8 Most Eccentric Towns In The United States
As the third-largest country in the world, the United States is home to a surprising number of bizarre places. While a lot of the attention is given to its major cities, the smaller, quirkier towns often go unnoticed. Yet, situated within these lesser-known communities, odd attractions—such as gravity-defying hills, sasquatch festivals, and the world’s largest rocking chair—await the curious. If you think you know the U.S., prepare to be surprised. These eight towns will unveil a side of the country you would never have imagined.
Whitehall, New York
Whitehall, New York, stands out as possibly the only town in the United States where sasquatches are classified as a protected species. In 2004, the town enacted a law banning the hunting of this elusive creature. Whitehall residents also gather each year for the annual Sasquatch Festival and Calling Contest. This event features presentations by researchers sharing evidence of the creature’s existence, community exhibits, live music, a beer garden, and a calling contest that serves as the grand finale. Even if Sasquatch lore is not your thing, Whitehall has several other attractions worth checking out. Visit Apple Hill Orchard, a U-pick orchard known for its seasonal fresh apples, or hunt for a quirky antique at the State Line Flea Market or Nicholas Auctions.
Prosser, Washington
About 20 minutes from downtown Prosser lies the enigmatic Gravity Hill, a phenomenon that perplexes even the most skeptical visitors. When drivers reach the spray-painted starting line, they should put their car in neutral and remove their foot from the gas. Their car will then appear to roll uphill, a strange effect some attribute to supernatural forces or UFOs, though scientists explain it as an optical illusion. The Great Prosser Balloon Rally is another great reason to visit Prosser. This event takes place annually and draws in hot air balloon pilots from all over the Northwestern region of the country to fly their balloons in the skies. Year-round, travelers can enjoy a glass of wine at one of its 25 nearby wineries. Airfield Estates Winery and Desert Wind Winery are two popular places with cozy taprooms for a wine tasting.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Provincetown, home to the country’s oldest continuous art colony, has one of the most iconic art scenes in the United States. Provincetown hosts numerous art events throughout the year, such as the 24-Hour Play Festival, where directors, playwrights, and actors create a play in just one day. Other highlights include the Provincetown International Film Festival, celebrating independent cinema, and the Provincetown Public Library Book Festival. Strolling through Provincetown’s gallery district, visitors can explore over 40 art galleries. A few of the notable stops include the Rice Polak Gallery, Bowersock Fine Art Gallery, and Julie Tremblay Gallery. After appreciating Provincetown’s incredible art scene, travelers can enjoy an afternoon lounging on the sunny beaches around town, such as Race Point Beach and Herring Cove.
Marfa, Texas
The Marfa Lights phenomenon is one of the main draws to the small town of Marfa, Texas. Seen on the horizon to the southeast of town, these dancing lights in the sky have been reported by meteorologists, ranchers, Native Americans, and children alike. While skeptics claim them to result from reflections of campfires or car headlights, many locals recognize it as an unexplainable mystery. Marfa’s tranquil setting in the Texas Big Bend region has attracted artists seeking inspiration for decades. The town’s art scene includes impressive large-scale architectural projects by renowned minimalist Donald Judd and a contemporary art museum, Ballroom Marfa, housed in a historic 1920s ballroom, among other art projects and galleries.
Holland, Michigan
Originally settled by Dutch colonists in 1847, Holland provides a Dutch cultural experience without the need for international travel. Visitors can begin their trip at Nelis’ Dutch Village, an old-fashioned village where they can learn Dutch dances, try their hand at wooden shoe carving, and visit farm animals. Windmill Island Gardens makes a good second stop, home to De Zwaan Windmill, the only authentic functioning Dutch windmill in the country, and 150,000 tulips that bloom in the spring. Speaking of tulips, each spring, the town puts on its annual Tulip Time Festival, which celebrates the blooming tulips through Dutch cuisine, dance, and parades. To learn more about the town’s history and appreciate Dutch art pieces, make sure to spend a couple of hours at the Holland Museum.
Georgetown, South Carolina
Georgetown’s downtown area is particularly unique, home to a historic district completely free of chain stores and filled with eclectic cafes and museums. You might not have imagined a museum dedicated to rice, but Georgetown’s Rice Museum offers just that. Established in 1970, the Rice Museum celebrates the rice agricultural industry of the region and features work from local artists and craftsmen. After exploring the museum, travelers can grab a coffee at the Purr & Pour Cat Cafe, where they can hang out with 10 to 14 rescue cats while enjoying a hot cup of coffee. Also in the historic downtown district is Indigo Mercantile, a local grocery store that sells fun gadgets, wine, sandwiches, and other tasty foods. After dining and shopping, travelers can head out to one of Georgetown's marinas for a boating or fishing expedition, such as the Harborwalk Marina, for an unforgettable afternoon on the water.
Strasburg, Pennsylvania
Home to the country’s oldest operating railroad, an Amish village, and a miniature horse farm, Strasburg has all kinds of delightful attractions. There are countless train-related attractions in town, including the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, which showcases over 100 historic locomotives, the National Toy Train Museum, home to miniature and toy trains dating back as far as the 19th century, and the Choo Choo Barn, which houses over 150 animated figures and 22 operating trains. Travelers can also see an authentic Amish farmhouse, one-room schoolhouse, and blacksmith shop at The Amish Village. The Miniature Horse Farm is perfect for the whole family, containing 10 stalls of miniature horses as well as other farm animals. Make sure to try their homemade rootbeer when you are there!
Casey, Illinois
Upon arriving in Casey, travelers will feel dwarfed by the supersized roadside attractions scattered throughout the town, including several "world's largest" creations like a giant mailbox, teeter-totter, rocking chair, barber shop pole, key, wind chime, and golf tee. The town also has massive replicas of other items, such as a Pokeball, a minion, knitting needles, and a pizza slicer, giving visitors more than enough spots for a good photo op. One of the creators of these attractions, Jim Bolin, was also the founder of Whitling Whimsy Cafe in town, a cozy cafe offering carmelitas, cupcakes, scones, cookies, and hearty breakfast and lunch options. After lunch, travelers can unwind at Fairview Park, an extensive 40-acre park with fishing ponds, a sunken flower garden, a campground facility, a skate park, sports fields, and a memorial garden, among other park facilities.
Final Thoughts
With so many unconventional attractions to visit, these eight towns deserve a special tribute. If you feel as though your trips have become a bit routine, do not hesitate to shake things up by traveling to one of these towns for your next vacation or long weekend. Historic art colonies, hot air balloon rallies, and Amish farmsteads await, serving as reminders of the country’s diversity. Some of the destinations, like Holland, Michigan, will even emulate an international trip!
