San Luis Obispo, California, is renowned for hosting possibly the world’s largest bubble gum alley. The origins remain uncertain, with theories suggesting it began as a graduating class event or a school rivalry. Existing since at least the 1950s, the 70-foot-long, 15-feet-high wall elicits diverse local opinions. While some view it as an eyesore, others perceive it as a unique work of art. Regardless, the divisive alley shows no signs of removal and continues to draw visitors.

Slab City, California, is touted as one of the last lawless spots in the U.S. It’s a haven for a diverse mix of individuals, including misfits, hippies, the homeless, and those seeking an escape from mainstream society. Although unincorporated, the town charges $30 a night for accommodation or allows visitors to bring their own RV. Despite occasional police patrols, the community engages in regular social events such as karaoke, challenging the notion of complete lawlessness. If you’re considering a visit during your next road trip, be ready to embrace your inner free spirit.

In Cottonwood, Idaho, you have the unique opportunity to spend the night inside a massive dog-shaped hotel, known as the Dog Park Inn. This quirky establishment, designed as a tribute to unusual roadside attractions across the U.S., is a hit with both children and canines. Due to its popularity, booking well in advance is advised. Additionally, Cottonwood offers more unconventional accommodations, including a Benedictine monastery that welcomes people of all faiths, providing an alternative stay for road trippers.

Clark, South Dakota, boasts one of America’s most peculiar events—annual mashed potato wrestling matches. Participants, donned in costumes, engage in riveting storylines as they face off against rivals in a small pool filled with mashed potatoes. For those less inclined towards wrestling in mashed potatoes, the event also features more “traditional” festivities. However, to fully immerse yourself in the experience, consider signing up for a friendly match.

Legend has it that Scottsboro, Alabama, emerged from the collective frustration of air travelers over the last half-century. In reality, it is renowned as the destination for unclaimed luggage from around the world. Visitors to Scottsboro can participate in auctions where lost luggage is sold without being opened. While most lost luggage likely contains everyday items, the museum housing rare finds asserts discoveries such as the guidance system of an F-16 fighter jet, valuable paintings, and even an Egyptian artifact.

Fall River, Massachusetts, is infamous for one of the most notorious murders in American history, allegedly committed by a woman named Lizzie Borden. The story involves Borden’s parents being axed to death in broad daylight, with the Irish maid present in the home. Despite evidence pointing towards Borden, she was never formally convicted, and the motive was suspected to be an attempt to inherit her parents’ wealth. Interestingly, the house where the murders occurred is now open for overnight stays, with claims of Lizzie Borden’s ghost lingering, though skepticism abounds.

The diminutive town of Centralia, Pennsylvania, once home to around 1,000 residents in the 1980s, has seen a steady decline in population since. The reason for this decline is a literal underground fire that has been burning since a tragic coal mine disaster in 1962, claiming the lives of 111 miners. Today, the population has dwindled to fewer than a dozen, with authorities prohibiting new residents. Scientists estimate that the fire, along with sinkholes and toxic fumes, could persist for 250 years. Centralia is reminiscent of America’s Chernobyl, and while it’s restricted for habitation, it remains accessible for visitors to drive through and explore.

Monowi, Nebraska, epitomizes small-town living with just one resident, Elsie Eiler. Once home to around 150 people in the 1930s, the town’s population dwindled as people sought job opportunities elsewhere. Following her husband’s passing in 2004, Eiler became the sole resident, juggling roles as the town’s librarian, tavern operator, and mayor. In a unique twist, she even pays herself taxes annually, as reported by Atlas Obscura. If you find yourself traveling through Nebraska, consider a visit to Monowi—a rare chance to experience a town with uncertain longevity and the novelty of being served drinks by the mayor.

Seward, Nebraska, proudly boasts the world’s largest time capsule, initiated by enthusiast Harold Davisson. His affinity for the year 1975 led to the creation of a 45-ton vault, preserving around 5,000 memorabilia items, including a car from the same year. The capsule is housed beneath a pyramid structure. In addition to this quirky attraction, Seward is renowned as America’s Fourth of July city. Despite its modest population of around 7,000, the town draws an impressive 40,000 visitors annually for its celebrated Fourth of July festivities.

While Adams, Tennessee, may not be particularly peculiar itself, it houses the Bell Witch Cave, adding an intriguing element to the town. According to legend, the cave’s story originates from a land deal gone wrong involving a woman named Kate Batts, who supposedly cursed the Bell family. After her death, the family claimed to witness strange apparitions near their home. This local legend gained national notoriety and inspired folklore beyond the Southeastern U.S. Even former President Andrew Jackson is said to have had an encounter with the Bell Witch apparition.

Whittier, Alaska, stands out as one of the few (official) towns globally where all residents live together under a single roof. Housed in a former army barracks, this large cinderblock building accommodates the entire population of Whittier. Nestled at the base of mountains and along the shores of Prince William Sound, the town faces harsh winter weather. The 14-story tower encompasses an inn, a church, a police station, and a small clinic. Accessible through a tunnel, although intermittently out of service, traveling by boat to Whittier might be a more reliable option. Notably, the inn is reputed to have the best interior decor in the entire tower, complete with binoculars, as per NPR

Colma, California, known as the “city of souls,” earns this moniker with good reason. Despite having a population of only around 1,200 people, the town boasts approximately 2 million burials across 17 cemeteries. In the 1880s, San Francisco, facing a shortage of burial space, began conducting funerals in Colma, contributing to the town’s extensive cemetery count within its two-square-mile area. Travelers exploring Colma can visit the graves of notable American figures, including Wild West sheriff Wyatt Earp, Levi Strauss, and William Randolph Hearst.

Tangier, Virginia, situated on Tangier Island in the Chesapeake Bay, is home to one of the most peculiar accents in America. Due to its isolation, locals exhibit a speech pattern more reminiscent of the U.K. than the continental United States. Linguists studying the accent suggest that it mirrors a long-forgotten American way of speaking, possibly similar to that of early colonists and the founding fathers. However, like many small towns, Tangier is experiencing a significant exodus of young people, sparking concerns that this unique accent may eventually fade away. For those intrigued by the sounds of early American English or seeking an island getaway, a visit to Tangier might be worth considering.

Florida is known for many things, but its significant senior population, particularly in places like The Villages, stands out. Yet, The Villages isn’t just an ordinary retirement community—it’s gained notoriety for having some of the highest rates of STDs in the entire state. With approximately 70,000 residents, the area is known for its somewhat unconventional lifestyle, with reports of amorous activities, including on its 34 golf courses. While The Villages might not be the stereotypical retirement setting, its residents, seemingly unfazed, continue to enjoy their unique community. Living out the rest of one’s life there doesn’t sound too bad, considering the laid-back atmosphere.

It might be surprising, but the town of Alma, Arkansas, was once home to a canning factory that produced an impressive 65% of the world’s spinach. Today, the town commemorates this achievement with a statue and water tower featuring the iconic character Popeye the Sailor. Alma continues to celebrate its spinach legacy through an annual spinach festival, offering events like a spinach-eating contest where participants can channel their inner Popeye. The festival also features diverse activities, including bull riding, rock climbing, and a petting zoo. Additionally, Alma boasts a waterpark and several museums for visitors to explore.

Miracle Village, located in Florida, was founded by minister Richard Witherow as a community providing refuge for registered sex offenders after their release from prison. Due to state laws prohibiting offenders from living within a specified distance of places like schools, bus stops, libraries, and playgrounds, Miracle Village serves as one of the few legal housing options for many residents (approximately half of whom are registered offenders). Described by longtime residents as a quiet and peaceful town, Miracle Village plays a unique role in offering a living space for individuals facing legal restrictions upon their release.

Homosassa Island in Florida has a rather unusual origin, stemming from a local developer’s frustration with a small rock outcropping causing boat damage. Tired of the rocks, he instructed crew members to “throw some dirt on it.” However, upon his return, he found that they had transformed the outcropping into its own small island.

Adding to the eccentricity of Homosassa Island are its resident monkeys. Originally brought to the town for polio vaccine research, they were relocated to the island after becoming a nuisance. Now, tourists can observe these monkeys from a safe distance as they live out their lives on the island, providing an unexpected attraction in the town of Homosassa.

In West Virginia, the Barbour County Historical Museum houses a unique exhibit: mummies that originated from two women diagnosed with mental disorders in an asylum. Following their deaths, they were embalmed and became part of P.T. Barnum’s traveling circus. Today, visitors can see these mummies at the museum. For those with different interests, the town is also notable as the site of the first land battle in the U.S. Civil War. This Union victory inspired the area to secede from Virginia and remain in the Union, a history celebrated with ongoing reenactments in the town.

Dudleytown, Connecticut, carries a haunting legend that resembles a horror story. Settled in 1738, the town’s namesake family, the Dudleys, arrived in 1747. The eerie tales suggest that the Dudleys faced plagues and royal conflicts in England, including a family member losing their head. Allegedly, untimely deaths and madness compelled residents to abandon the town until it became completely deserted.

Today, Dudleytown has transformed into a nature park that curious travelers can explore, as reported by The New York Times. While most of the town lies in ruins, a couple of private homes still stand in the area, preserving the mysterious legacy of this abandoned Connecticut town.

In 2016, Williamstown, Kentucky, gained fame for hosting the world’s largest reconstruction of Noah’s Ark, the iconic vessel from the Bible. This massive ark, measuring around 510 feet in length and standing seven stories tall, serves as a museum focused on the biblical flood narrative. While it remains uncertain whether the ark is seaworthy, it stands as one of the largest roadside attractions in the U.S. The creators proudly declare it as the “largest timber-framed structure in the world,” making it a notable addition to Kentucky’s attractions beyond bourbon and horses.

Hell, Michigan, originally a mining town, earned its name from a local resident who paid farmers with homemade whiskey. Wives responding, “he’s gone to hell again,” cemented the name. Hell embraces its quirky identity today, allowing visitors to marry, enjoy drinks at the Hell Hole Bar and Grill, and even become the mayor, with elections held only when Hell freezes over, as per the town’s website.

Ferndale, California, holds a distinguished place on the U.S. list of historical monuments due to its captivating Victorian-era architecture, showcasing buildings from the 19th century. Established in 1852 by two brothers, the town attracted Gold Rush hopefuls, and settlers introduced European agricultural techniques, contributing to the town’s prosperity and ornate structures. Dubbed the prettiest small town in the Redwoods region, Ferndale’s charm and picturesque scenery make it a photographer’s paradise, according to the town’s official website.

Center, North Dakota, lives up to its name by claiming to be situated in the exact center of North America. Interestingly, the town’s name has no direct connection to its geographic centrality. Originally named Center because it was believed to be at the center of its local county, it was only later discovered that the town occupies the center of the entire continent.

Initially, the center of the continent was believed to be in Rugby, North Dakota. However, a 2015 study debunked this notion, confirming Center’s claim to the geographical center of North America.

Gibsonton, Florida, serves as an unusual haven for carnival workers seeking a break. Historically, a significant portion of the town’s residents were performers from circuses and carnivals. Founded by a “giant” and his wife, who was also part of the carnival industry, the town reached its peak with factories producing Ferris wheels and special laws permitting residents to train exotic animals. While the era of “human oddities” has faded with the decline of traveling carnivals, Gibsonton remains a unique community rooted in the carnival lifestyle.

Hildale, Utah, once the headquarters for the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), practiced polygamy, but the church has distanced itself from the practice in recent years. The town, now seeking a new identity, was historically associated with the FLDS, but it has successfully rebranded as a tourist destination, moving beyond its past ties to the church.

No list of peculiar American towns is complete without Roswell, New Mexico, where an alleged alien discovery occurred in 1947. Despite the event being debunked multiple times, the town has become a magnet for curious travelers, turning aliens into big business. The original story gained widespread attention, fueled by military involvement and attempts to conceal the truth about a weather balloon experiment. Regardless of the facts, Roswell now holds a unique position in American folklore, and visitors can explore the town, collecting extraterrestrial souvenirs along the way.

The flavor graveyard at Ben & Jerry’s in Waterbury, Vermont, may be a brilliant marketing stunt, but it also serves as an outdoor museum showcasing the company’s discontinued flavors. Each tombstone features a brief epitaph and the years each flavor was in production. While visitors can explore the local factory for a small taste of the flavors that endure, it’s also an opportunity to pay respects to beloved flavors from childhood that have since disappeared.

Maharishi Vedic City, Iowa, with around 250 residents, enforces a strict building code requiring all homes to look identical. This unique regulation, established in 2001 by a vote from the town’s predominantly yogi population, follows a style of architecture originating from Hindu yogis. The design is intended to provide protection for the residents of each building.

Emphasizing healthy living, the town’s residents and government prioritize a holistic lifestyle. Additionally, they offer a hotel for visitors interested in experiencing the community’s distinctive way of life.

Contrary to expectations, Santa Claus is a desert town located in Arizona. Originally established to cater to road trippers along Route 66, the town’s quirky businesses thrived. Travelers could send their kids to the local post office to write Santa letters, receiving responses marked from Saint Nick. Additionally, the Santa Claus Inn added to the town’s festive charm. However, with the construction of the interstate, tourist dollars dwindled, leading to the decline of Santa Claus’s unique attractions.

Nameless, Tennessee, got its unconventional name from a legend suggesting that when applying for a post office, the town left the name section on the application blank. Consequently, the department assigned the town the name “Nameless.” While the true origin remains uncertain, the town is now unincorporated, with few remaining stores and no post office.

Despite its small size, Nameless, like many other Tennessee towns, offers stunning views for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. The town’s general store hosts events throughout the year, providing a reason for locals and visitors alike to gather and celebrate.

Igloo City, located in Alaska, stands out as an abandoned town with a unique history. Originally intended as a tourist destination, the town features a four-story hotel shaped like an igloo. However, the building, constructed in the 1970s, never opened to the public due to its inability to meet the building codes at the time.

Despite changing ownership multiple times, no one succeeded in making the structure operational. Today, Igloo City serves as a roadside attraction for those traveling from Fairbanks to Anchorage, marking the halfway point between the two cities.

Dublin, Ohio, aptly named for its unique attraction called Cornhenge, features massive corn sculptures created by Michael Cochran in honor of Sam Frantz. Frantz, who worked at the University of Ohio, made significant contributions to corn hybridization, developing seven different types of hybrid corn.

The site, once used by Frantz for his work, retains a row of orange trees from its farming days. This not only pays homage to the area’s agricultural past but also reflects its ongoing commitment to public art spaces. Cornhenge stands as a distinctive nod to history and a celebration of Dublin’s cultural landscape.

The town earned its unique name from an incident during the Creek War of 1813, although the exact circumstances remain uncertain—whether Native Americans burnt the settlers’ corn or vice versa. Present-day tourists can visit Burnt Corn and explore its historic buildings, including an old general store, churches, and a 1930s Coca-Cola mural. While the town’s census hasn’t been recorded since 1880, it remains a small community with a distinctive history.

Clarksdale, Mississippi, is renowned for its musical heritage, being the town where blues legend Robert Johnson allegedly made a pact with the devil at the crossroads of 49 and 61. The legend suggests that this encounter granted Johnson his extraordinary musical talent. While the authenticity of the story remains debatable, what’s certain is that Clarksdale boasts numerous live music venues and excellent BBQ joints. For travelers interested in blues history, the town offers a vibrant and culturally rich experience.

PhinDeli Town in Buford, Wyoming, dwindled to one resident before being purchased by Don Sammons in 1992. After selling the town, Sammons passed it on to a Vietnamese coffee magnate for around $900,000. Although the owner resides in Vietnam, PhinDeli Town now serves as the exclusive U.S. location to enjoy the magnate’s renowned coffee, available at the local gas station. Travelers can visit the town and experience the unique taste of this famous coffee.

In Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the first Little League baseball game took place on June 6, 1939, between teams sponsored by Lundy-Lumber and Lycoming Dairy. Lundy-Lumber emerged victorious with a score of 28-8. Today, Williamsport houses a Little League museum, providing visitors with a glimpse into the sport’s history. While the Little League World Series now occurs in a nearby town, small towns across the U.S. commonly feature baseball parks hosting little league games during the season. Baseball holds a significant place in American community culture.

Surprisingly, the attack on Pearl Harbor wasn’t the only time Japan targeted American soil during World War II. Shortly after the Doolittle raid on Tokyo, Japan launched around 9,000 balloons packed with explosives, hoping they would drift towards the continental U.S. While about 1,000 balloons reached the country, most were harmless. However, one balloon landing in Lakeview, Oregon, resulted in the tragic deaths of Elyse Mitchell and her five children. Today, a memorial at the site commemorates the only U.S. casualties killed on American soil after the war began.

Houston, Texas, hosts the National Museum of Funeral History, a unique attraction documenting the history of funeral services in the U.S. Visitors can explore the evolution of practices, view an extensive collection of coffins and hearses, and learn about presidential funerals, memorials, and the history of mourning photography. Despite its peculiar theme, the museum is recognized among the city’s top attractions, making it a noteworthy stop for those interested in the cultural and historical aspects of funeral traditions.

Salt Lake City, Utah, while not a small town, has a notable distinction—it is home to the first franchise location of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). Despite being many states away from Kentucky, this city was where the globally recognized KFC brand began its expansion. Although the original restaurant no longer stands, the current location showcases a wealth of memorabilia, including the colonel’s original suit and old advertisements. The story goes that the colonel sold the recipe and a pressure cooker to Pete Harman, a local resident who founded the first franchise in the city.