5 tiny American landmarks you shouldn't overlook

America: The land of the big and the bountiful. You can gasp at the sheer scale of America’s landmarks while pondering a 15-pound cheeseburger, towering skyscrapers and breathtaking enormity of the Grand Canyon. Truth be told, when surrounded by such eye-popping giants, the more minuscule attractions tend to be overlooked. No more! It’s time to shine a light on the little guys. Here’s a pocket-sized list of 5 tiny American landmarks.

View from Jack Early Park, San Francisco

San Francisco’s smallest park

You won’t be bothered by the bustle of the big crowds at Jack Early Park, San Francisco, as it fits a whole two people. The story goes that Jack, who built the park in 1962, wanted a place to bring his lady sans chaperone, and so they made this spot their love nest. Just off Telegraph Hill, this petite park boasts some of the best views in the city and overlooks the Golden Gate Bridge.

The fairy door at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea | Credit: Myra Klarman

Ann Arbor’s teeny tiny doors

Ann Arbor, Michigan has some of the most discerning mice in the country. Or so it seems. Stop by Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea and you’ll notice a teeny doorstep at your feet. Walk around town and you’ll find dozens more of these tiny little doors. As much as we’d like this to be evidence of the existence of fairies or a flurry of sophisticated rodents, it is actually the work of artist Jonathon B Wright—although he has only claimed one door, so who knows where the others came from?

Close Quarters Pub | Credit: Visit Lorain County

Cleveland’s least-crowded bar

If you think the elevator in your building would be better with a beer keg, you’ll like Close Quarters Pub in Avon Lake. Just an hour west of Cleveland, this 11-seater bar is a favorite among locals, who fiercely maintain that it is the home of the best wings in Ohio. This spot won’t be fun for the claustrophobic amongst us, but it sure will be a blast for everyone else.

New York’s Mmuseumm | Credit: Mmuseumm.

A museum in a New York elevator shaft

New York elevator shafts used to be the thing of nightmares but, now, thanks to some New York art enthusiasts, one has been rescued as a mini museum. Just a short detour off Broadway, Mmuseumm is a 60-square-foot space that offers a peek at objects from cultures and current events happening around the world—from DNA simulated 3D heads to bulletproof backpacks and North Korean household goods.

Depoe Bay, Oregon

The littlest harbor in America

In the traditional sense of the word landmark—marking where sea ends and land begins—this site of interest does the job. The littlest harbor in the world, Depoe Bay, Oregon is just like any other harbor. But really, really small. Oh, and it’s also the set for countless Hollywood films, the whale watching capital of Oregon, and the best seafood in the country. No biggie.