Every year millions of tourists flock to popular vacation destinations throughout the United States in search of the perfect getaway. More often than not, these popular destinations are nothing more than trendy tourist attractions catering to vacation starved Americans seeking a little peace and solitude away from home. Even worse, popular destinations tend to be overcrowded, resulting in fewer opportunities for the vacationer to make the most of his or her valuable time. Luckily, there are alternative travel destinations for those seeking more from their vacation experience than just long lines and expensive resorts. Whether its scenic, wild, or just plain weird, the following unique destinations will help you get the most out of your vacation plans.

Unique Travel Destinations in the US

Isle Royale, Michigan

Although this collection of islands located in the northwestern corner of Lake Superior is a National Park, the lack of crowds and noisy automobiles is not reminiscent of more popular national parks in the US. The uniqueness of this vacation destination not only lies in what you will experience when you arrive, but also in the actual means in which you arrive. Adding to its serenity and tranquillity, Isle Royale does not allow private automobiles and is only accessible by boat, floatplane, or passenger ferry. Once the vacationer gets there, he or she is open to a wide range of recreational experiences including the occasional wolf siting. As the temperature remains cool year round, never exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit, Isle Royale is the perfect travel destination for the summer traveler seeking to escape the noise and crowds of more popular tourist destinations.

Roswell, New Mexico

For a unique vacation with an unusual twist, Roswell is the place to go. Home to the UFO Enigma Museum and the International UFO Museum and Research Center, Roswell is renowned the world over for its alleged 1947 alien encounters. While Roswell is certainly unique with its focus on extraterrestrial research and exploration, Roswell offers the traveler several other opportunities to round out a memorable vacation. Visitors shouldnt miss out on the opportunity to visit the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge which is a sanctuary for native and endangered species and also the Bottomless Lake State Park whose claim to fame is disputable, but nevertheless offers a variety of water sports in which to engage. UFOs, wildlife sanctuaries, and bottomless lakes combined with an average of 311 days of sunshine per year makes Roswell an ideal travel vacation destination during any season.

Kauai, Hawaii

For an area that boasts of some of the best surfing in the world, Kauai has the proof to back up its claim. Not only is the town a hotbed of world class surfers that recreate and mingle with the locals, Kauai is also an area where you can also surf year round. During the summer, locals suggest surfing the south shore while sticking to the north shore in the winter. To experience even more of the Kauai underwater scene, don some snorkeling or scuba diving gear and enjoy the varied and brightly colored tropical fish that abound in the deep waters surrounding the island. To conclude your visit, escape on horseback to the wild edges of civilization and explore the native flora and fauna.

The Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota and Wyoming

For a truly unique vacation experience, head north to an area rich in both natural as well as human history. Visit an area bursting with breathtaking beauty and stunning land formations that is home to the worlds richest fossil banks from the Oligocene epoch, some dating back as far as 35 million years. Visit a place where wild horses and buffalo herds still roam free and the voices of the nations violent past still echo into the future. Home to the Oglala Sioux, Chiefs Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull, the 1890s Ghost Dances, and the merciless massacre at Wounded Knee Creek, this area is rich in history and legend. Perhaps just as tough as the history of the people that inhabit the area is the 109-mile George S. Mickelson Trail for hiking or biking that traverses the area. This trip is recommended for those seeking a truly unique experience that teaches, inspires, and humbles those who choose to enter its timeless sanctuary.