The United States of America is certainly a place like none other. That's why it is probably not surprising that the U.S. has a long list of things that can only be found there. From restaurants and hotels exclusively for dogs to out-of-this-world architecture, there are all sorts of bizarre things that can only be found in the U.S. So whether you live there or are thinking of visiting, this list is sure to take you by surprise - and maybe give you an itch for an all-American trip.
You Can Buy the Biggest Burger in the World in Michigan
When you think of America, one of the first things that comes to mind is most likely food. The United States is famous for its large portions and endless options of food. It’s no secret that Americans love their food. So it is probably also not a surprise that the biggest burger in the world can be found in the U.S. If you are looking to buy a burger that is over 5 feet wide and 3 feet high, with a weight of around 2,000 pounds of meat, then head over to Detroit Michigan to buy this burger.
If you are looking to have a bite of the biggest burger in the world, then you should also be ready to pay the price, as it costs over $7,000 to purchase. That is the definition of Only in America.
A Palace That Is Made Out of Corn and Took Over 30 Years to Build
If there is one crop that the U.S. is famous for, then it would probably be corn. It is native and easy to grow across the country, and for that reason (and that reason only), it is probably not shocking that the United States is home to a corn palace. Located in Mitchell, South Dakota, you can see “The World’s Only Corn Palace” along with the 600,000 visitors that come every year. Each year, it is redecorated with the season’s fresh crop for a cost of about $175,000.
This Corn Palace took almost 30 years to build, with the completion taking place in 1921. Enjoy exploring this namesake for America’s biggest crop – corn.
Seeing Mermaids in Real Life
If you have ever been obsessed with mermaids and wondered if they actually existed, then you will be excited to find out that there is a place in the U.S. where you can actually go to see mermaids in real life. While they may not be “real” mermaids, as no one knows if they exist or not, you can see the closest visible thing. Head down to Florida’s Weeki Wachee State Park and pay around $13 to watch a fantasy performance come to life.
It also comes as no surprise that the mermaids create an underwater version of The Little Mermaid. After all, Ariel is probably the most famous mermaid out there, so that is what most people would love to see.
A Desert That Costs Over $1 Million
If you want expensive and luxurious things, then the United States may just be the place for you. While America does have a little bit of everything, it also has plenty on the luxurious side. Suppose you want to buy one of the most expensive desserts in the world, head on over to New Orleans, stop at Arnaud’s Restaurant, and ask to order the Diamond and Strawberry dessert. Just make sure that you are ready to dish out over $1 million for this treat.
While strawberries are delicious, there is probably not a person on earth that would spend $1.4 million on them, which is why they add a 4.7-carat pink diamond to the dessert, which is the real attraction.
A Waterfall That Is Also Fire
When you hear that there is a waterfall that is also fiery somewhere in the U.S., you might think that it is something that is man-made, but that actually would not be the case. Yosemite National Park in California is famous for its incredible beauty, but one of the most famous and unique things that can be found there is the fiery waterfall, also known as Horsetail Falls Firefall.
Once a year, around February, you can see the reflection of the sun on the waterfall, which gives it the allusion that the waterfall is actually on fire. It is the experience of a lifetime.
Roadkill Cookoff in West Virginia
It is hard to decide if this is the most horrendously American thing or if it is actually people trying to make the best of a poor situation. In West Virginia, in the city of Marlinton, you can find the annual Roadkill Cookoff. It is exactly what it sounds like: people who compete to see who can create the tastiest dish from dead animals found on the side of the road.
All sorts of animals are used in this, and it shows how many animals are killed by vehicles on the road. They use squirrel meat, turkey, crow, rabbit, groundhog, possum, and more.
A Real Troll Under a Bridge
Beneath the shadowy arches of a bridge in Seattle, Washington, lurks an unexpected guardian: a giant troll crafted solely from concrete and whimsy. This iconic sculpture, hidden beneath the ordinary-looking Fremont Bridge, captures the imagination of all who stumble upon it. With its mossy hide and mischievous grin, the troll adds a dash of enchantment to the urban landscape, beckoning passersby to enter its realm of wonder and turning something ordinary into something extraordinary.
A tribute to folklore and urban legend, the giant troll embodies the city's quirky spirit, inviting adventurers to ponder its mysteries and embrace the unexpected delights found beneath the bridges of Seattle.
Carhenge, the Stonehenge of Cars
In the heart of Alliance, Nebraska, where the plains stretch endlessly, stands a marvel of automotive ingenuity: Carhenge. Mimicking England's iconic Stonehenge, this quirky attraction pays homage to the American spirit of innovation and whimsy. Instead of ancient stones, vintage automobiles rise from the earth, arranged in mystical alignment under the vast prairie sky. Visitors from far and wide flock to witness this automotive masterpiece, where rusted relics of the past find new life as symbols of creativity and community.
Carhenge embodies the American spirit: unconventional, resilient, and always ready to embrace the unexpected amidst the endless horizon of the Great Plains. Only in America would you find a car remake of this world wonder.
Deep Fried Butter
In the heartlands of the Midwest and Southern U.S. states, behold the culinary marvel: deep-fried butter, a crispy, heart-stopping delight priced at a mere $4. The US is infamous for deep frying, but did you ever think that they would deep fry butter? Only in America. This tongue-in-cheek temptation takes butter to new heights (or depths) of decadence. Encased in a crunchy embrace, each bite offers a buttery explosion that's as guilty as it is glorious.
It's the epitome of culinary audacity, where arteries might shudder, but taste buds dance in delight. This is also the epitome of "only in America." It is the very definition of it.
A Mashed Potato Wrestling Competition
Every place has something that makes it unique. While that may be a special event or something of the sort, Clark, South Dakota, has its own unique thing: a mashed potato wrestling competition. While that may sound like one of the strangest things that you have ever heard of, rest assured that it does exist and occurs each year. It is known as Potato Day, and the people of Clark, South Dakota, have been enjoying the festivities together since 1972.
It is funny enough that there is a day dedicated just to potatoes, but add onto that a potato wrestling competition, and you would have it in the state of South Dakota.
New Mexico's Hand-Carved Caves
While many of the items on this list are foods or something extravagant, this one is extravagant but in a very unique way. From the outside, it might look like this is just a cave, but it is far more than that. This cave is not naturally occurring, and it was actually created completely by hand by Ra Paulette in New Mexico's desert near Santa Fe. He hand-chiseled 14 whole caves that people can now visit.
Luckily, the caves were made of soft sandstone, so Ra Paulette's work wasn't as hard as it would have been in other places. Still, this is an impressive sight!
A Fine Dining Restaurant for Dogs
Just when you might have thought that you have seen it all, America will surprise you. This may not be the biggest surprise that the U.S. has to offer, however, as people probably wouldn’t be shocked to hear that there is a fine dining experience in the U.S. that is specifically targeted for furry friends. Looks like Americans took the concept that a pet is like a child very seriously.
If you want to head off to Dogue, you’d have to make your way to San Francisco, and you should be prepared to spend at least $75 for a three-course meal for your pet. It even comes with dessert options as well!
Eat Pork With Gummy Bears
If you want to have some unique foods, then the US is definitely your place to visit. Some of the foods are unique and delicious, while other foods are unique and disgusting. One of the craziest things that you will find in the US (and unlikely anywhere else) would be pork patties that have gummy bears inside of them. You can find this at Big G Foods in Marengo, Iowa.
Even if you don't think that it will taste good, you can be assured that people will talk about the wildness of this food item at any BBQ, and they will be laughing at this "only in America food."
A Building That Is a Massive Basket
In Ohio's tranquil landscape, an architectural marvel rises like a beacon of creativity: the Giant Basket Shaped Building, a testament to ingenuity and innovation. This whimsical structure, once the headquarters of The Longaberger Company, redefines conventional design with its colossal woven basket form. Nestled amidst green fields and rolling hills, it captivates passersby with its larger-than-life presence, echoing the region's rich heritage of craftsmanship. Serving as both a tribute to the state's artisanal roots and a symbol of corporate identity, the Basket Building invites curiosity and admiration.
There have been quite a few interestingly shaped buildings on this list, so if you want to do a tour of America's most interesting buildings, put this Ohio building on it!
An Undersea Lodge in Florida Where the Only Way to Arrive Is Snorkeling
Nestled beneath the crystal-clear waters of Key Largo, Florida, Jules' Undersea Lodge beckons adventurers to a world of unparalleled wonder and serenity. As America's sole underwater hotel, it offers a truly immersive experience where guests can drift into the embrace of the ocean's depths. Accessed only by diving, this aquatic sanctuary grants intrepid visitors a glimpse into a realm teeming with vibrant marine life. It is a luxurious and unique experience at the same time.
Whether lounging in the cozy confines of its subaquatic chambers or embarking on underwater explorations, Jules' Undersea Lodge promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of the sea.
A Hotel That Is a Dog
While you have already seen that there is a restaurant, especially for dogs, you might think that this is actually a hotel just for dogs. While those certainly do exist in the U.S. (there are even spas and retreats for dogs as well), this is a hotel that was created in the shape of a dog. It seems to have done the trick of bringing in more guests as The Dog Bark Park Inn in Cottonwood, Idaho, has become sort of a tourist attraction for people traveling down Highway 95 in Idaho.
You can pay around $150 a night if you want to stay in this unique hotel and not just take a photo from the outside.
A Luxury Shopping Experience in the Desert: Prada
In the vast expanse of the Texan desert, Marfa emerges as an unexpected oasis for art and culture, home to a peculiar spectacle: a Prada store standing boldly amidst the barren landscape. This enigmatic installation, far from the hustle and bustle of urban life, defies convention and invites contemplation. Designed as a permanent art installation, the Prada Marfa store challenges notions of consumerism and luxury, blending seamlessly with the rugged beauty of the desert backdrop.
Its weathered facade and timeless allure captivate travelers and art enthusiasts, offering a surreal encounter with high fashion in the midst of nowhere, leaving an indelible mark on the parched landscape of West Texas.
The Biggest Bouncy Castle in the World
If you are worried that some of the items on this list would require you to travel throughout the country, fear not, and rest assured that some of these American things might just come to you. The biggest bouncy castle in the world actually "tours" throughout the US, so you can check when it will be in your state and possibly your city so that you don't have to travel too far.
It doesn't cost too much to visit this unique thing in the US, but it isn't that cheap as well. Be prepared to spend about $50 per person if you want to see the world's biggest bouncy castle.
A Graveyard for Ben & Jerry’s Flavors
If you love ice cream, then you are most likely aware of the Ben & Jerry's brand. They create endless, unique flavors that people have the privilege of trying on a regular basis. However, there are so many different flavors that don't end up succeeding. If there was one that you really loved, then you can go to the Ben & Jerry's graveyard and see all of the flavors that are no longer available.
As you can see, there are some people who actually enjoy coming to the graveyard in Vermont to say goodbye to the flavors that they loved.
A Spaceship House in the Mountains of Tennessee
Perched atop Signal Mountain, Tennessee, the Spaceship House boldly ventures into realms of futuristic architecture. With an estimated cost of $250,000, this avant-garde dwelling defies conventional design, resembling a sleek spacecraft poised for interstellar travel. Its smooth curves and metallic accents captivate the imagination, inviting residents to embark on a journey beyond earthly bounds. As a beacon of innovation in residential living, the Spaceship House stands as a testament to daring vision and boundless imagination.
Amidst the tranquil landscapes of Signal Mountain, it serves as a reminder that the boundaries of home design are limited only by the depths of human creativity and the vastness of the cosmos.
A Massive Peanut
In the quaint town of Plains, Georgia, amid the sun-dappled streets and Southern charm, resides an unexpected gem: the World's Biggest Peanut. Towering proudly as a testament to agricultural pride and whimsy, this colossal legume stands as a symbol of the town's rich heritage and sense of community. Visitors from far and wide marvel at its impressive size and quirky allure, capturing photos and memories against the backdrop of rural Georgia.
Once again, this is another "Only in America" item that can be found in the good old state of Georgia.
Go to the Free Peephole Theater in a San Francisco Alley
If you are looking for unique experiences, then you can rest assured that you will find unique things in California - especially in San Francisco. While some of them are quite strange, this one is part of the arts and is pretty fun. In an alley of San Francisco’s Mission District, you can find a tiny theater where you can watch silent films for free. This goes on every day of the week and at all hours.
The reason the theater is so small is that you have to view it through a small peephole if you want to take a look. Only in America would they come up with something like this.
A Clown Motel in Nevada
It is no secret that there are countless people in the world who are terrified of clowns. While it may be an irrational fear, it is something that is stressed in movies without end. There are countless horror movies focused on clown themes. Well, if you want to go to a different type of horror house, then you can head over to Tonopah, Nevada, and stay at the clown motel.
There are over 30 room options for you to stay in if you go to the motel. You can even take an evening stroll through the graveyard that is next door if you want to add extra creepiness.
An Abandoned Igloo Hotel in Alaska
Located in the rugged wilderness of Cantwell, Alaska, the abandoned Igloo City Hotel stands as a haunting relic of ambition frozen in time. Once envisioned as a beacon of hospitality in the Last Frontier, its estimated cost of $300,000 reflected dreams of grandeur amidst the icy landscape. Yet, its icy exterior belies a tale of unrealized potential and desolation. Amidst the sprawling tundra, this eerie structure remains a testament to the harsh realities of Alaska's unforgiving terrain and the transient nature of human endeavors.
As whispers of its past echo through the frigid air, Igloo City Hotel remains a silent sentinel, bearing witness to the passage of time in the wilderness's icy embrace.
The Wizard of Oz Theme Park
Nestled in the heart of Chicago, Illinois, lies a whimsical Oz-themed park, a haven where emerald greens and golden hues transport visitors to the enchanting Land of Oz. Inspired by L. Frank Baum's timeless tale, this park delights both the young and the young-at-heart with its winding yellow brick paths, towering emerald city structures, and whimsically themed attractions. As guests stroll through the park, they encounter characters from Dorothy's adventures, from the Cowardly Lion to the Tin Man, bringing the magic of Oz to life.
With vibrant gardens, interactive exhibits, and Oz-themed performances, the park sparkles with wonder, inviting all to embark on their own journey down the yellow brick road.
A Restaurant in an Airplane
If you are even in Colorado, stop over to Colorado Springs for a unique dining experience within the fuselage of a retired airplane. This unconventional restaurant, nestled in the heart of the city, offers patrons a chance to dine amidst the nostalgia and wonder of aviation history. With an estimated cost ranging from $11 to $30 per meal, guests can savor culinary delights while surrounded by the remnants of airborne adventures. From the cockpit-turned-bar to the cabin-turned-dining area, every corner exudes an atmosphere of novelty and charm.
As diners indulge in their meals, they're transported to a bygone era, where the spirit of flight and the joy of dining converge in delightful harmony, making every visit a memorable journey above the clouds.
A Small Stonehenge in the Water
Did you know that the US has its own Stonehenge? While it may not be as ancient or mysterious as the UK version, it is still pretty cool and something you might want to see. Beneath the tranquil depths of Lake Michigan lies a mystery that rivals the wonders of ancient civilizations. In a serendipitous twist of fate, scientists combing the lake's floor for sunken treasures stumbled upon this enigmatic rock formation in 2007.
Resembling the iconic Stonehenge, it rests silently twelve meters below the surface, defying explanation and captivating imaginations. So much mystery surrounds everything that is like Stonehenge.
Wonderworks Across the United States
In Orlando, Florida, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Syracuse, New York, WonderWorks stands as an emblem of imagination and discovery. Each location offers a gateway to awe-inspiring adventures within its inverted, eye-catching buildings. From the moment visitors step inside, they're greeted by a whirlwind of science, art, and entertainment. With hands-on exhibits, mind-bending illusions, and interactive experiences, WonderWorks ignites curiosity in visitors of all ages and is unique in its "upside down" style design.
Whether navigating through the Anti-Gravity Chamber, challenging the mind in the Bubble Lab, or feeling the power of a hurricane in the Disaster Zone, WonderWorks captivates hearts and minds, making learning an exhilarating journey wherever it touches down.
The Biggest Toilet in the World in Indiana
If you want to find things that are the “biggest” or the “largest” in the world, then you probably would want to take a trip to the U.S. While there was the biggest burger in the world is in Michigan, you will find the biggest toilet over in Indiana. It’s unfortunate that they are not located closer to each other, as it seems that that could be fairly useful.
Although the name gives big hopes, the toilet is not actually a functioning toilet. It is a toilet in a museum exhibit for kids that works as a slide and features tunnels. It is more of an interactive plumbing experience.
A Marketplace for Time Travelers
Just in case you were wondering, mankind has likely come to a time when just about everything can be found. Although most people do not think that time travel is actually possible, there are clearly plenty of people who do believe that it is possible and are ready to prepare for the event. In Echo Park, California, you can find the Time Travel Mart, where you can buy goods needed in the process and experience of time travel. You can buy things for post and pre-time travel as well.
They have created some pretty comprehensive things for their customers, and you can browse through the shop’s well-equipped displays that offer things from the beginning of human time to what they think would be the future.
Alcatraz Island Off The San Francisco Coast
Perched defiantly off the rugged San Francisco coast, Alcatraz Island embodies a storied past steeped in intrigue and defiance. Once a formidable federal penitentiary, its towering walls housed some of America's most notorious criminals, shrouding the island in an aura of mystery and apprehension. Today, Alcatraz stands as a testament to resilience, its weathered edifices serving as a beacon of history and reflection. As visitors traverse its hallowed grounds, they're enveloped in tales of daring escapes, hardened inmates, and the relentless pursuit of freedom.
Against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz remains a haunting reminder of the human spirit's unyielding quest for redemption and liberation amidst the unforgiving tides of time.
Haines Shoe House in Helium Township, Pennsylvania
Continuing the list of unique buildings in the US that can only be found in the US, you are presented with Haines Shoe House in Helium Township, Pennsylvania. Built in the early 20th century as a marketing ploy, this towering landmark resembles a giant workman's boot, capturing the imaginations of passersby. Standing out against the rural landscape, it beckons travelers to marvel at its unique design and storied history.
Originally conceived to promote a local shoe business, the Haines Shoe House now serves as a beloved icon, offering visitors a glimpse into a bygone era of playful advertising and architectural ingenuity, where even the most ordinary objects became extraordinary attractions.
The Hickory Horned Devil Moth
If there was ever a name that would scare the living daylights out of someone, it would probably be this. The Hickory Horned Devil. The funniest part is that this is not actually that much of a devil and more of a moth. It can be found in the southern and eastern parts of the US, and despite the name of the creature, it is actually quite harmless and very beautiful.
It is a friendly giant with horns that actually turns into a beautiful butterfly as it grows.
A Sundae That Costs $1,000
Are you ready to spend a fortune on ice cream? And by a fortune, it means some people's monthly rent on just a few bites of food. This sundae, known as the Golden Opulence Sundae, can be found at Serendipity 3 in New York City, New York. It is no surprise that it is located in New York, the city of expensive things, but it is surprising that people buy this.
While it does have some fancy and nice ingredients from all around the world, it also is served in a crystal container with 23-carat gold leaf-covered ice cream.
A Massive Rabbit That Costs Over $90 Million
Hidden within the labyrinthine folds of the art world lies the elusive Giant $91.1m Rabbit by Jeff Koons, a masterpiece as enigmatic as it is extravagant. Its precise whereabouts? A well-guarded secret, adding a dash of mystery to its already jaw-dropping price tag. Like a whimsical creature from a surrealist dream, this colossal creation challenges conventional notions of art and commerce with a wink and a nod. Once again, there is an insanely expensive item on the "Only in America" list of things.
Though its physical location remains a mystery, the Rabbit hops through the corridors of art history, leaving a trail of speculation and wonder in its wake.
Nike Air Mag's Back to the Future Shoe
The iconic Nike Air Mag from "Back to the Future" has transcended cinematic fantasy, landing squarely in the realm of collectors' dreams, with a notable presence on eBay. Priced at a staggering $45,000, these futuristic kicks bring Marty McFly's self-tying shoes to life, capturing the imaginations of enthusiasts worldwide. Since their debut in the 1989 Hollywood classic "Back to the Future II," these high-tech wonders have become the holy grail for fans of the franchise, symbolizing the perfect fusion of nostalgia and innovation.
With each pair, wearers step into a world where the line between fiction and reality blurs, propelling them on a journey through time and style, emphasizing how "only in America" is really a thing.
Bright Yellow Banana Slugs
Along the lush and misty West Coast of America, in forests dense with ferns and towering redwoods, roams a peculiar creature: the banana slug. With its vibrant yellow hue and leisurely pace, this slimy denizen of the forest floor adds a touch of whimsy to the coastal ecosystem. Gliding gracefully among the fallen leaves and damp undergrowth, banana slugs play a vital role in the region's delicate balance of nature, serving as decomposers and indicators of environmental health.
They look like little gummy bananas and are both cute and fun to find! Although we probably wouldn't want to touch those.
Abandoned Santa Claus Town
Did you know that there is a city in the US called Santa Claus? It is located in the arid landscape of Arizona, and now Santa's Ghost Town whispers tales of yesteryears and Christmas charm. Once a bustling stop along Route 66, this quirky attraction now stands frozen in time, a relic of Americana and holiday cheer. Amidst the desert's shimmering heat, remnants of a bygone era evoke nostalgia and curiosity, inviting visitors to wander through its abandoned streets and faded storefronts.
From Santa-themed memorabilia to weathered facades adorned with festive trimmings, the store offers some strange things.
A Witch House of Salem Massachusetts
With an estimated cost of $600,000, this iconic structure stands as a haunting tribute to the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Amidst the cobblestone lanes and shaded byways, its timeworn facade evokes a sense of eerie allure and whispered secrets. Once home to Judge Jonathan Corwin, whose name became synonymous with the trials' dark legacy, the Witch House now serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the hysteria and tragedy that once gripped the town.
As shadows lengthen and history unfolds, Salem's Witch House remains an enduring symbol of intrigue and remembrance, weaving tales of magic and melancholy into the fabric of its storied streets.