Traveling across the United States has taught me one big lesson: the most memorable spots are often the ones you don’t see on postcards. Sure, everyone knows the Grand Canyon and New York City. But if you want something different—something that feels like a discovery—you have to wander a little off the main path. That’s where the magic happens.
So, I’ve pulled together a list of 10 unique places to visit in the US. These aren’t your typical tourist stops. Each one has its own story, a bit of mystery, or even an odd twist that makes it unforgettable.
Let’s go into the 10 Places to Visit in the US.
1. Salvation Mountain, California
If you’ve ever driven through the dusty desert near Niland, California, you might have spotted a giant, colorful hill rising out of nowhere. That’s Salvation Mountain. It’s not a natural wonder—it’s one man’s life’s work.
Leonard Knight, a veteran with a simple goal to spread the message “God is Love,” spent nearly 30 years building this man-made mountain. He used adobe, straw, and thousands of gallons of donated paint. The result? A bright, layered canvas that looks like something out of a dream.
Walking up the “yellow brick road” to the top feels surreal. Everywhere you look, there are painted Bible verses, symbols, and colors that almost vibrate under the desert sun. It’s part art, part spiritual statement, and part community landmark. People from all over the world make the trek to see it.
What makes it special for me is its sense of defiance. Salvation Mountain stands in the middle of nowhere, built by someone who didn’t follow rules or wait for approval. It’s proof that passion projects can turn into landmarks.
2. Carhenge, Nebraska
Stonehenge in England gets all the fame, but out on the plains of Nebraska, there’s a quirky cousin—Carhenge. Instead of massive stones, this replica is built from 39 vintage cars, all spray-painted gray and arranged in a perfect circle.
It started as a family project back in 1987. Jim Reinders built it as a tribute to his father, and it has since become a roadside attraction that pulls people off long, flat highways. Some of the cars are buried nose-first into the ground, while others balance on top of each other to mimic the original stone arches. My favorite detail? A Cadillac serves as the “heelstone.”
Carhenge is free to visit, and you don’t need much time there. But it sticks with you. It’s weird, playful, and a little poetic. To me, it shows that Americans have a knack for creating something out of nothing—turning the ordinary into something extraordinary.
3. Casey, Illinois
Small towns often get overlooked, but Casey, Illinois, proves that creativity can turn things around. Years ago, the town struggled after local factories closed. Instead of letting it fade, a local businessman decided to put Casey on the map in the most unusual way—by building “big things.”
Now, Casey holds Guinness World Records for dozens of giant objects scattered around town. You’ll find the world’s largest rocking chair (yes, it actually rocks), a massive pitchfork, a mailbox you can climb inside, and even a birdcage big enough to swing in. Exploring the town feels like a scavenger hunt, and kids especially love it.
What I admire most is that this wasn’t just about making quirky art. It gave the town a new identity, brought visitors back, and made locals proud again. When you walk around Casey, you feel that sense of joy and community. It’s a reminder that sometimes the wildest ideas are the ones that work.
4. Marfa, Texas
Marfa is one of those places that feels almost unreal. It’s a tiny desert town in West Texas, hours away from the nearest big city. Yet, it’s become a world-famous art hub.
Back in the 1970s, minimalist artist Donald Judd moved here from New York. He saw potential in the wide-open desert landscape and began creating large-scale art installations. Today, Marfa has museums, galleries, and even the iconic Prada Marfa installation—a fake luxury store sitting in the middle of nowhere.
But art isn’t Marfa’s only mystery. The town is also known for the “Marfa Lights,” strange glowing orbs that appear on the horizon at night. People have tried to explain them—car headlights, mirages, atmospheric tricks—but no one really knows. I’ve stood out there at night with a small crowd, staring at the desert sky, waiting for them to appear. When they do, it’s eerie and magical.
Marfa blends modern art with an old mystery, and that mix makes it one of the most unique places to visit in the US.
5. Goblin Valley, Utah
Utah is full of dramatic landscapes, but Goblin Valley stands out because it feels like stepping onto another planet. The valley is covered with thousands of mushroom-shaped rock formations, known as “hoodoos.” Locals call them “goblins,” and once you see them, you’ll understand why. They look like little creatures frozen in stone, scattered across the desert floor.
Geologists explain that these shapes formed over millions of years as softer sandstone eroded away, leaving behind these odd stumpy figures. But when you’re there, the science feels secondary. Walking among the goblins feels playful, even eerie. Kids love climbing and weaving between the rocks, while adults can’t help but imagine the formations coming alive at night.
What I found fascinating is how the valley shifts with the sun. At midday, the goblins look almost cartoonish, standing in clear light. But at sunset, the shadows stretch, and suddenly the place feels mysterious and otherworldly. Hollywood thought so too—parts of the sci-fi movie Galaxy Quest were filmed here.
Goblin Valley is remote, but it’s worth the detour. If you want to experience the U.S. in a way that makes you feel like you’ve landed on Mars, this is it.
6. White Sands National Park, New Mexico
Driving into White Sands feels like entering a dream. Instead of the usual tan or red desert, you’re suddenly surrounded by rolling dunes of pure white. This isn’t snow—it’s gypsum sand, one of the rarest types of sand on Earth. The result is a glowing, almost blindingly bright landscape that looks different depending on the time of day.
Walking barefoot here is a treat because the sand never gets hot, even under the midday sun. Families often bring sleds to slide down the dunes, and it’s surprisingly fun—like a desert version of sledding in the snow.
But what makes White Sands truly unique is its dual personality. By day, it’s playful and open, but at night, it takes on a quiet, almost mystical vibe. The sky stretches wide, and if you’re lucky enough to visit during a full moon hike, the dunes glow softly under silver light. It feels like walking on another planet.
White Sands also has history woven into it. During World War II, nearby military testing grounds were active, and you can still sense that mix of natural beauty and human history. To me, it’s one of the most striking reminders of how landscapes can carry both wonder and weight.
7. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island is like stepping back in time. Nestled in Lake Huron, this island has a simple rule that changes everything: no cars are allowed. Instead, people get around by horse-drawn carriage, bicycle, or on foot. The clip-clop of hooves replaces the sound of engines, and it creates a charm that feels straight out of the 19th century.
The island is also famous for its fudge. Shops line the main street, each claiming to make the best version. Watching the fudge being made on marble slabs is part of the fun. I’ll admit, I walked away with more than one box—because you can’t pick just one flavor.
Beyond the sweets, Mackinac has history layered into it. Fort Mackinac, built during the Revolutionary War, still stands, and you can tour its old barracks and cannons. Add in the Victorian architecture, sweeping lake views, and bike rides around the shoreline, and it feels both relaxing and rich with stories.
What I love most, though, is the pace. Without cars, life slows down. You hear the lake breeze, you smell fresh lilacs in spring, and you feel like you’ve escaped modern life, even if just for a weekend.
8. Winchester Mystery House, California
If you enjoy places with a spooky twist, the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose is unforgettable. This mansion was owned by Sarah Winchester, the widow of the man who made the Winchester rifle fortune. After losing her husband and child, Sarah became convinced that she was haunted by the spirits of those killed by the guns.
To keep the ghosts at bay, she built. And built. And kept building. The result is a sprawling, bizarre mansion with staircases that lead to nowhere, doors that open into walls, and windows placed in the oddest spots. Some say she was trying to confuse the spirits; others think she simply found comfort in the act of endless construction.
Walking through the house feels like being inside a puzzle. Every hallway makes you wonder what Sarah was thinking. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, the place is a fascinating mix of grief, superstition, and eccentric design. For me, it was a reminder that even architecture can be a reflection of someone’s inner world.
9. The Mütter Museum, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is full of history, but one of its most unusual stops is the Mütter Museum. Unlike typical museums filled with paintings or sculptures, this one focuses on medical oddities. Inside, you’ll find preserved specimens, antique medical tools, and even the skeletons of people with rare conditions.
Some exhibits are unsettling, like the preserved body parts showing how diseases once ravaged the human body. Others are oddly inspiring, showing the progress of medical science over centuries. The museum doesn’t sugarcoat anything—it’s raw, real, and unforgettable.
When I visited, I felt a mix of curiosity and respect. It’s not a place for everyone, but if you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys learning about the unusual, the Mütter Museum offers a perspective you won’t find anywhere else. It highlights how fragile, strange, and resilient the human body really is.
10. Apostle Islands, Wisconsin
The Apostle Islands might be one of the most underrated gems in the US. Tucked away on Lake Superior, this cluster of 21 islands offers a mix of wild beauty, adventure, and quiet escapes.
What makes them unique are the sea caves. In summer, you can kayak through arches and tunnels carved by water over centuries. The red sandstone cliffs glow in the sun, and the water is so clear that on calm days, you can see right down to the lake bed. It feels like paddling through a secret world.
In winter, the caves transform into frozen cathedrals. When the lake freezes solid (and only when conditions are safe), you can hike across the ice to see massive icicles and glittering walls of frozen water. It’s surreal—like stepping into a fantasy novel.
The Apostle Islands are also a great place to disconnect. Some islands have historic lighthouses, while others are all about hiking trails, quiet beaches, and dense forests. Whether you’re into camping, kayaking, or just soaking up the views, this place offers a kind of peace you don’t often find in busier parks.
Conclusion
Traveling across the US is like flipping through a book where every chapter feels different. From the nonstop buzz of New York City to the slow, horse-drawn pace of Mackinac Island, from the haunting halls of the Winchester Mystery House to the wild ice caves of the Apostle Islands, the country is full of surprises.
What ties all these unique places together isn’t just their beauty—it’s their character. Each one has a story, whether it’s rooted in history, shaped by nature, or born out of human imagination. Visiting them reminds you that travel isn’t just about checking off landmarks. It’s about finding the moments and places that stay with you long after the trip is over.
So if you’re planning your next adventure, don’t just look for the biggest names. Seek out the places that feel different, the ones that spark your curiosity. That’s where the best travel memories are made.
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