Traveling across the U.S. on a road trip is something many people consider a must-do. It’s more convenient here than in many other countries. You’ll find gas stations, food, and places to sleep just off the highway, no matter where you are. Small towns know this and have unique things to attract visitors. Some places became famous (or infamous) by accident. Small-town America has everything from the strange to the charming. But don’t just take our word for it—go see for yourself!
Casey, IL – Home to Lots of Giant Objects
Casey, Illinois, started back in 1834, but it found its unique identity much later. Now, it’s known for having giant, funny things. Imagine a rocking chair that’s 56 feet tall or a pencil that’s 32 feet tall—this town has them and more! If you’ve ever wished to see really huge objects up close, Casey is the place to be.
San Luis Obispo, CA – Bubblegum Alley Is 70 Feet Long
In San Luis Obispo, California, you’ll find what’s likely the world’s biggest bubble gum alley. It’s a quirky spot with an uncertain origin—some say it began as a class event or a school rivalry. The alley has been around since at least the 1950s, but not everyone in the town agrees on it. People have mixed opinions about this unique and sticky attraction.
Slab City, CA – The Last Lawless Town
Slab City, California, proudly claims the title of one of the last lawless spots in the U.S. It’s a unique community made up of misfits, hippies, the homeless, and others seeking an escape from conventional life. Although it’s technically unincorporated, you can stay there for $30 a night or bring your own RV. Despite the “lawless” reputation, occasional police patrols remind visitors that it’s not entirely without rules.
Cottonwood, ID – Where You Can Sleep Inside a Giant Beagle
In Cottonwood, Idaho, you’ll find a truly unique experience—the Dog Park Inn. It’s possibly one of the only places globally where you can spend the night inside a massive dog-shaped hotel. This quirky inn, a favorite among kids and dogs, was built as a tribute to the unusual roadside attractions found across the U.S. and mentioned in this list. However, if you plan to stay, make sure to book well in advance, as the inn tends to be quite busy.
Clark, SD – Has an Annual Mashed Potato Wrestling Event
Clark, South Dakota, is home to one of America’s most unique events—annual mashed potato wrestling matches. In this quirky competition, wrestlers don costumes and engage in entertaining showdowns, creating probably some quite amusing storylines. The fun part is that even travelers can join in on the antics, usually held in a small pool filled with mashed potatoes. It’s an unusual and undoubtedly memorable experience for those looking to add a dash of fun to their travels.
Scottsboro, AL – Come Bid on Lost Luggage
Legend has it that Scottsboro, Alabama, was born out of the collective frustration of every airline traveler in the last fifty years. Well, not really. In reality, Scottsboro is famous for being the destination for unclaimed luggage from around the world. Visitors can actually go there and bid on lost luggage without seeing its contents. While most lost items likely include things like clothes, there have been some noteworthy discoveries in this unique town.
Fall River, MA – Sleep in a Haunted Hotel
Fall River, Massachusetts, is known for one of the most infamous murders in American history. It’s the town where a woman named Lizzie Borden supposedly killed her parents inside their home. In a chilling incident, Borden’s parents were axed to death in broad daylight while their Irish maid was present. Despite compelling evidence against Borden, she was never formally convicted of the crime. The motive was believed to be an attempt to inherit her parents’ wealth. The story remains a compelling and mysterious chapter in American criminal history.
Centralia, PA – On Fire for the Last Six Decades
The small town of Centralia, Pennsylvania, had a population of around 1,000 people before the 1980s, but it has been steadily dwindling since then. The town’s unusual decline is due to an ongoing underground fire that started in 1962. This disaster occurred when coal reserves beneath the town ignited in a mine explosion, resulting in the tragic death of 111 miners. The fire continues to burn to this day, causing the town’s population to decline as a result of the environmental and safety concerns associated with the ongoing subterranean blaze.
Monowi, NE – Has a Population of 1
Monowi, Nebraska, epitomizes small-town life like no other. This town has a single resident, Elsie Eiler. Back in the 1930s, Monowi had around 150 people, but as jobs elsewhere beckoned, the population dwindled. After her husband’s passing in 2004, Elsie became the sole resident. Remarkably, she wears multiple hats in Monowi—running the town library and tavern and serving as the mayor. In a unique twist, Elsie must annually pay taxes to herself, a quirky detail that reflects the extraordinary reality of being the lone inhabitant of Monowi.
Seward, NE – Has a 45-Ton Time Capsule
Seward, Nebraska, proudly boasts the world’s largest time capsule, initiated by a man named Harold Davisson. With a particular fondness for the year 1975, Davisson had a 45-ton vault constructed to preserve the memorabilia of that era. The collection, consisting of approximately 5,000 items, includes a car from the same year and is housed beneath a pyramid structure. While the time capsule is a significant attraction, Seward is also known for something else, adding to its unique character and appeal.
Adams, TN – The Witch Cave
Adams, Tennessee, may seem ordinary, but it houses the infamous Bell Witch Cave. Legend has it that a woman named Kate Batts, embroiled in a land deal gone wrong with the Bell family, placed a curse upon them. After Batts’ death, the Bell family reported witnessing eerie apparitions near their home, sparking a tale of paranormal activity that became associated with the Bell Witch. The Bell Witch Cave adds a touch of mystery to the town’s otherwise unremarkable appearance.
Whittier, AK – Everybody Resides in a Single Building
Whittier, Alaska, stands out as one of the very few towns worldwide where all residents live together under one roof. The entire community resides in a massive cinderblock building, originally an army barracks. Nestled at the base of mountains and along the shores of Prince William Sound, Whittier experiences harsh winter weather. The 14-story structure serves as an all-encompassing space, featuring an inn, a church, a police station, and a small clinic, creating a unique living arrangement for the town’s population.
Colma, CA – Home to 2 Million Dead People and 1,200 Live Ones
Colma, California, earned the moniker “city of souls” with good reason. Despite its modest population of around 1,200 people, the town is home to an astonishing 2 million burials across 17 cemeteries. In the 1880s, as San Francisco faced a shortage of burial space, the decision was made to conduct funerals in Colma. This choice turned the two-square-mile town into a resting place for a multitude of departed, contributing to its notable status as a city with a remarkably high number of cemeteries.
Tangier, VA – Locals Have a British Accent
Tangier, Virginia, situated on Tangier Island in the Chesapeake Bay, boasts one of the most peculiar accents in the U.S. Due to the island’s isolation, the locals’ speech patterns resemble those of the U.K. more than the continental United States. Linguists who have investigated this distinctive accent believe it may be a remnant of a forgotten American way of speaking, suggesting that perhaps early colonists and even the founding fathers sounded somewhat similar. The island’s linguistic uniqueness adds a fascinating layer to its cultural identity.
The Villages, FL – Where Elderly Residents Get It on
Florida is renowned for many things, and its senior population is certainly noteworthy. However, The Villages stand out among retirement communities in a rather unexpected way. This community has some of the highest rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the entire state. Visitors have reportedly witnessed amorous activities among the elderly, not just on one of its 34 golf courses but likely in various other locations as well. The unconventional reputation of The Villages adds a surprising twist to Florida’s diverse cultural landscape.
Alma, AR – The Former Spinach Capital of the World
It might be surprising, but the town of Alma, Arkansas, was once home to a canning factory that proudly produced about 65% of the world’s spinach. Even today, the town celebrates this achievement with a statue and water tower depicting the iconic cartoon character Popeye the sailor. Alma hosts an annual spinach festival, inviting everyone to channel their inner Popeye and participate in a spinach-eating contest. The town’s connection to spinach and its homage to Popeye add a quirky and charming touch to its identity.
Miracle Village, FL – A Haven for Outlaws
Miracle Village in Florida stands out as a unique community founded by minister Richard Witherow. It was established to provide a haven for registered sex offenders upon their release from prison. Many states, including Florida, have laws that restrict where such offenders can live, imposing specific distances from places like schools, bus stops, libraries, and playgrounds. Miracle Village serves as a place where individuals grappling with these legal restrictions can find a supportive community as they reintegrate into society.
Homosassa, FL – Welcome to Monkey Island
The story of Homosassa Island in Florida is indeed a bit unconventional. Originally just a troublesome rock outcropping causing issues for boats in the town of Homosassa, a local developer had a unique solution. He instructed the crew to “throw some dirt on it” to deal with the problem. However, upon his return from a trip, he found that the crew had taken things to the next level and turned the small outcropping into its very own island. The transformation of Homosassa Island from a mere rock hazard to a developed piece of land adds an interesting and somewhat whimsical twist to its history.
Philippi, WV – Home to American Mummies
In West Virginia, there are mummies with a peculiar history—not ancient Egyptians, but two women diagnosed with mental disorders who resided at an asylum. After their deaths, they were embalmed and became part of P.T. Barnum’s traveling circus. Today, these mummies can be found at the Barbour County Historical Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into this unusual chapter of history. If mummies aren’t your thing, the town is also noteworthy as the site of the U.S. Civil War’s first land battle, adding a different layer to its historical significance.
Dudleytown, CT – Where Everyone Went Mad
Dudleytown, Connecticut, is surrounded by a legend that feels like a horror story. Established in 1738, the town’s namesake family, the Dudleys, arrived in 1747. The tales tell of the Dudleys’ encounters with the plague and royalty in England, including a family member who reportedly had his head chopped off. Alleged untimely deaths and instances of people going mad contributed to the town’s decline, with residents gradually leaving until Dudleytown became completely abandoned. The eerie history and mysterious circumstances have turned Dudleytown into a captivating and haunting piece of local lore.
Williamstown, KY – Home to Noah’s Ark
In 2016, Williamstown, Kentucky, made a name for itself by hosting the world’s largest reconstruction of Noah’s Ark. Yes, the very same ark from the Bible. This colossal structure, standing at around 510 feet long and seven stories tall, serves as a museum for those intrigued by the biblical flood narrative. Despite its impressive size, it’s unclear whether this ark can actually float or not. This unique attraction adds a distinctive touch to Kentucky’s reputation for bourbon and horses.
Hell, MI – Far From Heaven
Hell, Michigan, traces its origins back to the 1840s when it began as a mining town. Despite gaining notoriety as a bootlegging hub, its unique name wasn’t derived from any nefarious activities. Legend has it that one of the early residents paid local farmers with his homemade whiskey. In response, when asked where their husbands were, wives would say, “he’s gone to hell again.” This phrase eventually stuck, according to the town’s official website. The quirky backstory adds a touch of humor to Hell, Michigan’s history.
Ferndale, CA – Beautiful Victorian Architecture
Ferndale, California, has earned a spot on the U.S. list of historical monuments, and rightfully so. This charming town is renowned for its Victorian-era architecture, with all its buildings reflecting the style of the 19th century. The town proudly claims to be the prettiest small town in the Redwoods region, and it’s a claim that’s hard to dispute. Founded in 1852 by two brothers, Ferndale quickly attracted residents seeking their fortunes during the Gold Rush, adding a historical layer to its picturesque setting.
Center, ND – The Official Center of the Continent
Center, North Dakota, lives up to its name by claiming to be located in the exact center of North America. However, the name Center itself has an interesting backstory. Originally, the town was named Center because it was believed to be at the center of its local county. It was only later, after further geographical calculations, that it was discovered that Center was indeed situated at the center of the entire North American continent. The town’s name ended up being more fitting than originally intended, adding a unique twist to its geographic significance.
Gibsonton, FL – Home to Carnival Workers and Sideshow Human Attractions
Gibsonton, Florida, is a unique town that has served as a haven for carnival workers seeking a break from the road. Many of its residents have worked or continue to work as performers in circuses and carnivals. While the era of “human oddities” has largely passed with the decline of American traveling carnivals, Gibsonton has an interesting history. The town was founded by a “giant” and his wife, reflecting its roots in the carnival and circus community. Today, it stands as a distinctive piece of Florida’s cultural landscape, shaped by the unique experiences of its residents.
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