Praise then darkness, and creation unfinished

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/stonehenge-jr

Four times a year, at noon local time, this sculpture circle in the middle of Central Riverside Park lights up with a colorful glow.

The sculptures are actually a solar calendar, designed to direct the sun's rays into strategically placed glass stones set into the ground. When the sun shines through an eye of the limestone slabs at sunrise, sunset, and high noon on the first day of each new season, a sun beam is meant to cast on to the medallions in front of their respective slabs. 

Nicknamed "Stonehenge, Jr", these megaliths are made up of limestone, glass, metal, and tiles, and were created in 2003 by Wichita artist Steve Murillo. Instructions for the calendar appear on one of the rocks. A deep blue mosaic depicting constellations adorns one of the largest stones. Horoscope mosaics adorn several of the boulders and feature gods, goddesses, and symbols that resemble a map to the planets and stars.  

Unfortunately, the calendar doesn't work quite as well as originally intended, due the consideration (or lack thereof) of Daylight Savings Time. In the Fall, Spring, and Summer, the stones are lit at 1pm rather than noon.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/stonehenge-jr

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/camp-marguerre

During the First World War, the German forces invading France were in dire need of stronger structures to protect the soldiers, as trenches only offered limited protection against artillery attacks. To address this, a plant was built deep in a forest, some 10 miles behind the Verdun front lines, hidden from scouting planes and out of reach from enemy fire.

Constructed in 1915 under the direction of German Captain Hans Marguerre, the site served as an experimental center where engineers tested various methods for pouring concrete and achieve the desired, stable forms quickly. Many of the buildings left behind were test objects, with traces of the diverse techniques used still visible today.

By 1916, dozens of structures had been built throughout the area, including barracks, a village for the engineers, workshops, latrines, and Marguerre's private quarters. Decorative elements at the top of some walls are still visible in several of the buildings that once served as lodgings.

After the war, the camp was abandoned, and locals stripped the buildings, leaving only concrete shells scattered throughout the forest. 

It is said that, ironically, members of the French Resistance used Camp Marguerre as a hideout during the Second World War.

In recent years, the camp has been equipped with new signage and an accessible walking path. Visitors can also scan a QR code on the site that redirects them to the app "EXPLORGAMES." where they can dive into daily life at the camp in 1916 as undercover journalists whose mission is to foil the enemy's plan.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/camp-marguerre

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/coral-caverns-3

Tucked beneath Bedford County’s limestone ridges, Coral Caverns is a subterranean labyrinth of stalactites, stalagmites, and shadowy passageways. The caverns’ quiet, cool air invites visitors into a world shaped over millions of years.

Local lore adds a human layer to the natural wonder: Moonshiners and explorers once used the tunnels to hide and navigate (this county was home to the Whiskey Rebellion), leaving behind tales of daring exploits and adventures. Today, guided tours reveal both the geological intricacies and the folklore, creating an experience that is unexpected, educational, and a little eerie.

Visitors can traverse winding chambers, marvel at mineral formations, and even glimpse areas that echo the past footsteps of early spelunkers. Lighting along the trails highlights sparkling calcite formations and crystal-like structures. You'll finish the tour with an appreciation for the unseen layers of Bedford County.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/coral-caverns-3