Illinois: Navy Pier. Their extensive event calendar features something for everyone, from free fireworks displays throughout the year to live music, theater, art exhibits, dance performances, cultural celebrations, lake cruises and kids' activities. However, between the $25 price to ride the Ferris wheel, crowds, mediocre bars, and cafeteria food, locals often steer clear of Chicago's Navy Pier, leaving it for the tourists, resident Rachel Cooper says. Still, there are a few redeeming attractions, such as performances by the Chicago Shakespeare Theater (although tickets aren't cheap) and epic fireworks displays over Lake Michigan. Do you like riding on a Ferris wheel?

Indiana: Largest Ball of Paint. What started as a regular baseball turned into the world's largest ball of paint, located in Alexandria, Indiana. Michael Carmichael and his son began this project in 1997 when they dipped a baseball in blue paint. It now weighs over 10,500 pounds and has more than 29,000 layers of paint, making it a famous roadside attraction. Tourists passing by Alexandria can call to make an appointment to view the ball and they can add their own coat of paint to this behemoth of a ball. Does this sound like a fun roadside attraction that you'd be interested in?

Iowa: Spook Cave. There's not a whole lot to see here, folks — that's one of the primary criticisms of Spook Cave. An escorted boat tour of a flooded cave in McGregor (May through October) does give visitors a chance to learn about the history of limestone in the region and view stalactites. Whether that's worth $16 for adults and $11 for children is the question. There is camping available and cabins for rent. There's also a pricey gift shop. Do you enjoy learning about local spots of interest?

Kansas: Largest Ball of Twine. At 17,320 lbs, 40 foot circumference, and over 7,938,709 of sisal twine, the C*wker City Community Club is the official owner/caretaker of the ball of twine. Each year a twine-a-thon is held in conjunction with the annual C*wker City picnic and parade, so the ball never stops growing. Frank Stoeber started the twine ball in 1953 on his farm and by 1957 it weighed about 5,000 lbs. Apparently there's been some competition for that title since the ball was started in 1953. Although it's often cited among the country's best roadside attractions, it hardly seems worth a detour of more than two hours round-trip off the nearest interstate. Would you add an extra two hours to your trip to see this titanic twine ball? (the * is an "a", editing software wouldn't allow the name.)