It should come as no surprise that the world's largest artichoke lies in the town that calls itself the "Artichoke Center of the World."

More than 700 species live within this murky marvel of a swamp on California's coast.

At the edge of the high desert, California's second-largest natural lake is home to a unique subspecies of trout adapted to its alkaline waters.

A fire lookout atop a glacial pinnacle is reached by climbing three vertiginous flights of stairs.

This landmark honoring a local beer brand is an iconic part of the Minneapolis skyline.

This balancing rock is one of Utah's most unusual geological formations.

Remnants of the United States's largest accidental oil spill still mar a California valley.

At this site, two historic stone bridges spanning the Sing Sing Kill—one right on top of the other.

This Connecticut ferry has been operating in some form since 1655.

This massive statue of John Muir on the side of a California highway was carved from a redwood tree.

This Old West eatery along America's Loneliest Road was originally a stop on the Pony Express.

Water of undetermined depth has attracted rare fish and cult leaders alike.

"Only the devil could play golf here."

The lowest point in North America is home to an undrinkable pool surrounded by fields of geometric salt flats.

Millions of years of oxidation make a drive down this winding Death Valley road surprisingly colorful.

This crumbling Death Valley mining complex was known for its use of giant, 20-mule team wagons.

This vintage short line in Amish country runs passenger steam train excursions and still hauls freight.

Despite monuments in other locations, this spot in a South Dakota field is recognized by the U.S. National Geodetic Survey as the center of the 50 states.

This building is a recreation of the gatehouse that separated Los Alamos from the outside world during the era of the Manhattan Project.

One of the three perfect vellum copies of this historic book known to exist is on display in a specially-designed case.

A raised boardwalk winds through a thicket of stunted, century-old trees no more than nine feet tall.

This graffiti-covered bridge is the quintessential vision of a place for disillusioned youth to escape the complexities of burgeoning adulthood.

The largest drain hole in the world.

A trash dump made beautiful by nature's power.