From the Golden Gate Bridge to the Statue of Liberty, the USA is home to all kinds of photo-worthy attractions. But there are some sites across the country that are as weird as they are cool. From an alleged site of extraterrestrial visits to a castle made entirely of coral, the United States has no shortage of one-of-a-kind unusual places to see. Here are 5 weirdly cool places to visit in the USA.
5 weirdly cool places to visit in the USA
- Fremont Troll
Lurking beneath an overpass in Seattle, Washington’s Fremont district, this troll has been a spooky presence since 1990. He was built by four local artists as part of a competition promoting urban renewal. Standing 5.5 meters in height, the bearded giant clutches a sculpture of a Volkswagen Beetle in one hand while propping himself up with the other, giving him the appearance of climbing out of the ground. The Fremont Troll has become a beloved part of the neighborhood, charming locals and attracting visitors from all over the world.
- Area 51
You can’t watch a Twilight Zone episode or sci-fi movie without hearing a mention of Area 51, a US Air Force test site 134 kilometers north of Las Vegas, Nevada. Science fiction readers and conspiracy theorists believe the area contains unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and other evidence of extraterrestrial life. Since this is still an active top-secret government area, you are not allowed to walk around or park near the entrances to Area 51. You can enjoy supernatural-themed gas stations, restaurants, and gift shops. as Nevada State Route 375).
- Carhenge
You can’t get any weirder than Carhenge, a replica of England’s Stonehenge in western Nebraska made entirely of old, painted cars. Located in the middle of the prairie about 250 kilometers northeast of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Carhenge is truly an “off the beaten path” attraction. In 1987, artist Jim Reinders built Carhenge out of 39 vintage automobiles as an attempt to study Stonehenge’s design and determine its purpose. Due to its popularity, a visitor center was constructed in 2006 to provide more information about this quirky American treasure.
- Death Valley’s Racetrack
Stretching along the California-Nevada border, Death Valley National Park is famous for its otherworldly landscape, complete with rolling sand dunes and towering mountain peaks. But the strangest part of the park’s landscape may be the racetrack. Located in the California part of the park, this stretch of dry lakebed almost looks like it’s made of tiles, the geometric surface only disturbed by – wait for it – traveling rocks.
Although no one has actually seen the rocks moving, their paths are clearly visible. Scientists believe that the rocks move on the hot desert floor when minimal precipitation freezes and then melts in the hot sun, causing the rocks (some of them weigh up to 270 kg) to move.
- Coral Castle
Florida is home to many fascinating attractions and unique wonders that have attracted tourists for decades. However, none is as uniquely eccentric as Coral Castle. Located about 50 kilometers southwest of Miami, the castle was built by Latvian immigrant Ed Leedskalnin using approximately 1,000 metric tons of coral reef. The construction of this magnificent structure has caused some speculation by the natives of Florida.
Many believe that Leedskalnin used supernatural abilities, as he built the castle himself, without any machinery. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the palace is a museum that is open for tours daily.
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