A Tour of Unusual and Unexpected Things To See in the US

When the craving for the bizarre and outlandish strikes, look no further than these curious places within the United States. From mystifying natural wonders to peculiar architecture, these places will pique your interest and whet your appetite for the extraordinary.

However, before we dive deep into this country’s strangest curiosities, I’d like to remind those traveling from abroad to pay their US visa fee on time to avoid waiting a long time to get it approved. Get all your paperwork in order so you can visit as many times as you want! 

Racetrack Playa in California

First on our list is Racetrack Playa, located in Death Valley National Park, California. This peculiar place is renowned for its ‘sailing stones.’ These rocks without any human or animal intervention, move across the flat desert landscape, leaving behind long trails that are both captivating and baffle scientists. The reason? Frozen rain and high winds that work in tandem. A sight that needs to be seen to be believed.

Thor’s Well, Oregon

Next, we find ourselves in Oregon, at the captivating Thor’s Well. Nestled within the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, Thor’s Well is a sinkhole that appears to be swallowing the Pacific Ocean. 

During high tide or stormy weather, the well exhibits a spectacle of water furiously rushing into its seemingly endless depths and then spouting back into the air. The natural drama unfolding here is a sight that reminds us of the planet’s raw, untamed power.

Mammoth Cake, Kentucky

From one wonder to another, we journey east to Kentucky, home of the world’s largest known cave system, Mammoth Cave. With more than 400 miles of surveyed passageways, Mammoth Cave is a world of its own. This subterranean marvel is known for its vast size, eerie tranquility, and magnificent rock formations, inviting adventurers to explore its depths.

Coral Castle, Florida

Shifting gears from nature to architecture, we head to Florida, home to the enigmatic Coral Castle. A testament to a single man’s dedication and creativity, the Coral Castle was single-handedly built by Latvian-American eccentric Edward Leedskalnin from 1923 to 1951. 

This monument, erected using numerous megalithic stones, weighing several tons, still baffles engineers and scientists today. The secret behind its construction remains a mystery, making it a must-visit for those intrigued by the unexplained.

Brevard, North Carolina

Our list would be incomplete without a mention of the peculiar white squirrels of Brevard, North Carolina. These are not albino squirrels, but a separate breed known for their white fur and black eyes. Their uniqueness has earned them a festival in their honor held annually in Brevard, making it a must-see event for wildlife enthusiasts and curious tourists.

Area 51, Nevada

We turn to Nevada, home of the infamous Area 51. Long associated with UFO conspiracy theories and labeled as a hotbed of extraterrestrial activity, the mystique surrounding this U.S. military facility has fascinated the public for decades. 

While entry is prohibited, the curious can visit the nearby Extraterrestrial Highway for a taste of the area’s lore and a chance sighting of mysterious phenomena.

Crazy Horse Memorial, South Dakota

In South Dakota, you’ll find the Crazy Horse Memorial, an imposing sculpture that dwarfs even Mount Rushmore. This tribute to a Native American warrior is still a work in progress, started in 1948 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski at the request of Native American chiefs. The colossal scale and ambitious vision make this an impressive site to behold. 

Winchester Mystery House, California

Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California is also a site to see. Built by the widow of gun magnate William Wirt Winchester, this mansion has a bewildering 160 rooms, including 40 bedrooms, 2 ballrooms, and 47 fireplaces. 

Legend has it that Sarah Winchester built the house to confuse the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles. With stairways that lead to nowhere and doors that open onto walls, it is an architectural curiosity sure to astound.

Kansas Underground Salt Museum, Kansas

Next, we venture to Kansas, to the subterranean dwelling known as the Kansas Underground Salt Museum. More than 650 feet beneath the Earth’s surface, this unique museum in Hutchinson offers visitors a trip into a salt mine that dates back to the Permian period. An intriguing journey that takes you back in time about 275 million years!

Bishop Castle, Colorado

Bishop Castle in Colorado is another architectural wonder that’s worth visiting. For over 60 years, Jim Bishop has been single-handedly constructing a castle in the San Isabel National Forest. Visitors can explore the castle free of charge and marvel at the intricate wrought-iron walkways, the Grand Ballroom, and towers that offer breathtaking panoramic views. 

Carhenge, Nebraska

Lastly, visit Nebraska’s Carhenge, a replica of England’s Stonehenge made entirely from vintage cars. Crafted by artist Jim Reinders, Carhenge is a tribute to his father and an offbeat expression of American automotive history.

The United States is truly a treasure trove of bizarre, awe-inspiring, and downright peculiar attractions, proving that sometimes the road less traveled offers the most unforgettable sights. No matter where you go, there’s bound to be something odd, intriguing, and charming waiting just around the corner.