da yoopers tourist trap reviews

Da Yoopers Tourist Trap

Review Highlights

“ It's a great stop to select mementos from your trip to the Upper Peninsula . ” in 3 reviews

“ To the guy (Thomas) that gave this a 2-star review: Get the stick out of your butt and grow a sense of humor ! ” in 3 reviews

“ Thomas has something growing in his nether region, it's a HUGE tree. ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

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490 N Steel St

Ishpeming, MI 49849

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Meh. It's interesting yet pretty tacky. Lots of knick-knacks and other souvenirs if you're in the market for those sort of things. I managed to find a birthday card of all things here. That was it. They had some dog breed gifts, but most of the popular breed types were sold out. There's some pretty bizarre displays on the grounds outside. I guess it's worth seeing once.

Tacky, cheesy, and weird - but also a lot of fun. Count me in as a stick in the mud for not fully understanding the 5 star reviews. This reminds me of the stuff we have in my area (Branson, MO region) poking fun at hillbillies of the Ozarks but with a lot more "Yooper" pride involved than the hillbilly gags. The gift shop is typical but nice, with a very large selection at all price points. I got my sticker fix here. Also, if you or a loved one is of Finnish descent they have a whole section devoted to that!

neat mural out front

To the guy (Thomas) that gave this a 2-star review: Get the stick out of your butt and grow a sense of humor! Geeez! I'll bet you didn't laugh once! I'd hate to see what actually makes this stick-in-the-mud laugh! This place is great. Pull over, park and walk around the place. My wife and I are from L.A. and we laughed a lot. A lot of fun stuff to look at and of course we spent lots of money on souvenirs inside! A must-stop place in the U.P

Ditto in regards to Eddie W's review, he's 98.5% correct. Thomas has something growing in his nether region, it's a HUGE tree. Because the jokes are so bad it's a good laugh!! It's great place to stop in and stretch a person's legs, young kids will love it. I'm planning to stop in again the next time I'm in "God's Country." spend some money and make my wallet thinner. They love Trolls and Fudgies spending money but, they're happy when we go over Da bridge and head home.

Enjoy "God's Country," where the people are honest and have a great sense of humor.

October 13th 2014, A beautiful day in God's Country. I'd love to plow snow with the car.

Interesting things to look at out on the grounds. Hate to say it but I'd been to other gift shops there were larger and had more selection. I did find a few items here though. Clerk was very nice and pleasant to talk to. I really would have liked one of the wind chimes but the big ones I was looking at were $100-$200+ which seemed crazy. The rock shop was kind of neat. Not sure I'd feel the need to stop if I was in the area again. One stop is probably all you need.

Perfect tourist souvenir shop along with some fun photo opportunities. A must stop on you trip up here!

Love Da Yooper Trap! Fun outside displays for the kids. Really nice gift shop with a wide assortment of stuff. From souvenirs to jewelry to nice gift items...if you are in the area, you must stop here!

look, i'm not going to tell you i didn't chuckle once at this place. it's sort of funny, in a campy way. but it's really pretty far over the top; there's no indication about what (in their yard) is real or fake, and some of the fake stuff is so ridiculous that it calls into question some things that, if real, would be pretty cool. all the stuff in the yard is creepy and almost entirely worthless, mostly because of all the weird masks. i will say this for it: it's free. that's a hell of a lot more than i can say for The Mystery Spot.

3 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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Michigan’s Da Yoopers Tourist Trap Is A Quintessential Roadside Attraction

Da Yoopers Tourist Trap in Michigan's Upper Peninsula offers quirky roadside attractions and humorous displays for all ages.

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If you’ve ever ventured into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, you know that this portion of our beloved state is home to plenty of worthwhile attractions. From natural gems to tucked-away eateries, there’s something in the U.P. for everyone to enjoy. If you’re a fan of quirkiness and kitsch, there’s one U.P. destination that belongs on your must-visit list. Get ready for a hearty dose of roadside fun.

Da Yoopers Tourist Trap is located at 490 North Steel St in Ishpeming.

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in the Upper Peninsula, this spot is well worth visiting. Every member of the family will find something amusing to appreciate here.

This is anything but an ordinary roadside attraction. Da Yoopers Tourist Trap, sometimes referred to as “Yooperland,” is like its own little wonderland of roadside fun.

In addition to a gift shop and mini-museum full of interesting local artifacts, Da Yoopers is home to the world’s largest working chainsaw (Big Gus) and rifle (Big Ernie).

At the heart of this locale is a silly sense of humor that pokes fun at stereotypes of “Yooper” culture, offering tourists the chance to immerse themselves in Upper Peninsula lore.

From potty humor to outdoorsy items, there’s plenty to see in the gift shop and among the outdoor displays. Visitors will find plenty of opportunities to snap funny photos with loved ones.

Snag a few snacks for the rest of your trip, load up on souvenirs for loved ones, or simply spend time perusing the humorous inventory that abounds throughout.

The next time you find yourself on a jaunt through the beautiful Upper Peninsula, add Da Yoopers to your itinerary. Every Michigander should make a stop here at least once.

To learn more about Da Yoopers Tourist Trap and its endless array of roadside sights, click here . Have you been lucky enough to visit this spot during previous drives through the Upper Peninsula? Share your memories with us in the comments below or recommend another must-see U.P. spot by filling out our official nomination form here .

Can't get enough Upper Peninsula fun? Check out this amazing U.P. sandwich shop in Michigan .

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Everyone In Michigan Should Take This Underappreciated Scenic Drive

US-2 Top of the Lake Scenic Byway in Michigan offers a breathtaking 96-mile drive along Lake Michigan's northern shoreline with numerous scenic stops.

Is there anything more magical than a scenic drive? After all, hopping in the car for a carefree jaunt allows us to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the Great Lakes State without breaking the bank or interacting with large crowds. There’s one gorgeous byway here in Michigan that might have flown under your radar during previous outings, and you’ll want to experience it for yourself. Come along for a wonderful adventure along what we think is one of the  best scenic drives in Michigan!

The US-2 Top of the Lake Scenic Byway extends from St. Ignace to Thompson.

As its name suggests, this breathtaking stretch of road follows the northern shoreline of Lake Michigan in the Upper Peninsula and offers some of the prettiest views imaginable.

The byway is 96 miles long and can be completed in just over 90 minutes one-way, making it perfect for a day trip. If you’re looking to extend the journey, it also offers ample stops.

For those who want to experience the U.P. without venturing too far north, US-2 is a perfect option. In fact, the roadway can be accessed just off the Mackinac Bridge.

Along the drive, you’ll wind through charming communities like Naubinway, Blaney Park, and Manistique. The route is magical year-round and there’s always something to see.

Stop to take in glorious vistas at Epoufette Scenic Overlook or stretch your legs at Poupard Bay Nature Preserve. Every member of the family will find something to love.

You can even stop for a magical experience at Kitch-iti-Kipi in Manistique. Whether you break up your drive with attractions or remain in the car, you’ll be enamored.

By the time you’ve traversed the entire byway, you’ll feel a new appreciation for Mackinac and Schoolcraft Counties. US-2 offers a dreamy experience for those who need a quick escape.

If you were to do a search for "scenic drives near me," this spot would most certainly appear near the top of the list! We hope you now see why we consider it to be one of the best scenic drives in Michigan!

For a detailed route map complete with a detailed listing of the most wonderful spots to stop along the way, go to the US-2 top of the Lake Scenic Byway website.

Have you and your loved ones explored the US-2 Top of the Lake Scenic Byway in years past? What are some of your favorite places to check out along the road? Share your favorite memories and any other Upper Peninsula scenic drives with us in the Facebook comments.

We also invite you to recommend another scenic drive by filling out our nomination form .

There are plenty of hikes in the area, and you can get more information by going to the overall AllTrails  website.

If you'd rather explore our state by foot, check out this beautiful Michigan nature center .

The Oldest Aquarium In America Is Right Here In Michigan And It’s Amazing

Belle Isle Aquarium in Michigan, the oldest in the U.S., offers a unique and historic underwater experience with free admission.

There are few experiences more magical than walking through an aquarium, no matter what your age. The blue glow of water creates a unique ambiance as schools of fish, turtles, and sea creatures rush by in every direction. A trip to the aquarium incites a childlike glee that simply can’t be found anywhere else - and it’s a pastime that has charmed Americans for years. But did you know that our beloved Michigan is home to the oldest aquarium in the U.S.? That's only one reason that you simply must visit Detroit's Belle Isle Aquarium in Michigan.

The historic Belle Isle Aquarium, located within Detroit’s famous island park, draws in thousands of visitors each year.

The aquarium was meticulously designed and constructed in 1904 by famed architect Albert Kahn.

The “Beaux Art” architectural style of the building itself is a unique and gorgeous sight to behold. The ceilings are covered in green opaline glass that gives the entire aquarium an ethereal atmosphere.

These Belle Isle aquarium photos simply can't do it justice.

While many of the original tanks and flooring sections have been replaced throughout the years, the building maintains much of its historical charm.

Belle Isle Aquarium also boasts a unique and extensive collection of marine life, featuring fish and other creatures from across the country and the world.

You’ll marvel at everything from graceful jellyfish to well-known fish species that inhabit Michigan’s Great Lakes. The aquarium continues to grow each year and is quickly becoming one of the best aquariums in Michigan.

You never quite know what new friends you'll meet!

In 2005, Belle Isle Aquarium in Michigan was temporarily closed due to economic woes. Thankfully, it reopened a few years later and has seen immense economic improvement since its return.

Today, visitors will be stunned by the combination of fascinating history and forward momentum that meet inside the walls of the Belle Isle Aquarium.

The best part? Admission to the aquarium is free so you can enjoy a day of childlike excitement without spending a dime.

The aquarium is also closely connected to the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory.

The two blend seamlessly together for a restorative natural experience. Visitors can ogle the colorful marine life just as easily as admire the lush and vibrant foliage, and truly make an entire day of their visit.

So, the next time you’re looking to experience an important slice of Michigan history while stepping into a whole new underwater world, look no further than the magnificent Belle Isle Aquarium.

To learn more about the history of this unique Michigan aquarium, check out this video by the Belle Isle Conservancy.

Do you have any beloved memories from a past visit to Belle Isle Aquarium in Michigan? We would absolutely love to hear your stories in the comments. And if you need Belle Isle Aquarium directions , you can't get them on this handy Google Map .

If you'd like to see the natural beauty of Michigan, check out these amazing natural attractions . In fact, you can book a number of epic Michigan experiences right from your phone!

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Da Yoopers Tourist Trap Review

Da Yoopers Tourist Trap

This place was so cool! We got a ton of laughs out of the endless funny scenes and quips that were everywhere on site. They have a really nice gift store with some pretty funny stuff, and we got some ...

This was old school Upper Michigan entertainment. A free outdoor museum of the oddities of Michigan's upper peninsula. It is attached to a store that had the usual tourist junk and some unique art.

This place is a must see. There are unique displays on the property and distinctly Yooper gifts and products in the store. This is the "Wall Drug" of the U.P. The staff is friendly and helpful. Prices...

Friends had recommended the Tourist Trap as the ultimate place to find Yooper gifts for our UP friends. If you are traveling through Ishpeming, you'll pass right by it, so you might as well stop. Even...

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The Most Disappointing Tourist Attractions In The World, According To Reviews

T he world's a shockingly big place. There are so many tourist destinations out there that it's impossible for any one person to see them all. Yet, for some strange reason, travelers tend to congregate disproportionately around a small number of "must-see" spots. Sometimes, their fame is warranted, and most people would agree they're absolutely worth carving out precious time for a visit. But some places fail to live up to the hype, leaving visitors feeling underwhelmed.

We've assembled some of the tourist hotspots that many travelers have been less than thrilled by, whether as a result of crowds, expense, or just a certain something that doesn't quite impress. Between reviews on travel sites, blogs, Reddit threads, and even a study conducted by USA Today on tourism experiences, we've got the skinny on several of the most world-famous destinations that have ultimately left visitors with an unshakable sense of disappointment.

Read more: Unsettling Reasons You May Want To Avoid Taking A Cruise

Checkpoint Charlie - Berlin, Germany

During the Cold War, the city of Berlin was separated into four parts, one governed by the Soviet Union and three by the American and Allied authorities. To get into West Berlin, intrepid travelers had to pass through Checkpoint Charlie, sometimes surrounded by Soviet and American tanks, especially during periods of high tension. But nowadays, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, it's a slightly less fraught experience. Still, that doesn't mean it's a worthwhile one: Many tourists have complained about Checkpoint Charlie being a tourist trap.

"It was a total waste of time going here. It's nothing more than a hut in the middle of the street, a sandbag wall to pose for photos and the famous 'You are leaving the American sector' sign. The shops around were selling cheap souvenirs and pseudo- American food such as hot dogs, etc," complained a  Tripadvisor  user. Another added, "Certainly not worth going out of your way to visit unless you're simply after a tick in the box." If you still decide to stop by, make sure you skip getting the souvenir stamp for your passport offered at Checkpoint Charlie, as it could make your travel document unusable.

Taj Mahal - Agra, India

Built in Agra, India, all the way back in 1631, the Taj Mahal is a testament to the love the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan bore for his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal. He commissioned the temple of marble and shining reflecting pools to serve as her mausoleum. Tourists have  visited the Taj Mahal for ages, and in 1983 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

But according to some reviewers, the fact that so many visitors flood the Taj Mahal brings its own set of issues. "The problem is the people who visit such epic places and treat it as dirt. Empty bottles lying inside the monument, Spit stains, People sleeping, trying to write things on the marble," wrote one person on  Tripadvisor . Another complained: "Visiting the Taj used to be easy. They have made it as hard a humanly possible. Hated the experience." With these thoughts from visitors in mind, it might be worth tempering your expectations accordingly.

The Mona Lisa - The Louvre In Paris, France

The Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo da Vinci in the early 16th century, and it's currently housed in the Louvre in Paris, France, where art lovers can swing by for a glimpse at her whenever they like. That is, if they're willing to brave the crowds. A  Redditor  described their experience viewing this famous piece of art: "The Mona Lisa is probably the worst painting there. There is a massive crowd around it, and when you get past it, there is a massive glass cage and the painting is this tiny rectangle that's 7 feet away in yet another glass cage ... Last time I bothered to go in that room, there wasn't even a line, just a blob of people fighting to take a picture."

There's also the perception that the Mona Lisa is overrated, especially in comparison to other art in Paris. Another user on the same Reddit thread wrote, "To me, art museums are suppose to be intimate but there is just too many people doing selfies and screeching around the Mona Lisa. I much enjoyed the impressionist paintings in Paris. Monet, Renoir, van Gogh, Manet, Degas, Cezanne. Much prefer Musee d'Orsay."

Blue Lagoon - Grindavík, Iceland

A short ride from the Keflavík International Airport, the Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa often billed as a destination you shouldn't miss in Iceland . However, Megan of  Traverse  blog broke down why it might ultimately be a disappointment for those who make the trek in the hopes of a little Icelandic magic. She pointed to the large crowds that gather there, thanks, in part, to the easy journey from the airport. "You are never floating more than a few feet from the nearest person," she shared. "Those clean photos of an idyllic scene? Photoshopped. You'll have people in the background of practically every photo you take. You should expect lines and wait times too."

Megan also addressed the nearby location of a major power plant, which she claimed takes away from the picturesque nature of the site, as well as the steep prices to visit and the inflexibility with the ticketed time slots. Ultimately, she felt that the experience was far from soothing, saying, "Soaking in warm water is inherently relaxing, but not much else about the Blue Lagoon experience is relaxing, because it is so streamlined and depersonalized. I felt like I was just a product."

Stonehenge - Salisbury Plain, England

Thousands of years ago, Stonehenge, one of the world's most mysterious places , was built as a ring of giant stones in the English countryside. Its purpose is unknown, although the most widely accepted belief is that they were constructed for pagan religious purposes, possibly by the Druids. A visit to Stonehenge can give tourists a glimpse of England's wild, untamed past -- at least under the right conditions.

Adventure Brits detailed a visit to Stonehenge, summarizing the biggest complaints that tourists frequently have about the Neolithic site. First, the fact that you're not actually allowed to walk among the stones anymore. "Recent years have seen an increase in restrictions around the stones. Gone are the days when you could freely wander among them at your own pace and to touch them, to feel a connection with the past through your fingertips ... Instead, visitors are kept at a considerable distance, herded along a prescribed path that offers little intimacy or connection with the monument." It also mentioned high prices, massive crowds, and the less-than-magical effect of the noisy nearby A303 highway.

Salem, Massachusetts, U.S.

Salem is a coastal town north of Boston, Massachusetts, now known primarily for its position at the center of the Salem Witch Trials in the 1600s, in which paranoia about witchcraft swept through the city resulting in the execution of 19 people. It's not a pretty legacy, but Salem has embraced it, and every year during the fall it goes all out for Halloween, transforming its picturesque streets into a town-wide celebration of all things spooky. If you choose to visit Salem around this holiday, however, you should be prepared for the hundreds of thousands of tourists that pour in every fall (via Boston.com ).

Within the Witch City, as it's sometimes known, the Salem Witch Museum was listed as the second biggest tourist trap in the United States in a study conducted by USA Today . Additionally, a  Reddit user noted how the commercialism around Halloween has hurt Salem, writing, "Downtown is largely tourist trap shops. The cool shops are closing one by one to make room for shops that will make almost all of their money exclusively during Halloween season which leaves the city feeling hollow during the rest of the year."

Leaning Tower Of Pisa - Pisa, Italy

Construction on what is now referred to as the Leaning Tower of Pisa was completed in 1372, long after the building had begun tilting as a result of a poorly-laid foundation and unsuitable topsoil. In the years since, efforts have been made to preserve the structural integrity of the tower -- but not straighten it completely, considering its role in the tourism industry of the region. After all, people are hardly going to flock to the Completely Stable and Structurally Sound Tower of Pisa, are they? Despite the interesting tilt, however, many travelers in Italy find the Leaning Tower of Pisa overrated .

"Many tourist attractions fill you with awe when you see them, make you amazed when you witness them in person," a Redditor wrote. "The leaning tower of Pisa is not one of these. It's an overrated stack of stone leaning at a slight acute angle." A  Tripadvisor  reviewer expressed similar disappointment, saying, "Visited this site in an absolute madness of people. Hundreds queuing for hours to climb the tower (just 55 meters) which is indeed leaning but for the rest very overrated."

Mount Rushmore - Keystone, South Dakota, U.S.

In 1927, sculptors embarked on a 14-year journey to carve out the faces of four presidents --George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt -- into the side of Mount Rushmore, known to the Lakota people of the area as "Six Grandfathers." After its completion in 1941, Mount Rushmore became one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Dakota. But is it actually worth the detour? Some visitors say no.

"A perfectly good mountain was ruined to create this. The Barbie version my niece showed me was miles better and did not ruin the environment by creating the absolute eye sore that is the real mount rushmore," wrote a  Tripadvisor user. A second shared similar concerns, saying, "This has always been a bucket list experience and I couldn't be much more underwhelmed. When you get the history of the place, you realize it was built specifically as a tourist draw ... It did not give me a feeling of patriotism ... and by the way, it was forced down the throat of the native Americans .. so there's that."

Mitad Del Mundo - Quito, Ecuador

Mitad del Mundo, or Middle of the World, is what it says on the tin: Visitors to Ecuador can stand on the exact line of the equator that splits the Earth into its northern and southern hemispheres. But there's not much else to do once you've snapped the obligatory picture, said a  Tripadvisor user. To add insult to injury, Mitad del Mundo may not actually be directly on the equator, claimed another : "Modern science and GPS found that this is not the equator — the true Equator is some hundreds of meters away. In other words, like it or not, coming here is a waste of time."

Eric Goldschein on Medium offered a helpful hint on how to visit Mitad del Mundo: don't. "The gaudy 'city' constructed around the main monument (an admittedly impressive block of stone with a stone globe on top, which people can climb — provided they pay extra — and look out in all directions) is full of either unrelated exhibits or laughably obvious tourist traps such as overpriced craft stands and restaurants that charge exorbitant prices for meals you can buy cheap across the street," they stated.

Times Square - New York City, U.S.

In the center of Midtown Manhattan is Times Square, a place stuffed to the gills with tourists traps , flashing advertisements and flagship locations of popular chain stores and restaurants. It's a hard area of New York City to avoid, especially if you plan on attending any Broadway shows, but it's also long been considered a tourist destination in and of itself -- albeit one that may not always live up to the hype, according to visitors.

This not-so-humble NYC attraction earned the top spot on a Preply survey (via New York Post ) designed to determine the world's biggest tourist traps. A Tripadvisor user summed it up in their review, writing, "It's full of bright lights? Yes. It's got big energy? Yes. Nice to see? Yes. But it's also very crowded to a point that if you are in the middle of it all is hard to move." A  second individual agreed, saying, "Go, see what you want to see in the area and get out! ... It is convenient for Broadway shows, but that's offset by the touts, scammers, poor food and density of tourists."

Blarney Stone - Cork, Ireland

Outside of Cork, there's a lovely structure with an admittedly bizarre legacy. Nestled within Blarney Castle is the Blarney Stone, which allegedly gives all those who kiss it (yes, we're talking about an actual rock) the "gift of gab." Naturally, this has attracted tourists from far and wide, who all line up to give a smooch to the Blarney Stone. It was one of the first mentions on a Reddit thread about the most overrated tourist destinations, with a user writing simply, "I will never understand why people would pay money to kiss a stone." 

Another Redditor concurred: "Blarney Castle has been an overpriced tourist trap since the 19th century when it cost 10d to take the tourist railway there from Cork, in today's US dollars the equivalent of at least $20. You'll be stuck in a cramped castle staircase for a good half an hour behind all the other rubes getting their photo taken kissing the stone. There are far better things to do around Cork of an afternoon."

Hollywood Walk Of Fame - Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Hollywood is synonymous with the glamour of the film industry, and the Walk of Fame is -- at least in theory -- a testament to all those cinematic stars who have entranced audiences for generations. But as this area of Hollywood has fallen into disrepair, the stars on the ground don't hold the same appeal for many tourists as they used to. A  Tripadvisor reviewer called it "Rundown, dirty, disgusting and depressing," while another claimed "it truly feels post-apocalyptic." 

Some visitors also expressed disappointment at how poorly the stars themselves have been taken care of, with a third Tripadvisor user writing, "Disappointed!!! Disgraceful filth, stench of urine throughout the walk of fame. Stars were littered with crud, litter, cigarette butts, stained spilled drinks. Street vendor carts covering some of the Stars with total disregard for the celebrities made this much anticipated visit so disappointing ... I cannot believe Hollywood would allow their visitors to witness such pathetic disregard for the very purpose of the visit."

The Great Pyramids - Cairo, Egypt

The Great Pyramids are on many a traveler's bucket list. After all, they're the last remaining site of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was lost to several earthquakes and its subsequent dismantling between 1494 and 1522). But in many cases, the actual experience of the Pyramids, as majestic and awe-inspiring as they are, doesn't live up to tourist expectations.

"People were trying to sell us things, give us tours or have horse or camel rides. It was relentless. If you even looked at them, they seemed to expect a tip. If you did tip them for something, you were abused for not giving them enough. It was totally out of control," wrote travel blog Where's Sharon . Others mentioned being upset by the animal abuse they witnessed at the site -- one user and a  second both detailed these experiences in their reviews on Tripadvisor.

Park Güell - Barcelona, Spain

Antoni Gaudí is widely considered one the most famous architects and artists of Barcelona, and his opulent, eccentric buildings dot the entire city. Park Güell serves as a testament to his work, a colorful playground of mosaics and intricately designed structures. But despite its imaginative, fanciful approach to urban art, it doesn't win over all visitors. Or rather, the fact that there are so many visitors prevents people from appreciating it fully. 

A Tripadvisor user called it, "Overrated, overpriced, and overcrowded." And they're hardly alone. Another described it as, "Boring. Not as big as you think. Make you walk around some bits in one way, presumably so you spend some more time in there. Couple of good photo spots but not worth the money at all." Many other negative reviews called out how difficult it is to reach Park Güell from the city center of Barcelona, and cited the hefty price as a deterrent.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove - Kyoto, Japan

Located just outside the bustling city of Kyoto, Japan, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is framed as a peaceful oasis of great natural beauty. But some visitors feel that the tourist spot is misrepresented, with massive crowds all vying for the perfect photo and much less impressive foliage than expected. Claire Dhooghe wrote about their experiences visiting the site on Medium , admitting to feeling underwhelmed. "The tranquillity I had come in search for was instead a sparse space of tall bamboo craning above tours of people unwilling to accept the fact that they were not alone here," they shared.

Dhooghe continued, "Cameras beam up at the bamboo for the classic shot, while others take this opportunity to start their modelling career and sequester the crowded path for an impromptu photoshoots, getting annoyed when others don't see the importance of their outdoor studio space." A Tripadvisor reviewer had similar sentiments: "I couldn't believe my eyes when I arrived and found a short 50 metre walk with a few bamboo on either side."

Methodology

To put together this list, we focused on not only tourist destinations that visitors didn't enjoy, but sites that travelers found underwhelming or disappointing in comparison to their expectations (an important distinction, and why you don't see spots like "Utah's Biggest Ball of Yarn"). We scoured through reviews on Tripadvisor, Reddit travel threads, and independent travel blogs to find the sights that were the biggest let downs. Additionally, we consulted a USA Today travel study, which highlighted the biggest disappointments based on how frequently reviews referred to destinations as "tourist traps," "overrated," or "expensive."

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Read the original article on Islands .