These Gorgeous 3D Puzzles Celebrate the Beauty and History of America
There’s a reason jigsaw puzzles are a perennial best-seller, even in the age of smartphones and tablets. Puzzles are fun to work on with loved ones (they’re a popular family reunion activity) or alone — and are a perfect to pass the time on a rainy day, or a cozy afternoon at home. If you’ve mastered regular jigsaw puzzles, the next step is to tackle a 3D puzzle!
A 3D puzzle is a puzzle in which the pieces can be slotted together to stand up, building something that resembles more of a sculpture than a flat jigsaw puzzle — hence the term “three-dimensional.” Designs vary, but cityscapes are popular, as are mountains and other geological wonders, like arches and canyons.
Dowdle Folk Art, the brainchild of artist Eric Dowdle, offers many different types of gorgeous puzzles, including a wide selection of 3D puzzles that celebrate scenes across America, from city skylines to beloved national landmarks. (If 3D puzzles aren’t your speed, they also offer custom jigsaw puzzles, so you can put together your favorite family photos in puzzle form, and high-quality wooden puzzles.)
These puzzles celebrate the three things that are most important to Dowdle, who lives on a chicken farm in Utah with his wife, their five children, several peacocks, a rabbit, and two cats. “God, country, and family” are what matter most to Dowdle and his family, and those values are reflected in the beautiful scenes he creates.
We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite Dowdle Folk Art 3D puzzles, for guaranteed hours of fun that’s just the right amount of challenging to keep your brain sharp. Keep scrolling to shop our picks for the best 3D puzzles!
Black Hills 3D Puzzle
Where to buy: $24.95, Dowdle Folk Art
This puzzle celebrates the sacred ground of the Black Hills of South Dakota, featuring Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. If you can’t take a road trip to see these iconic sights, this puzzle is the next-best thing!
Grand Canyon 3D Puzzle
Where to buy: $24.95, Dowdle Folk Art
Grand Canyon National Park is not only one of the most stunning sights in America, it’s considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This beautifully-crafted wooden puzzle recreates an old-timey Arizona town that sits in the shadow of the canyon walls, lit with the late-afternoon orange cast of the sunset.
Alamo 3D Puzzle
Where to buy: $24.95, Dowdle Folk Art
The stage for the famous battle was originally known as Mission San Antonio de Valero, and was the home to missionaries and Native Americans for many years before the Texas Revolution. Depicting one of the most storied landmarks in our nation’s history, this puzzle is perfect for history buffs!
