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.
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