🛑 Detour! 99 Hidden Gems to Discover on Your Next Road Trip

The Ultimate Guide to Unforgettable Detours

In the era of GPS and real-time traffic updates, detours may seem like a relic of the past. But for those who dare to venture off the beaten path, there's a wealth of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Here's a comprehensive guide to 99 unmissable detours that will transform your next road trip into an unforgettable adventure:

1. The World's Largest Popcorn Ball (Indiana)

Just outside the town of Valparaiso, Indiana, you'll find a monument that's sure to make you smile: the world's largest popcorn ball. It weighs an astonishing 2,500 pounds and measures 8 feet in diameter.

2. The Cadbury Bunny Graveyard (Pennsylvania)

Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the Cadbury Bunny Graveyard is a whimsical place where broken and rejected Cadbury bunnies are laid to rest. The graveyard is open to the public, and visitors are free to explore the unique and often humorous headstones.

3. The Carhenge Stone Monument (Nebraska)

In the remote town of Alliance, Nebraska, you'll find a unique and iconic landmark: Carhenge. This monument consists of 38 vintage cars arranged in the shape of Stonehenge. It's a testament to the power of imagination and the American love of automobiles.

4. The World's Biggest Ball of Twine (Kansas)

In the small town of Cawker City, Kansas, you can visit the world's largest ball of twine. It's a massive sphere that weighs over 17,000 pounds and is made up of thousands of miles of discarded twine.

5. The Spam Museum (Minnesota)

Located in the heartland of Spam production, the Spam Museum in Austin, Minnesota, is a celebration of the iconic canned meat. You can learn about the history of Spam, see how it's made, and even taste test different varieties.

6. The Museum of Bad Art (Massachusetts)

In the quaint town of Dedham, Massachusetts, the Museum of Bad Art showcases a collection of exceptionally bad art that's so bad it's actually good. It's a quirky and entertaining museum that will challenge your definition of art.

7. The National Mustard Museum (Wisconsin)

In Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, you can immerse yourself in the world of mustard at the National Mustard Museum. It houses over 6,000 varieties of mustard from around the globe, including everything from classic yellow to spicy habanero.

8. The Lucy Desi Museum (New York)

In Jamestown, New York, you can visit the Lucy Desi Museum, which is dedicated to the lives and careers of beloved comedians Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. The museum features exhibits on their iconic show, "I Love Lucy," as well as their personal lives.

9. The International Banana Museum (California)

In Rancho Cucamonga, California, you can find the world's only museum dedicated to bananas. The museum has a vast collection of banana-related artifacts, including toys, clothing, and even artwork.

10. The World's Largest Truck Stop (Iowa)

In Walcott, Iowa, you'll find the world's largest truck stop: the Iowa 80 Truckstop. It's a sprawling complex that boasts over 900 parking spaces, a 24-hour restaurant, a movie theater, and even a dentist office.

11. The Field of Dreams Movie Site (Iowa)

In Dyersville, Iowa, you can visit the actual filming location of the iconic baseball movie "Field of Dreams." The field has been preserved and is now a tourist attraction, where visitors can relive the magic of the film.

12. The US Space & Rocket Center (Alabama)

In Huntsville, Alabama, you can explore the history of space exploration at the US Space & Rocket Center. It houses a collection of spacecraft, rockets, and other artifacts from the Apollo missions and beyond.

13. The National Corvette Museum (Kentucky)

In Bowling Green, Kentucky, you can visit the only museum in the world dedicated to the iconic Chevrolet Corvette. The museum showcases over 80 Corvettes from various generations, including rare and historic models.

14. The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation (Michigan)

In Dearborn, Michigan, you can step into the world of American innovation and history at the Henry Ford Museum. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including early automobiles, airplanes, and even the Wright Brothers' bicycle shop.

15. The National Aquarium (Maryland)

In Baltimore, Maryland, you can explore the wonders of the underwater world at the National Aquarium. It's home to over 17,000 animals from around the globe, including sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles.

20 Must-Visit Detours for History Buffs

1. The Gettysburg Battlefield (Pennsylvania)

In Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, you can walk the hallowed grounds where one of the bloodiest battles of the American Civil War took place. The battlefield is preserved as a national park, and visitors can explore the battlefields, monuments, and museums.

2. The Alamo (Texas)

In San Antonio, Texas, you can visit the historic Alamo, where a small band of Texan rebels fought bravely against the Mexican army during the Texas Revolution. The Alamo is a symbol of Texan independence and is a must-see for history buffs.

3. The Mount Rushmore National Memorial (South Dakota)

In Keystone, South Dakota, you can gaze up at the majestic Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which features the sculpted faces of four American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

4. The Liberty Bell (Pennsylvania)

In Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, you can see the Liberty Bell, which rang to announce the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The bell is a symbol of American freedom and democracy.

5. The Statue of Liberty (New York)

In New York City, you can visit the iconic Statue of Liberty, which was a gift from the people of France to the United States. The statue is a symbol of freedom and hope for millions of immigrants who came to America.

6. The Golden Gate Bridge (California)

In San Francisco, California, you can walk or drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most famous bridges in the world. The bridge is a marvel of engineering and offers stunning views of the city and the San Francisco Bay.

7. The Grand Canyon (Arizona)

In northern Arizona, you can visit the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The canyon is over 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and a mile deep. It's a breathtaking sight that will leave you in awe of nature's power.

8. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum (Michigan)

In Whitefish Point, Michigan, you can learn about the dangers of the treacherous Great Lakes at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. The museum houses a collection of shipwreck artifacts, including anchors, propellers, and personal belongings from sailors.

9. The USS Midway Museum (California)

In San Diego, California, you can tour the