20 Unbelievable Hidden Spots In The U.S. You Didn't Know Existed

Biosphere 2 place is truly out of this world…intentionally. Created in the 1980s, this gigantic complex of glittering structures was intended to simulate conditions found on different planets and help scientists learn how humans might survive in such environments. The initial trials were mostly failures: the growth of invasive species, contamination of the water supply, and squabbles amongst participants troubled the experiments from the start. The site currently exists as a research facility and is open to the public. Check out more Arizona hidden gems here.

Garden of the Gods is a public park located in Colorado Springs on the north part of Colorado City, Colorado, USA. The stunning red rock formations were created during a geological upheaval along a natural fault line millions of years ago. Archaeological evidence shows that prehistoric people visited the Garden of the Gods about 1330 BC. Check out more Colorado hidden gems here.

Fly Geyser is located about 20 miles north of Gerlach in Washoe County. This remarkable geyser was actually created accidentally in 1961 during the drilling of a well. The bright colors and fantastical shape of the natural steaming spout make it seem like something from a child’s imagination. Check out more Nevada hidden gems here.

Take a quiet, secluded woodland walk through the dense greenery of Mt. Hood National forest and you’ll be rewarded with the magnificent sight of Tamanawas Falls. This dramatic waterfall thunders over a 150’ lava cliff near the eastern base of Mount Hood. If you’re up for a bit more adventure, go ahead and clamber up the rocks above the falls for an incredible view of the surrounding park. Check out more Oregon hidden gems here.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a wildly overlooked, picture-perfect hiking trail. Along the six-mile journey through old-growth forest you’ll encounter one of the largest and fastest flowing mountain streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as Rainbow Falls, an extraordinary 80-foot tall waterfall named for the rainbow it creates from the mist on sunny afternoons. Check out more Tennessee hidden gems here.

Though these "hoodoo" rock formations may look more alien than terrestrial, this forest of rock spires was eroded from layers of ash deposited by the Turkey Creek Volcano eruption 27 million years ago. The eight-mile paved scenic drive and 18 miles of hiking trails provide opportunities to discover the beauty, natural sounds, and inhabitants of this 11,985 acre site. Visit the Faraway Ranch Historic District to discover more about the people who have called this area home, including Chiricahua Apaches, and Buffalo Soldiers. Check out more Arizona hidden gems here.

The twenty-one Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin are home to lush forests, picturesque lighthouses, unique sandstone formations, and some absolutely magical ice caves. Stop by during the winter to catch a glimpse of the seaside cave walls encrusted in glittering icicles. Check out more Wisconsin hidden gems here.

The vibrant turquoise of these waters is caused by natural filtering processes and the unique mineral makeup of the lake. Take a drive through the rugged foothills of San Juan Mountain to experience the hidden beauty of the Blue Lakes for yourself. Check out more Colorado hidden gems here.

Looking more like a diesel-fueled Stonehenge than a place of worship, the International Car Forest of the Last Church features more than 40 cars that are stuck nose-down along a dirt road. This zany art installation slash chapel is a truly incredible road trip destination. Check out more Nevada hidden gems here.

This unfinished island fort sits about 70 miles west of Key West. It is the largest masonry structure in the United States and is composed of 16 million bricks. The finely crafted masonry and the tropical beauty of the surrounding waters offsets the haunting quality of the lonely island fortress. The island is open to visitors and brick enthusiasts. Check out more Florida hidden gems here.

This massive swimming hole, located 15 miles southeast of Morgantown, is a local favorite that is ripe to become a national attraction. The verdant surrounds and breathtaking views make this spot a truly unique and authentically beautiful destination. Check out more West Virginia hidden gems here.

Explore the crystal ice caves beneath Mendenhall Glacier and marvel at the diamond-bright shards of frozen sea that form a natural cathedral. Wandering beneath the titanic ice shelf is only possible during certain times of the year, so make sure you have a knowledgable guide to lead the way. Check out more Alaska hidden gems here.

The Mildred B. Cooper Chapel in Bella Vista, constructed in 1988, is a hidden architectural marvel. Its soaring arches and delicate carven details make this beautiful and peaceful chapel a photo-taking paradise. Check out more Arkansas hidden gems here.

Hanging Lake may be familiar to Colorado natives, but to those who hail from beyond the state’s border, this lake is a one-of-a-kind travel destination. Nestled in along the Glenwood Canyon Bike and Pedestrian Path, Hanging Lake was formed when roughly an acre and a half of the valley floor sheared off from the fault and dropped to what is now the shallow bed of the lake. The turquoise colors of the lake are produced by carbonate minerals that have dissolved in the water. There is no swimming allowed due to the fragile nature of the lake’s ecosystem, but visitors are welcome to visit this incredible spot appreciate its splendor from the shore. Check out more Colorado hidden gems here.

This place is truly wild. Often called the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend is the largest man-made Grotto in the world. It contains the largest collection of precious stones and gems found anywhere in one location. And where are these gems and jewels? All. Over. The. Place. The grotto structures are literally encrusted with precious stones. Check out more Iowa hidden gems here.

Smith Rock is generally considered the birthplace of modern American sport climbing, and is host to cutting-edge climbing routes. Its sheer cliffs of tuff and basalt are ideal for climbers of all ability levels. Check out more Oregon hidden gems here.

Neptune Memorial Reef is the brainchild of artist Kim Brandell and is located three miles off the coast of Key Biscayne. Ashes of the deceased are cast into memorials that extend across a 16-acre artificial reef. Divers are encouraged to explore the hidden city of the dead, so grab your scuba gear and head out for an unforgettable underwater adventure. Check out more Florida hidden gems here.

The stunning scenery of Plaza Blanca inspired renowned painter Georgia O’Keefe during her travels out west. Go on a sunny day in order to get the full effect of the ivory pillars against a strikingly blue desert sky. Check out more New Mexico hidden gems here.

Located on Oahu’s lush windward coast at the base of the Ko’olau Mountains, the Byodo-In Temple is a small-scale replica of a famous temple in Japan that is more than 950 years old. The non-denominational shrine was dedicated in 1968 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants in Hawaii. The beautiful grounds include stunning statues, a large reflecting pond, meditation areas, and small waterfalls. This place is the perfect day-trip for when you need a break from the sun and surf of island life. Check out more Hawaii hidden gems here.