When you visit a popular tourist attraction, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll end up waiting in line. But some queues move quickly, while others are more time-consuming. To determine which tourist hot spots have the longest wait times, we turned to a recent study published by Reader’s Digest and conducted by the online social casino McLuck. They analyzed nearly 1 million reviews on TripAdvisor, searching for keywords such as “long line” or “waited hours,” to compile a list of the 45 U.S. tourist attractions with the longest lines in 2025. Here are the seven worst offenders where a little patience may go a long way.

7. Space Needle – Seattle, Washington

The 605-foot-tall Space Needle towers over the Seattle skyline as one of the most recognizable skyscrapers in America. It’s also one of the most popular attractions in the Pacific Northwest, welcoming more than 1 million visitors each year. Its observation deck provides 360-degree views of the surrounding city, and on clear days, majestic Mount Rainier in the distance. 

Entry to the Space Needle is ticketed and scheduled in 15-minute increments, though lines can grow to unwieldy lengths on more popular days. Queues are only made longer by the thorough security screening process that all guests are required to undergo. Be sure to allot several hours for your visit, so you don’t feel rushed upon making it to the top (there are no time limits once you’re inside).

6. Dollywood – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Dedicated to country music superstar Dolly Parton, the Dollywood amusement park typically opens in mid-March and remains open until just after the new year. During the 10-month season each year, Dollywood welcomes more than 3 million guests, placing it among the 20 most popular North American theme parks. 

Dollywood also takes up a much smaller footprint compared with other amusement parks, like Disney World, so crowded days can feel especially packed given the limited space. To miss out on these long lines, guests are advised to avoid more popular times of the year, such as the summer or during the Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival each winter.

5. Gateway Arch – St. Louis, Missouri

You don’t have to wait in line to enter Gateway Arch National Park, nor is there any wait to stand in the shadows of the 630-foot-tall namesake attraction, which is the tallest monument in the U.S. But if you’re hoping to go inside the arch and ride the tram up to its viewing platform, you should anticipate waiting a while. 

First, visitors are required to be screened by security, which takes about 30 minutes on average. Once you’re past security, you’ll hop aboard the tram, which contains five-person pods that can take only a handful of people up at any given time. There’s a maximum capacity of 85 guests at the observation deck, and your time there is limited to 10 minutes before going back down, so plan accordingly.

4. National Museum of African American History and Culture – Washington, D.C.

Opened in 2016, the architecturally stunning National Museum of African American History and Culture is widely regarded as one of the country’s top museums. It’s entirely free to visit — which is also the case for the many other Smithsonian Museums located along the National Mall. But guests have reported long wait times at this particular institution. 

Queues at the security checkpoint were frequently mentioned in TripAdvisor reviews, creating substantial backlogs on busier days. The museum does require guests to reserve a free timed-entry ticket — part of an ongoing effort to keep crowds at a manageable level — but even with limited reservations, online reviewers continue to lament the long waits.

3. The Broad Museum – Los Angeles, California

Nearly 14% of TripAdvisor reviews for the Broad Museum in downtown L.A. mention the long wait times, making it the third-worst offender in the McLuck study. Part of the reason for the long lines and crowding is the museum’s free admission, as well as the fact that it’s a popular spot for school field trips. 

While you can always book timed-entry tickets to the Broad to bypass the standby line, you’ll likely still encounter bottlenecks at the entrance and security. However, for many it’s worth the wait — the museum contains incredible works of modern art from painters such as Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Just be prepared for lines.

2. Cedar Point Amusement Park – Sandusky, Ohio

With 16% of TripAdvisor reviews calling out the endless lines and annoying delays, Cedar Point Amusement Park ranks second on the list of U.S. attractions with the longest lines, according to the McLuck study. But there’s a reason for those lines: With 18 world-class coasters, Cedar Point has been nicknamed the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” making it a bucket-list destination for thrill-seekers everywhere — as evidenced by the 3.8 million guests who visited in 2024. 

Cedar Point’s popularity equates to massive lines not only to get inside, but also to ride each roller coaster. This is especially true in the busy summer months and from September to November, when the park is open only on weekends, so try to visit early in the season or midweek for shorter lines.

1. The Liberty Bell – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

According to the 2025 study, the Liberty Bell has the longest lines of any U.S. attraction. The building that houses the Liberty Bell is part of the larger Independence National Historical Park. Its convenient location in downtown Philly, coupled with complimentary admission, usually leads to massive crowds, as evidenced by the 18% of TripAdvisor reviews that lamented the long wait times. Furthermore, the area around the Liberty Bell is limited to around 20 guests, all of whom are likely to spend a few minutes taking photos and admiring the relic. 

If you plan to visit this iconic symbol of American independence, which was cast in 1753, prepare to be patient, or try to go during the times of day when crowds are likely to be smaller. Many guests report shorter wait times if you arrive just before opening (9 a.m.) or within the hour before closing (4 p.m.), as the crowds tend to be larger in the middle of the day.