parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios, are better places to spend time and money.

Mall of America: Bloomington, Minnesota

Bloomington, Minnesota’s Mall of America is the largest shopping mall that the United States has ever seen. Featuring over 555 stores, an entire theme park, and an aquarium, this is the perfect place to bring children and adults who are still children at heart. 

In addition, this mall is the perfect place for those who love shopping, but it can be overwhelming for the common folk and those simply uninterested in such endeavors. Mall of America’s heavy crowds is also something to watch out for. A place like this can certainly feel like sensory overload.

Beale Street: Memphis, Tennessee

Back in the 1920s, Blues music was all the rage across the United States. Specifically, Memphis, Tennessee, is a significant location in American music history because it is where early blues originated. Famous, young blues musicians performed on streets, including Beale Street in Memphis. 

This street used to be a hub for blues clubs, restaurants, outdoor concerts, and more. But, as years passed, Beale Street has become very corporate and lost some of its magic and original blues culture. Tourists just end up visiting an overcrowded and overpriced part of town. From the looks of it, visitors could get a more authentic look at Memphis in other areas of the city.

The Alamo: San Antonio, Texas

Perhaps one of Texas’s most famous tourist attractions, The Alamo Mission, is located in San Antonio. This is where Texas fought for Independence from Mexico. Though Texas lost the battle, the mission serves as a monument where tourists can take photographs and learn more about Texas’s history. 

Sure, it seems interesting to see a famous, historically significant building in person. But it is just a stone building within a park. But, The Alamo isn’t far from San Antonio River Walk, which is another and maybe a more exciting site to see in Central Texas.

Magnificent Mile: Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, Illinois, also known as the Windy City, lies along the shores of Lake Michigan. It has a thriving arts scene and features cultural attractions, beautiful architecture, and shopping. One of the city’s most prominent tourist destinations is The Magnificent Mile. The Magnificent Mile features high-end shops, upscale restaurants, museums, and lavish hotels.

 It is the Chicago equivalent of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and Fifth Avenue in New York’s Manhattan. Looking at the big picture, most of the Magnificent Mile’s attractions can be found in most American cities. When in a city like Chicago, tourists would be better off checking out Millennium Park or Willis Tower to enhance their city experience.

World of Coca-Cola: Atlanta, Georgia

The World of Coca-Cola is a huge tourist attraction in the center of Atlanta that draws in millions of tourists each year. Patrons are introduced to how soda is bottled, can taste test the company’s different drinks, and there are numerous photo opportunities for people to take advantage of. 

While it is interesting to learn about the classic soda, many people felt that the crowds were too overwhelming for a place that was essentially a giant advertisement. As a result, there was not much history for visitors to learn about after the invention of Coca-Cola’s formula. With that being said, Atlanta has many less crowded and commercialized attractions for everyone to enjoy.

Atlantic City Boardwalk: Atlantic City, New Jersey

The Jersey shore is one of New Jersey’s biggest tourist attractions. Specifically, New Jersey’s Atlantic City has a reputation for being overrated. Atlantic City has been referred to as the east coast’s version of Las Vegas. But, many visitors consider it to be less than that. In Atlantic City, the boardwalk is the main feature. 

Years ago, the area was hopping and bopping. However, in recent years, it has become a run-down beach town lacking its former glamour resulting in tacky souvenir shops, big casinos, and unnecessary touristy traffic in recent years.

Carhenge: Alliance, Nebraska

You’ve heard of England’s Stonehenge. But, have you heard of Alliance, Nebraska’s Carhenge? The answer is probably no, which is more than okay! Tourists, primarily Americans who do not want to travel abroad, flock to Carhenge for a similar experience. The Stonehenge replica, Carhenge, was created in 1987 by Jim Reinders as a memorial to his father. 

Essentially, Carhenge is a collection of vintage, grey spray-painted automobiles piled and constructed to look like Stonehenge. While it has appeared in film, music, and television programs and commercials over the years, tourists are better off taking a trip to England instead. If we’re being honest, the original Stonehenge is much more worth a trip.

Santa Claus House: North Pole, Alaska

The North Pole, Alaska’s Santa Claus House, is perfect for anyone who loves Christmas and the holiday season. This house opened in 1952 and featured a 50-foot Santa Claus statue. In addition, the house was designed for those who love spreading holiday cheer. 

Besides the Santa Claus statue, arguably the house’s main attraction, there are also reindeer, photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a gift shop with Christmas merchandise to satisfy year-round Christmas wishes. For Christmas lovers, this place is paradise. But, to the Grinches of the world, and the rest of us, this just sounds like an overrated gift shop in Alaska.

Craters of the Moon: Central Idaho

With the name Craters of the Moon, visitors would expect something unworldly, extraterrestrial. Right? Well, the Craters of the Moon National Park does not live up to the hype. Instead, this national monument in Idaho allows visitors to experience a landscape made of volcanic rock.

There is no denying that this landmark is lovely to look at. For a good few minutes, it serves as a scenic byway. It has everything from immense mountains to lava flows. While it spans a great distance, the truth is it won’t be exciting for more than ten or so minutes. Maybe that is a sign that Idaho has other beautiful wonders that are more worthy of visiting.

NCAA Hall of Champions: Indianapolis, Indiana

Some museums provide great insight into a topic of interest. For example, when it comes to college sports, you would think that the NCAA Hall of Champions, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, would be a great place to visit. But, the museum is incredibly underwhelming and in dire need of an update.

There is a surprisingly small amount of memorabilia on display for the amount of time college sports have been a prevalent form of entertainment. Anyone could look at everything in the entire museum in a half-hour or less. College sports fans looking to learn more about Basketball specifically are better off going to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in New Castle instead.

Viking Tower: Newport, Rhode Island

This tiny tower, known as the Mysterious Viking Tower, is located in the middle of Newport, Rhode Island. This landmark is peculiar, but perhaps too peculiar since nobody knows anything about this building. People have pondered who built this building and why for centuries. 

But, legend has it that the structure was built by Vikings, making it one of the oldest buildings in the country. While there is no proof of this, it’s a decent enough story for those who believe it. However, the speculation gets old rather quickly. Sure, some mystery is fun, but this building is a bit much.

South of the Border: Hamer, South Carolina

Located right across the border of North Carolina into South Carolina is one of the most glorified tourist attractions on this list: South of the Border. The gas station, featuring a restaurant and an adjoining gift shop, acts as a landmark for those entering or leaving the state of South Carolina. 

The intentionally tacky tourist restaurant and larger-than-average gift shop are nothing special. Unless you are craving the food they sell at the South of the Border restaurant or need to fill up your tank with gas, there is no good reason to stop and spend time at South of the Border.

Moqui Cave: Kanab, Utah

This sandstone erosion “cave,” also known as the Moqui Cave, is located in Kanab, Utah. Despite having the word “cave” directly in its name, this structure is not even a cave built or used by Native Americans. Instead, it was created by erosion.

Deemed an ancient landmark and museum, the reality of this place is that it is a glorified gift shop. It is excellent for a fancy souvenir and spending money on a subpar museum, but it lacks the substance needed for any decent and correctly rated tourist attraction.

Rock of Ages: Graniteville, Vermont

Often confused with the musical comedy Rock of Ages is the esteemed tourist attraction by the same name located in Graniteville, Vermont. This giant granite quarry is a lovely sight for a few minutes, but it gets boring. 

The bottom line is that this quarry is nothing like the Grand Canyon, which is a much more incredible site to see. While there is a tour that accompanies the Rock of Ages at a small price, it is provided by a tombstone-making company which makes things a little dark. Not only that, their gift shop sells overpriced granite-themed items that aren’t worth purchasing.

Mars Cheese Castle: Kenosha, Wisconsin

The state of Wisconsin is known for many things, but it is best known for its glorious cheeses and its cheese-themed attractions. One of them is the Mars Cheese Castle. This solid-colored, robust castle is planted along the I-94 highway to attract tourists driving, and it does a great job. 

The Mars Castle is a prominent tourist trap, selling tons of expensive cheese, sausages, condiments, crackers and other delectable items. These are all excellent food options, but the prices are so inflated that it is the epitome of a money grab. However, tourists and locals don’t seem to mind, probably because anything involving cheese is a good thing.

Cannon Beach: Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach is just as picturesque as any tourist attraction that graces this list. But, it is just like every other beach. Everything in the town, the beach included, can be seen in less than one day. Cannon Beach does have a very laidback feel which is desirable for vacation goers, but it has some cons that make the spot as overrated as they come. 

In addition, large crowds always flock to this area, especially during the summertime, which makes the entire experience less enjoyable. Visitors should also keep in mind that Cannon Beach is the most upscale of the beach towns in Oregon, and hotel prices are always through the roof.

A Christmas Story House: Cleveland, Ohio

People are suckers for anything that has to do with the holidays. That includes tourist attractions, especially those known for spreading holiday cheer. So here we have the A Christmas Story house in Cleveland, Ohio. Essentially, the house is the location of where the 1983 comedy A Christmas Story was filmed. 

People who are enamored with this movie would love this house. But, the reality is it is just another house in Ohio. So, why bother standing in line and paying to see an ordinary home when you can see something more worthwhile?

Captain Kirk’s Future Birthplace: Riverside, Iowa

Star Trek fanatics know that the main character and leader of the USS Enterprise, Captain Kirk, is said to be born in Riverside, Iowa. As a result, Star Trek fanatics worldwide make the pilgrimage to this tiny town in Iowa to see a private yard behind a small house featuring a monument. 

This monument is more like a gravestone-like plaque that reads: “Future Birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk, March 22, 2228. Not only that, when Riverside’s mayor and the show’s creator Gene Roddenberry just chose a small town in Iowa to be known as Kirk’s birthplace. So this is overrated, but it is also incorrect and genuinely a tourist trap.

The World’s Largest Ball of Twine: Cawker City, Kansas

There isn’t much to say about this one. To be exact, it is a giant ball of twine, the World’s Largest Ball of Twine. Around the 1950s, this ball began with one resident, and eventually, an entire community helped build the ball of twine. 

Then, they kept working on it until adding to the ball became less funny. Although the story of how the ball of twine came to be is funny, the story and the ball itself are not worth a trip to Kansas. This experience takes just a few minutes and still does not live up to the hype, even if you are driving to a nearby area.

Ave Maria Grotto: Cullman, Alabama

The Ave Maria Grotto is a four-acre park that features 125 miniature reproductions built out of cement and trash. Built by a Benedictine monk named Brother Joseph, formerly called Michael Zoettl, the cave is often referred to as “Little Jerusalem.” 

Featuring mini replicas of the most famous religious structures in the world, the holy shrine in Cullman, Alabama, is constantly flocked by tourists. This tourist trap sounds perfect for those who are religious or art experts since there is nothing to do at the site besides taking photos and praying. But, to each their own.

Crater of Diamonds State Park: Murfreesboro, Arkansas

Crater of Diamonds State Park allows visitors to get up close and personal with diamonds. Considering it is the only course of natural diamonds open to the public in the United States, it has attracted visitors since it opened in 1906.

The idea of digging for diamonds sounds appealing to many. After all, diamonds are a girl’s best friend. But, the park is just a large empty field with people wandering around. So, the chances of finding diamonds are slim but not impossible. Sure, you can test your luck, but you might have a better time visiting a different tourist site in Arkansas.

Buffalo Bill’s Grave and Museum: Lookout Mountain, Colorado

Buffalo Bill is one of the most famous cowboys. So, of course, there is a tourist attraction in his honor. The world-renowned hunter and showman passed away in 1917. He had the most prominent funeral in Colorado history, and the Buffalo Bill Grave and Museum opened in 1921. 

The site hasn’t changed much since it opened. It contains a gravesite and a museum detailing Buffalo Bill’s life. The museum has photographs and artifacts and gives insight into the history of the Old West. Sure, it sounds like a decent attraction, but both the gravesite and museum are nowhere near as cool and exciting as Buffalo Bill was when he was alive.

Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk: Rehoboth, Delaware

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, is situated in eastern Sussex County. It is a family destination with all of the charms of a small beach town. The food is excellent, but the souvenirs are overpriced, and this beach town’s boardwalk primarily draws as many if not more tourists than any boardwalk. 

This area has received complaints about being crowded and lacking available parking spots. While it might be nice to visit this travel destination one time, it is the ultimate tourist trap at the end of the day. But, at least it isn’t the most overrated tourist attraction on this list. 

Ark Encounter and Creation Museum: Williamstown, Kentucky

No matter how religious you might be, seeing Noah’s Ark live and in person should be on everyone’s bucket list. But not when it costs an arm and a leg. The accompanying biblical theme park also features a zip line. So, not only is the theme park pricey, but the zipline is an additional cost on top of that. 

Maybe it would be justifiable if it were an all-inclusive deal to get into the Ark, the Creation Museum, and the theme park. The inside of the museum does take a couple of hours to browse. But, the glorified ode to the Bible still doesn’t live up to its price tag.

The Desert of Maine: Freeport, Maine

If you have ever been to a desert, you know that these plots of land are usually filled with sand and not much else. Though it might look like a natural desert, the Desert of Maine in Freeport, Maine, is just a glacial slit surrounded by pine trees. Considering its name, this is a massive disappointment because it is simply incorrect. 

Besides pine trees, plastic camels are all over the fake desert to make it more realistic and attract tourists. However, the jig is up, and everyone knows that this area is not a desert. So, if you want to visit a small patch of sand, the beach is a much more viable option.

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not: Ocean City, Maryland

Ripley’s Believe It or Not museums provide family fun with mind-boggling exhibits, a mirror maze and even a Laserace. Yes, this could pass a few hours and be a family bonding experience. But, Ripley’s Believe It or Not museums are found around the country.

The franchise can be found in major cities across the country. So, if tourists are flocking to a new place, why would they want to spend time in an area that can be found almost anywhere? Sure, these museums are fun for a rainy day in a beach town, but that’s it. 

The Four Corners: Teec Nos Pos, Arizona

The Four Corners Monument connects Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico, where all four of these states border each other. It is the only area in the United States where four states come together. So if visitors lay across the site where the states cross, they will be in four states at once. We have to admit. 

There is no denying that it is a flex to say you were in four states simultaneously. However, the reality is that the Four Corners monument is in the middle of nowhere, and all there is to do is stand around and take photos. If that wasn’t disappointing enough, reports have claimed that the monument’s lines are inaccurate. Keeping that in mind, there is no point in visiting.

Mystic Seaport: Mystic, Connecticut

Mystic Seaport is a tourist attraction that re-creates the historical seaport village. This includes wooden whaling ships and other steam vessels. According to visitors, the recreation is fun, but it is incredibly overpriced and underwhelming. 

Once you pay to get in, you have to pay again to do extra activities, including boat rides, children’s crafts, shows, and wagon rides. After entering, you would think that there are things to do that are included in the entry fee. In addition, if you mistake visiting the seaport in the winter, some ships aren’t on display, making it even less worth going to.

Bourbon Street: New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a beautiful city full of culture and tradition. However, while a street like Bourbon Street draws crowds and has loads of fun things to do, it doesn’t do the city justice. Like any other tropical city on Spring Break, there are tacky bars, restaurants, and people everywhere.

Instead of succumbing to visiting the mess that is Bourbon Street, Frenchmen Street is better to experience more of what New Orleans has to offer. In addition, it is within walking distance from Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. So, why not give it a go?

Mystery Spot: Saint Ignace, Michigan

Mystery Spot, located in Saint Ignace, Michigan, is a highly unusual attraction that features guided tours, optical contradictions, and physical sensations that you need to see to believe. Visitors can also walk through a maze, play mini-golf or even ride the zip line. 

Though this attraction gets people’s minds working, it is still a cheap roadside tourist attraction. The flashy billboards along the highway advertising it and the lack of locals at The Mystery Spot say that those visiting Michigan should consider visiting other sites instead.

The Birthplace of Elvis: Tupelo, Mississippi

Another Elvis-related attraction, The Birthplace of Elvis, is located in Tupelo, Mississippi. The King of Rock and Roll was born there on January 8, 1935. This house is nothing luxurious like his mansion. Instead, it is a two-room shack that his father built. 

Elvis Presley had a humble childhood but eventually rose to stardom as he aged. The Mississippi home is a landmark and the center of a park featured around Elvis. But, while Presley is a legend in the music world, there is nothing special about the house where the most famous entertainer grew up.

Nuclear Waste Adventure Trail and Museum: Weldon Spring, Missouri

Located in Weldon Spring, Missouri, the Nuclear Waste Adventure Trail, and Museum is centered around a giant pile of rocks that doubles as a mound of nuclear waste. In total, the site contains 1.5 million cubic yards of hazardous waste. 

This marks where the largest explosives factory in the United States once stood. Then, the property was turned into a uranium ore processing plant in 1966. After being abandoned, the US Department of Energy covered it with rocks. Sure, there is a rich story behind it, but any attraction involving waste doesn’t exactly sound appealing.

50000 Silver Dollar Bar: Haugan, Montana

The 50,000 Silver Dollar Bar is located in the middle of the Lolo National Forest in Haugan, Montana. Many believe that it is not an attraction suitable for children from its name. However, it features a large gift shop and a family-style restaurant, amongst other things that appeal to families. 

Specifically, the bar is the best-known part of the tourist spot. It is home to over 50,000 silver dollars, one of the largest-sized coins in America. But the place has yet to be renovated and is nothing better than a kitschy road stop.

Clark’s Trading Post: Lincoln, New Hampshire

Clark’s Trading Post is the perfect place if you want to see trained black bears perform a show and do various tricks. This family-friendly entertainment center also features a circus, a segway, a climbing tower, and water-themed rides.

One good thing about this place is that admission includes all rides and shows. There are restaurants and gift shops also available. This place is flocked with locals but never really struck a chord with tourists. Maybe it is because of the lackluster attractions or ethics in training the bears. Who knows!

The Enchanted Highway: Regent, North Dakota

The Enchanted Highway features a collection of animal-shaped scrap metal sculptures featured on a North Dakota highway. The animals you’ll see include birds, families of fish, geese, and giant grasshoppers, and there are even some humans scattered along the road.

There are seven sculptures to see, and each one was crafted to be unique. Seeing animal sculptures on the side of the road does make a road trip much more entertaining, but it is not going out of your way to see them.

J. M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum: Claremore, Oklahoma

For anyone looking for a museum with an interesting story behind its founding, J.M Davis Arms and Historical Museum is for you. The museum houses over 20,000 firearms and firearm-related items and utilizes them to tell the exciting tale of J.M. Davis and his mission to preserve a piece of history. 

Sure, there is a lot to see in this museum, and a good story accompanies it. But, the reality is that staring at firearms and statues and other relics gets boring after an hour or two. So, you might be better off saving your time and energy by taking a trip elsewhere.

Foamhenge: Natural Bridge, Virginia

Another copycat version of Stonehenge in England done worse, Foamhenge, was built by artist Mark Cline to be a roadside attraction for an April Fool’s Day stunt with the ultimate goal of bringing tourists to Natural Bridge, Virginia. 

Though it was initially meant to be a gag, Foamhenge accumulated great success and remained a staple of Natural Bridge. That being said, it did bring tourists to the area and was deemed a successful project. However, it is still just a sculpture made out of styrofoam, and there just isn’t much to see in that regard.

New River Gorge Bridge: Fayetteville, West Virginia

When it was constructed in the 1970s, the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville, West Virginia, was the longest steel arch bridge in the world. But, since the construction of China’s Shanghai Lupo Bridge, it only holds that title in the United States. 

This old bridge holds historical significance since it introduced new constructional methods in its day and was conventionally designed. However, it might feel scary to drive across and driving over this bridge would feel just like driving over any bridge. Sure, it is fantastic to get a nice view here and there, but it is not worth going out of the way to drive over.

The Wyoming Frontier Prison, Rawlins, Wyoming

For some reason, people love to visit old prisons. The Wyoming Frontier Prison located in Rawlins might not be as fascinating as Alcatraz, but it gets the job done to convey what life was like for prisoners. It was run as a prison between 1901 and 1981. Now, it is open to the public as a museum. 

This museum of sorts features tours for the whole family can enjoy. For example, visitors can sit on old gas chambers and see the “Punishment Pole structure.” This could be a treat for those fascinated by history and prisons. However, this is material to give us nightmares for the rest of us!