Offbeat Americana: Exploring the Strangest Landmarks in the United States

If you want to admire American landmarks, you can visit famous locations like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, the Space Needle, or Mount Rushmore. Or, you can head off the beaten path and check out some funky and weird attractions that most people haven’t heard of. For a bizarre and unique experience, consider visiting one of these lesser-known US landmarks.

1. Casey, Illinois’ World’s Largest Objects

Casey, IL—Jul 27, 2023; Casey Illinois known as the Big Things Small Town attraction destination displays a giant wooden rocking chair that claimed the Guinness World Record title on October 20, 2015.
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There are many world’s largest objects throughout the country, but Casey, Illinois, is home to an abundance of massive, record-setting items. In this one town, you can see the world’s largest gavel, gold driver, golf tee, key, mailbox, rocking chair, swizzle spoon, barbershop pole, pitchfork, and more. There are a total of 12 world’s largest objects in this one spot!

2. Dole Plantation Maze

Wahiawa, Hawaii - February 21, 2022 : Pineapple Garden Maze entrance sign at the Dole Pineapple Plantation in the central valley of O'ahu island in Hawaii, USA
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The Dole Plantation Maze is in Wahiawa, Hawaii, and is the largest maze in the world. This stunning maze covers three acres and has over two miles of paths to explore. The stunning maze features over 14,000 native Hawaiian plants that create a colorful and exotic atmosphere. This strange landmark is the perfect destination for families.

3. The Tree That Owns Itself

The Tree that owns itself in athens georgia
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In Athens, Georgia, there is a magnificent white oak tree that owns itself! According to legend, the owner of the property in the 1800s created a deed in his will that granted the tree possession of the land it was planted on. While it wouldn’t be hard to circumvent the legality of the century-old deed, residents have embraced this independent tree and let it be.

4. The Unclaimed Baggage Center

Unclaimed Baggage
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The Unclaimed Baggage Center is in Scottsboro, Alabama, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. This venue has an impressive inventory of unclaimed baggage that you can explore and even take home with you. From iPads to Rolex watches to vintage toys and more, it’s amazing to see the things people have lost and left at the airport.

5. La Brea Tar Pits

La Brea Tar Pits and mammoth sculpture
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The La Brea Tar Pits are in Los Angeles and one of the strangest but most interesting landmarks in the City of Angels. This famous fossil locality is an active paleontological location where natural asphalt has risen from the ground, preserving the bones of trapped animals. It’s a fascinating place for science lovers.

6. Area 51

NEVADA, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 18, 2013 - Extraterrestrial Highway road sign in Nevada, USA
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People love to talk about Area 51, but you can also visit the area near the site and see some odd things. You can take day tours provided by private companies to drive near the top-secret base and learn all about the conspiracy theories and history surrounding the location. Whether or not you’re a believer, this weird landmark makes for an intriguing and memorable day trip. 

7. Prada Marfa

Valentine, TX / USA - March 17 2018: Southwest Texas roadtrip to Prada Marfa
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This one is super weird and random. Prada Marfa is a permanent sculpture in a remote location in Valentine, Texas. The sculpture, made by artists Elmgreen and Dragset, is a Prada store complete with luxury items inside from the 2005 fall collection. You cannot enter this fake Prada store, and nothing is for sale, making it easily one of the most random and peculiar US landmarks.

8. Mill’s End Park

Portland, Oregon - June 29, 2019 : Mill Ends Park, The world's smallest park
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Located in Portland, Oregon, Mill’s End Park is the world’s tiniest park. The little park is 452 square inches and two feet across, positioned in the center of a traffic circle! This adorable park isn’t particularly exciting to visit, but it’s definitely a unique destination.

9. Winchester Mystery House

San Jose, California, USA - March 29, 2018: Exterior view of Winchester Mystery House at entrance. The Winchester Mystery House was once the personal residence of Sarah Winchester.
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On the other hand, the Winchester Mystery House is a wild landmark to visit. It’s a bizarre mansion in San Jose, California, that was continuously built for 38 years. The former owner believed the construction kept angry spirits at bay, and she also added features to confuse them, like stairs to nowhere, secret doorways, and inaccessible rooms.

10. The Turquoise McDonald’s Sign

Unique Turquoise Arches of McDonald's in Sedona Arizona 3318
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We’re all familiar with the iconic golden arches you can find at any McDonald’s, but there is only one place in the world where you can see turquoise McDonald’s arches! The turquoise sign can be found in Sedona, Arizona, and they changed the color to preserve the town’s aesthetic and avoid disrupting the scenic views of the red rocks.

11. The World’s Only Corn Palace

Mitchell, South Dakota - 2016: The Corn Palace, commonly advertised as The World's Only Corn Palace and the Mitchell Corn Palace. Decorated with corn in 2016 with the theme "Rock of Ages."
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The World’s Only Corn Palace is an odd and eccentric landmark in Mitchell, South Dakota. There is a massive mural on the front made from corn kernels that changes every year, and it’s truly amazing. This free destination is weird but also unique and compelling.

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