Geography Geography 4 min read

Prehistoric life

10 top U.S. spots to find fossils and see prehistoric life

Image: Marcio Skull

Did you ever dream of being a Paleontologist? Maybe it's not too late! In the United States, there are many places you can visit to go fossil hunting. In fact, according to the National Park Service, more than 320 species of dinosaurs have been named in our country, and most states have produced at least one fossil. But the prehistoric world was inhabited by many other species. In addition to dinosaurs, there were other animals —and plants!— that are also worth knowing about. Without further ado, here are 10 incredible destinations for fossil sightings in America.

1
Dinosaur State Park

Image: Steppinstars

The Northeast is not particularly known for its fossil sites, as most dinosaur bones are found in the West. However, Dinosaur State Park in Connecticut Valley is a singular exception.

Dinosaur State Park is a 200-million-year-old fossil trackway containing more than 2,600 dinosaur footprints. Although most have been reburied for preservation, this park is worth a visit to see the tracks that have been left on display. In addition to experiencing the Mesozoic era, you can also enjoy nature trails, an interactive museum, an arboretum, and picnic areas.

2
Badlands National Park

Image: kkorvin

South Dakota is home to some of the most remarkable fossils ever discovered, and Badlands National Park, in particular, has been a fossil-rich reservoir for centuries. In fact, the Oglala Lakota people had been finding prehistoric remains long before paleontology was a formal discipline.

The park protects an exposed area of thousands of ancient fossil specimens. From large mammalian brontotheres to reptilian mosasaurs that swam in the ancient seas that gave way to the Badlands, there is a lot to explore here.

3
Cleveland Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry

Image: Danny Grizzle

A site with more than 12,000 bones from at least 70 different ancient animals, including lots of carnivorous dinosaurs? Sign me up!

But that's not all the Cleveland Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry in Utah has to offer. For freshwater animal enthusiasts, there are also fossilized clam beds to discover. If you want to visit, just keep in mind this park is open seasonally, April through October.

4
La Brea Tar Pits

Image: Brian Wangenheim

Los Angeles is much more than just Hollywood. La Brea Tar Pits is located right in the heart of the most populous city in California, yet it remains one of the most important fossil sites in the country.

Hours of scientific work and hundreds of excavations have yielded millions of Pleistocene fossils that are now open to the public. From mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and giant mastodons to the tiny feet of Ice Age woodpeckers, you can learn a lot about prehistoric life at La Brea Tar Pits. Not bad, don't you think?

5
Petrified Forest National Park

Image: Joseph Corl

If you ever visit Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park is worth a detour. Known for its Triassic fossils, this park seems to be frozen in time, as the world was more than 200 million years ago.

In addition to petrified trees and ancient fossilized plants and animals spread in an area of about 346 square miles, Petrified Forest National Park is also home to some interesting living inhabitants that today must survive in the harsh desert climate.

6
Dinosaur National Monument

Image: Zachary

Dinosaur National Monument on the border between Colorado and Utah houses about 1,500 dinosaur bones from some of the most iconic species. Remains of Allosaurus, Apatosaurus, Diplodocus, and Stegosaurus are included among the residents of the 150-million-year-old site.

Originally preserved in 1915, in this famous dinosaur quarry, you can also see several petroglyphs and pictograph panels made by the Fremont people who lived in the area from approximately 300-1300 Common Era (CE).

7
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Image: Michael Dziedzic

The prehistoric world is much more than just mammoths and dinosaurs. 14-foot-wide petrified sequoias and thousands of insect and plant fossils await you at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument near Colorado Springs.

These tiny organisms, approximately 34 million years old, are just as important as the enormous Tyrannosaurus rex. Although this is a lesser-known park, it is totally worth visiting. Pro tip: In the summer, you can explore the site that serves as a fossil laboratory.

8
Dinosaur Valley State Park

Image: adolfo-atm

Did you know that the area near Dallas and Fort Worth in Texas was once an ancient ocean? Around 113 million years ago, dinosaurs, such as theropods and sauropods, walked their shores.

Set astride the Paluxy River, today this area is protected by the Dinosaur Valley State Park. The fossil traces here are sometimes submerged, but on dry days they can be clearly seen and are an impressive testimony of what the Earth was like in prehistoric times.

9
The Mammoth Site

Image: Jonathan Cooper

The Mammoth Site was established in the mid-1970s after a construction worker had unearthed rare bones in Hot Springs, South Dakota. The remains found turned out to be a mammoth tooth, which was soon followed by other fossils.

Today, the site serves as a museum and active paleontological excavation site. So far, a total of 61 North American Columbian and woolly mammoths have been found here.

10
Fossil Butte National Monument

Image: Jacqueline Martinez

In the ridges of southwest Wyoming is Fossil Butte National Monument, a park that preserves the best paleontological record of Cenozoic aquatic communities. This sort of aquarium, carved in stone, has more than 2000 fossils of thousands of species of plants and animals, such as fish, insects, reptiles, birds, bats, and even tiny horses that lived around a freshwater lake millions of years ago.

With plenty of hiking trails, wildlife, and scenery, this unique park is definitely worth visiting.

Geography Geography 5 min read

Streets ahead

City hearts: The 10 most iconic neighborhoods in America

Image: Breno Assis

America’s history comes alive in its bustling streets and ever-expanding urban landscapes. But what truly pumps life into the heart of these vibrant cities are their neighborhoods—where people meet, live, work, and thrive. These communities are as diverse as our nation's cultural roots, offering a window into the inclusiveness and energy that define American society. From the jazz beats of New Orleans to the legendary avenues of Harlem, let’s take a journey through 10 iconic American neighborhoods that—each in its own way—embody the spirit of our country!

1
French Quarter – New Orleans, LA

Image: João Francisco

Also known as the Vieux Carré ("Old Square" in English), the French Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans. Established in 1718 by the city’s founders, the neighborhood is now famous for its vibrant music scene—particularly jazz, which was born in its streets and clubs.

Architecturally, the French Quarter is characterized by a blend of Spanish and French colonial influences, with wrought-iron balconies and colorful buildings lining the streets. Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral remain central landmarks, standing as reminders of the city’s rich European history.

2
Harlem – New York City, NY

Image: John Money

Harlem is a neighborhood in Upper Manhattan known for its African American culture and rich immigration history. Originally founded as a Dutch settlement around 1658, it was named after the city of Haarlem in the Netherlands. Harlem's complex history has been defined by a series of economic boom-and-bust cycles, with significant population shifts accompanying each cycle.

Successive waves of immigration populated its streets with people from all over the world, including Jewish and Italian Americans in the 19th century and African American residents in the 20th century. The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s cemented the neighborhood's fame, giving rise to figures like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, and helping to shape American popular culture.

3
Beverly Hills – Los Angeles, CA

Image: David Vives

Although technically a suburb of Los Angeles, with distinct neighborhoods of its own, Beverly Hills is still a somewhat closed-knit community, known for its opulent homes and celebrity residents. Originally settled in 1828, the area began as an agricultural community centered around Rancho Rodeo de las Aguas, a Mexican-era land grant.

In 1914, a group of investors, initially searching for oil, discovered water instead and decided to develop the area into a town. By the 1920s, Beverly Hills had become synonymous with wealth and luxury, attracting movie stars like Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford, who built lavish estates and cemented the area as a celebrity haven.

4
North End – Boston, MA

Image: Zoshua Colah

Boston's North End is the city’s oldest residential neighborhood, dating back to the 1630s. It played a crucial role in the American Revolution, with notable figures like Paul Revere building their homes there. The Old North Church, where the famous "One if by land, two if by sea" signal was sent, also stands as a landmark of the city’s revolutionary heritage.

The narrow streets and historic buildings offer visitors a glimpse into colonial America, making it one of Boston’s top tourist destinations. The North End is also renowned for its Italian heritage, which took root in the early 1900s, and for hosting the annual Feast of St. Anthony, a tradition dating back over a century.

5
Hollywood – Los Angeles, CA

Image: Jeremy Bishop

Hollywood is arguably the world’s most famous neighborhood when it comes to film and entertainment. Founded in the late 1800s, it quickly became the movie capital of the world with the establishment of the Nestor Film Company in 1911, the first of many studios to call Hollywood home.

Its most iconic landmark, the Hollywood Sign, was originally created in 1923 as an advertisement for a real estate development but has since evolved into a universal symbol of the film industry. While many production studios have relocated over the years, Hollywood remains synonymous with celebrity and filmmaking. Each year, millions of visitors flock to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and explore the streets where countless film legends started their careers.

6
Little Italy – New York City, NY

Image: Alex Haney

Little Italy, located in lower Manhattan, was established in the late 19th century by Italian immigrants who brought their culture, cuisine, and traditions to New York. The neighborhood quickly became a vibrant center of Italian-American life , with bustling markets, restaurants, and festivals.

Though urban development has reduced the original neighborhood to just five blocks, Little Italy still retains its old charm. Iconic spots like Lombardi’s, America’s first pizzeria, continue to draw crowds, while the annual Feast of San Gennaro—a tradition since 1926—celebrates the rich heritage of the community.

7
Chinatown – San Francisco, CA

Image: Kevin Vision

San Francisco’s Chinatown is not only the oldest but also one of the largest Chinese enclaves in North America —and even outside of Asia. Established in 1848, it holds significant historical and cultural importance, playing an important role during the California Gold Rush and the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad.

Today, Chinatown is celebrated for its vibrant markets, distinctive pagoda-style architecture, and lively Chinese New Year festivities. Spanning 24 blocks, it remains a crucial cultural and commercial hub, drawing both tourists and locals with its authentic cuisine and historic landmarks.

8
Hyde Park – Chicago, IL

Image: Manta X

Best known as the home of the University of Chicago, Hyde Park has long been a hub for intellectuals, politicians, and social movements on Chicago’s South Side. Originally developed as a retreat for the city's affluent residents, the neighborhood is also known for its numerous museums and religious institutions, including the famous Museum of Science and Industry.

Hyde Park was also the site of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, where millions of visitors were introduced to groundbreaking innovations, such as the first Ferris wheel. Today, it remains one of Chicago’s most diverse neighborhoods, having been home to notable figures like President Barack Obama.

9
Beacon Hill – Boston, MA

Image: Leslie Cross

Beacon Hill is one of Boston’s most picturesque neighborhoods, known for its Federal-style row houses and gaslit streets. Established in the early 1800s, it quickly became a haven for the city's elite, featuring homes designed by notable architects of the era, including Charles Bulfinch.

Beacon Hill also played a significant role in the abolitionist movement, with prominent figures like Frederick Douglass residing in the area. Adding to its architectural charm, the Massachusetts State House, also designed by Bulfinch, crowns Beacon Hill with its stunning golden dome.

10
Little Havana – Miami, FL

Image: Kian Lem

Little Havana in Miami is the heart of Cuban-American culture in the United States. Home to Cuban exiles and Latin American immigrants, the neighborhood's main street, Calle Ocho, is famous for its colorful murals, Cuban cafés, and lively music. Each year, the Calle Ocho Festival, part of the larger Carnaval Miami celebration, draws thousands of visitors.

A symbol of cultural integration, Little Havana features several significant landmarks, including the historic Tower Theater, which has served as a cultural bridge for newly arrived immigrants by offering films in both English and Spanish.

Geography Geography 6 min read

America's weirdest, wildest, and raddest

Thomas Edison’s last breath? 10 odd roadside attractions across the U.S.

Image: Alvaro Reyes

If there’s one thing we Americans love, it’s things that are bigger, louder, and better than anyone else’s. This might explain why we are home to the largest egg in the world or why we keep Thomas Edison’s last breath in a museum. While it’s true that some of these strange places may seem odd and slightly cringeworthy, each one is interesting in its own right. And while they may not all be worth going out of your way to see, they are certainly worth reading about. Join us to discover 10 roadside attractions that will leave you speechless!

1
Miniature Graceland

Image: Florian Herzog

If you are on the East Coast and you are not planning a trip to the South to visit the real Graceland in Memphis anytime soon, you can always settle for Roanoke, Virginia's miniature version.

The handcrafted structures at Miniature Graceland include the mansion itself, a replica of the Elvis Presley Car Museum, as well as the King's birthplace in the city of Tupelo. This magical tribute was built in 1980 by Don Epperly, an Elvis fan, on the property next to his home. Over time, the attraction deteriorated, but a local group is now in charge of maintaining the site, which can still be visited.

2
World’s largest Christmas store

Image: Brandi Alexandra

Bronner's Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, Michigan, is the self-proclaimed world's largest Christmas store. And no wonder—the amount of electricity required to run the 100,000 lights that illuminate the sales floor costs approximately $1,250 per day.

The salesroom showcases more than 350 decorated trees, and you can find decorations and gifts from 70 countries, as well as over 150 styles of nutcrackers. Also, Bronner's has in-house artists who customize over 100,000 ornaments annually. This place is so fantastic that hundreds of celebrities have visited it. So, now you know—if you're ever in Frankenmuth, chances are you'll be rubbing elbows with a Hollywood star while shopping for your next Christmas tree.

3
Missouri’s Mount Rushmore

Image: Takefreebies

Although often overshadowed by the original Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, Missouri’s Mount Rushmore with Fake Celebrity Heads still manages to attract a crowd. The "monument," located in Branson since 1996, includes sculpted faces of John Wayne, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and Charlie Chaplin.

This attraction is part of the Hollywood Wax Museum and is featured on the exterior of the building. Inside, you can find wax replicas of dozens of iconic stars —a true photo opportunity! But, if you get bored, Branson offers plenty of other attractions for the curious tourist. Just next door to the museum, you’ll find the Castle of Chaos, the world's first 5D ride and game, as well as Hannah's Maze of Mirrors.

4
World’s Largest Egg

Image: Daniele Levis Pelusi

There have been four versions of the "World's Largest Egg" throughout the history of Winlock, Washington, where it is displayed. The current version is made of fiberglass, weighs 1,200 pounds , and sits atop a ten-foot steel pole in the center of town. But why an egg?

Until the 1950s, Winlock was America's second-largest egg-producing town, and its residents were very proud of this distinction. In fact, the first "big egg" they built to celebrate it, a canvas version, dates back to 1923. In 1944, it was replaced by a plastic version, and in the 1960s, a fiberglass model took its place. The current version, crafted in 1993, was made possible thanks to a local chicken hatcheryman.

5
Virginia’s Dinosaur Kingdom

Image: Fausto García-Menéndez

If you ever wondered what would happen if giant dinosaurs had fought during the Civil War, look no further than the Dinosaur Kingdom in Natural Bridge, Virginia. Visitors to this quirky destination are treated to scenes of giant plastic lizards devouring Union soldiers in re-enactments of famous battles.

But it’s not all fantasy—there's some truth to it all. The park's 30 fiberglass statues are built around the premise that paleontologists discovered dinosaurs in 1863. This unique attraction was created in 2005 by local artist Mark Cline, who was inspired by the movie The Valley of Gwangi, in which cowboys discover living dinosaurs in a Mexican valley.

6
Thomas Edison’s Last Breath

Image: Zach Lucero

Who wouldn’t want to capture the soul of a loved one before they passed away? Believe it or not, that's what American industrialist Henry Ford did in 1931. Ford considered Thomas Edison a hero and a role model. In fact, as a young man, he took a job at the Edison Illuminating Company while working on his first experimental automobile. Edison, impressed by young Ford’s inventiveness, eventually became his friend.

As the legend goes, Ford asked Edison's son to sit by the inventor's deathbed. Believing that the soul left the body with one’s dying breath, Ford captured the final gasp of his dear friend in a test tube. The artifact, labeled "Edison’s Last Breath?", is now on display at Henry Ford’s Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. If you ever visit, you'll find other interesting memorabilia, like George Washington's camp bed and the rocker in which Lincoln was shot.

7
The Golden Driller

Image: Zbynek Burival

To celebrate the discovery of vast oil reserves in the area, the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma, created a statue depicting an oil worker and presented it at the International Petroleum Exposition in 1953. The monument became so popular that in 1966, a new twenty-two-ton concrete and iron statue of a golden man standing next to an oil derrick was permanently installed in front of the Tulsa Expo Center.

The Golden Driller stands seventy-six feet tall and can withstand a 200 mph tornado. In 1979, it was declared Oklahoma’s official state monument. A plaque at its base reads: "To the men of the petroleum industry who by their vision and daring have created from God’s abundance a better life for mankind."

8
Glass Beach

Image: Kevin Lanceplaine

From 1950 to 1967, the citizens of Fort Bragg, California, dumped tons of garbage onto a nearby beach. Over the decades, the ocean transformed the refuse into thousands of small, smooth, colored glass pebbles that still litter the shoreline today.

Now known as Glass Beach, this area adjacent to MacKerricher State Park attracts thousands of treasure seekers each year. The beach is accessible by foot via a short climb down the cliffs, although collecting the remaining glass is discouraged by State Park Rangers.

9
Hometown of Superman

Image: Zachariah Aussi

Although the rural town of Metropolis, Illinois, is a far cry from the bustling, imaginary city featured in the Superman comics, it has fully embraced its superhero ties. In 1972, Metropolis proudly declared itself the "Hometown of Superman."

A fifteen-foot bronze statue of the Man of Steel stands on Main Street in front of the county courthouse, while Lois Lane has her own statue just a few blocks away. If this inspires you to visit Metropolis, mark your calendar for the second weekend of June. Every year, Superman fans from around the world gather here for the Superman Celebration , which features discussion panels, costume contests, and appearances by celebrity guests.

10
Wonder Tower

Image: Martin Podsiad

One hundred miles east of Denver, in Genoa, Colorado, sits the World’s Wonder View Tower, a tribute to all things weird and obscure. In reality, it was a roadside attraction built in the mid-1920s by American showman P.T. Barnum as a sort of tourist trap. The promoters claimed that if guests climbed to the top, they could allegedly view six different states: Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, New Mexico, and South Dakota.

For years, the sixty-five-foot tower housed a museum and gift shop featuring stuffed two-headed animals, a collection of 50,000 glass bottles, rooster eyeglasses, and scores of other curiosities. Unfortunately, today the tower is closed to the public due to the owner’s death. Nevertheless, visitors can still admire the weird-looking structure from the outside and, we assure you, it’s totally worth it!

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