Places Edited by Darrell Powers

The first declared National Monument in the United States.

A mining town once rife with murderous disputes over its copious treasures now creates income as a popular spot for photo shoots.

A six-ton, 12-foot-tall concrete prairie dog is touted as the largest in the world.

Marking the spot where a conquistador gave up his search for the fabled Seven Cities of Gold.

Minimalist modern art on a repurposed military base in rural Texas.

This 4,000-foot-diameter hole is touted as "the most well known, best preserved meteorite crater on Earth."

These faux-cliff dwellings allow visitors to climb around on a replica archaeological site.

Explore the largest pure gypsum deposit in the world, and go dune sledding while you're at it.

A fake mine that was made using real mining techniques which is also used as a community center.

Ancient pueblos built into the base of a natural canyon wall.

This is one really big nut.

Strange red rock formations that have been attributed to a higher power for hundreds of years.

The first full-scale tunnel built in America is short but scenic.

400 million-year old limestone caverns nestled in the Ozarks served as shelter and a hideout for cultures throughout North American history.

Eons ago, a rushing lava river formed this pristine passage through solid rock.

A motel dedicated to Southwestern nostalgia.

The Bucyrus-Erie model 1850B electric shovel, or "Big Brutus," the largest existing electric shovel in the world.

A chessmaster's dream destination.

Recognized the world over as the home of the McCallisters in the 1990 movie "Home Alone."

Visitors can walk over the largest concentration of Columbian mammoths to have died from one event.

A collection of massive stacked rocks in Texas includes a snarky note on the benefits of modern technology.

This simple home was the beginning of a long journey for the iconic Western film star.

This giant temperature attraction created some giant electric bills.

One of the smallest towns in the United States.