March 3, 2021

Coolest National Parks By State

Coolest National Parks By State

If you’re looking for a unique destination that shows off the surrounding beauty of the United States, then look no further than this country’s celebrated National Park System. Country Living has prepared this finely curated listing of the coolest National Park each state has to offer. Some of the list’s parks will focus more on nature beauty while others prominently feature the history of the United States. Though, every listed park is a treasure in and of itself, and each one is waiting for you to visit! As always be sure to check local CDC guidelines, local travel restrictions, and the policies of each National Park before booking a trip.

Missouri’s Gateway Arch National Park

The iconic St. Louis landmark is perfectly placed to not only welcome visitors to the Western half of the United States, but it also recently got updated in 2018 from the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. Though small, this park is a must-visit for anyone craving exciting views which can be accessed by a tram-ride to the top of the arch or ground level- depending on your comfort preference.

Idaho’s Craters of the Moon National Monument 

The landscape alone of this park will make for fantastic pictures and lasting memories, and once you set foot here, it’ll certainly become quite clear as to why this park got its name. The ground’s texture was caused by flowing lava that left the ground looking more lunar than earthlike.

New York’s Statue of Liberty National Monument

Some sights are famous for a reason, and Lady Liberty is no exception. New York State has over 30 national park sites, but there’s nothing more indicative of American iconography than the Statue of Liberty’s greeting stature over New York Harbor. To get the whole experience- crown-and-all, you’ll need to take a ferry and buy a ticket in advance, and once at the top of the crown, you’ll be able to take in an unforgettable sight of the bustling city below.

Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park

While this mountain range spans the borders of both Tennessee and North Carolina, it is by far the most popular national park, so expect to see other visitors alongside truly stunning views and breathtakingly smoky sunsets.

 Texas’s Big Bend National Park

This treasured locale is home to some of the most amazing night skies available in the United States. When visiting this park, you can camp or stay at the Chisos Mountain Lodge, giving you the perfect spot to take in the majesty of the expansive sky at night after your day of exploring the Rio Grande.

Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park

This park is perfect for hikers and non-hikers alike. The spectacle that is the 105-mile-long Skyline Drive offers travelers many scenic viewpoints along the path that invite you to pull over and get a closer look. Not to mention, you’re also likely to see a few bears in your travels, though remember to keep your distance and stay in your car.

West Virginia’s Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park

A quiet, quaint little village lies where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet. In this village, you can stand at an outlook called The Point and not only see the states of Maryland and Virginia, but you’ll also be able to see hikers from the Appalachian Trail.

Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Located in Northern Wisconsin, this park encompasses 21 islands in Lake Superior, and it is filled with a plethora of caves that are perfect for watery exploration in the summer and icy sights in the winter.

For more travel related news and information, click here.

You may also like

April 22, 2025

Discover Buckhannon: A Hidden Gem in West Virginia

Tucked into the north-central region of West Virginia, Buckhannon is a charming town that offers a rich blend of history, outdoor adventure, and small

read more
April 21, 2025

Chasing Wind and Mountains in Hood River, Oregon

Tucked between the mighty Columbia River and the towering peak of Mount Hood, Hood River, Oregon, offers a rare blend of natural beauty and outdoor ad

read more
April 21, 2025

Springtime in Louisiana: A Festival Season Map for Everyone

Every spring, Louisiana becomes a vibrant celebration of culture, music, food, and quirky traditions during what we like to call festival season. As w

read more
Secured By miniOrange