Spence's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Oppenau, Germany

Kloster Allerheiligen

This ancient ruined monastery has been destroyed by fire so many times that it seems like God hates it.
Trier, Germany

Porta Nigra

The last bastion of Roman presence north of the Alps looms over a German town.
Wierschem, Germany

Eltz Castle - Burg Eltz

This medieval castle overlooking the Elzbach river looks just like it did hundreds of years ago.
Frankfurt, Germany

Frankfurt Wishing Wells

Carved fountains poignantly placed in parks and in front of special monuments.
Petersburg, Kentucky

The Creation Museum

A 70,000-square-foot institution dedicated to a very literal, creationist perspective on the Book of Genesis.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas

The 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa

This haunted hotel built on natural springs once served as a hospital for a quack doctor promising a cure for cancer.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Christ of the Ozarks

This monumental Jesus is often referred to as "Our Milk Carton With Arms."
St. Louis, Missouri

Grant's Farm

What was once a presidential estate is now an exotic menagerie and home to the Budweiser Clydesdales.
St. Louis, Missouri

Old St. Louis County Courthouse

The Old Courthouse takes visitors on a captivating trip through St. Louis' timeline.
St. Louis, Missouri

City Museum

Less a museum than a bizarre fantasy world created by artists and engineers.
Springfield, Illinois

Lincoln Tomb

When you visit his grave, be sure to rub the Great Emancipator's nose for good luck.
Lincoln City, Indiana

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial

The farm where one of America's greatest leaders was raised is now a well-appointed landmark.
Metropolis, Illinois

The Super Museum

You have to love a museum with a truly dedicated focus. A focus on Superman, for example.
Nashville, Tennessee

Concrete Parthenon

This replica of the Greek structure is in the heart of Nashville.
Nashville, Tennessee

President James K. Polk's Tomb

The grave of America's 11th president is not in some grand monument but instead it's hidden away on the grounds of the Tennessee Capital.
Boise, Idaho

Old Idaho State Penitentiary

Jail from the 19th century that was built by inmates.
Boise, Idaho

The Basque Block

A small section of Boise, Idaho maintains the unique culture and traditions of the Basque people.
Phoenix, Arizona

Mystery Castle

A self-built castle made by a mysterious man.
Bryce, Utah

Bryce Canyon

Giant, natural amphitheaters made of delicate geological formations called "hoodoos."
Salt Lake City, Utah

This Is The Place Monument

A towering tribute to decisiveness stands on the spot where Brigham Young and his followers decided that this must be the place.
San Francisco, California

Maltese Falcon Alleyway

Alleyway plaque commemorating the death of a fictional character in The Maltese Falcon, not far from the author's home.
San Francisco, California

Westin St. Francis Hotel

Only hotel where you can legally launder money.
West Sacramento, California

I Street Bridge

I Street Bridge is the heaviest swinging center bridge in the United States.
Virginia City, Nevada

Ponderosa Saloon

Beneath a Virginia City bar is the entrance to an abandoned gold mine.