1

Competitive eating

Image: Gigi

Nathan’s Famous claims to have hosted its first Fourth of July hot dog-eating contest in 1916 at Coney Island. According to legend, four immigrants took part to prove who was the most patriotic . The winner, an Irishman, downed 13 hot dogs to claim the title.

Though this origin story was likely an invention for publicity, this quirky event has grown into the beginnings of what would become a long-standing American tradition.

2

Turkey pardoning

Image: Tyler Donaghy

The tradition of pardoning a turkey dates back to 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln reportedly spared a bird after his son Tad begged for its life . Originally meant for Christmas dinner, the turkey was saved thanks to Tad’s compassion.

While a few later presidents, including Harry Truman and John F. Kennedy, also chose to spare turkeys, it wasn’t until 1989 that President George H.W. Bush made the turkey pardon an official White House tradition.

3

Groundhog Day

Image: Camerauthor Photos

Groundhog Day centers around a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil , who is said to predict the weather each February 2nd . If Phil sees his shadow, it signals six more weeks of winter; if not, spring is supposedly on its way.

The tradition began when newspaper editor Clymer Freas pitched the idea to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club in the late 1800s. Despite its popularity, Phil’s weather predictions have only been accurate about 39% of the time, according to the National Climatic Data Center.

4

Pickle-shaped ornaments on Christmas trees

Image: Drew Geraets

The Christmas pickle tradition is believed to have started as a clever marketing move by Woolworths. After receiving a large stock of pickle-shaped ornaments , the store invented a festive game to help sell them.

They encouraged families to hide the pickle in their Christmas tree, with a small prize going to whoever found it first. What began as a sales tactic eventually became a quirky holiday tradition in many American homes.

5

Alaska's Nenana Ice Classic

Image: Ariane Frei

The tradition began in 1917, when a group of railroad engineers placed bets on when the ice on Alaska’s Nenana River would break . They wagered a total of $800, trying to predict the exact date, hour, and minute of the thaw.

What started as a friendly bet turned into an annual event known as the Nenana Ice Classic. Today, it’s a major Alaskan tradition that draws thousands of participants each year—and offers a jackpot that can exceed $300,000.

6

Cherry pit spitting

Image: Quaritsch Photography

During cherry season, cherry pit spitting contests pop up across the U.S., inviting participants to launch pits as far as they can —or even try to hit specific targets. These contests are famously held at events like the International Cherry Pit Spitting Championship in Eau Claire, Michigan, which began in 1974.

It’s a lighthearted test of skill that draws crowds in search of classic summer fun.

7

Tailgate parties

Image: Zachary Keimig

For many American sports fans—especially at football games—just attending isn’t enough. Hours before kickoff, parking lots fill with fans decked out in team colors , grilling food , and enjoying drinks as part of the pregame ritual known as tailgating.

Some tailgaters go all out, bringing TVs, sound systems, and even satellite dishes to create the ultimate game-day setup.

8

Black Friday shopping spree

Image: Erik Mclean

Just hours after Thanksgiving feasts wrap up, millions of Americans shift into shopping mode for Black Friday. This massive retail event kicks off a weekend spree that also includes Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday—newer traditions that have quickly gained traction.

9

Holiday family cards

Image: Community Archives of Belleville and Hastings County

One beloved holiday tradition in the U.S. is sending and receiving festive family photo cards . These often feature coordinated outfits and include a short update on the family’s highlights from the past year—even from people you may barely remember.

10

Ostrich racing

Image: Dominic Yegon

Ostriches were introduced to the U.S. in the 1880s, and it didn’t take long for people to start racing them. These unusual competitions sprang up in several states and quickly gained attention for their novelty.

Today, the most well-known event is the Chandler Ostrich Festival in Arizona , which has been running for decades. As of 2024, it marked its 36th year, continuing the quirky tradition with a modern twist.

11

Roadkill cook-off

Image: Christoph Wick

With abundant wildlife and countless vehicles on American roads, animal collisions are an unfortunate reality. But in Marlinton, West Virginia, locals have found a unique way to turn that misfortune into a celebration.

Every September, the town hosts the Roadkill Cook-off, where adventurous eaters can sample dishes like squirrel gravy on biscuits, teriyaki bear, or deer sausage —all made from animals legally collected after road accidents.

12

Pumpkin chucking

Image: Marius Ciocirlan

In America, pumpkins aren’t just for pies and lattes—they’re also launched through the air in a tradition known as pumpkin chucking.

The largest and original event, Punkin Chunkin, originated in Delaware, where teams use contraptions like trebuchets, catapults, and air cannons to hurl pumpkins as far as possible .

1

Blue jay

Image: Mark Olsen

The blue jay is a beautiful bird with –as its name suggests– striking blue plumage. It also has white feather details and a sort of black "collar" on its neck. But it is not just a pretty face; it also has wonderful abilities.

Blue jays are excellent mimics . They can imitate the calls of other birds, especially hawks, in order to frighten and scare away predators. Nature is wise!

In addition, these birds that live in family groups have a great memory . Blue jays have been seen storing nuts far from where they originally found them and then returning to those locations later without much effort.

2

Bald eagle

Image: Mathew Schwartz

As one of America's most iconic symbols, the bald eagle makes an imposing impression just with its presence. It is one of the largest birds in the world, with a wingspan ranging from 6 to 7.5 feet and weighing between 3 and 6.5 pounds.

One of its most outstanding traits is its vision , considered by many experts to be 4 to 5 times sharper than human eyesight. This bird has such precise vision that it can spot its prey from several miles away while flying!

In addition to that, its hunting skills are exceptional. Bald eagles rarely fail to catch a snack, thanks to their large and powerful talons. Their prey can be quite large, as their grip strength can reach 400 pounds per square inch.

3

Pronghorn antelope

Image: David Thielen

Despite its common name, the pronghorn is not an antelope. In fact, it belongs to another family called Antilocapridae , exclusive to North America. Yes, they only exist here!

Pronghorns have several characteristics that make them unique, including their iconic horns . First off, pronghorns shed their horns every year (because who doesn't want to renew their outfit?). And, unlike many other species, it's not just the males that have horns; the females do too.

But here's its best feature: the pronghorn is nothing less than the fastest land animal in America, capable of reaching speeds of over 50 mph. And that's not all; this animal can sustain its speed for very long distances. A true runner!

4

American alligator

Image: Joshua J. Cotten

The American alligator can measure between 13 and 15 feet long and weigh more than 900 pounds, making it one of the largest reptiles in the USA.

But its size is not the only thing that impresses. The American alligator, which inhabits the southeastern United States, has one of the fiercest and most powerful bites in the entire animal kingdom, reaching 2,980 pounds of pressure per square inch. Just picture that destructive power!

Biting so hard must have negative consequences for the teeth, right? True. But this is not a problem for the American alligator, as this reptile has the ability to regenerate its lost teeth more than 50 times in its lifetime!

5

Barn owl

Image: Bob Brewer

The barn owl is one of the several owl species found in America. Its most characteristic feature is its heart-shaped face. This distinctive quality is not only cute, but it also serves a purpose: it directs sound into the bird's ear cavities. The barn owl has exceptional hearing , allowing it to detect the smallest prey in the dark.

On the other hand, one of the most striking features of owls is their ability to rotate their heads about 180 degrees and, in some cases, even more. If you found The Exorcist disturbing, you don't want to watch videos of owls rotating their heads!

6

Wood frog

Image: Richie Bettencourt

The wood frog is a small amphibian native to the northeastern states, famous for the dark markings around its eyes. These markings are like a mask that extends, much like when someone's makeup smudges.

But this frog's appearance is not the only thing that distinguishes it. It also has an incredible skill: the ability to withstand freezing temperatures. And that's not all; during the winter, their bodies can actually freeze solid and then thaw out in the spring without sustaining serious damage. Amazing!

Although it is not Captain America, this ability allows the wood frog to adapt very well to temperatures as low as -10°F for several weeks.

7

Flying squirrel

Image: Saori Oya

Have you ever dreamed of flying through the sky like a superhero? Who wouldn't want that? There is a squirrel that has this advantage, which is why it is commonly called the flying squirrel.

Despite its funny name, the flying squirrel doesn't actually fly but glides through the trees. Even so, watching this small mammal deploy a membrane between its limbs to glide with great precision from the heights is impressive. In addition, they can perfectly regulate speed and direction during their ride through the air.

Have you ever seen one of these creatures?

8

Gila monster

Image: David Clode

There is only one venomous lizard in the U.S., and that title goes to the great Gila monster.

This lizard, naturally found in the southwestern regions of our country, has unique abilities that set it apart from other animals. The "monster" in its name is no coincidence: this lizard has a fearsome bite , capable of injecting painful venom. The Gila monster's venom is delivered through grooves in its teeth, something extremely rare for a lizard.

And there's more. This animal can go several months without eating! This is due to its slow metabolism , which allows it to survive even when food is scarce.

9

Eastern diamondback rattlesnake

Image: Leah Storme

The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is one of the largest rattlesnakes that inhabit our country, reaching 6 feet in length and weighing around 10 pounds. Its characteristic diamond-shaped pattern on its back is what gives it its iconic name.

Besides having one of the most potent venoms among rattlesnakes, this snake has another important advantage. The diamondback rattlesnake has thermo-detecting pits. But what is that? They are tiny orifices located between its eyes and nose, which allow it to detect the temperature of its warm-blooded prey even in the deepest darkness.

10

American beaver

Image: Tim Umphreys

Beavers are amazing animals. These rodents that inhabit freshwater environments are like the architects of the animal world. They have impressive building skills, with dams being their primary type of construction.

The dams that beavers build with sticks, logs, stones, mud, and other materials from nature are designed to protect their community and lodges. Beavers' lodges are perfectly engineered, featuring underwater entrances that keep them isolated and safe, just like a natural bunker!

They are also excellent swimmers . They have an affinity for water and use it in very creative ways. For example, they slap their flat tails against the water's surface to alert their families when danger is near.

1

Alcatraz wasn’t always a prison

Image: Maxim Babichev

Before housing America’s most dangerous criminals, Alcatraz served as a military fort. In 1850, President Millard Fillmore designated the island as a military reservation, and by the Civil War, it held prisoners of war. Its strategic location in San Francisco Bay made it ideal for defense. It wasn’t until 1933 that it officially became a federal penitentiary. Over the years, its role shifted dramatically, but its reputation as an isolated fortress remained constant.

2

Prisoners built their own cells

Image: Oxana Melis

Talk about a tough day on the job! When Alcatraz transitioned from a military prison to a federal one, military prisoners were put to work constructing their own confinement. Between 1909 and 1911, they reinforced the existing structures to prepare for the worst of the worst. By the time the Department of Justice took over, the prison was ready to house America’s most notorious inmates. Imagine building the very walls that would later trap you inside!

3

Guards and their families lived on the island

Image: Tyler Rutherford

Alcatraz wasn’t just a prison; it was also home to families. The guards and their families lived in houses and apartments on the island, creating a tight-knit community. Children took a ferry to school in San Francisco every day and played safely away from the prison yard. Some even recall watching movies in the recreation hall while criminals like Al Capone were locked up just a few feet away. Life on Alcatraz wasn’t all gloomy for those outside the cells.

4

No executions took place on Alcatraz

Image: Rita Morais

Despite its reputation, Alcatraz never had an execution chamber. While prisoner violence did lead to some deaths, executions were not carried out on the island. Inmates sentenced to death were transferred to facilities like San Quentin. That didn’t make life any easier in Alcatraz; many prisoners still feared the harsh conditions and inescapable isolation of The Rock.

5

The Pacific Coast’s first lighthouse was on Alcatraz

Image: Bruce Warrington

Before it became infamous for its prison, Alcatraz played a vital role in maritime safety . In 1854, it became home to the first lighthouse on the Pacific Coast, guiding ships through the often foggy San Francisco Bay. Though a larger lighthouse replaced it in 1909, the original helped countless sailors navigate the treacherous waters surrounding the island. Today, it stands as a historic landmark, reminding visitors of Alcatraz’s earlier days.

6

No inmate officially escaped

Image: Leo_Visions

While Hollywood loves a good prison break story, no prisoner ever successfully escaped Alcatraz, at least not officially. The closest attempt came in 1962 when three inmates, including Frank Morris, disappeared after digging their way out using spoons. Their bodies were never found, leading to decades of speculation. Did they drown in the freezing bay or make it to freedom? The mystery remains unsolved.

7

Alcatraz shut down due to high costs

Image: Jack Walker

Despite its reputation as America’s toughest prison, Alcatraz didn’t close due to security issues: It was just too expensive to maintain . The constant exposure to salt water eroded the buildings, and the cost of housing each inmate was three times higher than in other federal prisons. By 1963, the government decided to shut it down. The island was abandoned for years before turning into the tourist attraction it is today.

8

Some inmates requested transfers to Alcatraz

Image: Mylo Kaye

Despite its harsh image, some prisoners actually wanted to be transferred to Alcatraz. The prison provided single cells, which meant no cellmates to fight with . It also had some of the best food in the federal system because officers believed that well-fed inmates were less likely to cause trouble. For some, the strict routine and isolation were preferable to overcrowded, violent prisons elsewhere.

9

Alcatraz was named after pelicans

Image: Mollie Sivaram

Before it became synonymous with crime and punishment, Alcatraz was simply an island full of birds. Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala named it La Isla de los Alcatraces in 1775, which translates to "Island of the Pelicans." Over time, the name was anglicized to Alcatraz. Even today, the island remains a haven for seabirds, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.

10

Alcatraz was never packed to capacity

Image: Kenny Eliason

Alcatraz was never overflowing with inmates . The prison had a maximum capacity of 336, but on average, only about 260 prisoners lived there at any given time. Sometimes, there were as few as 222. This was intentional—authorities wanted to ensure strict control over the inmates. It’s a far cry from the overcrowded prisons we hear about today.

11

Warm water showers had a hidden purpose

Image: David Castellón

Prisoners at Alcatraz were given warm water showers, not necessarily out of kindness, but as a security measure. Authorities believed that if inmates were used to warm water, they’d be less likely to brave the freezing bay in an escape attempt. Whether it worked or not is up for debate, but it certainly added another layer to Alcatraz’s infamous reputation.

12

Officers and inmates tended the gardens

Image: Maxim Babichev

Alcatraz wasn’t all cold concrete and iron bars; there were actually gardens on the island. Prison officers and even some inmates planted flowers and hardy greenery to make the island more livable. The tradition continued for decades, and today, the National Park Service maintains the Gardens of Alcatraz . It’s a surprising touch of beauty in a place best known for its harshness.