10 Most Kitsch Small Towns In America Worth Visiting (2024)

Exploring America’s smaller, kitsch towns offers travelers a chance to dive into quirky histories and eccentric attractions for an adventure off the beaten path. These whimsical small towns are brimming with unique landmarks, offbeat museums, and unusual events, giving a glimpse into the town’s character and charm.

In these towns, there's always something unexpected to discover, from oversized folk art to themed festivals that celebrate the most niche interests.

Whether you want to get in the holiday spirit year-round, visit roadside attractions, or visit real-world places that have inspired horror films, these towns make for unforgettable stops on journeys or road trips. Here are 10 small kitsch small towns in the USA worth visiting, and they should be on every traveler's radar.

10 Roswell, New Mexico

Dive into all things UFOs, visit alien-themed attractions, and explore the UFO Museum

In 1947, an unidentified object crashed near Roswell, New Mexico, setting off a wave of speculation that would forever mark the town as the birthplace of UFO lore. Roswell fully embodies its extraterrestrial reputation with attractions like the International UFO Museum, which offers a deep dive into the mystery of aliens.

Afteryou go UFO Hunting in Roswell, New Mexico, check out their UFO Museum, andattend the UFO festival. This is an out-of-this-world extravaganza annual event with costume contests, film screenings, and laser light shows.

Shop and dine at Martian-themed cafes, specialty shops, and restaurants shaped like a flying saucer. The iconic Roswell welcome signs and various alien sculptures around town attract humanoid visitors who can’t resist snapping photos.

9 Lucas, Kansas

Discover the Grassroots Art Capital and admire unique local art

Known as the Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas, Lucas is a small town filled with vibrant art. The most eccentric attraction is the 150-acre visionary sculpture garden created by Samuel P. Dinsmoor.

In 1907, at 64, the self-taught artist began building the Garden of Eden, a project that took him 22 years to complete. Constructed with over 100 tons of concrete and limestone, the garden features more than 150 figures, 40-foot-tall trees, and other structures that complement his creation story.

The garden, which has biblical themes, also includes a mausoleum where Dinsmoor and his wife are buried in a glass-topped coffin. Beyond Dinsmoor’s masterpiece, visitors are encouraged to explore the Grassroots Art Center and the Bowl Plaza, a public restroom that doubles as a work of art.

8 Point Pleasant, West Virginia

Discover the legend of the Mothman and explore local folklore

Steeped in colonial history, the city of Point Pleasant, West Virginia, became associated with a cryptid when, in 1966, the mysterious Mothman appeared over 100 times with a muscular, giant body and red, glaring eyes.

Today, it’s a central figure in Appalachian lore, one of many mysteries and legends of the Appalachian Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Mothman symbolizes the region and appears on numerous signs and statues throughout the city.

The town pays homage to its eerie history with quirky attractions like the Mothman Museum and the annual Mothman Festival. Held every third weekend in September, paranormal enthusiasts celebrate all things Mothman.

7 Oatman, Arizona

Experience the Wild West, complete with wild burros and old mining culture

Established as a mining town and part of the state’s gold rush, Oatman has since preserved its Wild West spirit. One of its most memorable features is the wild burros that freely roam and loiter in the streets.

With a population of just 94 people in the 2022 census, the town has more burros than people. The town’s main drag has retained its early 20th-century appearance—so authentic it’s like being transported in time or walking into a movie set. Curious visitors or the occasional lost traveler can watch regular gunfight reenactments with blanks held every afternoon.

Plus, the town hosts annual kooky events like the Sidewalk Egg Frying Contest and the Burro Biscuit Toss, a competition to see who can throw a dried burro dropping the farthest.

6 Casey, Illinois

Marvel at the world’s largest everyday objects in the Midwest

With an unofficial slogan of “Big Things, Small Town,” Casey, Illinois, has gained fame for its massive, record-holding roadside attractions. Despite being approximately 2.6 square miles, this tiny Illinois town holds more than 10 'huge' world records.

The city prides itself on having 12 certified Guinness Book of World Records' largest objects and a growing list of more than two dozen other big things. From a ginormous wind chime to an oversized giant rocking chair, most of the sculptures are concentrated at the intersection of Main Street and Central Avenue.

Visitors are encouraged to explore these unique, larger-than-life installations, many of which offer interactive features. Step inside the impressive giant mailbox or ring the huge wind chime—all are free of charge.

5 Santa Claus, Indiana

Get into the holiday spirit every day with holiday-themed attractions and festive events

Since 1856, the town of Santa Claus has fully embraced its festive roots and has transformed into a Christmas destination where holiday-fueled fun is celebrated year-round. It’s just one of a handful of destinations worldwide that celebrate Christmas all year long.

Start your holiday-inspired trip with a stop at the Santa Claus Museum and Village to learn about the town’s festive history and write a letter to Santa. Take a unique photograph in front of the 22-foot-tall statue of Santa Claus, perfect for your family’s Christmas card.

Continue to immerse yourself in a winter wonderland by visiting themed shops such as Santa’s Candy Castle, booking a stay at seasonally themed lodgings, and attending festivals like the Land of Lights. A visit to the North Pole would be incomplete without an afternoon spent at the Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari Amusement Park.

4 Mitchell, South Dakota

Visit the world’s only Corn Palace in America’s heartland

Each year, on the rolling prairies of South Dakota, over 275,000 ears of corn and various other local grains and grasses are painstakingly sliced, arranged, and transformed into enormous murals.

First created in 1892 to celebrate the harvest, the Corn Palace still honors the region’s agricultural history today. The giant exterior murals feature portraits of important South Dakotans who have shaped the state's history, such as game show host Bob Barker.

It’s free to enter the building and view the interactive exhibits that describe the process of creating the corn murals. This giant work of folk art, along with other eccentric attractions and events like the Corn Palace Festival, makes Mitchell a go-to spot for lovers of all things kitsch.

3 Slab City, California

Check out the art installations and meet a unique community

The off-the-grid community known as Slab City is located on an abandoned military base that’s now home to artists, free spirits, and alternatives. It's famous for Salvation Mountain, situated near the Salton Sea, about 80 miles southeast of Palm Springs.

This enormous, colorful hillside art installation is covered with Bible verses and paintings and was created by Leonard Knight to spread his message of love.

The artist created a monumental piece of folk art using materials like cement, clay, found objects, and thousands of gallons of brightly colored paint. This fascinating community is a testament to California's creativity and self-reliant culture.

2 Arcosanti, Arizona

Experimental eco-village in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert

Imagine a futuristic city with an average population of 45 people that is incomplete, not under construction, and lacking roads and other traditional infrastructure. The city would be based on the principles of arcology, a play on the words architecture and ecology, and serve as an alternative to urban sprawl.

Arcosanti features organic architecture with terraced buildings lifted straight from a science fiction movie, curved structures, and green spaces designed to harmonize with the surrounding Arizona desert.

Visitors are welcome to visit the utopian-esque community within designated times to tour the innovative structures, participate in workshops, and learn more about environmental sustainability.

1 Metropolis, Illinois

Visit Superman's hometown, explore the Super Museum, and enjoy comic book-themed events

In 1972, D.C. Comics authorized Metropolis, Illinois, to be Superman's adopted home, and it has been designated as the superhero's official hometown ever since.

With a 15-foot tall Superman statue, a giant kryptonite rock, a Lois Lane statue, and other photo ops, you don’t have to be a die-hard fan to appreciate what this city offers. Stop by the Super Museum to check out virtually every Superman toy that has ever been produced, as well as hundreds of movie and TV props.

The museum houses one of the world's largest collections of Superman memorabilia, with over 70,000 collectors' items on display. Comic book aficionados have flocked to the town for over 45 years for the Metropolis Superman Celebration, a four-day comic convention.

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