This palatial spiral staircase was so unusual the name "snail" was given to the noble family who built it.

The pile of books behind the dignified writer gave the statue a most undignified nickname.

Go inside to really appreciate this 500-year-old technological masterpiece.

Two stone columns flank the grand Venice square, but there were supposed to be three.

This striking art museum holds an amazing series of curiosity cabinets.

A group of artists transformed this desolate city alleyway into an outdoor gallery of street art.

One of Frank Lloyd Wright's final works was this UFO church.

The bugs crawling down the front of this office building are almost as big as a '68 VW Beetle.

A place to eat for on-the-run agents and espionage enthusiasts.

Statue dedicated to the star of an old television show.

According to the legend, this strikingly beautiful hill has miraculous healing powers.

A classic carnival ride that was carved to be untouchable.

A miner's handmade folk art fountains are tucked in the woods off a multilane highway. 

For just a few bucks, this Iowa funicular will let you feel like an 1800s fat cat.

A wonderland of caves in eastern Iowa.

The oldest house in Galena, Illinois, now is a reminder of when this city was the world's lead mining capital.

The oldest operating hotel in Illinois enjoys a historic (and some say haunted) past.

The tallest bridge in California was constructed for a project that was eventually cancelled.

A dentist's hated concrete colossi are now beloved icons of the community.

More than 5,000 contemporary and "historic" mustards from around the world.

A bizarre house filled with an astounding array of collections.

One of the last surviving C-97s sits in a field in front of a Wisconsin inn.

Designed by Alfred Caldwel, this landscape showcases his vision of a native garden.

An antiquated German apothecary on Chicago's North Side.