Arguably one of the most famous and world-renowned tourists traps within the United States, Mount Rushmore National Memorial is something that most people learn about early in school. Featuring the iconic faces of four notable U.S. Presidents: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and Thomas Jefferson, it sits at an elevation of 5,725 feet above …
Among the various national monuments in the United States, Scotts Bluff National Monument is arguably one of the lesser known. In fact, if you took a random street poll, chances are most people would have never heard of it. Located in rural Nebraska, it only attracts about 100,000 visitors annually. To put that into perspective, …
Continue reading Scotts Bluff National Monument: Home to the Oregon Trail.
The 3 in 1 Tree. In operation for nearly 80 years, Trees of Mystery is a delightful way to spend an afternoon surrounded by towering giant redwoods. Located near the small town of Klamath, California, within the heart of Redwood National Park, it's allegedly Northern California’s original redwood nature attraction. It's rightfully earned its name …
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As the final resting place of Wild West icons Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, Deadwood, South Dakota has rightfully earned its place in the United States' Frontier Gold Rush Hall of Fame. Established in 1876, the city earned its name from early settlers who discovered an abundance of dead wood in its surrounding valleys …
Continue reading Deadwood, South Dakota: Entertaining Guests Since 1876.
As Oregon’s most famous waterfall, Multnomah Falls is unmissable if you're in the Portland area. Towering at 620 feet (189 m), it's the tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon (fact) and the second tallest year-round waterfall in the United States (allegedly - at least, according to the National Park Service). This beautifully tiered waterfall …
Continue reading Multnomah Falls: Oregon’s Tallest & most Famous Waterfall.
Standing tall against the sky, Devils Tower National Monument dominates the northeastern Wyoming landscape, visible from miles away. Although it's tucked away in a remote part of the state, the journey to Devils Tower is undeniably worth it. Rising in solitude from the rugged wilderness, this towering rock formation contrasts dramatically with the surrounding flatlands, …
While Kartchner Caverns State Park undeniably offers a fascinating underground adventure and is worth the admission fee and journey it takes to see it, it falls to the bottom of my list compared to other cave systems I've visited. Having visited other epic sites like Carlsbad Caverns National Park. in New Mexico, and Marengo Cave …
One of the easiest hikes I've ever done, the Ah-Pah Interpretative Trail offers an enjoyable and accessible hiking experience within Redwood National Park. Originally a 20th-century logging road, it has been transformed into a family-friendly trail, making it perfect for visitors of all ages, including my seven-year-old daughter, who walked it effortlessly. While it may …
Continue reading Ah-Pah Interpretative Trail at Redwood National Park: Short but Great.
As the largest cliff dwelling in North America, the Cliff Palace at Mesa Verde National Park is truly a sight to behold. It's impressive whether you're viewing it from afar, across the valley on the viewing platforms, or up close and personal during the Cliff Palace tour. I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing both perspectives. …
Continue reading The Magnificent Cliff Palace of Mesa Verde National Park.
In the northeast corner of Arizona, near the small town of Page, lies a natural wonder that everyone should visit at least once: Upper Antelope Canyon. This otherworldly and breathtaking site perfectly encapsulates the beauty of the American Southwest, a crown jewel of the Arizonan desert. Like its sister canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon: The Hidden …
Continue reading Upper Antelope Canyon: The Place Where Water Runs Through the Rocks.