1. Dinosaur World (Cave City, Kentucky)
Ever wanted to wander through life-sized dinosaur statues in a forest? At Dinosaur World, you can. Located in Cave City, Kentucky, this park is like Jurassic Park—but without the danger. The hand-painted dinos and peaceful surroundings make for a wonderfully kitschy day out, especially for those with kids or a deep love for the prehistoric.
2. Holy Land Experience (Orlando, Florida)
Amid the wild theme parks of Orlando, there’s one that stands out for a very different reason: Holy Land Experience. This biblical-themed park offered recreations of ancient Jerusalem, live performances based on biblical stories, and even a replica of the tomb of Jesus. It wasn’t not your typical roller coaster park, but it’s a whole other type of immersive experience that lasted almost 20 years.
3. North Pole-Santa’s Workshop (Cascade, Colorado)
A Christmas-themed amusement park open year-round? Yes, please! Located at the base of Pikes Peak, North Pole-Santa’s Workshop is a whimsical throwback to old-school theme parks. You can meet Santa, ride candy cane-themed rides, and even experience “Christmas in July.”
4. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park (Weeki Wachee, Florida)
Yes, there’s a park where live mermaids perform underwater shows, and it’s called Weeki Wachee. This iconic Florida park has been dazzling visitors since 1947 with its glass-bottomed boat rides, river cruises, and those amazing mermaid performances. It’s a classic roadside stop with a dash of magic.
5. Roadside America (Shartlesville, Pennsylvania)
This indoor, miniature village theme park has been a hidden gem for model train enthusiasts since 1935. Roadside America features a meticulously crafted display of mid-century Americana, complete with a detailed replica of small-town life in the U.S. It’s quirky and quaint in all the right ways.
6. The Enchanted Forest (Turner, Oregon)
If you love fairy tales, The Enchanted Forest is like stepping into one. Nestled in a forested Oregon hillside, this family-run park has themed rides, live shows, and adorable fairy tale recreations that feel like you’ve stumbled into another world. It’s got an old-school vibe with a healthy dose of weirdness—perfect for kids or nostalgic adults.
7. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari (Santa Claus, Indiana)
In a town named Santa Claus, you better believe there’s a theme park dedicated to the jolly man himself. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is both a water park and a Christmas-themed amusement park. While the water slides are great, it’s the festive touches and dedication to all things holiday that make this place so unique.
8. City Museum (St. Louis, Missouri)
More of an interactive funhouse than a typical theme park, City Museum is like nothing else you’ve ever seen. Housed in a repurposed warehouse, it’s a maze of slides, tunnels, and surreal art installations. Imagine exploring a playground made of salvaged architectural pieces, old planes, and buses. It’s as bizarre as it is thrilling.
9. Ghost Town in the Sky (Maggie Valley, North Carolina)
This old Wild West-themed park sits high atop a mountain in North Carolina. Although it’s had its ups and downs (literally—it’s reached by a chairlift!), Ghost Town in the Sky is a strange mix of cowboy reenactments, rides, and stunning views. It feels like a forgotten piece of theme park history.
10. Land of Oz (Beech Mountain, North Carolina)
If you’re a fan of The Wizard of Oz, this seasonal theme park is a must-see. Every year, for a limited time, Land of Oz opens its gates to let visitors walk the yellow brick road. You can meet Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the rest of the gang while exploring sets based on the beloved movie. It’s quirky, nostalgic, and truly magical.
11. Gatorland (Orlando, Florida)
Forget roller coasters—how about an up-close look at hundreds of alligators? Gatorland is one of Florida’s oldest attractions, where you can walk across a suspension bridge over a pond full of gators, watch live gator wrestling, or zipline over the beasts. It’s a bizarre yet thrilling experience, with a side of Florida swamp culture.
12. The Mystery Spot (Santa Cruz, California)
The Mystery Spot is a mind-bending place where the laws of physics seem to go haywire. People appear to lean at impossible angles, balls roll uphill, and gravity just doesn’t work the way it should. Whether you believe in the optical illusions or not, this strange attraction is sure to leave you scratching your head.
13. House on the Rock (Spring Green, Wisconsin)
If a strange mansion filled with oddities sounds like a dream come true, House on the Rock will blow your mind. Part museum, part theme park, it’s famous for its bizarre collections—like a massive indoor carousel and rooms packed with unusual items from around the world. It’s one of those places where you don’t quite know what’s going on, but you’re absolutely fascinated.
