Once upon a time, there were many recreational and historic sites in the US that families would flock to while on vacation. Yet, nowadays, these once majestic places look more like deserted ghost towns, with dwindling populations, closed stores, and dilapidated homes. Let’s take a closer look at 16 such recreational and historic sites that seem to be disappearing from
maps as people go in search of more exciting locations.
Cahokia Mounds, Illinois
Have you heard of Cahokia Mounds in Illinois? Well, many people haven’t despite it being among the most significant pre-Columbian archaeological sites in all of North America. In fact, in around 1250, it was a thriving city to the Native Americans that was larger than London. Yet, despite its significance, it struggles to draw tourists. Even though it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, many people don’t even seem to be aware that it exists.
Coral Castle, Florida
Coral Castle is a limestone structure created by one man in 1920, the eccentric Latvian-American Edward Leedskalnin. Yet the entire structure is wrapped in mystery. How did one man manage to move and carve over 1,000 tons of limestone all on his own? The limestone has been sculpted into various shapes, including tables, chairs, slab walls, a crescent moon, a sundial, and even a water fountain. However, not many people come to see the castle anymore. It is quite far from the big tourist hubs of Florida, like Orlando and Miami.
Fort Ticonderoga, New York
Fort Ticonderoga, once a notable centerpiece of Revolutionary War history, seems to have been forgotten by most tourists nowadays. Despite its historical significance, the fort’s allure has faded in recent years, with many who visit stating that the site isn’t particularly engaging for younger audiences. Fort Ticonderoga was once considered a ‘go-to’ spot for school trips, but children seem to prefer the more high-tech and interactive experiences in our modern world.
Salton Sea, California
In the 1950s and 1960s, the Salton Sea was regarded as a glamorous beach getaway for both boaters and celebrities. However, after decades of agricultural runoff and rising salinity, it has turned into a toxic wasteland. It’s hard to even breathe without the smell of decaying fish along the beach filling your lungs. Amid worsening health and environmental concerns, the tourists have stopped coming to visit, leaving the entire region to slowly decay along with the fish.
Centralia, Pennsylvania
Underneath the streets of Centralia is the infamous coal mine fire that’s been smoldering away since 1962. Many thrill-seeking tourists were once drawn to the sight of the smoke rising from the cracked highways. However, nowadays, most of the area has been closed off by the state. People are discouraged from entering due to safety concerns, and only a few residents remain. Now nature is claiming what is left, and what was once an active tourist destination is now just another forgotten historic site.
Plymouth, Massachusetts
While Plymouth may hold a special place in American history, it may be a bit underwhelming for the modern-day tourist. The pilgrims landed in 1620, and this spot is commemorated with a small stone covered by a granite portico. While historically relevant, it isn’t much to look at, and most people walk away feeling a little disappointed. Although there are other historical landmarks in the area, such as the Plimoth Patuxet and Mayflower II Museums, this once iconic place feels somehow lacklustre today.
Bodie, California
There was a time when Bodie was a bustling gold rush town. Thereafter, it became a favoured place for people to come and enjoy the perfectly preserved Wild West atmosphere. Imagine more than 100 buildings frozen in time, including 19th-century homes, a church, and even saloons. However, there has been a sharp decline in tourism in recent years. The area is remote and only accessible through very rough roads. While it remains a State Historic Park, it’s more of a ghost town nowadays than anything else.
South of the Border, South Carolina
As the name suggests, this once-famous family pitstop is located just beyond the North Carolina border on I-95. It offered novelty and kitsch in equal measure and featured unique souvenir shops, neon signs, and a massive sombrero tower standing tall over the parking lot. However, today the old charm of the place has worn paper-thin. Many of the stores are closed, and the once-bright paint is dull and peeling. Nowadays, people want real experiences or at least something they can post on Instagram, and South of the Border offers none of these for the modern tourist.
Route 66
The American road trip was once a much beloved experience, and Route 66 was its main vein. It stretches all the way from Chicago to Santa Monica and was lined with roadside attractions, diners, and themed motels. However, modern conveniences such as air travel and interstate highways have left this symbol of exploration in the past. Due to the sharp decline in traffic, many of the iconic stops along the way have closed their doors. While there are still parts that are kept alive due to nostalgia, it’s nothing like the experience it was once loved for.
The Four Corners Monument
Imagine being able to stand in four states at the same time. How long did that thought remain exciting for? I’m guessing not too long, and that’s exactly the experience that Four Corners Monument offers. Situated in a remote corner of the desert, the monument is situated at the point where Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado intersect. However, once you have taken a quick photo, there really isn’t much else to stick around for. This is why most people don’t bother making a detour for it anymore.
Jones Beach Theater, New York
There was a time when Jones Beach Theater drew massive crowds to the summer concerts held at its waterfront stage. For several generations, the theater hosted iconic acts under the stars, but these days it is not as popular as it once was. People have stated that it is due to the rise in ticket prices and the unpredictable nature of coastal weather. Many also prefer the comforts of indoor arenas that are climate-controlled. There have also been complaints about degrading sound quality over time.
Williamsburg, Virginia
There was a time when Colonial Williamsburg was considered the ideal place to experience immersive American history. Guests are able to walk along the cobbled roads, interacting with costumed actors playing characters from the 18th century. However, high ticket prices and rising travel costs have dissuaded many from attending in recent years. While it has some educational value, most young people feel underwhelmed, especially when compared to modern attractions.
Alcatraz Island, California
The infamous Alcatraz Island prison was once home to notorious gangsters and criminals such as Al Capone. Today, though, it serves as a tourist attraction for those interested in exploring the old cells and checking out the view of the bay. Many visitors to the island have complained that the audio for the tour is very outdated and that the whole experience feels rushed. Many people have chosen to explore other parts of the city or go hiking for free rather than pay for a ticket to see a prison.
Lincoln’s Birthplace, Kentucky
Lincoln’s Birthplace is another one of those attractions that has historical significance but very little entertainment value. Here you can find a massive marble shrine in which a log cabin has been placed. It’s not the actual home Lincoln was born in, though, but rather a symbolic version representing an early 19th-century cabin. It’s also situated quite deep in rural Kentucky, which means people need to drive out of their way to reach it. Considering there isn’t much else to see or do nearby, it is a detour many are deciding not to take anymore.
Dinosaur World, Kentucky
Dinosaurs were big in the 1990s, not just in size, but in sheer popularity. Jurassic Park was released in 1993 and, along with its sequels, inspired a whole new generation to be obsessed with dinosaurs. It’s no surprise that theme parks wanted to take advantage of the trend and opened places such as Dinosaur World in Kentucky in 1998. The park features numerous life-sized dinosaur sculptures placed around a wooded setting. However, due to a lack of proper maintenance or technical upgrades, the park feels jaded and as dated as the dinosaurs on display.
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
No one can deny that Mount Rushmore is among the most recognizable landmarks in America. What could be more recognizable than the faces of several famous presidents carved into a mountain? However, the enthusiasm to see the mountain has waned over the years, and there is not much else to see besides the actual carving. Additionally, the monument has also received considerable criticism for being built on sacred Lakota Sioux land without their consent.
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