1

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Image: Tim Hart

A natural monument of unparalleled beauty, painstakingly carved over millions of years by the Colorado River , The Grand Canyon’s layered bands of red rock reveal more than just a part of the history of the land, but also offer a humbling window into deep time and Earth’s origins.

President Theodore Roosevelt himself was one of the foremost advocates for the preservation of the Grand Canyon area , frequently visiting to hunt and revel in its natural beauty. Before the arrival of Europeans, the area was continuously inhabited by various Native American groups, who often dug and carved their settlements directly into the ancient rock.

2

Yosemite Valley, California

Image: Robby McCullough

Located in the western Sierra Nevada mountains of Central California, Yosemite Valley’s granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and ancient sequoias draw millions of visitors each year. Shaped by the action of glaciers during most of the last 30 million years , today its lush forests and incredibly diverse fauna are a living monument to our country’s biodiversity.

The towering granite peaks that encircle the valley, including Half Dome and El Capitan , are famed for their impressive rock walls and the breathtaking vistas they offer to hikers from above.

3

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Image: Nicolasintravel

A geothermal wonderland, home to geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pots , Yellowstone is a wildlife haven where bison, grizzly bears, and wolves roam freely amidst its stunning natural features. Moreover, Yellowstone not only holds the distinction of being the first national park in the U.S. but also in the whole world, setting a precedent for conservation laws and standards that would be emulated worldwide.

Interestingly, the Yellowstone Caldera—the volcanic system responsible for the park’s intense geothermal activity—is the largest in North America and is considered a dormant "supervolcano." In the past, large eruptions from this region likely contributed to the extinction of many species, blanketing much of central North America in ash.

4

Denali National Park, Alaska

Image: Bryan Goff

At the heart of Alaska lies Denali, North America's tallest peak. Officially named Mount McKinley until 2015, the peak was renamed after the native word for the mountain, which fittingly means "the high one."

The region surrounding the legendary mountain became a National Park in 1917 , and since that time the rugged landscape of the park has been a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering unique opportunities for wildlife viewing. The pristine landscape features a diverse mix of forests, deciduous taiga, tundra, and glaciers , preserving a slice of untouched wilderness that highlights the raw, untamed beauty of Alaska.

5

Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee

Image: Div Pithadia

With its mist-shrouded peaks and verdant forests, the Great Smoky Mountains are one of the most scenic and alluring landscapes of the United States.

A subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, the soothing vistas of lush forests growing above the ancient peaks are often veiled by a hazy blue-ish mist , which gives the name to the region. The mysterious fog is caused by various organic compounds emitted by the lush vegetation, which end up forming dense vapor columns.

6

Zion National Park, Utah

Image: Jamie Hagan

Zion's breathtaking sandstone formations are truly a sight to behold. The region is renowned for its towering cliffs, narrow slot canyons, expansive mesas, and captivating natural arches , each sculpted by the forces of time and nature into awe-inspiring works of art.

With a geological history that spans over 150 million years , Zion National Park is a testament to the immense geological forces that have shaped our land over millennia.

7

Niagara Falls, New York

Image: Kalen Emsley

One of the world's most famous waterfalls, Niagara Falls is an emblem of America’s diverse natural beauty. Straddling the international border between Canada and the United States, millions of gallons of water cascade over its cliffs every minute , drawing visitors from both nations to marvel at this awe-inspiring natural spectacle.

Formed by the Niagara River, which channels the waters from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario before ending up in the Atlantic, the falls experience a rate of erosion of almost a foot per year. If the erosion continues at this pace, in about 50,000 years the falls will completely erode the remaining 20 miles to Lake Erie and cease to exist.

8

Glacier National Park, Montana

Image: Justin Kauffman

One of the most pristine landscapes in the United States, Glacier National Park harbors ancient peaks and valleys that provide sanctuary to a diverse array of wildlife, home to thousands of unique species.

With more than one million acres, several glaciers, and over a hundred named lakes, this landscape offers a glimpse into the untouched beauty that greeted the first inhabitants of this land upon their arrival.

9

Acadia National Park, Maine

Image: Benjamin R.

Maine’s Atlantic coastline offers a stunning landscape of timeless beauty and rich history. From the towering Cadillac Mountain - the highest peak on the Atlantic coast - to the U-shaped valleys, and cobble beaches, Acadia's natural wonders are captivating.

Inhabited over 10,000 years ago by the Wabanaki people, Acadia's story is full of tales of exploration and resourcefulness. Amidst the harsh terrain, John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s historic carriage road system still meanders , a testament to human resilience amidst nature's raw beauty.

10

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hawaiʻi

Image: Cedric Letsch

If you are eager to witness the true raw power of nature in action, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is the place to go. Home to two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa , the park is teeming with primeval scenes and dramatic contrasts. From lava tubes to lush rainforests and stunning beaches, the islands abound with natural wonders.

Acknowledging its unique natural attributes, the park earned the prestigious designation of International Biosphere Reserve in 1980, followed by World Heritage Site status in 1987.

1

Palace of the Governors (New Mexico, 1610)

Image: Donald Giannatti

This is one of the oldest continuously occupied public buildings in the United States. Built in 1610 , it served as the seat of the Spanish, Mexican, and, finally, American government.

Some experts claim that the key to its longevity is the material of which it is composed. Adobe has always worked very well as a building material in areas that, like New Mexico, have a major thermal amplitude. This is because adobe works as a thermal insulator.

Besides all the historical artifacts this building holds, it also has many stories to tell. In 1862, during the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln gave a famous speech from the Palace's balcony.

2

Fairbanks House (Massachusetts, 1637)

Image: Lampos Aritonang

Built around 1637 by English immigrant Jonathan Fairbanks in what is now Dedham, Massachusetts, many sources claim that the Fairbanks House is the oldest timber-frame house in America.

With so many years of existence and so many people who must have passed through it, can you imagine the stories that could be told from inside those wooden walls? For 8 generations, Jonathan's descendants inhabited this place, and today, it functions as a museum for all of us to visit.

This 380 -year-old house was built with oak wood, straw, animal fur, and other materials of the time. Just imagine how cold it must have been inside during winter!

3

C.A. Nothnagle Log House (New Jersey, 1638-1643)

Image: Joshua Michaels

Can you imagine holding an object from the 1590s in your own hands? Well, that's what you could do at the C. A. Nothnagle Log House in New Jersey.

The Finns and the Swedish left testimonies of their building techniques in our territory with this log cabin built between 1638 and 1643, one of the oldest still extant in the country. The many inhabitants of this house never had to worry about winter; the interior features a large, centrally located stone and brick chimney that provides even heat for the entire place.

With so many years of history, it's not unusual for visitors to experience strange episodes at the C. A. Nothnagle Log House. Some have reported hearing footsteps and soft murmuring, while others affirm to have seen a specter of a woman dressed in colonial-era clothing.

4

Richard Sparrow House (Massachusetts, 1640)

Image: James Kovin

Richard Sparrow, surveyor and early settler of Plymouth, Massachusetts, built this historic house in 1640, making it the oldest surviving house in Plymouth.

With its timber frame, this house is an example of typical colonial architecture, demonstrating the durability of this type of construction. Despite the restorations necessary to keep it standing, the house keeps most of its original materials and still looks much as it did in the 17th century , making it an interesting source of education about the period.

5

House of the Seven Gables (Massachusetts, 1668)

Image: Joseph Corl

The Fairbanks House is not the only historic house in Massachusetts.

Considered a colonial mansion, the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion was built in 1668 for Captain John Turner and stayed with his family for three generations. The place became famous in 1851 for its appearance in Nathaniel Hawthorne's Gothic novel "The House of the Seven Gables," which also gave it its characteristic nickname.

While the dark stories Hawthorne wrote about are fictional, some visitors claim to have felt a scary feeling and strange vibes inside the house. Would you like to visit the museum?

6

Paul Revere House (Massachusetts, 1680)

Image: Timur M

As the name implies, this historic house was the home of patriot Paul Revere.

Built in 1638 , it is not only one of the oldest houses in the country, but it is also the oldest standing building in downtown Boston, and represents a fine example of classic Colonial American architecture.

The building originally belonged to another owner, and Paul Revere acquired it around 1770 . If you visit the house, you can see objects and artifacts that actually belonged to the Revere family! You won't be the first, though, as an estimated 300,000 people visit the house annually.

7

Shirley Plantation (Virginia, 1723)

Image: Belia Koziak

Shirley Plantation is undoubtedly one of the oldest and most famous plantations in America.

While the plantation was founded in 1613, construction of its main house began in 1723, designed in the Georgian architectural style.

Additionally, visitors can find artifacts, tools, and weapons from the Civil War era, making it a truly valuable experience. As another detail, Shirley Plantation also has the oldest known plantation portrait in America: it features Elizabeth Hill and John Carter, whose marriage united the Hill and Carter families. These families have owned the place since 1738 to this day!

8

Wright's Ferry Mansion (Pennsylvania, 1738)

Image: Marie Martin

Susanna Wright was a pioneer Quaker woman from Philadelphia, who decided to live in Wright's Ferry (what is now Columbia) in the early 18th century. Wright was active in poetry, science, and local politics and business.

In 1738, she built Wright's Ferry Mansion, which served not only as her family home but also as a business center. With its classic proportions and elegant style, the mansion is today one of the oldest in the country. It was preserved to keep its original appearance, remaining a fine example of early 18th-century architecture in the country.

Legend has it that the house is haunted by the spirit of its original owner, with several visitors claiming to have seen her, or heard murmurs and loud footsteps inside the house.

9

Mount Vernon (Virginia, 1734-1750s)

Image: Matt Briney

We can't overlook the iconic Mount Vernon. Built in Fairfax County, Virginia, it’s one of the most famous homes in the country. And you know why: it was the home of our first president, George Washington.

The original house was built in 1734 by George Washington's father, Augustine Washington, and then expanded by his son into the building we see today. Washington influenced American architecture with the design of this building. In fact, it is said that the design of the "New Room" in Mount Vernon inspired the White House's Oval Office!

While the exterior is made of wood, it was sanded and beveled to mimic stone for a classic, elegant style. The house also has Martha Washington's famous "Blue Room," one of the most beautiful and best-decorated spaces, which still preserves its appearance. Have you already visited it?

10

Drayton Hall (South Carolina, 1747-1752)

Image: Peter Herrmann

Charleston, South Carolina, was the site where the historic Drayton Hall was built between 1747 and 1752.

This 18th-century plantation is considered to be one of the best-preserved examples of Georgian architecture. In addition, it is also claimed to be the only plantation house on the Ashley River that survived the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, not without some damage.

With nearly 300 years of history, it's undeniable that this house was the scene of many stories and events. Some visitors have claimed that the house is haunted , reporting sightings of apparitions and hearing mysterious noises. Spooky, isn't it?

1

Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the U.S. combined

Alaska’s size is already impressive: it’s the largest state in the country by far, over twice the size of Texas (the second largest state by area). But what surprises many people is just how much coastline it has.

With over 33,900 miles of shoreline, including islands, Alaska has more coastline than all the other U.S. states combined. Its rugged shores stretch along the Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Bering Sea.

2

Arizona is home to one of the best-preserved meteor craters

Arizona’s desert landscape holds one of the most famous impact sites on Earth: Meteor Crater. This massive depression, measuring about 3,900 feet across and more than 500 feet deep, was formed around 50,000 years ago when a large iron meteorite struck the ground with unimaginable force. It’s so well preserved that scientists have used it to study planetary impacts for decades.

3

California has the tallest, largest, and oldest trees

California is home to some incredible tree-based records. On the northern coast, redwoods grow routinely over 300 feet, and represent the tallest tree species on Earth. In addition, giant sequoias hold the record for the largest trees by volume, and bristlecone pines in eastern California are among the oldest living trees on the planet, some reaching more than 4,800 years of age.

4

Colorado contains the highest paved road in North America

Colorado’s mountainous terrain makes it a paradise for scenic drives, but one road stands above all the rest. Literally.

The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway climbs to over 14,000 feet above sea level, making it the highest paved road in North America. It visits Echo Lake Park, the Mount Goliath Natural Area, the Dos Chappell Nature Center, and Summit Lake Park, and culminates in the highest peak of the region, Mount Blue Sky (formerly known as Mount Evans). A fee is charged to travel State Highway 5 to the summit, and vehicles over 30 feet long are not allowed for safety reasons.

5

Florida is the only state that borders both the Atlantic and the Gulf

Florida’s location gives it a special geographic distinction. It is the only U.S. state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of America, known globally as the Gulf of Mexico.

This unique positioning helps explain why Florida has so many beaches, marine ecosystems, and one of the longest coastlines in the country, second only to the aforementioned Alaska.

6

Hawaii grows coffee commercially

Coffee production in the United States is rare, but Hawaii, sitting in the Pacific Ocean about 2,000 miles southwest of the U.S. mainland, is one of the few places where it happens on a large scale. The state’s volcanic soil and tropical climate make perfect conditions for growing coffee, especially the famous Kona coffee grown on the slopes of volcanoes on the Big Island.

7

Kansas is flatter than a pancake, sort of

Kansas has long been joked about as being extremely flat. But, in 2003, researchers from the geography departments of Texas State University and Arizona State University took the matter to the lab, and worked to mathematically determine if Kansas is actually flatter than a standard pancake purchased from IHOP.

The researchers concluded that, mathematically speaking, Kansas is actually flatter than a pancake when measured over large distances. The study became famous for both its humor and its unusual approach.

8

Louisiana has parishes instead of counties

48 of the states divide their local governments into counties. Alaska uses the term boroughs. Louisiana, however, is divided into parishes . The reason lies with the state's early history with the Roman Catholic Church.

A parish , in many Christian denominations, is a territory under the care and jurisdiction of a priest. Before the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the region had been under both French and Spanish influence, both catholic countries. When the state of Louisiana joined the Union in 1812, it had already inherited an organized system of administrative units derived from those used by the catholic church. Eventually, when a new state constitution was ratified in 1845, local tradition won, and the name parish stuck.

9

Nevada is the most mountainous state

When people think of Nevada, they often picture either endless deserts or the chaotic energy of Las Vegas, with its world-famous hotels and casinos. But Nevada is a very large state (the 7th largest overall), and its 110,572 square miles are filled with mountains.

Nevada contains more mountain ranges than any other state in the country, over 300 of them, thanks to the geological stretching of the Basin and Range region. These mountain ranges create isolated valleys that serve as refuges for endemic species.

10

Oregon has a lake inside a volcano

Oregon is home to Crater Lake, one of the many stunning natural sights in the US. It formed inside the collapsed caldera of an ancient volcano called Mount Mazama. No river flows in or out of the lake; the system stays stable because evaporation is compensated by rain and snowfall.

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in America, reaching depths of nearly 2,000 feet, and its intense blue and water clarity solidify it as one of the country's most sought-after tourist destinations.