West Virginia | Fun and Funky Things to Do

West Virginia is a fascinating state for visitors and residents. Those travelers that enjoy the more fun and often funky destinations in the places they visit should keep an eye out for these excellent attractions.

Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

One of the major pieces of West Virginia history is coal mining. Visitors to the town of Beckley can learn all about coal mining at a real coal mine. Although no longer in use as a coal mine, visitors can take tour tour with a veteran coal miner as a guide into the different underground areas of the mine. Visitors can also stop at the coal museum, the fudgery and more.

Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum

This fantastic museum is an excellent destination for both adults and children. The museum, located in Wheeling has an amazing collection of toys and trains from many generations. Visitors will find a scale model of downtown Wheeling, as well as some fun train layouts.

Lost World Caverns

Located outside of Lewisburg, travelers that are interested in caves should stop and take a self guided tour of the Lost World Caverns. This attraction has a half mile loop, which takes visitors past a variety of amazing formations. In addition, visitors can stop at the museum, which has a fantastic collection of fossil replicas and more.

West Virginia State Farm Museum

The West Virginia State Farm Museum is an ideal destination to learn all about the farming history of the state. Many historical buildings have been moved to the museum to preserve their part in West Virginia history and for visitors to explore. The museum features a Blacksmith Ship, a schoolhouse, log cabins, a Carpenter Shop and much more. In addition the museum has a large collection of artifacts that tell the story of This part of West Virginia history.

World's Largest Teapot

Chester, West Virginia is home to the largest teapot. Those travelers that seek to see the largest things throughout the country should be sure to stop to see this example. While in Chester make sure to stop and get a postcard featuring the gigantic teapot.

Wisconsin Quick Facts

Uniquely Wisconsin: Wisconsin Dairy Farms, Wisconsin is the dairy capital of the United States
Must See: The House on the Rock
Most Unusual: The Mustard Museum in Mount Horeb
Highest Point: Timms Hill, 1951 feet
Food to Try: Cranberry Pie and Colby Cheese

What to Do in Wisconsin:

1 Visit a Wisconsin dairy

2 Take in the excitement at a water park in the Wisconsin Dells

3 Explore the shops in Door County

4 Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day in New London

5 Visit Taliesin, the home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright

6 See the mysterious archeological site at Aztalan State Park

Off The Beaten Path | Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a beautiful state filled with amazing natural features, art, culture and community. Throughout the state visitors will find unique and fun activities to participate in and places to enjoy. Here are a few excellent destinations that visitors can find in the great state of Wisconsin.

House on the Rock, Spring Green

Visitors to Wisconsin should visit the House on the Rock. The house and other buildings that visitors can explore today was built in the 1940's on top of Deer Shelter Rock. The House on the Rock started as a weekend home, today there are many buildings, exhibits and more. Visitors to the House on the Rock can explore the collections of the original owner.

Storybook Farm Llama Trekking, Phillips

One fun activity visitors to Wisconsin can enjoy is llama trekking. While Llama trekking visitors learn all about llamas, how to handle llamas and learn about the personality and disposition of the llama they are paired with. After learning about the llamas, visitors get to trek  with the llama, and for the very adventurous there are also obstacle courses.

Ice Age National Scenic Trail

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a great way to experience the beautiful state of Wisconsin. This Trail showcases the evidence of the Ice Age glacier that covered most of North America. Wisconsin's many lakes, hills, river valley and more are great evidence of the glacier. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail spans 1200 miles across Wisconsin. Visitors to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail can take day hikes, or hike across much larger parts of the trail.

Eau Galle Cheese, Durand

Wisconsin is famous for its cheese. One of Wisconsin's fine cheeses is produced at Eau Galle Cheese Factory in Durand. Visitors to the Eau Galle Cheese Factory have the opportunity to taste some of the excellent cheese produced in Wisconsin. The Eau Galle Cheese Factory also allows visitors to watch how their cheeses are made.

Taliesin, Spring Green

This stunning home is one of the amazing examples of the architecture and genius of Frank Lloyd Wright. Visitors to Wisconsin should make sure they take the opportunity to explore this amazing piece of American art. Throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall visitors to Taliesin can take guided tours of the Taliesin Estate. There are a variety of tours, and it is important to note that the Estate is privately owned and only accessible by guided tour.

Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo

Devil's Lake State Park is one of Wisconsin's most popular state parks. It is an especially great destination from late spring to early fall. During these season's with good weather visitors can enjoy Devil's Lake, which is a stunning spring-fed lake. In addition to the beautiful lake, the park also has a great trail system, over 29 miles, that visitors can enjoy recreating on.

Rotary Botanical Gardens, Janesville

These beautiful gardens in Janesville are well worth a visit. Located on 20 acres the Rotary Botanical Gardens have amazing examples of plants and flowers throughout the world. Some of the gardens are focused on international gardens, including English, French, Japanese and more. In addition to the themed gardens there are more gardens for visitors to explore.

Wisconsin | Fun and Funky Things to Do

Wisconsin is a great state to enjoy a vacation. For those visitors looking for an attraction that is a little different, here are a few of the fun and funky spots in Wisconsin.

World's Largest Six Pack, LaCrosse

LaCrosse is home to the World's Largest Six Pack. This six pack are the tanks of the City Brewery. Today, visitors can see the painted tanks that make up the World's Largest Six Pack, and as it is an operational brewery, the six pack is full. For visitors looking for souvenirs, there are items available at the brewery's store.

FAST Fiberglass Statue Factory, Sparta

The FAST Corporation is a manufacturer of giant fiberglass statues. These statues are used at all different types of attractions and destinations. For visitors that are curious about where all those giant statues are made, a trip to the FAST Corporations Mold Yard in Sparta is in order. This is where the company stores all of its molds, and visitors can wander through the yard to see all of the different types of statues that they have made.

National Dairy Shrine Museum, Ft. Atkinson

Wisconsin is known for its dairy industry, so no trip to the state would be complete without learning a little about dairyland. The National Dairy Shrine is a great place to learn all about the dairy industry, from the history of ice cream to butter. Visitors can take a tour of the Visitor Center, which has tools of the dairy trade as well as information about the dairy industry in the past and present.

National Mustard Museum, Middleton

The National Mustard Museum started as the collection of just one man, today the National Mustard Museum has over 5,300 mustards as well as all types of mustard memorabilia. Visitors can lean all about mustard, and if they visit at the right time of year there is also a mustard festival held in Downtown Middleton.

Rock in the House, Fountain City

Visitors to Wisconsin that are looking for truly funky sights should stop at the Rock In The House. This is a home with a coin-shaped rock that rolled right into the middle of the house. One day, a huge rock just rolled into the bedroom of a home in Fountain City. The owners left the house with the rock in it, and now visitors can visit the house to see the rock and the destruction it caused.

Wyoming Quick Facts

Uniquely Wyoming: the Fort Laramie Rendezvous in June
Must-See: Yellowstone National Park
Most Unusual: Shoes Made From Big Nose George in Rawlins
Highest Point: Gannett Peak, 13,804 feet
Food to Try: Elk jerky and fry bread

What to Do

1 Ski at Jackson Hole

2 Watch for moose in the Grand Tetons

3 Look for jackalopes

4 See the Ames Pyramid in Buford

5 Watch Old Faithful geyser erupt

6 View the great blue herons at Hawk Springs Recreation Area

Off The Beaten Path | Wyoming

Wyoming is a stunning state filled with destinations for visitors to enjoy. There are many places with an amazing rugged beauty. Throughout the state there are locations where one can find all sorts of outdoor recreation and fun. Here are a few of Wyomings great destinations.

Devils Tower National Monument

Devils Tower National Monument is an amazing destination in Wyoming. The Devils Tower rises over 1260 feet above the Belle Fourche River. In fact, this area was the first National Monument, created by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. Visitors to the park can explore woodlands, grasslands and pine forests. Within these beautiful habitats there is an amazing range of wildlife to see, including prairie dogs. In addition, recreational activities about within the National Monument, including hiking on the paved Tower Trail and rock climbing.

Cheyenne Frontier Days

For visitors to Wyoming looking to enjoy some western fun, the Cheyenne Frontier Days is an excellent event to visit. Cheyenne Frontier Days has an amazing rodeo, through the duration of the festival. Visitors to the festival can learn all about the history of the west at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. There are also parades, country music and lots of delicious food.

Bighorn Scenic Byway

This scenic byway crosses the Bighorn National Forest from east to west on US 14. The Bighorn Scenic Byway is an amazing way to explore some of the beauty of the Bighorn National Forest and other beautiful locations in Wyoming. Along this section of highway visitors can see the city of Shell, as well as Shell Canyon and Shell Falls among other amazing sites. Travelers on the byway will find many points to stop, hike, explore and have a great time.

Medicine Bow Mountains

Visitors to Wyoming can experience some wilderness in the Medicine Bow Mountains. The majestic peaks rise over the landscape, providing amazing views and an excellent destination for recreation and sightseeing. The Medicine Bow National Forest is an ideal place to explore some of the state's wilderness. Recreational opportunities include camping, fishing and more. The National Forest is also an amazing wildlife habitat and provides excellent opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitat.

Buffalo Bill Historic Center

The Buffalo Bill Historic Center is a great destination for those visitors to Wyoming trying to learn about the history of the west and Wyoming. Within the center there are five different museums in one. Visitors can learn all about the history of Buffalo Bill at the Buffalo Bill Museum. In addition, the Buffalo Bill Historic Center includes The Draper Museum of Natural History, the Whitney Gallery of Western Art, the Plains Indians Museum, and the Cody Firearms Museum. Together this collection of museums make an excellent destination for those visitors interested in history.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Within this amazing recreational area is a most stunning landscape. The sheer cliffs tower 1000 feet above the Bighorn River. Visitors can enjoy all sorts of recreation including amazing fishing, even ice fishing during the winter. In addition to hiking in the beautiful terrain, visitors can boat on Bighorn Lake. The Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area also preserves four historic ranches, which provide an interesting window into the history of the west. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular views the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area provides at the Devil Canyon Overlook.

Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole is a great all around destination in Wyoming. It is an excellent place to find year-round outdoor adventure. During the summer vacationers to Wyoming can enjoy plenty of beautiful camping, boating, hiking, rafting and much more. In the winter, there are many other recreational activities to enjoy skiing and snowboarding at world class resorts, as well as many more winter activities. Jackson Hole is also located in close proximity to both Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.

Wyoming | Fun and Funky Things to Do

The fantastic state of Wyoming has many amazing attractions and destinations. For those visitors that are looking for something on the fun or funky side, here are a few of the interesting destinations that Wyoming has to offer.

Ames Pyramid

Located near Buford, the Ames Pyramid is a fantastic destination to for seekers of interesting roadside attractions. The pyramid stands along commemorating the Ames Brothers who played an influential role in the creating of railroads in the west.

Big Boy Steam Engine

Those visitors to Wyoming that love trains and those that do not will both be fascinated by this Wyoming attraction. The Big Boy Steam Engine, located in Cheyenne is the largest steam locomotive in the world..

Ivinson Mansion

This impressive amnion located in Laramie is an excellent destination to take a tour and learn about some of the history of Laramie as well as the fascinating history of the home. The mansion was built in the late 1890s by the Ivinson Family. The building later became a Girls School and today it is home to the Laramie Plains Museum. Visitors to this destination can enjoy tours of the historic home as well as learn about the history of Wyoming as well

Shoes Made From Big Nose George

Within the collection of Big Nose George artifacts at the Carbon County Museum in Rawlins, Wyoming there are a pair of shoes actually made from the skin of Big Nose George. Big Nose George was a horse thief and train robber, he was eventually caught and hanged. After his death a couple of doctors decided to study the body. Today there are is a large collection of Big Nose George artifacts at the museum as well as plenty of other fascinating local history.

Wyoming Dinosaur Center

Travelers interested in prehistory will find the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis a fascinating destination. This center has many exhibits and many mounted dinosaurs for visitors to see and learn about the time period. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center even has fossils from around the world in the collection, and visitors can take tours of Dig Sites where fossils are uncovered.

Wyoming | Best Campgrounds

Campers Favorite Campgrounds in Wyoming + Great Tips for the perfect Wyoming Camping Trip.

Virginia Quick Facts

Uniquely Virginia: Site of the surrender that ended the American Revolution
Must-See: Monticello, historic home of Thomas Jefferson
Most Unusual: The wild ponies on Assateague Island
Highest Point: Mt. Rogers, 5,729 feet
Food to Try: Brunswick Stew

What to Do in Virginia:

1 Visit Yorktown the city where Cornwallis surrendered and ended the American Revolution

2 Explore Assateague and Chincoteague Islands

3 Take a ghost tour in Richmond

4 Hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains

5 Learn about Virginia's geology while exploring the Luray Caverns

Off The Beaten Path | Virginia

The Commonwealth of Virginia is a beautiful state on the Atlantic Coast. Visitors can enjoy history, outdoor adventure, romantic getaways and much more. The Chesapeake Bay and the Blue Ridge Mountains shape the state and create habitat for the wide range of plants and animals in the state, and create an amazing place to enjoy adventure and excitement.

Chincoteague and Assateague Islands

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island located in Virginia and Maryland, is a bird watchers paradise. It was established in 1943 as a refuge for birds, primarily snow geese, but it is home to many species of birds and wildlife and is also home to the famous Chincoteague Ponies. Chincoteague Island is a beautiful resort spot. In addition to being close to the wildlife refuge, the island has many of its own charms. Visitors can enjoy their vacation exploring the beaches, marshes and forests of the wildlife refuge or exploring the local shops on Chincoteague Island. Scenic Chincoteague has many opportunities to hike, bike and boat, you can also go crabbing or claming. The town also offers pony rides on real Chincoteague Ponies.

Monticello, Charlottesville

Located on a mountaintop outside of Charlottesville, Monticello is an amazing place to learn about the history of our nation. Monticello was the home built by Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. Visitors can now take tours of the personal home of one of the countries greatest historical figures. Tours include the first floor of the home, located on the 5000 acre estate, as well as tours that focus on different aspects of the plantation's history. Monticello is the only historic house in the United States on the United Nations' World Heritage List.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is 105 miles long, and it stretches from Front Royal to Waynesboro-Charlottesville. The Skyline Drive, the scenic drive through the park, is a fabulous way to enjoy the beautiful park. Shenandoah's visitor centers have plenty of fascinating exhibits, and the park has plenty of hiking opportunities. There are over 500 miles of trails, and much of the parks 196000 acres are open to back-country camping, nature viewing and more. Old Rag Mountain is also in Shenandoah National park, which happens to be a very popular, challenging and dangerous hike, great for the more adventurous hikers.

Warm Springs, Bath County

Warm Springs is a great location in Virginia to enjoy some relaxation. Visitors can find the very nice mineral waters in the village of Warm Springs on the western part of the state. The mineral waters are great for relaxation and are said to have healing qualities. The mineral waters can be enjoyed at the 19th century bathhouses. When visitors are not spending time at the bathhouses they can enjoy the delights of the village itself, including antiques, art galleries, crafts, the Bath County Historical Society Museum, live music and much more.

Tangier Island

Located in Chesapeake Bay, the tiny island of Tangier is an excellent spot to enjoy some of Virginia's history. Visitors to the island can tour an bike or by Tangier taxis, which are golf carts used to tour the island. Some locals give tours of the island, which is a great way for visitors to learn about the island's history and present and enjoy the accent unique to the island. Visitors can also take nature tours which allows locals to explore crab pots and crab farms of the islands community.

Fredericksburg

This town is filled with significant Civil War battlefields. Visitors can go to Chatham, which is the only house in America that was visited by both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Chatham is widely known for the role it played during the Civil War, when it was both a headquarters for the Union Army and a hospital. Visitors to Fredericksburg can visit four battlefields at the Fredericksburg/Sportsylvania National Military Park, which includes Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and The Wilderness and Sportsylvania Court House.

Staunton

Theater lovers will enjoy a visit to Staunton. The replica of Shakespeare's 17th century indoor theater, called Blackfriars Playhouse is an excellent location to enjoy the works of Shakespeare. Stauton is an old railroad town  and the birthplace of President Woodrow Wilson.

Fun and Funky, Virginia

Virginia is a beautiful state, and it has many great attractions. Some of these attractions are very unique. If you are looking to enjoy some quirky and fun attractions during your trip to Virginia, here are a few great destinations to consider.

Drug Enforcement Administration Museum, Arlington
Located on the ground floor of the DEA headquarters. The museum contains a wide range of drug related artifacts, these artifacts represent all different time periods. Throughout the museum there are exhibits that illustrate different periods in time and culture. The DEA has much more that could be in a museum, however, many of these artifacts and photos are too shocking to be presented in a museum that gets such a wide range of visitors.

Dinosaur Kingdom, Natural Bridge
The Dinosaur Kingdom share its location with Professor Cline's Haunted Monster Museum. Visitors to Dinosaur Kingdom, will see the life-sized, hand crafted, fiberglass dinosaurs. Along the path through Dinosaur Kingdom, the large dinosaurs in combat with Union soldiers during the Civil War. Visitors to Dinosaur Kingdom can learn all about the story that brings together Dinosaurs and Civil War soldiers.

George Washington Masonic National Memorial, Alexandria
This memorial is a unique commemoration for both George Washington and the Freemasons. The ten story memorial was built by the Freemasons, and was built to resemble the Ancient 7 Wonders lighthouse at Alexandria, Egypt. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is also museum, with replicas and artifacts from important American leaders and Freemasons.

Shenandoah Caverns
These interesting caverns are a great way to explore the underground and see the amazing formations. These caverns actually have elevator service into the caverns. Along the one-mile long trail there are all sorts of crystalline formations and large rooms.

Natural Bridge
The Natural Bridge in Virginia is a truly amazing sight. It is a naturally formed rock bridge. This bridge has a long history for America. It is included in Native American tradition, as well as involvement in the history of founding fathers like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Visitors to the Natural Bridge can also visit the Natural Bridge Caverns. These caverns descend 34 stories into the ground, and have some amazing features such as the Colossal Dome, a dome shaped natural feature.