1

Paul Bunyan

Image: Abby Savage

Paul Bunyan , the colossal lumberjack of American folklore, is said to have cleared forests from the Northeast to the Pacific Northwest. With his blue ox, Babe , he performed incredible feats of strength, like carving out the Grand Canyon just by dragging his axe behind him, and creating the Great Lakes with his footprints.

Originating in oral traditions among lumberjacks, Bunyan’s exaggerated exploits gained momentum with the American westward expansion during the 19th century and soon became deeply ingrained in the popular imagination.

2

Johnny Appleseed

Image: Aarón Blanco Tejedor

Born John Chapman, Johnny Appleseed wandered the American frontier planting apple trees and spreading goodwill in the early 19th century. A devout Christian, he became a folk hero for his kindness, environmentalism, and pioneering spirit.

Contrary to the popular image of Johnny Appleseed randomly scattering apple seeds, he was a skilled nurseryman who meticulously planted apple tree nurseries. Each nursery was carefully fenced to shield the saplings from livestock and wildlife. After establishing these nurseries, he entrusted them to neighbors but revisited them periodically.

3

Pecos Bill

Image: JosephHershMedia

Pecos Bill , a fictional cowboy raised by coyotes in the wilds of Texas, became a larger-than-life figure known for taming cyclones and roping tornadoes. His adventures, first popularized in the early 20th century, embody the frontier spirit and Texas mythology, blending humor with tales of rugged individualism.

Among his many tales, one credits him with creating the Gulf of Mexico . According to legend, during a severe drought in Texas, Pecos Bill lassoed a storm cloud in California and brought it to Texas. The resulting deluge caused extensive flooding, ultimately forming the Gulf.

4

Davy Crockett

Image: Joseph Corl

Davy Crockett , known as the "King of the Wild Frontier," was a real-life frontiersman later turned politician whose exploits were mythologized even during his lifetime. Born in East Tennessee, he quickly gained fame for his sharp hunting skills and captivating storytelling.

During his time in the U.S. Congress, he staunchly opposed many of President Andrew Jackson’s policies, particularly the Indian Removal Act, and championed the rights of small landowners. Crockett’s life ended with valor at the Battle of the Alamo , solidifying his folk legend as a symbol of courage and patriotism. His legacy remains an enduring part of American history.

5

Calamity Jane

Image: Vidar Nordli-Mathisen

Martha Jane Canary, better known by her alias Calamity Jane, was a frontierswoman and scout famed for her sharpshooting skills and daredevil exploits. During her youth, she stepped up to provide for her large family, taking on various jobs, from ox team driver to scout for Fort Russell. Eventually, she embraced the rough and adventurous lifestyle that made her a legend.

Despite her fearsome reputation, Calamity Jane was compassionate and often helped those in need. Her adventures in the Wild West alongside figures like Wild Bill Hickok cemented her status as a legend of the American frontier.

6

Molly Pitcher

Image: Garry T

Molly Pitcher, the nickname given to Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley, became famous for her bravery during the American Revolutionary War. Although several historical figures are known by this moniker for similar deeds, Mary Ludwig Hays distinguished herself during the Battle of Monmouth in June 1778, where she served as a water carrier for the soldiers.

When her husband, an artilleryman in the Continental Army, fell to enemy fire, she took his place, swabbing and loading the cannon with such bravery and determination that she earned a commendation from George Washington.

7

Daniel Boone

Image: Scott Longerbeam

Daniel Boone was a legendary frontiersman and explorer who blazed trails through the Appalachian Mountains and into Kentucky. Born in 1734, Boone became famous for his expert hunting and survival skills, as well as his role in establishing the Wilderness Road, a trail that facilitated westward migration through the Cumberland Gap.

After serving as a militia officer during the Revolutionary War, he was briefly taken in by the Shawnees in the Northeastern Woodlands. After a few years, he returned and continued to help protect the Kentucky settlements.

8

Buffalo Bill

Image: Judy Beth Morris

William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody was a legendary figure of the American West, known for his Wild West shows that toured the United States and Europe. Born in 1846, Cody was a skilled buffalo hunter, Army scout, and showman who brought cowboy skills and frontier life to audiences worldwide.

He earned his nickname after the Civil War by providing Kansas Pacific Railroad workers with buffalo meat, hunting record numbers of the animal. He even engaged in hunting competitions with his partner, Bill Comstock. His legendary figure has been frequently portrayed in film and television, especially during the height of the Western genre in the 1960s.

9

Wild Bill Hickok

Image: Pablò

James Butler Hickok, famously known as Wild Bill Hickok, was a legendary figure of the American Old West. Born in 1837, Hickok gained fame as a skilled marksman, gambler, and lawman.

Though his exploits were certainly exaggerated by the outlandish tales he told about himself, he was involved in several notorious gunfights during his life. Most notably, he dueled with Davis Tutt, a local gambler with whom he had various disagreements, particularly over their mutual affection for the same woman.

10

John Henry

Image: Lucio Patone

John Henry was a legendary steel-driving man whose man-against-machine tale epitomized the strength and resilience of the American worker. An African American freedman, his dangerous job involved hammering steel drills into rocks to create holes for explosives used to blast open railroad tunnels.

According to the legend, John Henry's prowess was tested in a race against a steam-powered drill. He won the race but tragically died after victory, hammer in hand when his heart gave out from the immense physical stress.

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

Vinyl records are spinning again

For something declared obsolete decades ago, vinyl is doing remarkably well. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, U.S. vinyl revenue has now increased for 19 consecutive years. In 2025 alone, Americans bought 46.8 million vinyl albums, compared with 29.5 million CDs .

And this revival is happening in the age of streaming, not instead of it. Vinyl topped $1 billion in wholesale revenue in 2025, while streaming still dominated the music business. Apparently, plenty of listeners want both: instant access when convenient and a record they can hold, admire, drop a needle onto, and, yes, get up to flip halfway through.

2

Film photography gets another shot

Digital cameras were supposed to send film the way of the floppy disk. Instead, a generation raised on smartphone cameras has discovered the novel-again pleasure of taking a picture without immediately seeing it . The comeback became difficult to dismiss when Ricoh introduced the Pentax 17, a brand-new 35mm film camera, in 2024.

The company specifically pointed to growing interest among younger photographers. Demand in Japan was so strong that Ricoh temporarily stopped accepting orders shortly after launch. Film hasn't disappeared from Hollywood, either: Kodak counted 33 film-shot productions at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

3

Game night isn’t over

Board games survived television, video games, and smartphones, and somehow came out cooler on the other side. Today's tabletop world extends far beyond Monopoly and Clue, with strategy games, role-playing adventures, collectibles, and board-game cafés turning an old family pastime into a thriving social hobby .

American spending reflects that enthusiasm. Circana reported that U.S. sales in the broader Games & Puzzles category jumped 37% in 2025 , although that figure also includes the booming Pokémon trading-card market. Adults are increasingly important customers, too.

4

Baking is back

Remember when everyone suddenly had a sourdough starter? The great bread-baking revival exploded during the pandemic spring of 2020, when homebound Americans transformed flour, yeast, water, and an abundance of spare time into homemade loaves.

King Arthur Baking shipped one million bags of flour to retailers in just two weeks in April 2020 . The company also found that 80% of previously infrequent bakers had started baking at least several times per month. The lockdowns ended; plenty of bread starters survived.

5

Birdwatching gains popularity

Birdwatching may conjure images of binoculars, field guides, and extremely patient retirees, but modern American birding is much bigger than that stereotype. Maybe not NFL big, but still big. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service estimated that approximately 96 million Americans aged 16 and older participated in birdwatching in 2022: roughly 37% of that population .

Most didn't travel to remote forests. About 91 million watched birds around their homes, while 43 million ventured at least a mile away specifically to see them. Birders also spent billions on trips and equipment. Smartphones have unexpectedly helped the hobby, allowing beginners to identify calls and photograph unfamiliar species. Sometimes technology's best trick is getting us to look away from it.

6

Model kits build a new audience

Model building never completely vanished. Dedicated hobbyists kept assembling miniature cars, aircraft, ships, trains, and military vehicles while other generations moved toward digital entertainment. But the basic satisfaction of turning a box full of tiny pieces into something recognizable is finding fresh admirers.

The hobby has also become far more international . Japan's Gundam model kits, commonly called Gunpla, have become a global phenomenon, with manufacturer Bandai Namco reporting that overseas sales were approaching half of total model-kit sales in 2024 . Whether the finished product is a WWII fighter or a giant Japanese robot, the attraction remains wonderfully old-fashioned: patience, precision, paint, glue, and something real to put on the shelf afterward.

7

Knitting and crochet are cool again

Grandma may have been onto something. Knitting and crochet have joined a broader resurgence of so-called "grandma hobbies," with younger adults embracing needles, hooks, and yarn as a welcome alternative to endless scrolling. The pandemic gave fiber crafts an additional boost, but enthusiasm continued after people were free to leave their homes again.

The appeal isn't difficult to understand. A Craft Yarn Council survey of more than 5,000 knitters and crocheters found that enjoyment was the leading motivation, while stress relief, creativity, and gift-making were also common reasons. Unlike another hour spent online, an evening crocheting leaves behind physical evidence that you actually did something.

8

Canning makes a comeback

For generations of Americans, late summer meant turning a garden's excess tomatoes, cucumbers, and berries into shelves filled with jars. Supermarkets and freezers made home preservation less essential, but the practice never disappeared, and t he pandemic gave it an unexpected jolt .

The University of Minnesota Extension says interest in home food preservation surged during COVID-19 and remains popular, helped by gardening, farmers' markets, household budgets, and efforts to reduce food waste. Today's enthusiasts aren't limited to canned tomatoes, either: pickling, fermenting, drying, freezing, jams, and jellies are all part of the revival.

9

Book clubs are back too

A book club may be one of the simplest social technologies ever invented: read something, meet other humans, and talk about it. That formula still works remarkably well. Physical bookstores and libraries remain gathering places, while younger Americans haven't abandoned printed books nearly as completely as the arrival of e-readers once suggested.

The concept is evolving, too. Silent Book Club, founded in San Francisco in 2012, reverses the usual formula: members gather together but bring whatever book they happen to be reading. By 2025, the organization said it had more than 1,500 chapters around the world .

10

Painting becomes a night out

Paint-and-sip nights put a modern spin on an extremely analog activity. Instead of sitting alone with an easel, participants gather in studios, follow an instructor, socialize, and usually enjoy a drink while attempting to produce something vaguely resembling the example at the front of the room.

One of America's biggest paint-and-sip businesses grew from an unlikely place. Cathy Deano and Renee Maloney started what became Painting with a Twist in Louisiana in 2007, following Hurricane Katrina . Originally called Corks & Canvas, it offered residents a fun communal escape while the region recovered. The idea eventually expanded to roughly 300 franchise locations.

11

Home gardens are getting bigger

You don't need a farmhouse, or even a backyard, to grow food. Container gardening has brought an old American pastime onto balconies, patios, rooftops, and tiny urban spaces, where tomatoes, peppers, herbs, flowers, and even strawberries can thrive inside surprisingly modest pots.

Gardening's broader popularity remains enormous. The National Gardening Association estimated that 122.3 million U.S. households participated in some form of lawn or garden activity in 2024, including 51.8 million that grew vegetables . The idea isn't new: a predecessor of today's USDA was publishing advice about "The City and Suburban Vegetable Garden" back in 1918.

12

Foraging is cool

Of all the hobbies on this list, foraging is undoubtedly the oldest. Long before supermarkets existed, knowing which plants, berries, nuts, and mushrooms were edible was simply part of staying alive. Today, Americans are voluntarily heading back into the woods to rediscover some of that forgotten knowledge.

Interest has become particularly noticeable among younger adults. Iowa State University Extension reported strong demand for mushroom-identification programs, including a two-year backlog of interested participants and classes regularly reaching their 30-person limit. Of course, this hobby requires more caution than knitting: a misidentified mushroom can be dangerous. Learning from experienced experts is essential.