Each year, more than a million euros end up in the Trevi Fountain in Rome, making it the most lucrative fountain on the planet. That’s largely thanks to a scene in the 1954 movie Three Coins in the Fountain, in which two of the lead characters popularized the tradition of throwing coins into the waters of the Trevi Fountain, which, according to legend, ensures the visitor will one day return to the Eternal City. Over the years, the tradition has evolved, and now tourists make any wish as they toss in their money. But have you ever wondered what happens to the cash that accumulates in the Trevi Fountain and other famous fountains like it? Find out below.

The History of the Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain was designed by Nicola Salvi to replace an earlier fountain that graced the same site in Rome’s Trevi district. After the architect’s death in 1751, fellow architect Giuseppe Pannini oversaw the project’s completion in 1762. Today, the Trevi Fountain is widely considered to be one of the world’s most impressive late-Baroque fountains. It stands 85 feet tall and 160 feet wide, featuring a magnificent statue of the god Oceanus riding a chariot pulled by seahorses and flanked by tritons. Its water is still supplied by the ancient Acqua Vergine aqueduct, a 12-mile-long structure commissioned by Roman statesman Marcus Vispsiano Agrippa more than 2,000 years ago.

How the Fountain Is Maintained

It’s important that a treasured landmark such as the Trevi Fountain is properly cared for. To keep the fountain in tip-top shape, workers from utility company Acea have the task of periodically clearing it out. Every few days, the Acea crew cleans the fountain and checks pH levels, temperature, and chlorine content to ensure everything is functioning correctly. And at two-week intervals, they drain the fountain and add disinfectant to the water.

It’s not the only way the city looks after this cherished historic landmark. Behind its ornate marble façade, there’s also a double-tank reservoir that holds the fountain’s water. Each reservoir has a capacity of more than 100,000 gallons of water; around 58 gallons per second are pumped through the fountain. The flow of the water is remotely and carefully managed to ensure that the pressure stays even, without any interruptions or overflows. The water is also recycled to ensure that there’s no waste. And recently, officials announced that the fountain will undergo a major cleaning and restoration in late 2024, which comes with temporary restrictions on access to the popular landmark.

A Worthy Beneficiary

Thanks to the popular coin-tossing tradition, approximately €3,000 worth of coins accumulates in the Trevi Fountain every day, so collecting the money is a significant and ongoing task. During the cleaning process, the coins are collected using long brooms and suction hoses. They are then donated to the Catholic charity Caritas, which has a global reach. Volunteers working for the organization load bags of coins into their van and take them to the head office. There, the sizable haul is dried by hand using hairdryers. Coin counter machines sort and tally up the amount raised, which is used to fund projects such as local food banks, health care initiatives, and shelters for unhoused populations.

The Coin Thief

While most people respect that the coins aren’t there for the taking, that hasn’t always been the case. For years, a man named Roberto Cercelletta, nicknamed “D’Artagnan,” became notorious as the Trevi Fountain coin thief. He repeatedly gathered up coins from the water to support his own lifestyle. Despite him being caught by police on numerous occasions, his actions weren’t initially deemed illegal. This prompted the city to pass legislation that established ownership of all property in the fountain and banned people from acts such as stepping into the water or retrieving its pecuniary contents. 

Spare a Dime for a Good Cause?

In the U.S., coins tossed in other famous fountains are also donated to worthy causes. Those thrown into the famous fountains outside the Bellagio on the Las Vegas Strip are collected and donated to charity. A video released by the resort in 2022 reported that the coin collections from the previous five years amounted to about $200,000, all of which went to people in need.

Similarly, change dropped in the indoor ponds at the Mall of America near Minneapolis is donated to local nonprofit organizations. Each month, a different organization is selected to receive a share of the estimated $24,000 that is donated annually. Community projects wishing to be considered are asked to submit a formal request to the mall’s staff. And a post on Disney’s Instagram feed reports that the coins thrown into fountains across the company’s theme parks are periodically collected and given to charity. In 2022, a $30,000 donation was made to Give Kids The World Village, a nonprofit that makes wishes come true for critically ill children.

When travelers think of small-town America, they often picture tree-lined streets, friendly neighbors, and a slow pace of life. This may be true for some towns, but for others? Not quite so. Across the U.S., there are some small towns with spooky histories and eerie legends — from ghost sightings to unsettling local folklore — that give them a spine-tingling edge. These are 10 of the spookiest towns in America. 

Jefferson, Texas

Considered one of the most haunted small towns in Texas, Jefferson has earned its spooky reputation through countless ghost stories and local legends. Today, the town has fewer than 2,000 residents, but in the 19th century it thrived as a busy and prosperous river port city. 

Among Jefferson’s most infamous haunts is the Historic Jefferson Hotel, where guests have reported sightings of the mysterious Vanishing Man, who appears suddenly before disappearing without a trace. The Excelsior House Hotel, the oldest continuously operating hotel in Texas, is another site of frequently reported paranormal activity, with tales of objects flying across rooms, closet doors swinging open, and shadowy figures drifting through the halls. Director Steven Spielberg stayed at the hotel and told of a chilling encounter with the ghost of a young boy who asked him about breakfast; he also had a briefcase mysteriously hurled at him from across the room. 

If these haunted tales aren’t enough to spook you, a walk through Oakwood Cemetery — with its unmarked graves and eerie floating orbs — or a tour of the Grove, a historic home said to be haunted by former residents, might just do the trick.

Sleepy Hollow, New York

Washington Irving put this village on the map with his 1820 short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” The author was a New York native and spent time in Sleepy Hollow, located about 30 miles north of New York City, and some theories suggest he was influenced by the local legend of a headless Hessian soldier who was decapitated by a cannonball during the American Revolution.

Today, Ichabod Crane fans can visit the spooky Old Dutch Church (the Headless Horseman’s supposed home) and the adjacent Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, the final resting place for over 45,000 people — including Irving himself. Nearby, the famous Headless Horseman Bridge and the Headless Horseman Statue add to the town’s creepy allure.

The Headless Horseman isn’t the only ghost to haunt Sleepy Hollow, either. The ghost of a British soldier, Major John André, who was hanged as a spy, is said to haunt Patriots Park, where he was captured. Another author, Edgar Mayhew Bacon, was inspired to write about the wailing woman of Raven Rock, a disturbing story of a woman who perished in a blizzard while seeking shelter from the storm in a nearby ravine.

Estes Park, Colorado

If it’s spooky enough for Stephen King, it’s certainly spooky enough to make this list. Estes Park, a town of about 6,000 people nestled in the Colorado Rockies, approximately 90 miles northwest of Denver, is best known for the Stanley Hotel. Opened in 1909, the Colonial Revival hotel has become infamous for its paranormal activity. King himself stayed there, an experience that inspired his 1977 bestseller, The Shining. 

Over the years, there have been reports of disembodied children’s laughter and footsteps in empty hallways, the ghost of a housekeeper injured in a gas explosion who now haunts room 217 (the same room King stayed in), and the ghost of Flora Stanley, the founder’s wife, whose piano music is still heard echoing through the concert hall. Guests today can learn more about the Stanley’s haunted history with regular ghost tours.

Alton, Illinois

Alton, located about 30 miles north of St. Louis, is a city that’s well known for its ghostly hauntings, drawing film crews from the TV shows Ghost Adventures and Ghost Hunters in hopes of capturing evidence of paranormal activity. McPike Mansion, the star attraction in town, is an 1869 Victorian home that sits atop Mount Lookout overlooking all of Alton. Henry McPike, the city’s former mayor, occupied the home with his family until his death in 1910, before it went on to become the Browns Business College and then a boarding home. 

McPike Mansion, once a grand estate featuring 11 marble fireplaces and intricately carved banisters, fell into disrepair after its abandonment in the 1950s. Targeted by vandals and thieves, the property was stripped of anything valuable. Today, it is regarded as one of America’s most haunted locations, with theories suggesting that the spirits of Henry McPike, his family, and their staff haunt the property. The current owners, Sharyn and George Luedke, report at least a dozen spirits, with the cellar being the focal point of paranormal activity. Photographs taken inside often reveal unexplained orbs, balls of light, and even figures in the windows that are invisible to the naked eye.

Bodie, California

Setting foot in Bodie, a ghost town high in the Sierra Nevadas, feels like stepping back into the 19th century. When gold was discovered in the area in 1877, it drew thousands of prospectors, and Bodie quickly earned a reputation as one of the rowdiest boomtowns in the West. While the town rose quickly, it fell just as fast, peaking in 1880 before its population began to dwindle the next year. Mining was officially halted by government order in 1942, and the last residents eventually drifted away in the following years. 

Designated a California State Historic Park in 1962, Bodie is now one of the West’s most infamous ghost towns. Weathered buildings and empty streets still stand, some with furniture and dishes left behind, signaling the residents’ hasty departures. Visitors also report haunting stories of phantom pianos, children’s laughter, and shadowy figures in windows. 

The old Bodie Hotel, rumored to have been the site of several murders, is one of the most haunted sites in town. And then there’s the legendary Bodie curse — anyone who swipes a souvenir to take home supposedly risks misfortune until it’s returned, a belief reinforced by the apology letters and packages that still arrive at the park each year. 

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

The Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War was one of the deadliest conflicts in U.S. history. Over the course of the three-day battle in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, from July 1 to July 3, 1863, approximately 51,000 soldiers tragically lost their lives. The families of the deceased lobbied for a proper burial ground for their loved ones, resulting in the commission of the Gettysburg National Cemetery, where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his now-famous Gettysburg Address in 1864. 

Today, the cemetery is the final resting place of some 6,000 service men and women, with 3,500 of those killed in the Battle of Gettysburg. With so much loss of life, it’s no surprise that there have been accounts of paranormal sightings here. Some people claim to hear the distant sound of drumming or musket fire. Others claim they’ve seen soldiers’ ghosts floating through the grounds of the Gettysburg National Cemetery.

Salem, Massachusetts

While it’s not quite a “small” town, a list of spooky American places wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Salem, the site of the infamous Salem Witch Trials from 1692 to 1693. This dark period in Massachusetts history began when two young girls, Elizabeth Parris and Abigail Williams, began acting strangely, claiming they were possessed by the devil and accusing several women in the town of witchcraft. Over the ensuing months, 19 people were hanged, one was crushed to death, and five died in custody. 

Today, Proctor’s Ledge, the site of the hangings, remains one of the most haunted locations in Salem. Other spooky spots include Burying Point Cemetery, where the unapologetic Judge John Hathorne is buried, and the Witch House, home of Jonathan Corwin, another participating judge in the trials. Giles Corey, who was crushed to death at Howard Street Cemetery, is said to have cursed Salem, leading to centuries of misfortune — including a devastating fire and eight premature deaths in the Corwin family (known as the Corwin Curse). 

Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Part of the 60-mile Grand Strand along South Carolina’s coast, Pawleys Island lies 25 miles south of bustling Myrtle Beach. Known for its quiet atmosphere and unspoiled beauty, the barrier island is less than 4 miles long and half a mile wide. Yet, its beauty may only be skin deep. 

Several ghost stories swirl around the island, the most famous of which is the tale of the Gray Man, a figure said to appear before storms to warn residents to evacuate. According to local legend, those who heed his warning are often spared major damage to their homes. Another tale tells of Alice Flagg, the daughter of a wealthy 19th-century plantation owner. As the story goes, her father did not approve of her suitor and threw her engagement ring out the window. Locals say her ghost still appears on the island late at night, wandering around Litchfield Plantation and searching for her lost engagement ring.

Athens, Ohio

Home to Ohio University, the small city of Athens has a population of about 24,000 people, in addition to more than 28,000 students enrolled at the university. But beyond its lively college-town atmosphere lies a darker history tied to the Athens Lunatic Asylum, which operated from 1874 to 1993. Initially praised for its progressive care under the Kirkbride Plan, which emphasized humane treatment, the hospital later became infamous for harsh practices such as electroshock therapy and lobotomies. Tragically, nearly 2,000 patients are believed to have died there, many buried in unmarked graves still visible today, fueling stories of paranormal activity. 

Now known as the Ridges, the former asylum has been renovated and is currently being used as part of Ohio University; it houses classrooms, research labs, and cultural spaces. Yet even through its modernization, reports of paranormal activity persist — phantom voices, apparitions, unexplained bangs and screams, and strange flickering lights.

Calico, California

Calico is a former mining town in San Bernardino County, located northeast of Los Angeles in the Mojave Desert. The original settlement dates back to 1881, when silver was discovered in the area. Calico’s silver production peaked between 1883 and 1885, but its rapid rise was followed by a decline in the mid-1890s, after the Silver Purchase Act reduced the price of the precious metal. Calico effectively became a ghost town until farmer and businessman Walter Knott breathed new life into the abandoned town in the 1950s. 

Knott purchased Calico and restored many of its historical buildings, but despite its fresh face, Calico is still known as one of the most haunted towns in California. Many claims of paranormal activity plague the town, including sightings of the ghost of lifetime resident Lucy Bell Lane, who has reportedly been spotted walking between her home and the general store she once co-owned with husband. Other eerie sightings include former teachers peering out from the windows of the old schoolhouse, the ghost of the former town marshal roaming Main Street, and several spirits said to linger around Hank’s Hotel.

When it comes to travel, the old adage “the best things in life are free” at times rings true. From natural history museums to private art collections, these fascinating attractions in major cities across the U.S. will seriously elevate your next vacation itinerary, all without costing a pretty penny. 

Lincoln Park Conservatory – Chicago, Illinois

Located a few miles north of downtown, Lincoln Park is Chicago’s largest park, covering 1,214 acres. It’s also one of the country’s best city parks, making it a must-visit attraction during your stay in the Windy City. The park is home to miles of pathways through manicured gardens, with views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, as well as a free zoo. One of the best attractions in the park, however, is the Lincoln Park Conservatory and Gardens. There’s no admission fee to walk through this indoor botanical and admire the lush, tropical fauna, including ancient ferns and rare, delicate orchids. It’s located inside a Victorian-era glass arboretum that has been standing in Lincoln Park since 1895.   

Coit Tower – San Francisco, California

A fixture of the San Francisco skyline since 1933, the 210-foot-tall Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill offers free admission — if you skip the elevator and take the stairs, that is. Offering 360-degree views of the city and historic murals installed after the Great Depression, the monument honors the devoted volunteer firefighters who serve the city. It is named after Lillie Hitchcock Coit, who was a patron of the volunteer firefighters and helped to fund the tower’s construction. If you’re lucky, you may also spot the wild parrots who live on Telegraph Hill during your visit. 

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden – Minneapolis, Minnesota

With more than 60 sculptures as part of Walker Art Center’s collections, the 11-acre Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is one of the best free attractions in the Twin Cities. The most famous sculpture in the garden is the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry, made of aluminum and stainless steel by Swedish American pop artist Claes Oldenburg and his wife and fellow artist Coosje van Bruggen. The open-air museum is open 365 days a year, from 6 a.m. to midnight.

National Portrait Gallery – Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., is perhaps the best city in the country to enjoy free museums and attractions. Each of the 17 Smithsonian museums and galleries in D.C. — including 11 along the National Mall — is completely free to visit, as is one of America’s most treasured art exhibits. Home to the most extensive collection of portraits in the world, the National Portrait Gallery is a unique art museum of commissioned portraits ranging from U.S. presidents to Oprah Winfrey and other dignitaries. 

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre – Denver, Colorado

One of the most famous concert venues in the nation, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a must-see when visiting the Mile High City. You won’t be alone, however — in 2023 alone, the venue sold 1.65 million tickets to popular acts such as Zach Bryan, Tori Amos, and Jon Pardi. But you don’t have to buy concert tickets to admire this historic venue. Located in the hills of Morrison, Colorado, just west of Denver, Red Rocks is a free attraction that anyone can enjoy when there’s no live music. Visit the Red Rocks Hall of Fame inside the visitor’s center to learn more about the venue’s history and the many famous bands and performers who have impacted its legacy.

Skyscraper Museum – New York, New York

The New York City skyline is home to some of the world’s most iconic buildings, and one of the best places to learn about them isthe Skyscraper Museum. Celebrating these vertical marvels and the architectural geniuses behind them, the museum in lower Manhattan’s Battery Park City is free to the general public, but it’s advised you reserve your timed-entry ticket in advance.

Sazerac House – New Orleans, Louisiana

Sazerac is a beloved New Orleans whiskey brand that dates to 1869, and for some, there’s no better way to spend an afternoon in the Big Easy than sampling some spirits — especially when they’re on the house. Sazerac House, a multifloor interactive museum chronicling the company’s history and the city’s apothecary culture, engages attendees with free tastings and unlimited access to the exhibits. Visitors can reserve tickets ahead of time for the free tasting and tour.

Forest Park – St. Louis, Missouri

Opened in 1876, Forest Park hosted the 1904 world’s fair and the 1904 Summer Olympic Games in St. Louis. Covering 1,326 acres, the gorgeous park is actually larger than New York City’s Central Park and includes waterways for boating, tree-lined trails for jogging, tennis courts, and much more. Forest Park is also home to the St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Art Museum (SLAM), and St. Louis Science Center — which are all free to explore, as well. 

Cable Car Museum – San Francisco, California

Located in the Nob Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, the Cable Car Museum is housed in a historic cable car barn and powerhouse. Visitors can explore a subterranean walkway to witness the cable line and large sheaves that operate the vintage cars that still roll up and down the city’s hills today. With three cars from the 1870s, the landmark is a unique place to understand San Francisco’s history, and it’s totally free to visit.

Getty Villa Museum – Los Angeles, California

Visitors can explore the grounds of this impressive manicured estate near the Malibu coast free of charge. Wandering the gardens of the Getty Villa and admiring the private collection of Greek and Roman antiquities is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. The museum is located on the city’s west side, off the famed Pacific Coast Highway. While admission is free, visitors must reserve a timed entry in advance, and there’s a charge for parking. 

Chicago Cultural Center – Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago Cultural Center is situated across from Millennium Park, home to the city’s famous “Bean” sculpture and one of the country’s most-visited tourist attractions. It features two stained-glass domes, a 200-seat historic theater, a learning lab, and a banquet hall for art, film, dance, theater, and music events. Best of all, the screenings and shows are 100% free. Check the center’s calendar ahead of your trip to stay on top of the latest happenings.

International Rose Test Garden – Portland, Oregon

As the oldest continuously operating rose test garden in the U.S., the International Rose Test Garden in Portland is home to some 10,000 blossoms. It also offers spectacular views of the downtown area and Mount Hood. The garden began as a space for hybrid roses grown in Europe during World War I, but has since grown into one of the best free attractions not only in Portland, but also in the country. 

Fabric Workshop and Museum – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Explore the creative world of textiles at the Fabric Workshop and Museum, a nonprofit contemporary art museum offering free admission (with an optional suggestion donation) in Philly. Located downtown near the city’s famous Reading Terminal market, the museum features rotating exhibits and hands-on classes in which attendees can learn more about the art of block printing, dyeing, needlework, and more. When you visit, you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for one of art’s most expressive mediums.  

U.S. Capitol – Washington, D.C.

No trip to D.C. would be complete without a stop at the U.S. Capitol. All tours of the grounds are free of charge, but check ahead to see if the Senate or House of Representatives is in session, as it is also free to watch Congress in action. The galleries are not open to the public during joint sessions or joint meetings, but visiting the Capitol is still a great way to learn more about important matters and get the chance to spot well-known political figures.