1

Waterpark Capital of the World, Wisconsin Dells

Image: Kenny Eliason

Waterparks are a funny thing. Adults go there almost exclusively to take their kids, but end up enjoying themselves, sometimes even more than the younger ones. Self-proclaimed as the " Waterpark Capital of the World ," Wisconsin Dells offers fun and adventure for kids and the aforementioned kids at heart.

Its multiple resorts include Noah’s Ark, the largest outdoor waterpark in the world, The Wilderness Resort, which has the largest indoor-outdoor combination, Bigfoot Ziplining, The Original Wisconsin Ducks, Devil’s Lake State Park, boat tours, spas, golf courses, casinos and much more.

2

City of Big Shoulders, Chicago

Image: Sawyer Bengtson

The Windy City needs no introduction but no Midwestern treasures list would be complete without mentioning it. As the Midwest's largest metropolitan area, Chicago is a popular option for a weekend getaway. It houses numerous parks, including ones with lakefront beaches, or iconic sculptures like "The Bean."

Its incredible architecture is best viewed from the water during a river cruise or while boating on Lake Michigan. Its virtually i nfinite food options , ranging from Greek to Mexican to Polish, and its world-class museums , make for a must-visit.

3

Museum City, Kansas City

Image: gilber franco

Sitting on the state line between Missouri and Kansas, the City of Fountains has a vast assembly of museums ready to be discovered by visitors from all over the world.

From local landmarks like the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, boasting an impressive collection of over 34,000 pieces and 5,000 years , the National WWI Museum and Memorial, The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, to the newly renovated Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, this city has it all.

4

Ozarks Lake, Missouri

Image: K. Mitch Hodge

Long before the TV series of the same name, the Ozarks was a region famous for its natural beauties, entertainment opportunities, and multiple cuisine options. This expansive reservoir with more than 1,100 miles of shoreline has spots like Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Bridal Cave, and various restaurants and resorts.

And if the water activities are not your thing, you can visit the links at one of several golf courses or enjoy a day of wine tasting on the Lake of the Ozarks Wine Trail.

5

Wining and dining, Traverse City

Image: Pablo Merchán Montes

Traverse City may be famous for its slices of pie and tart cherries, which can be found at farm stands across the Up North region through late summer. But it has much more to offer its visitors.

Acres of wineries and orchards all along the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas' rolling hills are complimented by the Lake Michigan scenery and the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. And, when the summer season is over, the Traverse City area also boasts enviable skiing terrain, fat-tire bike trails, and snowmobile routes , making it an attractive destination for winter recreation.

6

Hiking paradise, Duluth

Image: Tom Gainor

This Minnesotan city located on the shores of Lake Superior is an ideal spot for a weekend getaway. Visitors of the Canal Park area can bike or walk along the Lakeway , a nearly 8-mile path that follows the shoreline, take pictures of the Aerial Lift Bridge , and explore local art galleries .

Travelers can also tour all 39 rooms at Glensheen, a historic estate built in the early 1900s, or book a first-class ticket in a domed train car on the North Shore Scenic Railroad. And, when hunger strikes, Duluth boasts a generous selection of lakeside eateries and breweries.

7

Family trip favorite, Omaha

Image: Andrew Seaman

Whether you are into history, nature, arts, or the food scene, Omaha has it all. And, with attractions like the Omaha Children's Museum and the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium , this city is a great choice for a family trip.

The Durham Museum is a great place for history buffs, the Lauritzen Gardens Botanical Center has an impressive collection of plants flowers, and trees, and its noteworthy restaurants and bars attract culinary visitors from around the world.

8

Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

Image: Frank Thiemonge

The amazing Black Hills National Forest can be found at the western edge of South Dakota, where a small mountain range is surrounded by 1.2 million acres of protected wilderness, making it a haven for outdoor activities.

Visitors of the Black Hills can hike, bike, ride horses, rock climb, and visit the Mount Rushmore National Memorial , which features giant mountainside busts of four American presidents.

9

Small-town charm, Mackinac Island

Image: leah hetteberg

If you are looking for a holiday destination with no cars or chain hotels and, instead, horse-drawn carriages and bed and breakfast accommodations in family-owned hotels , Mackinac Island might be the place you are looking for. Located between Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas, this Lake Huron island beckons to visitors who want to relax and unwind.

Mackinac Island State Park occupies most of the island, providing visitors with countless opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding , and a variety of eateries serving everything from American classics to its famous fudge.

10

Prince’s legendary Paisley Park Studios, Minneapolis

Image: DJ Johnson

The former home and recording studio of the "Purple Rain" composer is located outside of Minneapolis in Chanhassen, Minnesota. Prince built Paisley Park back in 1987 and lived here until he died in 2016.

His Royal Badness himself requested that his home be open to the public after his death and now fans can tour the complex and see the studio where he recorded some of his biggest hits and the soundstage where he rehearsed for tours.

1

The Beale Ciphers - Virginia

In the early 1800s, three coded papers surfaced, said to reveal the location of a hidden treasure in Virginia . Only one cipher (the second) has been partially decoded using the Declaration of Independence, pointing to a stash of gold, silver, and jewels.

Treasure hunters and cryptographers have tried for decades to crack the remaining ciphers. Yet, so far, no one has succeeded.

2

The Georgia Guidestones - Georgia

Erected in 1980, the granite monument carried inscriptions in multiple languages , laying out guidelines for humanity’s future. The massive slabs earned the nickname "America’s Stonehenge."

The mystery lies in who commissioned it. The sponsor used a pseudonym and never revealed their identity. Too bad they were destroyed in 2022 after being damaged by an explosion.

3

The "Wow!" Signal - Ohio, 1977

One night in 1977, Ohio State University’s Big Ear telescope picked up a deep-space radio burst lasting 72 seconds . Astronomer Jerry Ehman circled it and wrote "Wow!" beside the data.

The signal has never been definitively explained. Whether it was a passing comet, a reflection, or something else, no one knows.

4

Roanoke Colony’s "CROATOAN" - North Carolina

In the late 1500s, settlers on Roanoke Island disappeared, leaving only the word "CROATOAN" carved on wood . Their fate remains one of the earliest American mysteries.

Some think they merged with local tribes, while others suggest they relocated. Without proof, the vanished colony remains a puzzle historians love to revisit.

5

The Taos Hum - New Mexico

Since the 1990s, some residents of Taos report hearing a low, steady humming sound . It’s described like a distant diesel engine idling in the desert.

Some studies suggest it may be related to low-frequency industrial noise or tinnitus in some individuals. The reality is, scientists have studied the phenomenon but haven’t pinned down a cause.

6

Marfa Lights - Texas

Out in West Texas, glowing orbs have appeared on the horizon for generations . They shimmer, split, and move in ways that seem inexplicable.

Tourists flock to Marfa hoping to catch a glimpse. Some suggest car headlights or atmospheric tricks, but the mystery remains.

7

Bloop-Like Ocean Sounds - Pacific Ocean

In the 1990s, NOAA hydrophones picked up a booming, low-frequency sound in the Pacific Ocean . Nicknamed "the Bloop," it was louder than known whale calls.

Theories ranged from icequakes to giant sea life. NOAA later concluded the sound was likely caused by large icequakes from Antarctic ice breaking apart.

8

The Upton Chamber - Massachusetts

Hidden in Massachusetts is a stone tunnel leading to a small underground chamber . Its age and purpose are still debated.

Some believe it was a colonial root cellar, while others argue it predates settlers entirely. Without records, the chamber remains an enigmatic piece of New England history.

9

America’s Stonehenge - New Hampshire

This site features stone walls, chambers, and standing slabs . Some argue it was built by Native Americans, while others see evidence of pre-Columbian visitors.

While some alternative theories suggest ancient origins, most archaeologists believe the structures are from the colonial-era. Whatever its origin, it’s a fascinating stop for curious travelers.

10

The Great Serpent Mound - Ohio

In southern Ohio lies a massive prehistoric earthwork shaped like a winding serpent . Stretching over 1,300 feet, it curves and coils across the landscape in striking detail.

Scholars agree it was built by Indigenous peoples, but its purpose is unclear. Some suggest it was a ceremonial site or calendar, while others see cosmic symbolism.

11

The Blythe Intaglios - California

Etched into the Colorado Desert, these giant figures depict humans and animals , some over 170 feet long. They’re best seen from the air, raising questions about how and why they were made.

Created centuries ago by Native Americans, their exact age and purpose remain uncertain.

12

Judaculla Rock - North Carolina

This large boulder is carved with hundreds of mysterious petroglyphs . Shapes, lines, and symbols cover its surface, their meanings long lost to time.

The Cherokee connect the markings to Judaculla, a legendary giant. Whether the rock was a sacred site, a map, or something else, the exact meanings of many carvings remain unknown.

1

We Didn’t Start the Fire

Image: Dane Deaner

Although Billy Joel is one of America’s favorite songwriters, he is often very vocal about pointing out the flaws he finds in his early hits. He even found fault with the timeless " Piano Man, " which earned him his nickname, due to a melody he finds repetitive and lyrics he compares to limericks.

He assures that he doesn’t hold grudges against his own songs, but he did point out that he thought the melody of "We Didn’t Start the Fire" was "terrible" and compared it to a dentist’s drill . He says the only redeeming quality of that song is the lyrics—those famous rapid-fire lists of historical events from the ‘40s to the ‘80s.

2

Shiny Happy People

Image: Nathan Dumlao

R.E.M. created "Shiny Happy People" with a satirically overly positive tone . It was a hit back in the ‘90s upon its release, but it always remained a bit of an oddball in the band’s otherwise more introspective and serious records.

The cheerful tune has been quoted endlessly in movies and TV shows. Even the sitcom Friends considered making it its theme song! But singer Michael Stipe expressed little love for what he called "a bubblegum pop song." Stipe went as far as to say that he "hates" the song and sees it as a fluke rather than a reflection of the band’s work. Although other members are less critical, the consensus is that "Shiny Happy People" is not R.E.M.’s proudest achievement.

3

Smells Like Teen Spirit

Image: Firmbee.com

Nirvana’s breakthrough hit, "Smells Like Teen Spirit," is often credited with launching the grunge movement and bringing alternative rock into the mainstream. The song's catchy riff and cryptic lyrics became an anthem of frustration and angst in the youth of the ‘90s. But Kurt Cobain, Nirvana's frontman, quickly grew to resent the famous song.

In a 1993 interview, staying true to his grunge persona, Cobain declared: "I can barely, especially on a bad night, get through ‘Teen Spirit.’ I literally want to throw my guitar down and walk away." He said he felt the song was too "mainstream" and polished, and nothing like the gritty authenticity he had envisioned for Nirvana—something that shone through in the band’s less popular work.

4

What’s Love Got to Do with It

Image: Pixabay

"What’s Love Got to Do with It" was first offered to Donna Summer, but it was Tina Turner who made history with it in the ‘80s. Initially, though, she thought it wasn’t the right track for her. She once confessed: "I didn’t like it at first. It was a pop song. I’m a rock ’n’ roll singer. "

However, her manager convinced her to record it. Her reluctance was such that she only did a few takes of it, convinced it would be a filler track in her album. We now know how wrong she was. The hit ended up redefining her career, so successful that it inspired the title of her 1993 biographical film, starring Angela Bassett as her.

5

(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party!)

Image: Colourblind Kevin

You would think that the satirical tone of this song would be obvious. It’s not hard to tell that the flatly yelled-out lyrics about hard-partying youth were poking fun at the frat culture of the time. But the joke went over many people’s heads, and it became an anthem of sorts for the culture it meant to make fun of.

This irritated the Beastie Boys, particularly because the song became their breakout hit. Band member Adam Yauch explained that the whole song was "a joke that got out of hand." They felt the song misrepresented their style, which is why they avoided playing it live in later years.

6

Strangers in the Night

Image: Ethan Rougon

Frank Sinatra did not shy away from expressing his distaste for one of his biggest hits. He disliked "Strangers in the Night" from the start, explaining to the writer that he didn’t like the lyrics and requesting that they be changed. But the process was rushed, and he had to record the version as it was. It became an instant award-winning, chart-topping hit.

Still, the singer despised it. He reportedly muttered disparaging comments about it during live performances. People speculated that his famous addition of the scat "doo-be-doo-be-doo" was a spontaneous attempt to add some grace to a song he was so tired of.

7

Dream On

Image: Rombo

"Dream On" was a major hit for Aerosmith and helped the band’s career skyrocket in the ‘70s. It was written by lead singer Steven Tyler long before Aerosmith had formed or signed any record deal: He was 18 years old when he finished writing it. But years later, after the band recorded it, guitarist Joe Perry, in his words, "wasn’t crazy about it" for a long time.

He mentioned in interviews that the song was too soft and slow compared to the rock music he wanted to be playing. He admitted that he would have preferred that the band triumph with a more hard-core rock song, but wasn’t too sad about it, because, as he said, "a hit is a hit."

8

Under the Bridge

Image: Roberto Nickson

"Under the Bridge" is a soft, personal song that stands out in the repertoire of Red Hot Chili Peppers. According to the legend, the album’s producer discovered lead singer Anthony Kiedis’ poem about walking around L.A. when he was feeling down. The producer insisted that the lyrics were worthy of a song, and soon the whole band helped finish arranging it.

But Kiedis wasn’t so excited about sharing such an introspective song. In his memoir book, he shared that sharing such an intimate, contemplative song made him feel vulnerable, and felt it was too personal to perform on stage. This caused the band some trouble over the years, as fans always had something to say when the band skipped the song during performances.

9

Where Did Our Love Go

Image: Angelina Yan

Before "Where Did Our Love Go" was released, The Supremes were struggling to break into the mainstream. Their label had started referring to them as the "no-hit Supremes." To make matters worse, the trio didn’t like this particular low-energy song and thought nothing would come of it. But the relatable lyrics, amped by Diana Ross's lead vocals, transformed the song into a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

Before this, the group was used to performing upbeat, high-energy songs, like "Buttered Popcorn" or "I Want a Guy." In comparison, their first hit had a subdued tempo and a different identity. But, as producers had expected, the song worked. The Supremes went on to become the best-charting female group in history!

10

Sweet Child O’ Mine

Image: Jay Wennington

"Sweet Child O’ Mine" was written by Guns N’ Roses' lead vocalist Axl Rose about his then-girlfriend Erin Everly. The song was originally created from a simple guitar riff by Slash, which he had come up with during a jam session. It went on to become a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

But guitarist Slash was never a huge fan of the song. He admitted that his famous riff was okay, but that the whole song felt like it belonged to another band’s style, not theirs. Of course, the general audience loved it and it became a huge hit compared to their hard rock songs. Over time, though, Slash grew to love it because of the immense impact it had on Guns N’ Roses’ career.