1

Bob Dylan

Image: Laura Ockel

The Nobel Prize-winning singer-songwriter who gave us anthems like "Blowin' in the Wind" is also a passionate metalworker. Dylan spends his downtime in his Black Buffalo Ironworks studio, crafting intricate gates and sculptures from found objects such as farm equipment, tools, and antique firearms.

2

Angelina Jolie

Image: Joshua Sukoff

Angelina Jolie is world-renowned for her celebrated Hollywood career and humanitarian work. But this actress-director also has a license to thrill in the air. Jolie is a certified pilot who owns a Cirrus SR-22 single-engine aircraft, often taking to the skies for both personal adventures and humanitarian missions.

3

Patrick Dempsey

Image: Carl Gelin

There’s more to Patrick Dempsey than being the charming neurosurgeon Dr. Derek Shepherd (aka "McDreamy") on Grey's Anatomy . The actor has developed a passion for race car driving , competing in prestigious events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Rolex 24 at Daytona. He even owns his own racing team, Dempsey Racing!

4

Bob Barker

Image: Thao LEE

The iconic game show host who entertained millions on The Price Is Right for 35 years had a surprising secret weapon up his sleeve: karate. Trained by none other than Chuck Norris , he practiced for decades and even earned his black belt.

5

Steve Martin

Image: Chen Mizrach

He's a comedian, actor, writer... and a banjo virtuoso? That's right! The "wild and crazy guy" who brought us hilarious classics like The Jerk and Planes, Trains and Automobiles is also an accomplished banjo player and composer . Steve Martin has released several bluegrass albums, collaborated with legends like Earl Scruggs, and even won a Grammy for his exceptional work.

6

Steve Carell

Image: Matthew Fournier

Known for his hilarious roles and versatile acting career, Steve Carell is also a whiz on the ice. A passionate hockey player since childhood, he has been lacing up his skates whenever possible. He even got the chance to display his skill on an early episode of The Office .

7

Michael Phelps

Image: Will Porada

He’s the most decorated Olympian of all time, boasting 28 swimming medals. But Michael Phelps didn’t stop at the pool—he also picked up a golf club. He is the holder of a Guinness World Record for the longest televised putt . That was an impressive 159 feet.

8

Kobe Bryant

Image: Mirko Fabian

The late NBA legend was not only a basketball icon but also a gifted storyteller. He proved it after retiring from basketball when he founded Granity Studios, a multimedia company focused on creating inspiring content for young athletes .

One of its standout works was the animated short film Dear Basketball —a heartfelt tribute to Bryant’s lifelong passion for the game.

9

Venus Williams

Image: Jean-Philippe Delberghe

Venus Williams, the tennis superstar with seven Grand Slam singles titles and four Olympic gold medals, also has a passion for interior design. She founded V Starr Interiors, a company specializing in creating stylish and functional spaces for both residential and commercial clients. She even has a degree in fashion design !

10

Viggo Mortensen

Image: Karolina Grabowska

Viggo Mortensen is celebrated for his captivating performances in films like The Lord of the Rings and Eastern Promises , but he’s also a man of many talents. In addition to acting, he is a poet, musician, photographer, and publisher .

He founded Perceval Press, an independent publishing house dedicated to promoting the work of artists and writers.

11

Terry Crews

Image: KOBU Agency

Before delivering laughs on Brooklyn Nine-Nine or throwing action-packed punches in The Expendables , Terry Crews was an NFL linebacker. But even before that, this multi-talented actor was a skilled artist. He still creates detailed paintings and illustrations in his spare time.

12

Shaquille O’Neal

Image: Yomex Owo

Shaquille O'Neal earned a place in the Hall of Fame for his legendary basketball career, but his talents extend far beyond sports. He's also an entertainment icon with numerous endorsements and a DJ performing under the name " DJ Diesel ."

1

A mountaintop with a maintenance plan

Image: Sebastian Enriqu

Each year, around two million visitors make their way to see the monument. But keeping the presidential faces looking sharp takes serious work. Park Service staff actually rappel down the mountain to inspect for cracks. They use silicone sealant to block out moisture and keep the granite from breaking apart in the cold. This isn’t a quick job, it’s a regular, careful operation. The mountain's top sits 5,725 feet above sea level, so it’s not for the faint of heart.

2

One historian’s tourism dream

Image: Engin Yapici

Back in 1923, South Dakota historian Doane Robinson had an idea to attract visitors to the Black Hills. Now, what was his original plan? Carve Western legends like Buffalo Bill and Native American leaders into the rock. The vision then shifted to feature US presidents for broader national appeal.

President Calvin Coolidge helped land the funding, even during tough economic times. The carving began in 1927 and stretched on until 1941. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum died before finishing, and his son Lincoln carried the torch to completion.

3

Four presidents, four chapters

Image: Jeromey Balderrama

Each face on the mountain stands for a key period in our nation’s story. Can you imagine what they are?

Washington symbolizes the birth of the country, while Jefferson represents growth and expansion. Lincoln stands for unity and the preservation of the nation during the Civil War. Roosevelt brought development and the rise of the US on the world stage. Together, they tell a chronological story in stone. The idea was to highlight leadership through the ages, not just popular figures.

4

A presidential switch

Image: Andrew Ling

Originally, Thomas Jefferson was supposed to be on Washington’s left. But during the carving, the rock proved too unstable. So they scrapped the partially finished face and started over, this time on the right side.

It was a major do-over that cost time and money, a lot of it! But ultimately, it worked out for the best, structurally speaking. Today, most visitors never realize Jefferson had a false start.

5

Dynamite and a dream

Image: Takefreebies

It’s easy to forget that Mount Rushmore wasn’t sculpted with tiny chisels: It was blasted into shape. Most of the work was done with dynamite, followed by finer detailing with jackhammers and drills.

From 1927 to 1941, about 400 workers shaped the mountain. Amazingly, no lives were lost during the entire project. Many of the workers were former miners, used to rough terrain and heavy tools. It wasn’t easy, but it was efficient.

6

The presidents were supposed to have torsos

Image: Thomas Fields

The original vision for the monument wasn’t just heads, it included bodies from the waist up! Imagine that! Like many grand ideas, it ran into budget troubles. Funding dried up, and with time running out, the project was scaled back.

What we see today is actually an unfinished version of Borglum’s full plan. Still, the heads alone have become iconic. Imagine how much more impressive it would’ve been with shoulders and coats.

7

Secrets behind Lincoln’s head

Image: Rosanne Rapata

There’s a hidden room carved into the mountain, did you know that? Called the Hall of Records, it was Borglum’s idea to store important American documents and artifacts.

While the grand plans for a museum inside the mountain were never fully realized, a titanium vault was placed there. It contains copies of key US documents, including the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Located behind Lincoln’s head, it’s not open to the public. Still, it adds an air of mystery to the site. It makes you wanna visit, right?

8

Step off the beaten path

Image: Nils Huenerfuerst

Most visitors snap their photos from the Grand View Terrace, and it’s lovely. But for those willing to take a short walk, the President’s Trail offers even better views.

This loop takes you closer to the monument and into nature. You might spot local wildlife like mountain goats or deer along the way. The trail includes about 422 stairs, so make sure you’re wearing comfy shoes. It’s a quieter, more personal way to experience the monument.

9

Entablature

Image: Tommy Bond

Gutzon Borglum didn’t just want Mount Rushmore to be a visual tribute, he wanted it to tell the story of America, too. His idea was to chisel a brief summary history, covering events from 1776 to 1906, right into the rock face.

This massive engraving, called "Entablature," was to be etched into an 80-by-120-foot depiction of the Louisiana Purchase. President Calvin Coolidge even agreed to write it, but when Borglum edited Coolidge’s draft without permission, the president was so annoyed he refused to try again. Despite the grand vision, the project was eventually scrapped, partly because the lettering wouldn’t have been visible from a distance, and partly because the budget ran dry.

10

Don’t expect a fifth face anytime soon

Image: Ronda Darby

Over the years, people have suggested adding more figures to the mountain. Names like Susan B. Anthony, FDR, JFK, Reagan, Obama, and Trump have all come up. But the National Park Service has said a firm "no." Structurally, there’s just no safe place to add another carving. Plus, the monument is considered complete in its message. So, while the debate pops up now and then, don’t hold your breath. The original four are here to stay.

1

Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles

Image: Nathan Dumlao

Sunset Boulevard is a famous Los Angeles street that spans approximately 24 miles. It runs through districts such as Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Bel Air. This iconic street's best-known section is the Sunset Strip , where you can find restaurants, hotels, boutiques, colorful billboards, comedy clubs, and nightclubs.

Today, Sunset Boulevard is synonymous with luxury and glamour, but it wasn't always the case. In the first decades of the 20th century, Sunset Strip was home to illegal casinos and was the go-to place to find alcohol during Prohibition. Then, in the 1930s and 1940s, the new restaurants and clubs were packed with the rich and famous . In the 1960s Sunset Strip became a meeting point for rock musicians and the hippie counterculture, who were later forced to leave when prices rocketed in the ‘80s.

2

Bourbon Street, New Orleans

Image: Kristina Volgenau

Bourbon Street is a historic street in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter. Stretching 13 blocks from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue, it is one of the wildest and rowdiest streets in the world . Famous for its numerous bars, restaurants, and art galleries, Bourbon Street is best known for hosting the annual Mardi Gras carnival.

But it has not always been a place for partying and madness. During colonial times, it was mostly a residential area and one of the most populous streets in the city. Contrary to popular belief, this street is not named after the famous liquor. It was actually named after the French royal family that reigned in 1721 when French engineer Adrien de Pauger designed the layout of New Orleans. Now, was the liquor named after the street? That, my friends, is a story for another article.

3

Lombard Street, San Francisco

Image: NISCHAL MALLA

Although it's known as "the crookedest street in the world," Lombard Street isn't even the steepest street in San Francisco . That title technically belongs to Vermont Street, between 20th and 22nd Streets in Potrero Hill.

Those curves on that 40-degree incline may seem dangerous to you now, but they were actually built to increase the safety of the street. The natural incline was considered too unsafe, so in the 1920s, a resident suggested creating a series of zigzag curves that would not only add scenic appeal to the street but also make it safer for pedestrians . Today, it is a major tourist attraction for the two million people who visit San Francisco every year.

4

Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington D.C.

Image: Library of Congress

Pennsylvania Avenue is known throughout the world as the heart of the nation's capital , as America's Main Street . American history has paraded, marched, strolled, and protested along this avenue since its creation. It is not just another street. This is where the country’s history and all the political power are concentrated: it is where the White House and the Capitol are located.

Pennsylvania Avenue, like the entire city of Washington, was specially designed in the late 18th century by French-American artist and engineer Pierre Charles L'Enfant at the request of George Washington. For many years, this diagonal street inspired by the Champs Elysees in Paris, was a graceless dirt road. That changed when Thomas Jefferson ordered rows of Black Poplar trees to be planted along it. Finally, in 1832, it was paved to best fight the dust and dirt.

5

Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Image: Jonathan J. Castellon

The most famous portion of Michigan Avenue is known as the Magnificent Mile . Crowned by tall skyscrapers, it has hundreds of luxury stores and restaurants . It is also filled with famous landmarks such as Millennium Park, Chicago Water Tower, and the Art Institute of Chicago, among other buildings.

The Magnificent Mile began construction during the 1920s as part of the Burnham Plan of Chicago, which recommended adding wider streets, parks, and new buildings. In 2007 it was chosen as one of the 10 Great Streets by the American Planning Association. Nowadays, the Magnificent Mile has become a favorite destination for more than 22 million tourists who visit Chicago annually.

6

Wall Street, New York City

Image: Uwe Conrad

Wall Street is undoubtedly one of the most famous and well-known streets in the United States and the world. Located in Lower Manhattan, it is considered the "Financial District" because it houses multiple financial institutions and large banks , such as the Central Bank of the United States, the Federal Reserve, and the New York Stock Exchange.

But did you know why it's called like this? The Wall Street name refers to a wooden wall built by Dutch settlers to defend against possible attacks by British pirates during the Anglo-Dutch wars in the 17th century. Originally known in Dutch as Het Cingel —"the Belt" in English—, the wall was more than 2,340 feet long and approximately 9 feet high. It also had two gates, known today as the corner of Wall Street and Pearl Street.

7

Beale Street, Memphis

Image: Heidi Kaden

Beale Street in Downtown Memphis, Tennessee, is a street developed in the 1840s. Today it is best known for its pivotal role in the history of blues music, but was originally named after Edward Fitzgerald Beale, a military hero from the Mexican–American War. Part commercial, part suburbs, in the 1860s Beale Street was the go-to place for African American traveling musicians to perform.

Since then, blues and jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters, and Albert King have played on Beale Street, contributing to the development of the style known as Memphis Blues . In fact, B.B. King was once known as "the Beale Street Blues Boy." In 1977 this historic street was officially declared "Home of the Blues."

8

Newbury Street, Boston

Image: Aline Sales

Considered the "Rodeo Drive of the East," Newbury Street in Boston is one of the most expensive streets in the world . But did you know that once upon a time most of it was underwater? Until the mid-1800s, Newbury Street was part of Boston Harbor until it was filled in with dirt from neighboring communities. Back then, it was mostly a residential area with very little charm.

It wasn’t until the 1980s that Newbury Street started to become the trendy shopping mecca we know and love today. Surrounded by 19th-century brownstones turned into high-end boutiques and restaurants, nowadays you can find modern art galleries and concept stores that still retain the sophisticated style of its glory days.

9

Ocean Drive, Miami

Image: Dennis Rochel

The Ocean Drive boardwalk, located in the South Beach area, is probably the most popular street in Miami and one of the most famous in the world. Known for its white sand beaches, turquoise sea, and colorful Art Deco architecture , here you will find some of the best restaurants, bars, and hotels in the entire city.

Ocean Drive's history is full of reinventions. Originally, in the early 20th century, it was a dusty street. In the 1920s, Miami Beach became a tourist destination and the area began to develop. From the 1930s on, Ocean Drive was nicknamed the "Great White Way" and played host to big stars such as Frank Sinatra and Jimmy Durante . Today, after a remodeling that cost millions of dollars, the mythical street has been modernized and reborn.

10

Las Vegas Boulevard, Clark County

Image: David Vives

Did you know that the famous Las Vegas Strip is not within Las Vegas city limits? The Strip is a stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard, one of the most filmed and photographed streets in the United States. However, contrary to what many people think, it is located in the unincorporated town of Paradise , in Clark County.

Originally, the Strip was nothing more than a highway with a few nightclubs and motels. With the construction of the Flamingo Hotel in 1946, the Strip began to change and develop into what it is today. Regardless of its exact location, today the Strip is home to the most iconic hotels and casinos , including Caesars Palace, the Bellagio, and the Venetian, and is a must-stop for anyone visiting Sin City.