17 Tourist Traps That Not Even Americans Will Spend Their Money On

Written By Jill Taylor

There’s no denying that America is filled with iconic sites and tourist attractions, but not all of them are crowd-pleasers. In this article, we’re exploring 17 attractions across the United States that leave visitors feeling underwhelmed so you know what to skip on your next trip!

The Fountain of Youth, Florida

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Even if you’re desperate for eternal youth, this attraction isn’t worth the visit—disappointing visitors left, right, and center with its lack of magical effects. While tourists do tend to find the historical displays here interesting enough, it’s said that the overall experience isn’t worth the entry fee.

The Corn Palace, South Dakota

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If you don’t already know, this is an entire building decorated with murals made from corn, which is redesigned each year. Yes, it does sound initially intriguing, but the novelty tends to wear off after a few minutes, and you don’t often find anyone wanting to make a return visit.

Roswell, New Mexico

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As told by the FBI, “On July 8, 1947, the FBI Dallas Field Office sent a teletype regarding a flying disc that resembled a high altitude weather balloon found near Roswell.” Rumors spread about UFOs, and to this day, the city has plenty of alien-themed attractions, such as a UFO museum, which is apparently disappointing. We say it’s not worth the trip!

Carhenge, Nebraska

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Did you know that there’s a replica of England’s Stonehenge made entirely from vintage cars in Nebraska? It may be a quirky roadside oddity, but it certainly does lack broader appeal beyond the initial visual joke. Aside from those with an interest in unusual art installations, you won’t find many Americans traveling to visit it.

The Mystery Spot, Michigan

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This attraction is advertised as a place of strange natural phenomena where gravity is supposedly altered. While visitors do often feel the optical illusions are pretty cool, it’s apparently not as mind-blowing as expected, it’s over quickly, and it’s definitely not worth a second visit.

Dollywood’s Splash Country, Tennessee

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According to Pigeon Forge TN Guide, “Dollywood’s Splash Country rides offer some of the best water slides, pools, float trips, and play areas around!” However, this water park (owned by Dolly Parton) doesn’t live up to the expectations of many. It’s said that the park features standard water attractions, but nothing that stands out as exceptional.

Metropolis, Illinois

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Fans of Superman might just enjoy some of the attractions in this little city, but most people find that it lacks a broader appeal. While home to a Superman museum and a giant Superman statue, there’s not much else to see or do here.

The Cabazon Dinosaurs, California

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The Cabazon Dinosaurs are a roadside attraction featuring, you guessed it, large dinosaur statues. Located in a desert setting, they were originally built to attract customers to a restaurant and are now essentially seen as a quick photo op rather than something to go out of your way to see.

Lucy the Elephant, New Jersey

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A six-story novelty piece of architecture shaped like an elephant sounds pretty cool, but we’re not surprised that Americans aren’t rushing to visit. People are allowed to tour the inside, which is rather charming, but it’s said to be a little underwhelming and isn’t the most exciting tourist spot out there.

London Bridge, Arizona

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In the 1960s, the actual London Bridge was shipped over to Arizona after being bought for $2.5 million, as per Arizona Highways. While an impressive feat of engineering, its placement in a desert town is a bit odd and doesn’t draw many visitors in.

Foamhenge, Virginia

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Yet another Stonehenge replica, this one is full-size, made entirely from Styrofoam, and located in Virginia. We have to say, it doesn’t have quite the same mystical appeal as the original, which is perhaps why people don’t find it compelling enough for a dedicated trip.

The World’s Largest Ball of Twine, Kansas

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This unique attraction is exactly what it sounds like—a giant ball of twine. It does definitely intrigue some people enough to pay it a visit and snap a few pictures, but beyond its initial novelty, there’s really not much entertaining about it, meaning it’s only worth visiting if you’re already passing by.

Four Corners Monument, Southwest USA

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Four Corners Monument is the only point in the U.S. where four states intersect. With that said, it’s not very exciting. Yes, it’s appealing as a quick photo op—but it’s also located in a remote area, which might disappoint those expecting more than a simple geographic marker.

Wall Drug Store, South Dakota

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Lonely Planet says that this infamous store has “5¢ coffee, free ice water, good donuts and enough diversions and come-ons to warm the hearts of schlock-lovers everywhere.” But, at the end of the day, it’s basically a big tourist mall full of tacky souvenirs.

Winchester Mystery House, California

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A mansion with an intricate design, featuring staircases and doors that lead nowhere, Winchester Mystery House is often marketed as a haunted attraction, though it sadly doesn’t meet the spooky expectations of most visitors. Overall, it’s definitely not on most people’s must-see lists when visiting California.

South of the Border, South Carolina

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Another roadside attraction, this one is mainly known and recognized by its large, colorful sombrero-shaped signs. It features souvenir shops, amusement rides, and even themed eateries, but it’s often viewed as dated and tacky by most Americans—not very impressive at all.

Hollywood Walk of Fame, California

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Everyone knows of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but despite how iconic it may seem, not many people actually enjoy visiting. It’s said to be overcrowded most of the time and full of aggressive street vendors and performers. Not to mention, it’s not as clean as you’d expect!

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