10 Incredible Replicas For Americans Who'd Rather Travel Domestically

Going overseas just not your thing? You can see replicas of many of the world’s most famous monuments right here in the United States of America. You’re probably familiar with the minis found in Las Vegas, like the Eiffel Tower and faux-Trevi Fountain, but here’s a list of some of the lesser-known but incredible replicas you can travel to domestically.

1. Foamhenge

Foamhenge is an art installation created in the likeness of England’s Stonehenge by Mark Cline in 2004. The foam stones began to deteriorate by 2015, and the installation will reopen in a new home at Cox Farms in 2017. Take a strictly faux-henge tour throughout the U.S; there are other, unrelated Stonehenge replicas in Maryhill, Washington; Hunt, Texas; and Odessa, Texas.
Foamhenge at Cox Farms, 15621 Braddock Rd, Centreville, VA, USA, +1 703 830 4121

Foamhenge|© Steve Freeman/Flickr

2. Temple of Hera

Hindu Temple

Jasmine Hill Gardens in Wetumpka, Alabama, hosts the only life-size replica of the Temple of Hera, the Greek temple that hosts the Olympic flame. The garden, originally opened as “a little corner of Greece,” also hosts many other Grecian statue replicas throughout the museum. The museum’s foundation seeks to fund programs that promote the art, history, and horticulture of Greece.

3. Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower in Paris, Texas|© Joseph Novak/Flickr

This Eiffel Tower does have one obvious difference from its predecessor in Paris, France: a giant cowboy hat sits atop the structure. It was built in honor of the city’s namesake, but it isn’t the only Eiffel Tower replica in the U.S. (Las Vegas hosts the largest). It’s also no the strangest attraction in the area – make sure to stop by the cowboy boot-wearing Jesus grave marker and dragon statue while in Paris, Texas.
Texas’s Eiffel Tower, S 75460, 2025 S Collegiate Dr, Paris, TX, USA, +1 800 727 4789

Eiffel Tower in Paris, Texas|© Joseph Novak/Flickr

5. The Parthenon

Building, Museum

Nashville’s Parthenon looks strikingly similar to the version in Greece, and both the building and statue of Athena are the same size as the originals. This replica was originally built for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition in 1897 to honor the original’s classical and world-renowned architecture. The Parthenon now serves as an art museum as well as a beautiful welcome to Nashville’s Centennial Park.

6. Memphis Pyramid

Bowling Alley, Shop, Sports Center

Memphis, Tennessee, sought to pay homage to Memphis, Egypt, with this glass replica of Egypt’s most recognizable symbol: a pyramid. The structure was built from 1954 to 1989, and plans for its interior changed multiple times before it became an arena for a short time. What’s inside this great pyramid today? Something wholly American – an enormous Bass Pro Shop “megastore” complete with a hotel, restaurants, and a bowling alley.

7. The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption

Building, Cathedral

Covington Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption

Inspired by the Notre Dame in Paris, France, the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption‘s was partially built in Covington, Kentucky. Construction started in 1894 but stopped in 1915, and the building remains unfinished. This replica is one-third the size of its original, but does host one of the world’s largest stained glass windows as well as 80 other artistically created panes.

8. Leaning Tower of Niles

Building

Half the size of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, the Leaning Tower in Niles, Illinois, was built in 1934 as a fancy means to store water for the village’s outdoor recreational swimming pools. Last year, the village announced they will spend nearly $600,000 in repairs to spruce up the tower, which has also been updated since its initial unveiling with four fountains and a swimming pool in the plaza.

9. King Tut's Tomb

Casino, Museum

King Tuts Tomb replica|© Matt Howry/Flickr

There is one replica worth seeking out in Las Vegas: a full-scale replica of King Tutankhamen’s tomb. This $3 million version of the ancient Egyptian pharoah’s resting place was originally constructed for the pyramid-shaped Luxor Casino. It now resides inside the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, and the 500 nearly identical faux antiques inside provide an educational attraction in an otherwise party-centric destination.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum, 900 N Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV, USA, +1 702 384 3466

King Tut’s Tomb replica|© Matt Howry/Flickr

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.