A new study analyzed over 1,100 U.S. attractions on TripAdvisor and looked for boredom-related words like “boring,” “dull,” and “underwhelming.” The result? A list of places that tourists were most disappointed by, scaled by complaints per 1,000 reviews for fairness.
Of course, “boring” is subjective. I mean, what makes one person yawn might fascinate another. Still, if you’re planning a trip and want to avoid underwhelming experiences, this list might help.
Let’s count down the top 20 most boring attractions in the U.S., starting with #20.
20. Brookfield Zoo — Illinois
Families love this suburban Chicago zoo, but some visitors say it doesn’t live up to modern standards. Several reviews note confusing layouts, outdated facilities, and a lack of standout exhibits. One reviewer commented that the zoo “felt a bit run down and not worth the admission price compared to other zoos.”
19. Plimoth Patuxet Museums — Massachusetts
This living history museum aims to transport visitors back to the 1600s. For some, though, the slow pace and reenactments didn’t quite spark joy. One visitor said, “It felt more like walking through a quiet park than a dynamic museum experience.”
18. Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Florida
You’d think Disney would be safe from this kind of list, but the lack of thrilling rides and long wait times had some guests feeling shortchanged. “It was just a few shows and barely any rides. Not worth the Disney price tag,” one disappointed reviewer wrote.
17. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) — Oregon
Known as OMSI, this science museum features hands-on learning, but several reviewers found the exhibits dated or broken. One noted, “We were expecting more interactive and modern exhibits—most felt like they hadn’t been updated in years.”
16. Corn Palace — South Dakota
Yes, it’s literally a building covered in corn murals. And while that’s quirky enough to warrant a stop, many say the novelty wears off quickly. One traveler summed it up: “You stop, take a photo, and then wonder why you drove out of your way for this.”
15. The Lost Sea Adventure — Tennessee
This underground lake tour sounds thrilling, but it left some feeling like the “adventure” part was oversold. A visitor wrote, “The tour moved at a snail’s pace and there just wasn’t much to see underground.”
14. Museum of Glass — Washington
This Tacoma museum has beautiful glasswork, but if you’re not into the medium, you might find it repetitive. “Unless you’re a glass enthusiast, it gets old pretty quickly,” one reviewer wrote.
13. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) — Washington
Also known as MoPOP, this flashy museum in Seattle looks exciting from the outside, but inside, some visitors say the exhibits don’t always deliver on the hype. “It felt more like a bunch of random displays than a cohesive museum,” a reviewer shared.
12. The Franklin Institute — Pennsylvania
This Philly science museum is packed with educational value, but many visitors felt the displays were outdated and lacked interactivity. “Great for kids, but not much to keep adults entertained,” one review noted.
11. Shedd Aquarium — Illinois
Another Chicago spot on the list, the Shedd has a huge collection of aquatic life. But some guests said it felt overcrowded and overpriced. One visitor wrote, “Not worth the price when the tanks are small and half the exhibits were closed.”
10. Crazy Horse Memorial — South Dakota
This massive monument-in-progress is undeniably ambitious, but its incomplete state and hefty entrance fees made many wonder if the detour was worth it. “There’s just not much to see yet, and it’s been in progress for decades,” a reviewer said.
9. National Museum of American History — Washington, D.C.
While this Smithsonian institution is packed with artifacts, some reviewers complained about confusing layouts and a lack of cohesion. “It felt like a collection of random stuff with no real storyline,” one visitor wrote.
8. White House — Washington, D.C.
It’s an iconic landmark, no doubt. But between restricted access, heavy security, and limited tour availability, many visitors were left feeling disappointed. “You can barely see anything, and you’re herded around like cattle,” one person said.
7. Pacific Science Center — Washington
Seattle’s science museum received criticism for aging exhibits and a general lack of “wow” factor. One review stated, “It felt like stepping back into the 90s, nothing seemed updated.”
6. Old Faithful — Wyoming
Yes, it’s famous. Yes, it erupts regularly. But if you miss the timing or expect a dramatic spectacle, you might leave Yellowstone a bit let down. “We waited over an hour for what amounted to a 3-minute lukewarm water spurt,” a visitor complained.
5. Magnolia Plantation & Gardens — South Carolina
This historic plantation is rich in Southern charm, but some visitors felt the gardens were overrated and the experience didn’t justify the entry fee. “I expected lush gardens and got patchy grass and mosquitoes,” one review read.
4. Lake Powell — Arizona
This massive reservoir is a dream for boaters, but if you’re expecting dramatic scenery or easy access, the experience may not live up to expectations. A reviewer noted, “It’s beautiful from a boat, but without one, there’s not much to do or see.”
3. Hollywood Walk of Fame — California
Despite being one of L.A.’s most famous spots, many call it a tourist trap. Complaints range from dirty sidewalks and underwhelming stars to aggressive street performers. One person wrote, “It’s just names on the ground surrounded by grime and scammers.”
2. National Museum of the American Indian — Washington, D.C.
This museum houses important cultural artifacts, but many said the exhibits were sparse and confusing. “I left more confused than educated,” said one reviewer. Others noted the lack of storytelling or interactive displays.
1. Adler Planetarium — Illinois
Chicago’s space museum may look sleek from the outside, but reviewers criticized outdated exhibits and a lack of interactivity. “The exhibits are boring, and I don’t understand how they charge for admission,” one visitor wrote. Another added, “We finished the entire place in under 30 minutes. It felt like a waste of time.”
Final Thoughts
A spokesperson from JeffBet (the company behind this study) summed it up well: “Some of the attractions are important historical or cultural landmarks, which may not give the level of entertainment that modern travelers are looking for.” Translation? Just because it’s labeled a “must-see” doesn’t mean it’ll blow your socks off.
That said, “boring” doesn’t mean “bad.” If you’re a history buff, a science lover, or just enjoy a slower pace, many of these spots could still be worth visiting. But maybe check a few more reviews before booking those non-refundable tickets.
Need some ideas that are more likely to live up to the hype? Here’s the top tourist attraction in each of the 50 U.S. States to add to your bucket list.