6 Famous European Landmarks You Can Find Here in the U.S.

Feel like exploring Europe but don't want to spring for a set of international plane tickets? This oddball road trip is just the thing.

Hop in your car and set off to check out these replica European monuments scattered across America. All you need is some gas and a reliable vehicle – no passport required. The trip involves over 40 hours of driving alone, so set aside a couple of days to stop for the night along the way. If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting famous European landmarks in America, this unique road trip lets you explore iconic replicas right here in the U.S.

1. Leaning Tower of Niles, Illinois: A Quirky Architectural Wonder

We're starting this journey in Niles, Illinois, located just over 30 minutes north of Chicago. This town, which has a population of around 29,600, is home to a replica of Italy's famously tilted Tower of Pisa. The American version of the leaning 12th-century bell tower is half the size of the original. (Address: 6300 W Touhy Ave., Niles, IL)

2. The Parthenon, Nashville: A Full-Scale Greek Landmark in Tennessee

You don’t need to travel to Greece to be filled with wonder at the achievements of the ancients – there’s actually a full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Nashville, Tennessee. It was initially built in 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. Though this temple is roughly the same size as the real thing, it offers an intact roof and doesn’t require a trek in the scorching heat of Greece. (Address: 2500 West End Ave., Nashville, TN)

3. The Temple of Hera, Wetumpka: Alabama’s Ancient Greek-Inspired Landmark

The Temple of Hera is a famed Greek ruin where the Olympic flame burns. Though the original temple is located in Olympia, Greece, this full-scale replica is tucked away in Wetumpka, Alabama. You can also check out nearly 40 other duplicated Greek works of art on the temple grounds, such as "Winged Victory." The temple is located in Jasmine Hill Gardens, a green space established in the early 1930s. They are located on 3001 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka, AL. Also, it is essential to note that Jasmine Hill Gardens, where the Temple of Hera replica once stood, closed to the public in 2020. Check local listings for accessibility updates.

4. The Eiffel Tower, Paris: Texas’s Quirky Miniature Landmark

You don’t have to travel to the City of Light to see the Eiffel Tower. Head to (where else) Paris, Texas. Though the Texan version of the famous architectural marvel is about 900 feet shorter than the original, it does sport a charming red cowboy hat. You can also visit the nearby Red River Valley Veterans Memorial, located right next to the tower. Here is the address: 2025 S. Collegiate Dr., Paris, TX.

5. Stonehenge, Odessa: Texas’s Fascinating Replica of the Ancient Wonder

Stonehenge is a prehistoric ring of standing stones located in Wiltshire, England. Though no one knows exactly who built the original monument or why the rocks are arranged as they are, the residents of Odessa, Texas, are lucky enough to have a nearly full-scale replica of the famous ruin on the campus of the University of Texas Permian Basin. Though the replica is about 14 percent smaller than the original, it still draws visitors off Interstate 20. Visitors can park on campus and walk right up to the monument–no admission required. You can locate them on Preston Smith Rd., Odessa, TX.

6. London Bridge, Lake Havasu City: Arizona’s Iconic Relocated Landmark

"London Bridge" isn’t just a nursery rhyme. The real London Bridges date back to Roman Times and have been rebuilt numerous times. After one 131-year-old iteration of the bridge began to sink into the River Thames in 1962, a wealthy and eccentric Missouri businessman named Robert McCulloch had the bridge shipped in pieces to Arizona. Here, it was reconstructed in Lake Havasu City. This isn't actually a replica - these very stones once spanned the Thames in London! After exploring the bridge, visitors can stroll through the English Village, a themed waterfront area filled with shops and restaurants. Here is the address: 1340 McCulloch Blvd., Lake Havasu City, AZ.

Is there any landmark you think we've left out? Please reach out to us by completing this nomination form. And, for more fun attractions and quirky destinations across the country, check out our Only In Your State Itinerary Planner to map your own route through America’s hidden landmarks. Don't forget to check out this read about the ultimate road trips across the U.S.