A grassroots community effort in the 1970s led to the creation of this beautiful garden full of delightfully whimsical exhibits.

This tiny historic jail along Route 66 is the perfect fit for exactly one criminal and their partner-in-crime.

This historic Illinois "Muffler Man" has been converted from axe-touting lumberjack to rocket-wielding space ace.

A historic and oft-filmed prison stands in a Chicago suburb.

Eclectic collection of rare and beautiful stones in a historic home.

While he no longer has an eatery to give him context, this off-brand Paul Bunyan still holds his giant hot dog with pride.

An institution that preserves the history of institutionalization.

Only known mainland rookery of the threatened Stellar sea lion.

The second largest waterfall by volume in the U.S., Willamette Falls is outdone only by Niagara in the amount of water that is pushed northward.

This charmingly homemade amusement park has been growing for 40 years.

The magic's in the hole!

A roaring, awe-inspiring double cascade of icy water flows through woodland Oregon like something out of a Tolkien novel.

An adorably sweet display of sculpted Precious Moments figurines.

The Old Courthouse takes visitors on a captivating trip through St. Louis' timeline.

What was once a presidential estate is now an exotic menagerie and home to the Budweiser Clydesdales.

Less a museum than a bizarre fantasy world created by artists and engineers.

The farm where one of America's greatest leaders was raised is now a well-appointed landmark.

You thought Santa Claus didn't exist, but it turns out you were wrong.

A mythical bird etched into the face of a rock doubles as the mascot for a nearby school.

Not to be confused with the iconic New York City skyscraper, this Chicago building is a vibrant hub for artists.

In the Shawnee National Forest, amazing rock formations peer through the treeline.

This historic hotel invented the chocolate brownie.

The park that the Chicago Stockyards built.

You were once able to challenge a chicken to tic-tac-toe at this park, which is now converted into the Aikman Wildlife Adventure.