1

Olympic National Park, Washington (2.9 million visitors)

Located in Washington state, in the Pacific Northwest, this park offers a mix of glaciated mountains, lush rainforests, lakes, rivers, and more than 70 miles of coastline . Established as a national monument in 1909, it was designated a national park in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

2

Joshua Tree National Park, California (3.2 million visitors)

Famous for the Joshua trees that give it its name, this area was designated a national monument in 1936 and a national park in 1994. The park encompasses part of two California deserts —the Mojave and Colorado deserts—and is lined by the Little San Bernardino Mountains in the southwest.

3

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming (3.4 million visitors)

Did you know that most of this national park exists thanks to an oil magnate? The park was established in 1929, but it was enlarged when John D. Rockefeller Jr. —who also contributed to many other national parks— secretly purchased surrounding land to be established as a monument. The park gets its name from the tallest peak of the Teton mountain range , and it's famous for its pristine lakes and abundant wildlife.

4

Acadia National Park, Maine (3.8 million visitors)

Located on the Maine coast, this park was established as a national monument in 1916 and a national park in 1919. Besides the beautiful Atlantic shoreline, Acadia National Park offers granite mountain peaks, forests, lakes, and islands .

5

Yosemite National Park, California (3.8 million visitors)

Famous for both its granite peaks and its tall sequoias, Yosemite National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada range in California . Established in 1890, some of its popular features are the El Capitan —a tall rock formation— the Cathedral Peak, and the Sentinel dome.

6

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado (4.1 million visitors)

Located within the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, it was established in 1915 by President Woodrow Wilson. Besides its stunning mountain views and alpine lakes, the park is home to the Trail Ridge Road , one of the highest paved routes in the country.

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Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho (4.5 million visitors)

Considered to be the first national park in the world, Yellowstone was established in 1872 and covers part of three different states —Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Besides its wildlife and mountain scenery, it is famous for being located in a volcanic caldera and having many geothermal features. The most famous among them is the Old Faithful geyser.

8

Zion National Park, Utah (4.6 million visitors)

Located in Utah, where the Colorado Plateau, the Great Basin, and the Mojave Desert meet, this national park boasts a hugely diverse ecosystem , with varied plants and animals. Its geography includes mountains, canyons, buttes, mesas, and monoliths, including the famous Zion Canyon. The park was established in 1919.

9

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (4.7 million visitors)

Centered around one of the most famous landmarks in America , this national park was established in 1908 as a national monument and designated a national park in 1919. The Grand Canyon, carved by the Colorado River in the Arizona desert, was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

10

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee (13.2 million visitors)

Straddling the North Carolina-Tennessee border, this national park not only includes part of the Great Smoky Mountain range, but also the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian rainforest. Established in 1934 by Franklin D. Roosevelt, this park is the home of some of the tallest mountains of eastern North America , such as Kuwohi or Mount Guyot.

1

Clue #1

Image: Hybrid Storytellers

A nationwide ban on alcohol gave rise to speakeasies and bootlegging . Dance halls were alive with new rhythms, and women in shorter skirts shocked traditional society. Cities buzzed with fresh art, literature, and music. Affordable cars began filling the streets, changing how people lived and traveled.

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Clue #2

Image: Tim Mossholder

The sound of distorted guitars and flannel shirts became the uniform of youth culture. At the same time, toy shops were filled with collectible plush animals and tiny digital pets. Computers were shrinking, and the world was just learning what "online" really meant. Sitcoms about groups of friends or quirky families topped the TV charts, while early cell phones were starting to appear in everyday life.

3

Clue #3

Image: Dominik Mecko

This period glittered with light-up dance floors and pulsing rhythms. Movie theaters drew crowds to see epic space battles and summer blockbusters . Fads like mood rings and quirky pet rocks had their moment in the spotlight. On the flip side, fuel shortages tested patience, and quick-service burger joints began appearing on more street corners.

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Clue #4

Image: Cesira Alvarado

Families grew larger, and shiny new suburbs began to sprawl outside cities. Teenagers tuned in to a fresh sound that worried parents but captivated youth. Cars rolled into drive-ins for movies or burgers, while living rooms glowed with the latest entertainment gadget: the television set.

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Clue #5

Image: Mitchell Orr

Television expanded with channels devoted to sports and 24-hour news. Music fans were glued to screens watching flashy new music videos . Young professionals embraced big paychecks, bold fashion, and an appetite for luxury. Arcades buzzed with electronic sounds, and living rooms welcomed the first home gaming systems.

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Answer #1: The 1920s

Image: Marvin Meyer

Known as the Roaring Twenties, this decade was defined by Prohibition, flappers, and the Harlem Renaissance . Jazz poured out of clubs, while the Model T made road trips possible for everyday families. It was a time of innovation, rebellion, and cultural change.

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Answer #2: The 1990s

Image: Dasha Zhytanska

The internet emerged, fueling the dot-com boom. Grunge bands from Seattle reshaped the music scene, while sitcoms like Friends and Seinfeld ruled TV. Kids collected Beanie Babies and fed Tamagotchis, while cell phones gradually became a part of daily life.

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Answer #3: The 1970s

Image: Matthew LeJune

Disco fever ruled the nightclubs, and blockbusters like Star Wars rewrote movie history. Quirky fads, such as Pet Rocks, had short but memorable lifespans. Rising gas prices caused long lines at fuel stations, while fast food giants spread across the country.

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Answer #4: The 1950s

Image: Elizabeth Smith

Suburbs such as Levittown expanded rapidly as families grew during the Baby Boom. Rock ‘n’ roll stars like Elvis lit up radios . TV ownership soared, transforming family routines, while drive-ins and diners became favorite hangouts for teenagers.

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Answer #5: The 1980s

Image: National Cancer Institute

The launch of MTV sparked the music video explosion , while arcades buzzed with hits like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong . Yuppies pursued ambitious careers and embraced neon fashion. Cable television expanded viewing options, and home consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System brought gaming into millions of households.

1

Memphis

Image: Brian Wegman 🎃

We say Memphis, you probably think of Graceland and Elvis, right? But in Memphis, barbecue is big too. Famous for its pork dishes, Memphis-style BBQ revolves around slow-cooked shoulders, butts, and ribs, often served with a smoky tomato-based sauce or simply seasoned with a dry rub. Pulled pork sandwiches are a staple here, typically paired with tangy coleslaw.

Be warned, if you visit, don’t expect to pry the secret recipes for their rubs or sauces—those are guarded more tightly than gold.

2

Kansas City

Image: Ahmad

Kansas City barbecue is synonymous with variety. This region smokes everything from ribs and brisket to sausages and burnt ends. The hallmark of Kansas City-style BBQ is its sweet, thick sauce made with tomatoes, molasses, and brown sugar.

This style owes much of its legacy to Henry Perry, the "Father of Kansas City Barbecue" whose techniques were passed down to pitmasters like Arthur Bryant and Ollie Gates. Today, Kansas City’s barbecue joints remain legendary destinations.

3

North Carolina

Image: Leo_Visions

In North Carolina, barbecue loyalty is divided . The Eastern Style involves whole-pig barbecue smoked over wood coals and basted with a peppery vinegar sauce. Purists argue this method lets the meat’s natural flavors shine.

The Western Style (a.k.a. Lexington) is focused on pork shoulder, this style features a ketchup-based sauce that’s sweeter than its eastern counterpart. The addition of tomatoes reflects influences from Bavarian settlers in the area.

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Texas

Image: Israel Albornoz

Texas takes it a step further and we can find multiple styles . At least, three!

On the one hand, Central Texas goes for a simple and straightforward beef brisket seasoned with salt and pepper, then smoked low and slow.

East Texas style features tender beef and pork, cooked until falling off the bone and often served in sandwiches with a thick, sweet sauce.

Now, as for South Texas, meats like cow’s head or goat are slowly smoked in underground pits and served with salsa and guacamole.

5

Alabama

Image: Ruthra Malai

Alabama’s claim to barbecue fame is its unique white sauce, made from mayonnaise, vinegar, and pepper. This creamy, tangy sauce is typically slathered on smoked chicken or ribs, offering a refreshing departure from traditional tomato-based options.

Cities like Birmingham have emerged as culinary destinations, they blend barbecue with Southern hospitality. Who wouldn’t want to try that out?

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Georgia

Image: Ajeet Panesar

In Georgia, a barbecue is a social event as much as a culinary delight. Pork is the star, often accompanied by smoky brisket, sausages, and chicken. Georgia’s barbecue leans heavily on bold, smoky flavors and can be found in roadside shacks and upscale eateries alike. Each bite reflects the state’s rich culinary heritage.

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Hawaii

Image: Z Grills Australia

Hawaii has stunning views, dreamy beaches, and delicious dishes too! Hawaiian barbecue is a celebration of its diverse cultural influences. And a result of its diverse climate too.

Kalua pork, cooked in underground ovens , is a staple at traditional luaus, while local BBQ plates often feature Korean-style ribs, Huli Huli chicken, or barbecued seafood. These dishes are served with rice and macaroni salad, a unique island twist to American barbecue.

8

Kentucky

Image: Sergio Arteaga

Kentucky’s barbecue scene is defined by its love of mutton , which is smoked over hickory wood and served with a peppery vinegar dip.

This lesser-known style also includes pork and turkey, which ultimately reflects the state’s agricultural diversity. The city of Owensboro is the epicenter of mutton barbecue. They host annual festivals dedicated to the dish. Even if you’re not big on BBQ, this annual event is worth visiting!

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Virginia

Image: Carlitos Grill

Some argue that barbecue’s American roots trace back to Virginia, where Native American techniques and African influences merged.

Whether that’s the case or not, Virginia’s regional variations are great. They include sweet tomato-based sauces , tangy vinegar blends, and even sauces with hints of peanut butter. Each micro-region brings its spin, but they all uphold the state’s rich barbecue heritage.

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South Carolina

Image: Davide Cantelli

South Carolina’s barbecue stands out with its signature mustard-base sauce, known as "Carolina Gold." Influenced by the state’s German settlers, this tangy sauce pairs perfectly with the region’s whole hog cooking.

South Carolina also offers other sauces, including vinegar-based and tomato-based varieties. In this state, you can’t really say there’s not a thing for every taste bud!