Tucked into the backcountry of Wisconsin, two hours outside Milwaukee, sits an inconspicuous attraction—the House on the Rock. I went with my partner and two of our good friends. We had no idea what to expect as we drove up the road to the parking lot. From the outside, you could never imagine the scope of this amazing (and a little crazy) collection.

For over 60 years, the House on the Rock has been a wondrous work in progress. It began in 1945 when Alex Jordan decided to build a man-made retreat as awe-inspiring as the view from the house’s rock. He may have veered off course slightly, but the result is fascinating.

At the beginning of the tour, you can see the whole history of the House on the Rock. Then there are 19 unique and incongruous areas to explore, showcasing the unique collection items. You will find everything from dolls and automated instruments to armor, full gardens, and even a recreation of a 19th-century street. The scale of these areas needs to be seen to be believed. This house also holds a carousel with 269 animals, 20,000 lights and 182 chandeliers, and another 200-foot tall sea creature as long as the Statue of Liberty is tall. If you ever find yourself near this masterpiece of a collection, I can’t recommend it enough. We easily spent six hours wandering the dream-like halls. Don’t worry - they have a restaurant in the middle - because you will be hungry! By the time we exited the House on the Rock, we knew we had an experience of a lifetime. It's one of my top favorite places I’ve ever been to!