From the world’s longest cave system to giant presidential heads and Alaska’s Russian past: discover 10 surprising facts about the United States of America.
If you are thinking about heading off on a study holiday in the United States, you are in for something special. This is a vast, varied country where every trip feels different.
The United States stretches across thousands of miles and includes tropical climates, dry deserts, towering mountains and even rainforests. You can travel huge distances and still feel like you are in a completely new place.
From the beaches of Florida to iconic cities such as New York and San Francisco, there is no shortage of places to explore. Every state has its own character, rhythm and traditions.
If history fascinates you, Boston is where the American Revolution began, while Washington, D.C. is home to the federal government and some of the country’s most recognisable landmarks.
If nature is more your thing, the national parks of the west are unmissable. Places such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite offer scenery that feels almost unreal.
What makes the United States even more fascinating is its cultural diversity. Each region has its own food, history and local customs.
Every part of this huge country has its own kind of beauty. And beyond the famous sights, the USA is packed with strange stories and unexpected details worth knowing.
The 9 most curious facts about the United States of America
Love unusual facts? Here are some of the most interesting curiosities about the USA. You might even spot a few of them during your study holiday.
New York used to be called New Amsterdam
Did you know that New York once had a completely different name? Before becoming New York, or the Big Apple, it was known as New Amsterdam.
The original settlement was founded by the Dutch, who chose Manhattan as their base. In the seventeenth century, the British took control of the city and renamed it in honour of the Duke of York.
If you walk around Wall Street today, you can still find plaques marking where the original defensive wall of New Amsterdam stood in 1653.
There is a building made entirely of corn
In the United States, there is a building that looks like something out of a legend. It is covered entirely in corn, and yes, you can visit it.
This is the Corn Palace, also known as the World’s Only Corn Palace. It is one of the most unusual tourist attractions in the country.
The exterior is decorated with large murals made from corn and other grains. The designs change every year, so even repeat visits feel new.
The Statue of Liberty is French
The Statue of Liberty, one of the strongest symbols of the United States situated in New York, was a gift from France.
It was inaugurated in 1886 to celebrate freedom and independence. Since then, it has become one of the most recognisable monuments in the world.
If you visit Paris, you can also see a smaller replica that the United States gave to France a few years later.
There is a shop inside a dinosaur’s belly
Along Interstate 10 in southern California, you will find the Cabazon Dinosaurs.
These huge steel and concrete dinosaurs, Dinny and Mr Rex, were built in the 1970s to attract customers to a restaurant. The restaurant is gone, but the dinosaurs remain.
The most surprising part is that you can walk inside Dinny the brontosaurus and browse a souvenir shop in its belly.
The Golden Gate Bridge is constantly being repainted
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous suspension bridges in the world. What many people do not realise is that it is under almost constant maintenance.
Its iconic red colour needs regular repainting to protect the structure from wind, fog and salt air. That is why it always looks so fresh.
For one of the best views, head to the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point and look out over the bay.
New York is full of hidden places
Beyond landmarks such as Times Square and Central Park, New York hides plenty of lesser-known spots.
One example is the old City Hall subway station, famous for its Beaux-Arts design. There is also an underground world of abandoned tunnels and forgotten rooms beneath the streets.
Even at street level, quiet courtyards and narrow alleys offer a very different side of the city, far from the crowds.
The United States has the longest cave system in the world
In Mammoth Cave National Park, you will find the longest known cave system on Earth.
These caves stretch for hundreds of kilometres and are still being explored. Inside, you will see vast chambers, stalactites and stalagmites shaped over millions of years.
There are guided tours suitable for different ages and experience levels.
Hawaii is the only US state made entirely of islands
The Hawaii is often described as paradise, and it is easy to see why. Think volcanic landscapes, tropical beaches and rich wildlife.
Each island has its own personality, from Oahu with Honolulu to Maui with its waterfalls and beaches. No two visits feel the same.
Hawaii is the only US state with no land connection to the mainland.
Alaska used to belong to Russia
Alaska was once part of the Russian Empire. It remained Russian territory until it was sold to the United States in 1867.
Alaska did not become a US state until 1959. Its history still feels distinct from the rest of the country.
Today it is known for wild landscapes, glaciers and Denali, the highest mountain in North America.
Discover the curiosities and facts about the United States for yourself
The United States is full of surprises, stories and places that stay with you long after you leave. There is always something new to see, wherever you go.
If you want to improve your English while exploring a country like no other, a study holiday in the United States is a brilliant option. Start planning your trip and get ready to experience it all for yourself.
