Long-lasting posts that continue to earn reader attention over time.
Armenia’s landscapes are breathtaking, and the Symphony of Stones in the Garni Gorge is one of its most remarkable wonders. This protected natural monument looks like it was carved by master stonemasons, yet it was shaped by volcanic forces and erosion over millions of years. Below you’ll find how this natural marvel was formed, where…
The spiky spires of the Trona Pinnacles in the Mojave Desert in California have often served as a stand-in for otherworldly locales such as Mars in popular films and TV series. Nearby Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park tend to attract large crowds, but if you’re searching for a desolate desert landscape…
The state of California is home to plenty of mystical hotspots that are rumored to be hubs of paranormal activity, but few are as captivating and mysterious as Mount Shasta. Located in the Cascade Range in Sisikyou County, Mount Shasta is a towering stratovolcano which erupts every 600 years. Paranormal enthusiasts claim that the intense…
Current visitor status (checked October 16, 2026): The tour details below describe the attraction before it closed after March 2025 flood damage. The Oregon Vortex remains closed to visitors. It is private property; do not approach or enter. Check with the operator for a confirmed reopening before planning a visit. It’s not surprising that a…
When most people hear the name “Dismals Canyon,” they assume they’re headed for a gloomy destination. Dismals Canyon—which is located in Phil Campbell, Alabama—is a joyful locale that is home to a rare natural light show. The larvae of thousands of tiny bioluminescent insects known as dismalites proliferate in a cave and emit soft blue…
In 1892, the fledgling town of Mitchell, South Dakota wanted to showcase its fertile soil. In an effort to attract visitors and permeant residents, the powers that be in Mitchell constructed a small wooden Corn Palace to highlight the region’s corn production. In the Great Plains, grain palaces were all the rage in the late…
The interior of Sloup Castle is fairly rustic, but the towering exterior is without a doubt one of the most striking castles in all of Europe. Located in the Czech Republic, Sloup Castle—which means “column” in Czech—is carved directly into a rugged slab of sandstone that stands over 100 feet tall. The placid reflection of…
The island nation of Mauritius—which is located in the Indian Ocean near Madagascar—is home to one of the most colorful geologic rarities on Earth. An expanse of rock that resembles a giant field of petrified sand dunes known as Terre des Sept Couleurs—or, the Seven Colored Earths—was formed by an ancient volcanic eruption that deposited…