14 little-known facts about the United States

Before it became New York, Manhattan was settled by the Dutch and named New Amsterdam. The name changed in the 17th century after the English captured it, renaming it in honor of the Duke of York. Today, visitors can still find plaques on Wall Street marking where the original Dutch settlement wall once stood.

Best Season to Visit: April to June, September to October Ideal Visiting Hours: Morning for quieter streets and better photos Traveler Tip: Walk along Wall Street to spot the historical plaques from the Dutch era Must-Know: Lower Manhattan is packed with colonial-era history that most tourists overlook

The Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota is exactly what it sounds like a real building decorated entirely with corn and other grains. It was originally built to attract visitors to the area and has since become a beloved American roadside oddity. The murals on its exterior are redone every year using thousands of bushels of corn.

Best Season to Visit: June to August Ideal Visiting Hours: Midday for the best light and photos Traveler Tip: Check the schedule for live events hosted inside the palace Must-Know: The exterior murals change every year, so no two visits look exactly the same

The Statue of Liberty was given to the United States by the people of France in 1886 and remains one of the most recognizable symbols in the world. What many people do not know is that the US later gifted France a smaller replica, which now stands at Pont de Grenelle in Paris. Visiting Lady Liberty in New York remains a must for any first-time traveler.

Best Season to Visit: April to June, September to October Ideal Visiting Hours: Early morning to avoid long ferry lines Traveler Tip: Book ferry tickets and pedestal access well in advance Must-Know: The crown requires a separate reservation that fills up months ahead

Alaska was Russian territory until 1867, when the United States purchased it for approximately 7.2 million dollars. It did not officially become a US state until 1959, nearly a century later. Today Alaska is home to several stunning national parks and Denali, the tallest mountain in the entire country.

Best Season to Visit: June to August for mild weather and wildlife Ideal Visiting Hours: Early morning for wildlife sightings Traveler Tip: Visit Denali National Park for some of the most dramatic scenery in the US Must-Know: Alaska is larger than Texas, California, and Montana combined

The Liberty Bell, one of the most iconic symbols of American independence, was actually cast at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London, the same foundry that made Big Ben. It now lives in the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where visitors can see it up close and learn about its role in American history.

Best Season to Visit: March to May, September to November Ideal Visiting Hours: Early morning before crowds arrive Traveler Tip: Entry to the Liberty Bell Center is free Must-Know: The famous crack appeared early in the bell's life and has never been repaired

The Cabazon Dinosaurs in California were originally built in the 1970s to draw customers to a roadside restaurant. The larger of the two, known as Dinny, actually has a gift shop built inside its body. These quirky concrete dinosaurs have since become a beloved pop culture landmark and a classic American road trip stop.

Best Season to Visit: Year-round Ideal Visiting Hours: Morning or late afternoon to avoid heat Traveler Tip: Stop here while driving between Los Angeles and Palm Springs Must-Know: The dinosaurs have appeared in several films and TV shows over the years

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is so large that by the time painters finish one end, it is already time to start again at the other. Maintenance painting is a continuous, never-ending process on the bridge. Visiting the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point offers one of the most iconic views on the entire West Coast.

Best Season to Visit: September to November for clearer skies Ideal Visiting Hours: Sunrise or early morning before fog rolls in Traveler Tip: Walk or cycle across the bridge for the best experience Must-Know: The bridge is often covered in fog, especially on summer mornings

The original London Bridge was purchased by an American developer in the 1960s when it was put up for auction, and it was shipped stone by stone to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, where it was rebuilt. It is worth noting that this is the actual London Bridge, not the more famous Tower Bridge, which many people confuse it with.

Best Season to Visit: October to April to avoid intense desert heat Ideal Visiting Hours: Morning for cooler temperatures Traveler Tip: Walk across the bridge and explore the surrounding waterfront area Must-Know: Lake Havasu City built a canal underneath the bridge after it was reassembled

Beneath the streets of New York City lies a world of forgotten stations, hidden rooms, and secret passageways. The old City Hall subway station is one of the most beautiful abandoned spaces in the city, featuring elegant arched ceilings and vintage tilework. While public access is limited, the New York Transit Museum occasionally offers tours.

Best Season to Visit: Year-round Ideal Visiting Hours: Any time; most hidden spots require guided access Traveler Tip: Join a New York Transit Museum tour for a rare look at the City Hall station Must-Know: The city has dozens of hidden gems that most tourists never discover

Created by sculptor David Adickes, a series of massive presidential heads once stood in a Houston parking lot before being relocated to Croaker, Virginia. Each head stands around 20 feet tall and the collection covers all US presidents. They are considered one of the most unusual roadside art installations in the country.

Best Season to Visit: Spring or fall for comfortable temperatures Ideal Visiting Hours: Daytime for best visibility Traveler Tip: Check current locations online before visiting as the collection has moved over the years Must-Know: The same sculptor also created a giant Beatles monument in Houston

Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky holds the record for the longest known cave system on Earth, with over 400 miles of explored passageways. The park offers a range of guided tours for all fitness levels, from easy walking tours to more adventurous crawling expeditions deeper into the cave.

Best Season to Visit: Year-round; caves stay at a cool 54°F regardless of season Ideal Visiting Hours: Morning for smaller tour groups Traveler Tip: Book cave tours in advance as they fill up quickly Must-Know: Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as cave floors can be uneven and slippery

The small town of North Pole in Alaska celebrates Christmas every single day of the year. Streets have names like Santa Claus Lane, lamp posts are decorated like candy canes, and the local community fully embraces the festive theme no matter the season. It is a genuinely charming and unusual place to visit.

Best Season to Visit: December for the full festive atmosphere, or summer for midnight sun Ideal Visiting Hours: Daytime for exploring the town Traveler Tip: Visit during winter for a truly magical Christmas-in-Alaska experience Must-Know: North Pole is just a short drive from Fairbanks, making it easy to combine with other stops

Hawaii is the only state in the US that is made up entirely of islands, forming a volcanic archipelago in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Each island has its own distinct character, from the lush valleys of Kauai to the active volcanoes of the Big Island. It is also the only US state located outside of North America.

Best Season to Visit: April to June, September to November Ideal Visiting Hours: Early morning for beaches and hiking trails Traveler Tip: Visit multiple islands if possible as each one offers a very different experience Must-Know: The Hawaiian Islands are still volcanically active and the Big Island continues to grow

The Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona is a classic piece of mid-century American roadside culture. Originally built in the 1950s, guests sleep in individual concrete structures shaped like traditional Native American wigwams. It remains fully operational today and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Best Season to Visit: March to May, September to November Ideal Visiting Hours: Check-in by late afternoon to settle in before dark Traveler Tip: Book well in advance as the rooms are limited and in high demand Must-Know: The motel sits along the famous Route 66, making it a perfect road trip stop