1

Dance marathons

Image: Ardian Lumi

Dancing has always been a praised activity for having some fun and passing the time. It’s simple and requires nothing but a music-playing device. So, back in the ‘20s, people felt the need to find a new twist for this basic entertainment and so they thought making dance marathons was a great idea.

How did they work? The concept was as simple as dancing: Couples would compete to see who could dance the longest all for a shot at cash prizes. But we’re not talking hours here—the contest could last for days! Audiences watched in fascination (and a bit of morbid curiosity, we might add) as exhausted dancers pushed their bodies to the limit. Remember, this was a time when missing out on a chance for quick money and a bit of fun was not a possibility!

2

Flagpole sitting

Image: Jonathan Simcoe

We don’t know if he was trying to break a record or if he just needed some alone time, but after Alvin "Shipwreck" Kelly climbed atop a flagpole in 1924 and stayed there for over 13 hours, a new fad was born: flagpole sitting.

And speaking of basic trends, this is exactly as you read it: People all over America were climbing up and sitting on flagpoles to see how long they could stay up there. We can all agree that these people were after entertainment and a bit of competition. And it got so serious the record eventually stretched to an astonishing 49 days!

By the 1930s, though, the thrill wore off and the fad faded, but the absurdity of it all remains—and earned it a spot on this list!

3

Stickball and stoopball

Image: Jeremy Stewardson

Sports today are no longer just about playing the game. For most of them, you need a lot of equipment, which is rather expensive, especially if you’re going to use it in the streets with your friends from the block.

Back in the ‘20s, baseball equipment was hard to come by. As a result, American kids in crowded urban areas came up with their own inventive versions of the game: stickball and stoopball. The fun behind this trend? Using whatever they had on hand to play: Broomsticks for bats, rubber balls, and parked cars or stoops as bases. The games required nothing more than creativity and a few friends. And no one can deny—the 1920s were indeed a creative time!

4

Johnny on a pony

Image: freestocks

This is a trend that started in the 1940s, and the names used for this game are simply hilarious: "Strong horses, weak donkeys," "Hunch, Cuddy, Hunch," just to name a few.

Johnny on a Pony, or Buck Buck, was a rough-and-tumble game in which one team bent over to form a "horse" while the other team took turns jumping on their backs, trying to knock them over .

You may think this was innocent, but not quite—it was chaotic, sometimes painful, and, more often than not, left participants in a pile of tangled limbs.

Kids do not care for those things, but the game’s physical nature made it exhilarating and dangerous at the same time. That’s why, eventually, concerned parents and schools stepped in and banned it—one too many injuries to keep it going!

5

Drive-In movie theaters

Image: Tim Mossholder

Movie theaters are great, but drive-in movie theaters are even better—they were the ultimate fusion of America’s love for cars and entertainment.

The first official drive-in theater opened in 1933, and it was an alternative for families to a fun and affordable night out under the night sky, watching a movie from the comfort of their car . No wonder this quickly became a beloved American pastime. And you can already imagine whose favorite this was: Teens and young couples, who enjoyed the privacy of their cars while watching the latest films of the time.

The trend slowly faded as film rentals became more popular, and later with the rise of streaming platforms. However, keep an eye out for this one, because it’s definitely making a comeback!

6

Miniature golf

Image: Will Porada

Some may argue that the fad behind miniature golf never actually died, and that’s partially true. But let’s go back to the time it first appeared and all the craze that erupted around it.

It wasn’t until Garnet Carter opened his "Tom Thumb" golf course in 1927 that miniature golf became a true sensation . Located in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, Carter’s course wasn’t just about putting greens; it also featured miniature goblins, gnomes, and other fun obstacles for players.

We don’t know if he knew this would be so successful, but Carter went all in: He patented the design, and it hit the jackpot—miniature golf became a nationwide success.

7

Hood ornaments

Image: Clem Onojeghuo

Funny thing about the past: You didn’t always need to be extravagant to be trendy—sometimes, just a tiny ornament on your car was enough.

In the 1920s and ‘30s, no car was complete without a stylish hood ornament adorning its radiator . At first, these ornaments were designed to check on the engine temperature. But they soon evolved into artistic expressions of each brand to showcase wealth and personality.

We all recognize the winged goddess or the jaguar jumping out of the car, right?

However, this trend didn’t last long. As car designs modernized and safety became a concern, hood ornaments became less common, and eventually, all but disappeared. If you see a car with one of these today, you can bet it’s worth more than one can get in a lifetime!

8

Kilroy was here

Image: Richard Cohrs

There are two generations: One is looking for Waldo, and the other is looking for Kilroy. Which one do you belong to? Now, if you’re wondering who Kilroy is, let us tell you.

Kilroy was a doodle, and the complete drawing consisted of Kilroy and a message that read "Kilroy Was Here." This graffiti popped up just about everywhere during World War II.

The doodle, featuring a bald, long-nosed figure peeking over a wall, was a symbol of American presence and humor. It’s said that Kilroy was originally the work of James J. Kilroy, a shipyard inspector who scrawled it on equipment he inspected.

But that was just the beginning—the drawing spread to every corner of the globe. Have you ever come across one?

9

Swing dancing

Image: Clarisse Meyer

Few things are as time-sensitive and culturally reflective of an era, don’t you think? In the early 20th century, specifically during the 1920s and 1930s, the dance that dominated every dance floor was swing . And it makes perfect sense—this was the Jazz Age, so swing dancing perfectly matched the exuberance of that music!

Dances like the Lindy Hop, Charleston, and Jitterbug took over dance halls, with young people spinning, jumping, and flipping to the infectious rhythm of big bands.

Older generations sometimes frowned upon the flashy, intimate dance styles, but that only made them more appealing to rebellious youth. Some things never change!

10

Stamp collecting

Image: Tolga deniz Aran

Philately is the collection of stamps or the study of them, and it became a fad across the United States during the 1920s and the ‘30s. Why? Here is the reason.

Stamps offered people a way to explore history, geography, and art. They were everyday items, easy to access, and nobody could escape them. For example, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was an avid stamp collector. Not that he needed them to learn about history or art—it was just a way to have fun.

Contrary to other trends we have discussed, schools encouraged this hobby, because it was both educational and enjoyable. Collecting stuff is a never-ending trend; there are all kinds of collections today and stamp collections today are almost invaluable!

1

The Statue of Liberty in France

Image: Tom Corbett

Europe may seem like a different world from the United States, but surprisingly, some things bring us closer. Did you know there's a replica of the Statue of Liberty in Paris? Unveiled in 1889 —just three years after the original in New York—it was created to honor the strong ties between the US and France. It stands along the banks of the iconic Seine River . At about 37 feet tall , it’s quite a bit smaller than the original, which stands at 151 feet.

2

The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Illinois

Image: davide ragusa

Ahhh... the Leaning Tower of Pisa, one of the most famous and instantly recognizable landmarks in the world. Have you seen that classic picture of tourists "holding up" the tower? Well, you don't need to travel all the way to Italy to take one, because Illinois has its very own replica!

The Leaning Tower of Niles, Illinois, is about half the size of the original (94 feet vs. 183 feet), but it's just as fascinating. Next time you're in the Prairie State, you’ll know where to stop!

3

The White House in China

Image: Raymond M.E. Aguirre

The White House in Washington, DC, is a powerful symbol of America—but it's not the only one of its kind! Believe it or not, replicas of this iconic mansion can be found in various parts of the world, including China. In fact, China has not just one, but several replicas of the historic American building. And that’s not all—there’s also a life-size replica of the US Capitol Building in Beijing. Pretty wild, right? We'd love to visit these replicas!

4

Trevi Fountain in Nevada

Image: Michele Bitetto

Las Vegas, Nevada, is definitely one of the places in the US with the most replicas of international landmarks. One of the most celebrated is the Trevi Fountain at Caesars Palace, with its amazing resemblance to the original.

If you've been to the Trevi Fountain in Rome—or even if you've just seen pictures of it—you know that the details of its sculptures are incredibly intricate, so creating a replica is no small feat. Fortunately, Las Vegas pulled it off quite well. Although their fountain is much smaller than the original, it’s no slouch when it comes to beauty!

5

The Hollywood Sign in Ireland

Image: De'Andre Bush

The huge and famous Hollywood sign attracts millions of visitors each year. Fortunately, people living in Europe don’t need to travel all the way to California to get their own " Hollywood " photo —there’s a replica of the legendary sign in Ireland !

But here's the crazy fact: there's a city called Hollywood in Ireland, which is believed to have inspired the name of the Los Angeles film district.

6

The Eiffel Tower in Texas

Image: Malgorzata Frej

Paris isn’t just the famous city of love in France. There's another charming Paris, and it's located here in the US, more specifically, in Texas!

As a way to celebrate its name, the city of Paris, Texas, built a replica of the splendid Eiffel Tower in 1993. The Texan version stands at about 65 feet tall , compared to the original’s 1,083 feet. While it may not reach the same height, it has a unique twist that makes it special: the tower is topped with a big red cowboy hat !

7

The Mount Rushmore in China

Image: Brandon Mowinkel

Mount Rushmore is definitely one of America’s most iconic landmarks, with the faces of Lincoln, Washington, Roosevelt, and Jefferson carved into a massive granite mountainside.

Incredibly, there's a replica of this monument in China ! The Chinese version closely resembles the original, although it was created using much more modern techniques—and, of course, it’s considerably smaller in scale than the original.

8

The Parthenon in Tennessee

Image: Joshua Woods

A former temple in Greece dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Parthenon is one of the most famous monuments in the world. Although much of the original has fallen into ruins, you can still see what it looked like when it was complete right here in Tennessee!

That’s right! The city of Nashville has a full-scale replica of the incredible temple. Built in 1897, it still stands today as a stunning tribute to classical architecture.

9

The Stonehenge in Washington

Image: K. Mitch Hodge

Stonehenge is that famous prehistoric monument in England, made up of massive 25-ton stones —each standing about 13 feet tall and 7 feet wide—arranged in a mysterious circle. But here's the great news: You don't have to travel to Europe to experience it up close because we have our very own replica right here in Washington State!

Known as the Maryhill Stonehenge , this version was created as a memorial to those who died in World War I. It took 11 years to complete, from 1918 to 1929, and instead of ancient stone, it’s made entirely of concrete .

10

The Pyramid in Nevada

Image: Simon Berger

In the incredible city of Las Vegas, you also have the chance to see a replica of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World ! We’re talking, of course, about the Great Pyramid of Giza—recreated at the Luxor Hotel and Casino . Built in 1993, the Las Vegas pyramid rises an impressive 30 stories high!

1

Grand Teton and its central peaks

Image: Toan Chu

No matter how many national parks you visit, Grand Teton will always rank among the most beautiful in the country. As evocative as it is inspiring, this national park in northwestern Wyoming saw the arrival of the first settlers, the brave frontiersmen. It also offers some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in the world and is a great place for climbing and hiking enthusiasts.

The highest mountain in the park is Grand Teton itself, standing at 13,770 feet, but there are 10 other peaks that reach an impressive height of more than 11,000 feet. The interesting thing is that, to the naked eye, these mountains appear even larger, since they all rise abruptly from the otherwise flat terrain of the Jackson Hole Valley. Six alpine lakes nestled in the foothills of the central peaks, along with a fascinating array of wildlife, complete the scenery of one of the best parks on the West Coast of the US.

2

Crater Lake in Crater Lake National Park

Image: Joris Beugels

The deep blue color of Crater Lake has been the objective of many attempted descriptions, but none comes close to the impact you feel when you see it with your own eyes. In fact, the first name given to it by non-native Americans was simply "Deep Blue Lake." This intense blue color is a result of the lake’s immense depth —reaching 1,932 feet at its deepest point—making it one of the world’s deepest lakes.

Located in south-central Oregon, this volcanic crater lake spans 5 miles in width and 6 miles in length, with a 20-mile shoreline. The dimensions and color are enough to attract visitors, but its setting, surrounded by lava cliffs ranging from 500 to 2,000 feet above the lake's surface, makes it all the more remarkable.

There are many ways to enjoy Crater Lake, which is beautiful all year round. In winter you can rejoice in a true winter wonderland, and in summer, you can hike the trails and go boating or fishing in the bright blue water.

3

Mount Rainier

Image: Peter Robbins

Perhaps the most famous peak in the Pacific Northwest’s Cascade Range is Mount Rainier. This dormant—but not extinct—ice-clad volcanic mountain stands at an impressive 14,410 feet. Though it is not the highest of mountains, Mount Rainier’s sheer bulk and the fact that it is set apart from its neighboring peaks make it the dominant landmark of the region. So much so that it is commonly referred to by locals simply as "The Mountain."

Located in Washington State, just 59 miles south-southeast of Seattle, Mount Rainier is visible from over 100 miles away on clear days. Rainier’s legendary beauty is as great as its overpowering size. Its 27 glaciers cover more than 34 square miles, making it the largest single-peak glacial system in the lower 48 states.

4

Half Dome in Yosemite

Image: Aaron Lee

Yosemite National Park in California is justifiably one of America's most famous and beloved parks. Its spectacular scenery is sure to impress even those who have seen practically every other park in the country. And, in turn, probably the most iconic landmark of Yosemite is Half Dome, a quartz monzonite batholith that rises 8,800 feet above sea level.

Once considered impossible to climb, Half Dome now draws thousands of adventurers to its distinctive, hooked summit each year. The 14- to 16-mile round-trip hike via the Half Dome Cable Route offers outstanding panoramic views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Yosemite Valley, and the High Sierra. This is a journey you definitely can't miss!

5

Hyperion Tree in Redwoods National Park

Image: Josh Carter

Redwood National Park in Northern California protects nearly 140,000 acres of land and almost 40 miles of Pacific coastline. Bathed in a temperate rainforest climate, the park receives up to 140 inches of rainfall annually. This cool moisture, along with rich forest-floor soil and the trees' ability to sprout new buds, allows coast redwoods to reach lofty heights and venerable old age.

These exceptional conditions have made this park home to the world's tallest tree. Standing at an astonishing 380.3 feet, Hyperion, a Sequoia sempervirens , is considered the tallest living thing on record, including the plant and animal kingdoms. Most experts say it’s 600 years old, although some think it may be as old as 900 years. Currently, the exact location of Hyperion is not publicized to protect it from potential damage from mass tourism.

6

Mount Mckinley in Denali

Image: John Feng

Mount McKinley is the highest point in North America , standing at an awe-inspiring 20,320 feet. The almost-four-mile-high giant was known to the Native Americans of Alaska as Denali , "The Great One," a fitting tribute to one of the world’s best-known mountains.

During winter, on clear days, it is possible to see the glacier-capped summit, and the true power of nature manifests itself. In spring, when the snow melts, nature unfolds, wildflowers bloom, grizzly bears emerge from their long hibernation, and you can find mooses, caribous, foxes, and wolves roaming around the park for a memorable encounter with the wilderness.

7

Devils Tower National Monument

Image: Mick Kirchman

Devils Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks, not only in Wyoming but in the entire United States. Rising 867 feet, this gigantic monolith is visible from up to 100 miles away on clear days! Devils Tower is particularly striking because of its huge, hexagonal rock columns, estimated to be around 50 million years old. The butte is also among the most unusual of the many geologic formations in the country.

Another interesting fact about Devils Tower is that it was designated as the first U.S. national monument in 1906 by Theodore Roosevelt, under the Antiquities Act, due to its scientific and scenic value. Native Americans have long regarded the Tower as a sacred site too. In fact, over 20 Native American tribes have a cultural connection with it, the Lakota people consider it the birthplace of wisdom.

8

Delicate Arch in Arches National Park

Image: Zoshua Colah

Spanning 76,680 acres of desert land, Arches National Park in eastern Utah protects more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches. But perhaps the most iconic one is the 52-foot-tall Delicate Arch. It’s so famous that its image appears on state license plates as well as on a postage stamp issued in 1996 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Utah's founding. Fun fact: the Olympic torch for the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics even passed under this arch!

In addition to checking out its most emblematic landmark, this park is a great place to visit any time of the year thanks to its hot, desert climate . There are lots of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, from biking, horseback riding, and hiking to taking a minute to appreciate the colorful wildflowers while enjoying an idyllic sunset.

9

Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park

Image: Emily Campbell

Yellowstone is probably the name people are most likely to associate with "national park" and is the very symbol of the American West. It was established by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1872 and is the largest megafauna location in the United States. Apart from its scenic mountains, wildflower meadows, and photogenic canyon, perhaps the most emblematic features of Yellowstone National Park are its geysers.

Among these, Old Faithful is certainly the most famous one. Erupting approximately every 90 minutes, it delights visitors with spectacular displays. Shooting up to 8,400 gallons of boiling water nearly 150 feet in the air, it was the first of its kind to be discovered in 1870 by the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition when they entered the Upper Geyser Basin. Today, Old Faithful attracts around 500,000 visitors a month.

10

Angels Landing in Zion National Park

Image: Fineas Anton

Zion National Park in southwestern Utah is famous for its brownish-red mountains with fantastic shades of purple and lilac, skinny slot canyons, and vertigo-inducing cliffs. The most paradigmatic of these rock formations is Angels Landing, a towering 1,488-foot monolith, accessible via a challenging 2.5-mile trail.

The best way to experience Zion is by hiking the trail that hugs the cliffside, crossing a narrow ridge flanked by sheer drops. Sounds too dangerous? Believe us, the reward is worthwhile. Atop Angels Landing you will not only have access to an epic view of Zion Canyon but it's also possible to spot California condors soaring gracefully between the sandstone monoliths, alongside 287 other bird species!