1

LeConte Lodge, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Image: Mitchell Bowser

It’s hard to imagine this massive lodge once being a tent camp, but in 1925, that was its humble beginning. Over the years, it has transformed into the comfortable hotel with grand halls we see today. Built atop Mount LeConte in 1926, this lodge provides breathtaking views of the surrounding areas and all the amenities of a modern establishment.

2

The Ahwahnee, Yosemite National Park, California

Image: Hanbyul Jeong

Built in 1925, The Ahwahnee is a 121-room hotel nestled in a picturesque meadow at the base of the Royal Arches in Yosemite Valley. Its dining hall, featuring 34-foot-high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, along with its elegant suites and magnificent lounges complete with vintage fireplaces , offers the perfect retreat after a day of hiking in the park.

3

Many Glacier Hotel, Glacier National Park, Montana

Image: Michael Kirsh

The largest inn in Glacier National Park, Many Glacier Hotel is a 215-room Swiss-style chalet boasting breathtaking lounges with stunning views , exposed log beams , and a majestic three-story lobby . Its generous dining room offers a panoramic backdrop of the northern Rockies for its guests to enjoy while sipping a local brew or a delicious meal.

4

El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Image: James Lee

Perched on a high ledge along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, overlooking the Colorado River, El Tovar was designed to resemble a Scandinavian-style villa. With 78 rooms, a grand lounge wrapped in hewn Oregon pine , cobblestone fireplaces , and a dining room adorned with dark wood paneling , vintage light fixtures , and murals , El Tovar offers the perfect retreat after a full day of hiking and taking in the breathtaking views.

5

Lake Crescent Lodge, Olympic National Park, Washington

Image: Georg Eiermann

The Lake Crescent Lodge was built in 1915 and features 55 rooms and it is ideally situated between firs and hemlocks, in the mountainous Hurricane Ridge area. Guests are greeted by a Victorian-era sunroom , an antique-furnished lobby , and a welcoming stone fireplace —an ideal retreat for those eager to soak in the views or explore the numerous hiking trails.

6

Big Meadows Lodge, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Image: Becky Winner

Big Meadows Lodge, a charming 1930s hotel , boasts beautiful craftsmanship and is set near a grassy meadow where deer often graze. The lodge features 29 rooms in its main building , along with 72 additional accommodations spread across its outer cabins and lodges .

7

Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Image: Judy Beth Morris

The 1904 Old Faithful Inn is celebrated as the largest log structure in the world , stretching 700 feet in length and rising seven stories high. This iconic hotel was strategically positioned to offer stunning views of the renowned Old Faithful geyser.

It has an awe-inspiring 92-foot-high lobby , and its Obsidian Dining Room has a mouth-watering menu complete with locally sourced bison burgers and smoked-trout ravioli.

8

Zion Lodge, Zion National Park, Utah

Image: James Lee

The 100-year-old Zion Lodge was thoughtfully designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings, constructed from untreated logs and locally sourced sandstone . With 76 rooms and 40 cozy cabins , the lodge serves as the perfect base for exploring the park’s diverse hiking trails, offering adventures for visitors of all skill levels.

9

Paradise Inn, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Image: Rich Martello

Located 19 miles from the southwestern Nisqually Entrance at Mount Rainier National Park, Paradise Inn was built between 1916 and 1917 and once featured one of the region’s first ski lifts . The inn’s 121 rooms still showcase some of their original rustic charm , with showers and restrooms located down the hall.

10

Wuksachi Lodge, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California

Image: Josh Carter

The Wukachi Lodge, built in 1999, is the first hotel in the area not constructed over 80 years ago. It boasts 102 rooms and modern amenities , including private baths , mini-fridges, spacious accommodations , central heating , and more.

11

Chisos Mountains Lodge, Big Bend National Park, Texas

Image: Intricate Explorer

The 72-room Chisos Mountains Lodge is nestled at the base of Casa Grande Peak, in the heart of the hiking area. Guests can step right out of their rooms and onto the famous Window Trail , summit Emory Peak , or spend a full day on the South Rim Trail .

1

Denali

Image: Barth Bailey

We’ll start with what many believe to be Alaska’s crown jewel. Formerly known as Mount McKinley, Denali is the highest peak in North America, with a summit elevation of 20,310 feet above sea level. Its height is matched only by its magnificence—a snow-covered wonder adorning the Alaskan skyline.

The name "Denali" comes from the Koyukon Athabaskans, who are native to the region. They referred to the mountain as Dinale or Denali, which is believed to be a Koyukon word meaning "high" or "tall." Over the years, many mountaineers have attempted to reach the peak, with the first successful ascent dating back to 1913.

2

Chugach State Park

Image: Paxson Woelber

East of the city of Anchorage lies Chugach State Park , a 495,204-acre state park that houses the stunning Chugach Mountains. However, this park is more than just a scenic landscape; it plays a crucial role in ensuring that the residents of Anchorage have access to safe drinking water.

Chugach State Park is also home to Eklutna Lake, which offers numerous recreational opportunities, including fishing, camping, and hiking. The park supports a diverse array of wildlife, including moose and bears.

3

Kayak Island

Image: Ty Fiero

In 1826, Lt. Sarychev of the Russian Navy noticed the peculiar shape of a certain island located in the Gulf of Alaska. Because it resembled a specific type of boat, Sarychev named the island Kayak Island , unaware that he was christening one of Alaska’s most stunning destinations.

Kayak Island is considered historically significant since it was the first place where a non-native set foot in Alaska. Notably, the island was visited by the famed explorer Captain James Cook in 1778. During this visit, Captain Cook left an empty bottle at the base of a prominent tree. Inside the bottle was a message and two pieces of silver gifted to him by the English crown.

4

Kodiak Island

Image: Brent Jones

Next, we have Kodiak Island , the second-largest island in the United States. Over two-thirds of the island is occupied by the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, which protects a diverse range of wildlife, including the Kodiak bear, Roosevelt elk, and Sitka black-tailed deer.

While no entry is allowed to the refuge, the island still has plenty to offer visitors. For example, you can experience the island’s beauty at the Buskin River State Recreation Site, which features camping, fishing, and scenic beaches.

5

Kenai Fjords National Park

Image: Kedar Gadge

Fjords are a truly unique natural wonder that can only be found in a few places in the world, and Alaska is home to one of the most beautiful of its kind. Located on the Kenai Peninsula, west of the town of Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park is a breathtaking expanse of glaciers, islands, and wildlife.

With a total area of 669,984 acres, Kenai Fjords is relatively small—approximately 90% the size of Yosemite. Regardless, of what this park lacks in size, it more than makes up for in accessibility, diversity, and, above all, natural beauty. It is home to the Harding Icefield, one of the largest ice fields in the United States, as well as an impressive variety of wildlife, including black bears, sea otters, and killer whales.

6

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

Image: Grace Simoneau

As the largest American state by landmass, it seems only fitting that Alaska is home to the largest national park in the United States. Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve encompasses the Wrangell Mountains and a significant portion of the Saint Elias Mountains, including Mount Saint Elias, the second-highest peak in both the United States and Canada.

Besides many species of animals like the grizzly bear and the timber wolf, this park is home to Mount Wrangell and Mount Churchill—two of the largest volcanoes in the region. Not only that, the abandoned buildings of a former copper mining operation within the park have been designated a National Historic Landmark district.

7

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Image: Joseph Corl

Don’t be surprised by the number of stunning glaciers that made it onto this list—after all, these natural wonders are Alaska’s pride and joy. With that in mind, here’s the first entry in our selection of beautiful glaciers you should definitely visit: Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

The park houses 7 glaciers in the park, out of which the Margerie Glacier is probably the most famous. This iconic glacier attracts thousands of tourists each year, with nearly 80% arriving via cruise ships. Not only that, the park also offers several other outdoor activities like kayaking, camping, fishing, and bird-watching.

8

Hubbard Glacier

Image: Mick Kirchman

Located within the previously mentioned Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Hubbard Glacier undoubtedly deserves its own spotlight. This stunning glacier can be found right on the border between Alaska and Canada, with part of it extending into Kluane National Park and Reserve in Yukon.

Hubbard Glacier is primarily visited by tour and cruise ships since it can’t be reached by land. Regardless, experiencing the beauty of this natural wonder requires nothing more than gazing upon its majestic presence.

9

Worthington Glacier

Image: Grace Simoneau

Worthington Glacier holds the distinction of being one of the few US glaciers that can be easily accessed via a paved highway. Located approximately 30 miles east of the city of Valdez, this glacier is truly a sight to behold.

Covering 5,774 acres, this breathtaking glacier was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1968. If you’re planning a visit, consider stopping at the Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site, a comfortable state roadside park that offers a stunning view of the glacier.

1

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson's Rivalry

Image: J. Amill Santiago

Despite their collaboration in drafting the Declaration of Independence, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson had a tumultuous relationship characterized by political disagreements and personal animosity. Most of their differences lay in how the government should be structured , as Adams was a staunch supporter of a strong central government, whereas Jefferson advocated for stronger local governments.

Fortunately, in their later years, they reconciled and exchanged a series of poignant letters, leaving behind a legacy of friendship. They even died on the same day , July 4, 1826, just hours apart from each other!

2

George Washington's Tooth Troubles

Image: v2osk

Although he never had to wear wooden dentures—wood isn’t even the most practical material for making dentures— Washington did have many dental problems from an early age. He underwent numerous painful treatments, including having most of his original teeth pulled.

The myth regarding wooden dentures likely originated from the ivory teeth that were part of his dentures becoming stained after many years , resembling wood to observers.

3

John Hancock's Signature

Image: Clark Young

John Hancock's bold signature on the Declaration of Independence has become synonymous with the act of signing one's name. Legend has it that Hancock deliberately signed his name so prominently to ensure that "King George can read that without his spectacles." Quite a considerate fellow, wasn’t he?

While modern historians doubt that this was the actual reason he did it—suggesting instead that he might have simply been a flamboyant kind of guy —he undoubtedly left his mark on history with a dramatic touch.

4

Franklin and Lafayette Wrote A Book Together

Image: Brett Wharton

Benjamin Franklin and the Marquis de Lafayette shared a deep and enduring friendship rooted in their mutual commitment to the American cause. Lafayette's contributions to the Revolutionary War and his lifelong admiration for Franklin exemplify the enduring bonds forged during the nation's formative years.

However, less known is the fact that they were commissioned by Congress to collaborate on creating a children's schoolbook for use in American schools. They even went so far as to hire a Parisian artist to create illustrations for the book, although the project was never completed.

5

Thomas Jefferson's Architectural Legacy

Image: Richard Hedrick

Though not exactly a secret, Thomas Jefferson's architectural legacy is often overlooked when remembering his many achievements. Some of his architectural designs, including his masterpiece Monticello, showcase his innovative spirit and eclectic tastes.

Interestingly, his interest in architecture was rooted in his humanism and extended beyond aesthetics , reflecting his belief in the importance of classical principles and practical functionality.

6

Washington Never Chopped the Cherry Tree

Image: Don Kawahigashi

While a compelling tale regarding the first president’s personal character, the story of George Washington chopping down a cherry tree and confessing with the words "I cannot tell a lie" is pure myth.

The tale was completely fabricated by biographer Parson Weems to illustrate Washington's honesty. While the story is fiction, Washington's reputation for integrity remains well-earned. This does not apply to his biographer, though!

7

Jefferson Shipped a Dead Moose to Europe

Image: Shivam Kumar

In an effort to demonstrate the natural superiority of American soil and air—which some Europeans believed made people ill and crazy (yes, really)— Thomas Jefferson shipped a seven-foot-tall dead moose to France in 1787.

Yes, a dead moose on a weeks-long trip before refrigeration even existed. We don’t know if he successfully made his point with this bizarre stunt, but he certainly highlighted the lengths Americans like him were willing to go to assert their independence from colonial powers.

8

Gouverneur Morris Lost His Leg in Dubious Circumstances

Image: Henry Hintermeister, Public domain

Gouverneur Morris, a lesser-known but influential Founding Father, lost his leg in an incident shrouded in mystery. Officially, he claimed it was due to a carriage accident, but rumors suggest it might have resulted from a risky escapade involving a woman’s jealous husband.

Morris was a quite colorful character, and his injury only made him more so—having to wear a peg leg from then on. However, he remained a vigorous advocate for American independence and played a key role in drafting the Constitution.

9

Benjamin Franklin Did Not Graduate from School

Image: Adam Nir

Despite his immense contributions to science, politics, and literature, Benjamin Franklin never actually graduated from school. He ended his brief stint at formal education in the Boston Latin School at the age of ten due to the financial constraints of his family.

However, Franklin's self-education and insatiable curiosity propelled him to become one of the most accomplished polymaths in history , making significant contributions to the science of electricity and even coining terms like "battery," "positive charge," and "negative charge."

10

The Founding Fathers’ Fondness for Alcohol

Image: Thomas Thompson

The Founding Fathers were known for their fondness for alcohol, and drinking was a common part of their social and political lives. George Washington was famous for serving an abundance of alcohol at his Mount Vernon estate, including his own brewed beer and distilled whiskey.

Thomas Jefferson, another enthusiast, imported fine wines from France and even attempted to cultivate European grape varieties at Monticello. Benjamin Franklin, meanwhile, compiled a list of over 200 synonyms for being drunk , reflecting both his wit and the extent to which consumption of alcohol was an accepted part of the period’s society.