1

Disneyland

Image: David Guerrero

Let’s start with "The Happiest Place on Earth" itself. The first theme park to be envisioned and built by creative tycoon Walt Disney was Disneyland, the one still located in Anaheim, California. It features a range of themed lands such as Fantasyland or Adventureland, and includes main attractions that are widely famous. Who hasn’t heard the "It’s a Small World" song, whether or not they’ve been on the ride?

Five more Disney parks went on to be opened in the United States, including Animal Kingdom and EPCOT. All of them feature parades, character meet-and-greets, and attractions that invite visitors to immerse themselves in the spirit of Disney films .

2

Legoland

Image: Clyde He

Legos began as small, colorful playthings for children—but they have grown into a whole subculture of their own. Fans who have spent decades inventing and carrying out new designs for their colored blocks dream of visiting the theme park one day. The first Legoland opened in Europe, but the California park debuted over 20 years ago and has been expanding ever since.

It features 9 sectors with over 60 rides, shows, and attractions, all themed around popular Lego sets and characters, such as the Dragon Coaster and Lego Ninjago The Ride. A standout feature is Miniland USA, which displays miniature Lego replicas of famous American landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and New York City. The park was so successful that similar resorts have since opened in Florida and New York.

3

The Big E

Image: Zachary DeBottis

The Big E, officially known as the Eastern States Exposition, is held between September and October in West Springfield, Massachusetts . It’s the largest agricultural fair in the northeastern United States, aiming to boast the best of New England culture, food, agriculture, and entertainment.

The fair features state-specific buildings representing all six New England states, each offering regional foods and crafts. The fairgrounds also host a large midway with rides, games, and live performances, as well as livestock shows, parades, and a variety of exhibitions. One of the biggest favorites of the 1.5 million visitors who attend each year is the Big E Cream Puff , a popular treat that’s been served since 1926.

4

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Image: Aditya Vyas

A round-the-clock fire-breathing dragon , spell-casting spots, immersive stores and alleys, along with themed rides and roller coasters—these can all be found at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, located within Universal Orlando Resort in Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood in California.

The park's concept is to transport visitors into the magical universe of J.K. Rowling's books and films, featuring recreated settings such as Hogsmeade Village, Hogwarts Castle, and Diagon Alley. Guests can also enjoy interactive experiences, like purchasing magical wands or sampling "butterbeer," a beverage made using a closely guarded secret recipe.

5

Arizona State Fair

Image: PONCIANOMX

Arizona State Fair is held annually in Phoenix. It traditionally combines agricultural exhibits, concerts, and carnival rides, with attractions such as livestock shows, rodeos , and demolition derbies, as well as thrilling roller coasters and rides for all ages.

The fair receives around 1 million visitors a year, who love its diverse range of deep-fried and unique fair foods. A main attraction is the iconic "La Grande Wheel," one of the largest traveling Ferris wheels in North America, standing at an impressive height of 130 feet.

6

Dollywood

Image: Adam Kring

The only singer-songwriter to have her own theme park is Dolly Parton. Dollywood is located in her home state of Tennessee, in Pigeon Forge. It is open from March to early January, with seasonal festivals and special events throughout the year. The family-friendly theme park is nestled in the Smoky Mountains , themed around Appalachian culture and the life of country music star Dolly Parton.

Originally, it was a small attraction called "Rebel Railroad," until it was purchased and rebranded by Dolly Parton in the 1980s. Today, it boasts a mix of roller coasters, craft demonstrations, and live entertainment, including bluegrass and gospel music. Dolly herself is known to make surprise appearances at the park, events affectionately referred to by fans as " Dolly Sightings. "

7

Hersheypark

Image: mjimages

Hershey's Chocolate Bar is another American favorite with its own theme park. Hersheypark is located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and is a family-friendly amusement park that blends thrilling rides, water attractions, and entertainment, all themed around "The Great American Chocolate Bar. "

"Candymonium" is one of its iconic rollercoasters, and it also features a large water park called The Boardwalk. Hersheypark offers live shows, character meet-and-greets, and a range of dining options that highlight Hershey's chocolate and sweets. It opened in the early 1900s as a leisure area for employees of Hershey, starting as a small picnic area with a carousel. Now, it receives around 3 million visitors yearly!

8

State Fair of Texas

Image: Zabdiel Gonzalez

The State Fair of Texas is celebrated every year in Dallas, Texas. Another fair to celebrate the large state's rich history and cultural heritage, traditionally held in its home Fair Park , which has been expanded over the years to accommodate the growing attendance.

Beyond the live music and carnival rides, the fair is known for its iconic "Big Tex," a 55-foot-tall cowboy figure that serves as the fair's mascot. Another classic of the fair is the competition for the best new fried food item; past winners have included fried butter and fried Coca-Cola.

9

Puyallup Fair

Image: Scott Webb

The Puyallup Fair, officially known as the Washington State Fair, is held annually in Puyallup, Washington. One of the largest fairs in the Pacific Northwest, it features popular attractions like thrilling rides on the Midway , concerts by famous artists, and unique competitions such as pie-eating contests and rodeos.

The fair is also known for its iconic "Giant Pumpkin Contest," where the growers of the largest pumpkins are rewarded. Additionally, the fair hosts a "Food Truck Frenzy," offering a chance to try various local food trucks alongside traditional fair fare. The fair also includes a unique event called the "Farm & Garden Show," where visitors can learn about sustainable farming and gardening practices.

10

Seaworld

Image: J.U.L.Ö

SeaWorld can be found in Florida and Texas, but the first and most iconic park is the one in San Diego, California. This amusement and marine zoological park is known for its aquatic life exhibits, thrilling rides, and live entertainment featuring sea animals. Visitors can enjoy roller coasters like "Mako" and "Kraken," as well as interactive exhibits where they can get close to dolphins, sea lions, and other marine animals.

The park also hosts educational shows about animal behavior and conservation efforts. SeaWorld has played a significant role in animal preservation and has rescued thousands of marine animals over the years, including seals, sea turtles, and birds. In recent years, the park has also introduced virtual reality experiences to immerse visitors into underwater worlds.

1

The Kentucky meat shower

On March 3, 1876, residents near Olympia Springs in Bath County, Kentucky, witnessed one of the strangest events in American history. Chunks of meat suddenly fell from an apparently clear sky, covering an area estimated at 100 by 50 yards. One of the witnesses, Mrs. Allen Crouch, was making soap outdoors when the bizarre shower began.

Scientists examined samples and argued over whether the meat came from horses, sheep, or other mammals. The leading modern explanation is far less supernatural: a flock of vultures likely regurgitated partially digested meat while flying overhead, a defensive behavior the birds still exhibit today . Tasty, right? The incident remains so famous that Kentucky now celebrates it with an annual Meat Shower Festival.

2

A frog rain

Reports of frogs raining from the sky have appeared across the country for well over a century. Although they sound impossible, meteorologists consider them entirely plausible under the right weather conditions.

The usual explanation involves waterspouts or tornadoes passing over ponds or marshes . These powerful rotating columns of air can lift small frogs into the atmosphere before carrying them several miles away. When the storm weakens, the animals fall back to Earth, sometimes astonishing entire neighborhoods as tiny frogs suddenly cover roads, sidewalks, and backyards.

3

Louisiana’s fish storm

Residents of Marksville, Louisiana, experienced one of this country’s best-known fish rains on October 23, 1947. During a storm, dozens of small fish reportedly began falling from the sky, surprising everyone who witnessed the event.

Scientists quickly pointed toward nearby lakes and bayous as the likely source. A waterspout probably sucked up the fish before releasing them inland once the storm lost strength . Cases like Marksville have become classic examples used by meteorologists when explaining how unusual "animal rain" can occur without breaking the laws of physics.

4

The red rain

Few things are more unsettling than seeing rainwater that looks like blood, right? Throughout American history, scattered reports of reddish rainfall have sparked fears, newspaper headlines, and plenty of speculation.

Modern science offers much less frightening explanations. Fine dust rich in iron oxide can tint rain a rusty red after traveling hundreds or even thousands of miles through the atmosphere . Certain airborne microorganisms may also contribute to unusual coloration. While dramatic, these events have repeatedly turned out to be natural rather than supernatural.

5

A worm shower in Louisiana

In 2007, residents of Jennings, Louisiana, reported seeing worms apparently falling after severe weather. The strange event attracted widespread attention because the ground seemed to become covered almost overnight.

Meteorologists note that intense storms are capable of lifting lightweight organisms from flooded fields or shallow water . At the same time, heavy rain naturally forces many earthworms to the surface, making it difficult to determine exactly how they arrived. Whatever the explanation, the Jennings incident remains one of America's best-known modern worm rains.

6

Sea snails from above

Along parts of the Atlantic Coast, powerful coastal storms have occasionally been followed by reports of periwinkles, a type of small sea snails, appearing well away from the shoreline.

Scientists believe waterspouts or hurricane-force winds can lift lightweight marine creatures from shallow coastal waters before dropping them inland . While such reports are uncommon and often difficult to document completely, they fit the same weather processes believed to produce fish and frog rains.

7

Crab rain in Chesapeake Bay

Communities near Chesapeake Bay have periodically reported finding small crabs scattered across roads and fields after severe storms. Discovering shellfish where there was no flooding certainly makes for an unforgettable morning.

Meteorologists consider these reports believable because the bay regularly experiences waterspouts and strong thunderstorms. Small juvenile crabs are light enough to be carried short distances by powerful updrafts before falling back to the ground once the storm weakens .

8

Tadpoles after the storm

Several Midwestern communities have reported storms that seemed to leave roads covered with tiny tadpoles. Unlike adult frogs, these young amphibians are incredibly light, making them easier for violent weather to transport .

Spring is the most likely time for such events because shallow ponds contain enormous numbers of developing tadpoles. If a storm passes directly over one of these breeding areas, the rotating winds may lift thousands of them into the air before dropping them elsewhere in surprisingly concentrated patches.

9

The star jelly rain

For centuries, people across the country have occasionally discovered mysterious transparent blobs lying on the ground after storms. Known as "star jelly," the gooey substance has inspired countless legends claiming it literally fell from the heavens.

Scientists have proposed several possible explanations, including slime molds, cyanobacteria, amphibian reproductive tissue, or biological material left behind by predators . None explains every reported case, leaving star jelly as one of nature's longest-running mysteries.

10

A haystorm on the Great Plains

Not every strange rain involves animals. Across the Great Plains, tornadoes have repeatedly lifted hay, straw, and other lightweight farm materials into the atmosphere before dropping them miles away .

Farmers occasionally discover freshly fallen hay that clearly came from another property entirely. These events demonstrate just how powerful severe storms can be, transporting ordinary agricultural materials across remarkable distances before gravity finally takes over.

11

Storms that drop insects

Thunderstorms can also seem to rain insects. Swarms of flying ants, termites, aphids, and other tiny creatures have occasionally appeared immediately after powerful storms , leaving the impression that they fell directly from the clouds.

In reality, strong updrafts can sweep huge numbers of lightweight insects into the air and carry them well beyond their original location. When the winds weaken, the insects settle back to the ground, sometimes creating spectacular and slightly unsettling natural displays.

12

It’s raining golf balls

Florida's violent thunderstorms have produced reports of golf balls suddenly pelting neighborhoods near golf courses and driving ranges . Unlike hail, these were actual golf balls launched by nature's incredible force.

Powerful wind gusts, tornadoes, and hurricanes are capable of lifting and scattering thousands of golf balls across nearby communities. While they aren't technically falling from the upper atmosphere, they certainly create the unforgettable impression that the sky itself has started playing a round of golf.

1

Gilroy Garlic Festival, California

Image: team voyas

The city of Gilroy, California, is known for being a major garlic producer and is even more known for hosting one of the most important food festivals in America. Originally inspired by a French garlic festival, Gilroy opens their doors to all garlic lovers the last weekend of July, and attracts thousands of visitors every year. Not recommended if you are allergic or just a vampire.

2

Mothman Festival, West Virginia

Image: LucasVphotos

Mothman is one of the most distinguished cryptids in American folklore and a point of pride for its home turf, Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Since 2002, a festival centered around the figure of Mothman has been celebrated yearly, and has been a big source of tourism for the town.

3

Humongous Fungus Festival, Michigan

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In the 1980s, Crystal Falls, Michigan, was the site of a significant discovery: a vast underground colony of Armillaria gallica , commonly known as the honey mushroom. Since 1991, Crystal Falls has celebrated its fungal neighbors with the Humongous Fungus Festival, which includes a parade, a cook-off —mushroom themed, of course—, and many more community events.

4

Surfing Santas, Florida

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Florida beaches might not have the ideal Christmas weather, but they are perfect for surfing. This is why, every Christmas Eve, Cocoa Beach, Florida, is the scene of Surfing Santas, a festival where, as the name suggests, people surf dressed as Santa Claus. Initially an open beach party turned festival, the proceeds are destined to local charities and to the Florida Surf Museum.

5

Frozen Dead Guy Days, Colorado

Image: Simon Berger

As the name of this certainly peculiar festival indicates, there is a corpse involved. The remains of Bredo Morstøl, originally from Norway, are cryopreserved in the town of Nederland, Colorado. While the town’s ordinances forbid the private keeping of remains, human or otherwise, a special clause was added for Bredo. Nederland celebrates its most unique resident the second weekend of March, and the celebrations include coffin races and a ‘frozen dead guy’ lookalike contest.

6

Waikiki Spam Jam Festival, Hawaii

Image: newhallpublishing

Hawaii is the biggest SPAM consumer in the U.S., so it’s only right that they hold a SPAM festival. Held during the last week of April, it includes fireworks, parades, live music, and all kinds of spam dishes.

7

Underwater Music Festival, Florida

Image: NEOM

Florida homes the biggest coral reef in the continental U.S., and this festival is all about it. With the intention of raising awareness for reef conservation and eco-friendly diving, this event holds an underwater concert for divers and snorkelers.

8

San Fermin, Louisiana

Image: mana5280

You might have heard of the San Fermin celebrations in Spain, where people run in front of bulls in the street. Louisiana’s San Fermin festival is similar, minus the bulls. In the New Orleans Running of the Bulls, people run from derby skaters armed with foam bats, which are aimed at anyone they encounter in their way.

9

Cow Chip Throw Festival, Wisconsin

Image: Daniel Quiceno M

Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, certainly knows how to party on Labor weekend. Besides the chip throwing, you can enjoy music, food, and family activities. Don’t worry about bringing your own cow chips: official festival-sanctioned chips are provided to contestants to ensure fair competition.

10

North American Wife Carrying Championship, Maine

Image: Priscilla Du Preez

Wife carrying as a competitive sport was first introduced in Finland, but it has had its own festival in Newry, Maine, since 1999. Participating couples have to traverse a 278-yard obstacle course, with some of the prizes including the wife’s weight in beer and cash. Single? No problem. As long as you are 21 or older and you have a companion, you can participate.