Ah, yes, American roadside kitsch. I was so chuffed when I read American Gods and realized I'd been to every one of the real-life locations mentioned. The Dells are an amazing conglomeration of attractions (Ride the Ducks!) and resorts. You're spot-on in your assessment of their sincere artificiality, of their stupefication for stupefication's sake, as opposed to Vegas whose theme, really, is "Las Vegas."

Plus the Dells are a quick drive away from the House On The Rock, which is probably the most transcendent tourist trap experiences you'll ever encounter. The fact that they sell beer (yay, Leinie's Red!) halfway through the tour doesn't hurt things, either.


Additionally, "One Of Our Space Stations Is Missing" would make a dandy sci-fi story title. Dibs!