The capital of the southern state of Alabama comes with lots of history and southern tradition. During the civil war, Montgomery Montgomery was the first capital of the confederacy states of America. Today the confederate white house still stands and is one of several historical buildings from the Confederacy. Other historical places of interest is the church where Martin Luther King preached, and the bus stop where Rosa Parks took a stand in 1955.

Birmingham

The largest city in the state, Birmingham resides in the north central region of Alabama. Its history can’t compete with Montgomery’s, but there are still several historic sites worth checking out, and with a bigger city there are more options as far as night life and entertainment goes. Some good places to start with are Vulcan park and museum which gives a good run down on the city’s history, and even exploring the hiking trails right outside the city.

Gulf Shores

Alabama’s resort city along the Gulf of Mexico, the city of Gulf Shores is where you can find white sandy beaches, strips of hotels, and clear subtropical water to swim in. With most east coast travelers going to the famous beaches in Florida, a visit to the Gulf Shores will put you in smaller crowds which is mostly made up of locals. Even though its not visited in the millions, Gulf Shores has a good tourist infrastructure with many condos and beach houses up for rent during the summer.

Mobile

Founded in 1702, the city of Mobile was the original French colonial capital of their territory of Louisiana. In the past few hundred years, the city has changed flags six different times, starting with France to Britain, Spain, the United States, to the confederacy, and finally returning to USA. Today, Mobile is known for its history, southern culture, and even the birthplace of the Mardis Gras festival in the USA.

The northwestern part of Alabama holds the state’s largest forest which is also known as the land of a thousand falls. Several native Americans who once made this place their home have left behind dozens of rock carvings and other prehistoric drawings all over the forest. Many limestone bluffs and streams are found all over the forest, which is also the third largest wilderness east of the Mississippi river.

Alaska

Alaska Capital – Juneau – One of America’s biggest cities in terms of area, Juneau is the same size as Puerto Rico or as Delaware and Rhode Island combined. Alaska’s capital keeps the tradition of avoiding densely populated areas, and only has 30,000 residents within its huge borders. Many travelers visit Juneau as they stop by on cruise ships, others take flights in the winter or drive in the summer when the roads are open.

Anchorage

Alaska’s only major population area, Anchorage has over a quarter million residents who choose to make this subarctic city their home. Anchorage has very cold winters, but a visit during this time of the year offers a chance to view the northern lights, go ice fishing, snowmobiling or other winter sports. The summer has some of the best outdoor fishing in the world. The city itself also has numerous festivals celebrating the long summer days and the midnight sun.

Gates of the Arctic – Temperatures in the Gates of the Arctic are too cold to support forests, so instead you’ll find northern Alaska covered in Tundra. Tundra is only found in a select few countries and in Antarctica and remains the least visited biome. The Gates of the Arctic national park is a true adventure; there are no roads, trails or visitor centers located on the park itself. Grizzly bears, moose, wolves and reindeer are in large numbers in the park, and with no forests to hide in they are easily spotted.

Kodiak Island – America’s second largest island, Kodiak has a little bit of everything to share with travelers. The island was discovered by Russians in the 18th century where they set up the first permanent Russian settlement in Alaska. After the Americans bought the land, the city of Kodiak was founded which is the largest on the island today. The island is also famous for its large population of Kodiak bears. Kodiak bears are only found in Kodiak and the surrounding islands, and are some of the largest bears in the world.

Denali

Denali park is named after Mt. Denali, also called Mt. McKinley. Denali is one of the 7 summits, and the Alaska rang that it is found in is the third highest in the world after the Himalayas and the Andes. In the lower altitudes of the park are a large variety of wildlife, some unique only to the arctic regions of the world. The summer is the best time to visit the park, as the winter will bring in heavy snow and make hiking very difficult and dangerous.

Arkansas

Arkansas Capital – Little Rock – Never really seen as a tourist destination, most Americans only associate Little Rock with Bill Clinton who was governor there before his presidency. Little Rock’s most important site is its giant Central High School which was the site of the 1957 integration of blacks and white students. The museums, shops and restaurants that line the Arkansas river are easily the best place to visit in Little Rock. In the right time of year you can even find river cruises.

Hot Springs – Valley of the vapors to Native Americans, explored by Hernando De Soto, hometown of Bill Clinton, and for centuries a vacation spot for tourists, Hot Springs Arkansas is one of the most exciting sites in the state. The natural spring flows water at 147 degrees which has drawn in luxury hotels and spas. Hot Springs is also very close to Arkansas’ great outdoors so is a great place to relax before or after a camping trip.

Lake Ouachita – Arkansas’s second largest lake is dotted with small tree covered islands and sailing boats. The lake has an almost 1,000 mile long shoreline that is completely surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. Both the forest and the lake have a lot of wildlife, including a rare species of jellyfish that are often seen by scuba divers. There are plenty of places here to go sailing, fishing, hiking and swimming.

The Ozarks – A plateau that stretches into three other states, the Ozarks are the only significant highlands between the Rockies and the Appalachian Mountains. Arkansas’ share of the Ozarks have many scenic views with Whitaker Point known being the most famous and most beautiful point in Arkansas. There are endless opportunities for the outdoors here such as hiking, camping, canoeing, and rock climbing. A new 700 miles trail that begins in St. Louis goes all the way into Arkansas. The vast rural land provides a haven for deer, elk, bear, and numerous species of birds and reptiles.

Arizona

Phoenix

Hotter than any other city in America, Phoenix is almost always above 110 degrees in the summer. Only a handful of cities in places such as Saudi Arabia or Iraq are able to top Phoenix with higher temperatures. With such hot weather, its hard to believe the Phoenix is America’s 5th largest city with over 1.5 million people. The best time for tourists to visit is during the winter, when Phoenix usually is in the upper 60s or lower 70s, spring for most places.

Grand Canyons – There is more to do than just viewing the largest canyons in the world from look out points, there are actually plenty of places to camp and trails to hike that descend from the rim to the river below. Some of the trails offer some very good challenges, such as the Tanto trail that which offers elevation changes of several thousand feet and is over 72 miles in length!

Navajo Nation – Occupying the entire northeastern state of Arizona, the Navajo Nation is the largest Indian reservation in the United States. Inside Navajo Nation you’ll find dozens of national monuments and parks, as well as some beautiful rock formations and scenery. Navajo Nation is also the best places in America to experience Native American culture. Here you can try their traditional food, attend a pow wow, and visit ruins of the Navajo ancestors.

Tucson – A true city of the old west, Tucson today has modernized itself and grown up to be the 32nd largest city in America. The city is located in the Sonoran desert and brings with it a dry heat in the summer with cool temperatures in the winter that rarely go below freezing. Keeping its old west inheritance, there are many old western style stunt shows and themes that take place in the city.

California

California Capital – Sacramento – During the California Gold Rush, a supply town called Sacramento was built to accommodate the gold miners. Since then Sacramento has gronewwn to be California’s capital and is currently one of the fastest growing cities. It’s also known for its parks and outdoor activities such as mountain biking and white water rafting.

Los Angeles

LA is one of America’s most famous and exciting cities. Many people trek across the country to visit Hollywood in hopes of gaining fame and fortune. Most of those who are already famous usually live in Beverly Hills, one of the most expensive places in the United States to live. Los Angeles is the second biggest city in America, and a large cultural and trading center.

San Diego – Known for its great weather and friendly population, San Diego is one of the country’s nicest cities. With miles of beaches good surf, many people enjoy swimming, body boarding and other beach activities all year around. It’s almost impossible to ever get bored in San Diego, but if that is ever the case then a quick drive south will take you to Tijuana, Mexico.

San Francisco – The city of San Fransisco is visited by international tourists who come to visit its many attractions. Despite being in California, San Fransisco has cool temperatures around 60F or less than 20C during the summer and is known for often being covered in fog. The city is famous for major attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and its large China Town.

Yosemite & Sequoia – Yosemite National Park and the surrounding area offers the best outdoors in the state of California. Yosemite itself features granite cliffs, waterfalls and a large diversity of wildlife. Next to Yosemite is Sequoia National Park, world famous for its giant trees. Sequoia’s giant forest has the largest tree in the world named the General Sherman, also the largest living organism known to man.

Colorado

Colorado Capital – Denver – With an elevation of 5,280 feet, Denver is located exactly a mile above sea level, earning it the nickname the mile high city. Most people associate Denver and Colorado with the mountains, but despite Denver’s high altitude it is actually located in the flat great plains on the border of the Rockies. Denver has country’s largest city park system, with hundreds of parks and dozens of golf courses.

Aspen – Founded after world war 2 by a man who wanted a peaceful city that was relaxing for the body and mind, Aspen lived up to its legacy. Several decades ago Aspen was largely seen as a ski resort, but has also become a popular home for the rich and famous. The skiing is what no doubt makes Aspen, but its upper class downtown area and music festivals have made this city an international attraction.

Grand Junction – Grand Junction is a small city located in Colorado’s western deserts, famous for its artsy downtown and local desert activities. From here you can enjoy a fun stay in a charming town while going out for horseback riding, white water rafting and other activities. A protected area just a few miles away from Grand Junction is home to dozens of wild horses. Also nearby is Colorado National Monument which has some spectacular canyons and a great view of the city itself.

Mesa Verde – Translated as Green Table from Spanish, Mesa Verde was discovered by the Spanish Explorers in the 1760s. Many Indian tribes across North America are known for building their homes inside cliffs, and Mesa Verde is the largest of them all. Inside the ancient city are many buildings and other sites. The Cliff Palace is the largest, having over 220 rooms and 23 kivas, religious rooms used by the Puebloans.

Rocky Mountains – The rocky mountains begin in New Mexico and extend north into Canada with a latitude equal to Juneau, Alaska. What better place to see the rockies than Rocky National Park located right outside of Denver. There are lots of challenging hiking and mountain biking in the park and several campsites allow people to do overnight trips. Some mountains here reach over 14,000 feet, providing some of the best and highest mountain climbing in the continental US.

Connecticut

Hartford

A very old city by American standards, Hartford was first settled by the Dutch and English in the early 1600s. The Dutch abandoned their small colony after a few decades but the English where there to stay. Traveling in Hartford is about visiting historical places. The old home and now museum of Mark Twain, America’s first public park, and the oldest rose garden are all in Hartford. A cruise down the Connecticut river offers great views and fine cuisine.

Farmington Valley – In such a small state, everything is a quick drive in Connecticut. The state’s best recreation area of Farmington Valley is no exception either, and is located only 20 minutes west of the capital. Farmington Valley boasts entertainment in all seasons, with skiing in the winter, canoing in the summer, and all types of luxury accommodations, shopping, and fine dining year around.

New Haven – Dwarfed by nearby New York City, New Haven might seem small and dull, but it is actually filled with countless historic places and may even be America’s oldest planned city. One of the most famous places is the colonial Center Church built in the 1600s which has a crypt in its basement. Yale University is located in New Haven, who’s founder is one of those buried in Center Church.

Delaware

Capital – Dover – Founded by William Penn himself, the small city of Dover is located right in the center of the state. Dover occupies a small area and has a population of only 30,000 people, so anyone can pretty much do a day trip to see the state’s capital. The best time to visit Dover is during holidays such as July 4th or Saint Patrick’s Day. During times like these the capital will be packed with lots of people celebrating and enjoying parades and festivals.

Beach – Delaware isn’t famous for its beaches, but this doesn’t mean that they are not worth a visit. Delaware’s most popular beach is Rehoboth that is located in the very southeastern part of the state. Here you can find nice hotels, packed beaches and boardwalk, while a short drive further north will put you on the quieter and private beaches for those who want to avoid the crowds.

Fort Delaware

Before the civil war, Fort Delaware was built in the mid 1800s for defensive purposes and at the time, it was the country’s largest fortification. When the civil war occurred, the union converted the fort into a prison, putting in captured confederate soldiers along with their sympathizers. The terrible conditions in the fort resulted in the death of over 3,000 prisoners. Accessible only by boat, Fort Delaware is the state’s most popular tourist attraction.

New Castle – Founded by the Dutch in 1651, New Castle is one of the oldest cities in the United States. In the 1600s control of the town bounced back in forth between the Dutch and British until the British finally kept it for good, changing its original name from Fort Casimir to New Castle. After several hundred years, many of original buildings are still standing, the most famous being the ‘Dutch House’.

Wilmington – As the largest city in Delaware, there isn’t too much that stands out about Wilmington today unfortunately, so if you decide to visit you can expect to do the usual things that you’d find in any large city. The city is in a strategic location, so it’s a great place to base your trip to the northeast. Wilmington is located a short drive from New York City, Baltimore, Washington DC and Philadelphia.

Florida

Capital – Tallahassee – Florida’s capital offers a different taste from the rest of the heavily visited parts of the state. Over 41 million tourists visit Florida a year, but few take the time to visit the capital. Instead of running into tourist traps and hundreds of thousands of people on vacation, you’ll find a small southern style city known for its great restaurants.

Everglades

The salt water marshes of southern Florida are the only place in the North American continent where one can find wild crocodiles. The everglades are filled with diverse and exotic animals, both native and those from overseas. Because the everglades are a tropical wetlands, many animal owners who wish to abandon their pets drop them off in the everglades. Hikers can come across animals such as birds, crocodiles or anything from African pythons and South American Anacondas.

Jacksonville – Florida’s largest city and one of the US’s largest by area, Jacksonville is located at the northern border of Florida far from the more common destinations such as Key West, Miami or Orlando. Visitors to Jacksonville can enjoy the city life with nice warm tropical weather. Jacksonville beaches provide an escape from the city but are close enough to be able to return to Jacksonville for the night life.

Key West – Tropical Caribbean islands located at the very southern edge of Florida, Key West is by far the most exotic place on the east coast. The whole atmosphere in Key West from the locals to the drinking regulations are all more relaxed. All year around you can scuba dive, sail, or go on dolphin tour. Key West is also the southernmost location of the United States, less than 100 miles north of Cuba.

Miami – Of all the cities and places in America, Miami is the number one tourist destination for foreigners in the United States. With over half of the population being Hispanic, you’ll find a mix of both American and Latin American culture and cuisine. Miami has a large port that is often called the cruise capital of the world, with some of the biggest cruise ships ever built starting here to go around the Caribbean. Those who aren’t on a cruise usually make it to South Beach or downtown for Miami’s night life.

Orlando – World famous for its amusement parks, Orlando Florida is home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World. Disney World is the self proclaimed, ‘happiest place on earth’, and is the largest and most visited amusement park in the world. Many people spend days visiting the amusement parks, but still Orlando has more to it. International drive is the night life area where you can find bars, street performers and more.

St Augustine – Jamestown is considered to be America’s oldest city since it was founded by the British, but America’s real oldest city is St. Augustine founded by Spaniards about 60 years before settlers created Jamestown. St Augustine is a small town with many attractions for tourists. The speciality shops and many restaurants line the streets in the town center, but the big attraction is the large fort of San Marcos built to protect Spanish Florida from other European colonies.

Georgia

Atlanta

Georgia’s capital and largest city, Atlanta has many attractions to keep travelers entertained. Atlanta is the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr, and holds a historic site and museum with details about King’s life. Coca-cola was also born in Atlanta and you can visit the World of Coca-Cola to get a history lesson on the worlds most popular soda. Right next to the world of Coca-cola are several other attractions such as the Georgia aquarium, the largest in the world, CNN center, and Centennial Olympic Park.

Cumberland Island – One of the largest barrier islands in the world, Cumberland Island is slightly larger than New York City’s Manhattan. While Manhattan has about 1.6 million people on its island, Cumberland Island never allows more than 300 guests at a time. The island is a great escape for outdoor enthusiasts with its salt water marshes, sand dunes and beaches. Wildlife varies from armadillos and alligators to deer and wild horses.

Chattahoochee Forest – Bordering the Oconee forest as well, the two are usually combined and call the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The forest is located in northern Georgia at the southern end of the Appalachian mountain range. The two forests have hundreds of thousands of acres spread out across more than 20 counties, with dozens of waterfalls and rivers to explore.

Savannah – Spanish explorers had been along the Georgian coast long before the British arrived, but after several attacks by Indians they fled to Florida in the 16th century. In the 18th century the British made the first permanent Georgian colony of Savannah, famous today for its history and its southern architecture along its mossy trees. An old district that used to be 18th century warehouses has been converted into a strip with bars, restaurants and shops known as River Street.

Hawaii

Capital – Honolulu – America’s tropical state capital of Honolulu is a getaway for those running away from cold weather in the mainland. Honolulu is a big city on a small tropical island, but even with its skyscrapers and busy traffic people come here to be relaxed. There are many things to do in Honolulu itself. The Iolani Palace is where the natives held their religious ceremonies and other festivals. Part of Honolulu is a district called Waikiki, a beach area that is popular for diving and surfing.

Big Island – Larger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined, the Big Island is the best place to see active volcanoes in Hawaii’s Volcano National Park. Several towns on the Big Island were destroyed in the 1980s during a large eruption, today the lava still remains on the old roads with occasionally street signs poking through. The famous explorer Captain James Cook who visited the Hawaiian islands several times, was killed on the Big Island on Valentines Day in 1779.

Maui – The second largest island of Hawaii is named Maui, a popular destination for travelers because of its natural beauty and beaches. Maui has a coastal drive which is said to be the most scenic in all the Hawaiin islands. Many upscale neighborhoods and resorts are built in Maui, with celebrities and the rich owning real estate Maui.

Pearl Harbor – Famous for the bombing by the Japanese in world war 2, Pearl Harbor remains the only place attacked on US soil other than the Revolutionary War. Over 2,333 American’s were killed during this surprise attack, and 1,102 of those deaths came from a single ship, the USS Arizona. A memorial has been built above the USS Arizona, where part of the ship still visible above the waterline.

Idaho

Boise

Idaho’s capital is the state’s largest city located close to the eastern border of Oregon. The city’s economy was heavily based on potatoes, but today Boise is recognized as a city growing in the high tech industry. Things to do in Boise usually revolve around outdoor activities since the city is surrounded by mountainous terrain. Idaho has one of the densest populations of raptors in the world, a visit to the World Center Birds of Prey can be very interesting.

Sawtooth Wilderness

With the majority of Idaho being the great outdoors, its hard to recommend a single place to visit since almost all of the state is very beautiful and abundant with wildlife. Fortunately the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness area stands out as the true outdoors. Millions of roadless acres (13,000km2), create the largest protected wilderness in the United States. The huge vast area provides a habitat for mountain lions, wolves, bears, and even the rare wolverines.

Idaho Falls – Once a dry landscape other than the Snake River passing through, the original town of Eagle Rock was mostly a rest stop for settlers heading further west. During the 1800s the town changed its name to Idaho Falls, and converted the dry land into rich green farmland after building the largest irrigation canal in the world. Today Idaho Falls is the largest city in the eastern part of the state, and is a great place to go four-wheeling or dirt bike riding.

Illinois

Capital – Springfield – With Chicago being one of the largest cities in America, many people visiting Illinois turn their attention away from Springfield and sometimes it’s left forgotten. Springfield is a good sized city and was once the home of several famous Americans, including Abraham Lincoln who spent almost 25 years here. Also famous for food, Springfield invented many types of snacks such as the corn dog on a stick, horseshoe sandwich, and even had the first drive in restaurant in the world which is still operating today.

Cahokia Mounds

The largest native American ruins north of Mexico are located right along the Mississippi river in western Illinois.In 1,000 A.D. gigantic mounds were built in the great plains and wooden temples were constructed on top. Today the mounds are mostly rounded off and may not be very impressive themselves, but anyone with an open mind can appreciate the traditions and ceremonies that once took place here over a thousand years ago.

Chicago – America’s third largest city is located up in the Mid-west right on the great lakes. Chicago is a very diverse city and is symbolized by so the Wilis Tower, once the tallest building in the world. Chicago is packed with things to do, but as the city is known for being a big fan of baseball, everyone should pay a visit to Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. If you’re able to visit Chicago during March, then you should definitely attend the St. Patrick’s Day festival, when the city goes as far to dye their rivers dark green.

Shawnee Forest – In the southern part of the state between the Missouri and Ohio rivers is a large forested area where Illinois’s most scenic and best outdoor activities can be enjoyed. Shawnee National Forest is part of the Ozark Plateau and has unique geological features such as the boat rocks or garden of the gods. Lots of wildlife viewing and hiking can be down in the forest, including overnight backpacking for those wishing to go on longer excursions.

Indiana

Capital – Indianapolis – Famous for its car races, the Indianapolis 500 is the biggest single day sporting event in the world, bringing in over a quarter of a million people. The city was once a stronghold for car manufacturing and engineering, but now its all about racing. Indianapolis is the second largest capital city in America, and is also has the most monuments and memorials in its city second to Washington DC.

Angel Mounds – From 1100 to 1400AD a large settlement of native Americans existed in what is now southwestern Indiana. The capital of the Indian settlement is now known as Angel Mounds, and is one of the best preserved Indian ruins in the United States and the largest in Indiana. It was protected by a stockade that went around its borders, and after about 300 years for unknown reasons Angel Mounds was abandoned.

Hoosier Forest – The south central national forest of Hoosier is located in the rural part of the Indiana along the border of Kentucky. The forest boasts 50 species of mammals, 142 birds and 64 species of reptiles and amphibians. Also in Hoosier Forest are some historic sites such as Indian settlements and even an African American settlement from the 19th century.

Iowa

Des Moines

Iowa’s capital of Des Moines is the largest city in the state with less than 200,000 people. A recent economic boom in the city has led to increased population and also got the city rated as one of the top 10 in America for business. The city is full of art and city parks as well as plenty of places to explore in the historic or court districts. Some other things to do in Des Moines include shopping, going to the casinos, or visiting Gray’s Lake and its beautiful Kruidenier Trail Bridge.

Cedar Rapids – The second largest city in Iowa, Cedar Rapids has started off as a small village with a large population of Czechs and Slovakians who had immigrated to the United States. For decades a portion of the city survived by the Czech language, but though this have changed the culture remains through a Czech Village. Other places to visit are the Ushers Ferry which is a remodeled town from 1907, the museums and art centers, or the city’s downtown area.

Dubuque – One of America’s oldest cities west of the Mississippi, the small city of Dubuque surprisingly has dozens of attractions that bring over 1.5 million tourists each year. The city’s historic areas and landmarks are one reason to visit Dubuque, but there are many other reasons such as visiting the riverfront area known as America’s River, city and cultural tours, and even a ski resort in the winter.

Effigy Mounds – Thousands of prehistoric mounds were made west of the Mississippi river by native American tribes, but most of them were destroyed by early European settlers seeking to find fertile farmland. Effigy Mounds National Monument is unique for two reasons, one it is the largest collection of these mounds in the United States and secondly, these mounds were constructed in the shapes of animals. 31 mounds in the area take on effigies of mammals, reptiles and birds.

Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge – Tallgrass prairie originally covered 85% of Iowa’s landscape but sadly today that number has been reduced to only 0.1%. The wildlife refuge here has attempted to reintroduce buffalo, elk and other plants and animals in order to try to rebuild some of the unique ecosystem. Hiking trails wind through the prairie offering a chance to see what all of Iowa once looked like. The macro world is what really dominates the tallgrass prairie.

Kansas

Capital – Topeka – Kansas’s capital is located on the very eastern part of the state. The city has a small population of 120,000, but the much Kansas City is located just a few minutes across the border in Missouri. Topeka began as a small ferry service to help those in their 2,000 mile trail to Oregon to cross the Kansas River.

Monument Rocks – Also known as the chalk pyramids, Monument Rocks raise over up to 80 feet forming both giant columns and arches. Most agree that Monument Rocks is Kansas’s most beautiful place, and it stands out from the otherwise mostly flat state.

Tallgrass Prairie National Reserve – Several hundreds of years ago, tallgrass prairies used to make up the largest ecosystem of the North American continent. These prairies typically have grass that is 5 or 6 feet tall, with parts occasionally reaching as high as 9 feet. Most of the tallgrass prairies have been converted to farms because of their rich soil, with the remaining mostly made up of reserves. In the 10,000 plus acres of the tallgrass PNR, Kansas has reintroduced buffalo in attempt to show how the continent used to be.

Wichita

The largest city in Kansas has a population over a third of a million. The city is also known as the air capital of the world, as several large aircraft manufacturers are located around the city. Wichita’s Exploration Place as a museum with many interesting and fun applications, such as the chance to design your own airplane and fly other aircraft using flight simulators.

Kentucky

Capital – Frankfort – With over 70 historic sites and dozens of outdoor adventures within the vicinity of Frankfort, many find that Kentucky’s small capital has plenty of activities. The man who first explored what is now Kentucky and brought with him 200,000 settlers at the end of the 18th century, Daniel Boone, is buried in a cemetery that overlooks the city. The surrounding nature offers wildlife sanctuaries and scenic routes with panoramic views of the capital.

Daniel Boone Forest – The only national forest which is entirely in one state, Daniel Boone almost cuts off the eastern part of Kentucky by rising up from its southern Tennessee border and then falling short of Ohio. Inside the Daniel Boone forest are several highlights, but the most remarkable is the Cumberland Falls. Sometimes referred to as a mini-Niagara Falls, rushing water flows over a near 70 foot drop. The falls are impressive, but they can be much more dramatic on a clear night when a moonbow appears, one of the few places in the western hemispheres to view one.

Louisville – The largely rural state of Kentucky has one of America’s largest cities of Louisville with a population of over a quarter million. Louisville is proud of its unique architecture, large downtown area and its highlands shopping district. Most famous of Louisville is the Kentucky Derby Festival, which is one of America’s largest events. Several races, air shows, marathons and other events take place for two weeks, finishing off with the world famous horse race in May.

Mammoth Caves

As the world’s longest cave system, Mammoth Caves brings in millions of tourists each year and became a World Heritage Site in 1981. The total system brings in about 360 miles of caves and counting, as explorers find links to other systems in the area. If anyone is interested in caving then Mammoth Caves is their mecca of the sport. For tourists, both casual educational trips are available as well as hard core caving adventures.

Louisiana

Capital – Baton Rouge – Named “red stick” after bloody animal and fish heads that were found mounted on poles in the area by native tribesmen, Baton Rouge has changed from being a primitive land to the state’s second biggest city. The city’s semi-tropical weather makes it an ideal place for sports such as tennis or golfing, and has many nationally recognized golf courses. Baton Rouge is also known for its unique capitol buildings, the former which is a castle type design and the modern one which is the tallest in the country.

Louisiana has always been famous for its hot and humid swamps that occupy the southern part of the state. The Atchafalaya wildlife refuge is America’s biggest swamp, covering 15,000 acres of land and is home to several plants and wildlife. The Atchafalaya is best explored by boats and rafts, and you can expect to come across alligators, bears, and the bald eagle.

New Orleans – Definitely one of America’s most unique cities, New Orleans is famous for its Mardis Gras parades that take place in the early Spring. The famous Hurricane Katrina which was the worst disaster in US history nearly destroyed the city and many feared the Mardis Gras tradition would be lost in New Orleans. Fortunately New Orleans has begun recovering and once again tourists visit the city for Mardis Gras and for its mix of Caribbean and Southern culture.

Maine

Capital – Augusta – First explored by settlers of the Popham colony in 1607, Augusta’s 400 year history and its small modest capital are a few good reasons to visit. One of the Augusta’s biggest attractions is the Old West Fort that was built in 1754 and is designated a national historic landmark. It is the nation’s oldest surviving wooden fort and offers travelers to see what the life and culture were like here over 250 years ago when Maine was a colony of Britain.

Acadia Park – New England’s only national park, Acadia was chosen because of its mix of islands, rocky ocean shoreline, and its tall and steep granite peaks and cliffs. With both the ocean and mountains in the same park there are plenty of scenic views and activities to enjoy. Mt. Desert Island is the second largest island on the east coast and brings in tourists by the millions. Some popular adventures are whale watching, lobstering, kayaking and some great rock climbing.

Baxter State Park – Maine’s largest forest, Baxter State Park covers over 200,000 acres and is home to several large lakes, wildlife, and mountains including the state’s tallest peak. Though the summer months are usually hot, snowfall is possible all year around in Baxter because of its higher latitude. Moose are also common in these woods, making Maine one of the few places to find them in their natural habitat on the eastern coast.

Portland – With only 60,000 people, Portland is Maine’s largest city as well as its cultural and economic center. Many different attractions bring in tourists year around. Portland’s old port is a popular destination with its 19 century brick buildings, cobblestone streets and its restaurants and bars. No trip to Portland or Maine for that matter is complete without trying some seafood, specifically Maine Lobster.

Maryland

Capital – Annapolis – The historic city of Annapolis, Maryland is located on the Chesapeake bay in the eastern part of the state. Annapolis has always been a major seaport, with many sailors visiting in the 1600s. From the 1700s Annapolis was where many slaves from Africa where dropped off and auctioned to their masters. Today Annapolis is mostly famous for sailing and for its large Naval base which is open to visitors.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a great place to visit for its history, famous landmarks and its night life. The city was the site of several famous battles, including the one in 1812 where the star spangled banner was first flown. Another famous place to visit is the grave of Edgar Allen Poe, the famous writer who made stories such as “The Raven”. Baltimore’s highlight is its waterfront harbor, where its national aquarium, museums, and night life are all found.

Green Ridge Forest

Maryland’s second largest state forest is a unique place in the state because of its low precipitation, the lowest in the state. As a result some unique plants can be found here such as the prickly pear cactus. The forest is a common place for hiking, camping, and for hunters who usually look for turkey. Dozens of trails pass through the forest and provide some interesting scenery.

Ocean City – One of the best beaches in the mid-Atlantic region, Ocean City Maryland is known for its large boardwalk and for its family beach atmosphere. Most of Ocean City’s visitors come from Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC to get away from the summer’s near 100F temperatures. It’s also called the Kite capital of the US, where many exotic types of kites are available for sale, and hundreds are often seen flying along the boardwalk.

Massachusetts

Capital – Boston – As a city that was founded by the Puritans and home to many of the America’s founding fathers, Boston is one of the country’s most historic cities. Many famous American’s such as Samuel Adams and John Hancock lived in Boston, and Paul Revere’s Midnight ride also took place in the city. The are about a dozen major landmarks that can be explored on foot by using the city’s Freedom Trail. Freedom Trail is just one of the city’s many attractions.

Cape Cod – A very unique place in Massachusetts, Cape Cod is usually visited in New England’s short summer. Cape Cod is famous for its numerous lighthouses, beaches and sand dunes. Because the winter is usually harsh in Cape Cod, many businesses are closed for 8 to 9 months until the summer returns. Large hotels aren’t very common, with most staying at guest house or one of the dozens of bed and breakfast inns available.

Martha’s Vineyard – After the long cold winters of New England are over, many travel to the island of Martha’s Vineyard for the summer. The island does have some permanent population, but for the most part it’s used as a summer colony for both tourists and locals during the summertime. English arrived to the island in the mid 1600s, so the island has history, beaches, and scenic cliffs.

Plymouth Rock – Both one of the most significant and most disappointing landmarks in America, Plymouth Rock should be visited by anyone finding themselves in the eastern part of Massachusetts. The disappointment comes from the small size and lack of access to the rock itself. The significance of the rock itself dates back to the mid 1600s when Pilgrims first arrived to the New World, supposedly disembarking the Mayflower and first standing on Plymouth Rock.

Berkshires

With the entire eastern part of Massachusetts being heavily populated and developed, a good escape without leaving the state is a trip to the Berkshires. The Berkshires have many attractions and some good outdoors, with the highest point of the state. There are plenty of places to camp and hike in the area, but if you simply want to leave the city life there are many small towns and villages throughout the Berkshires that offer a nice stay.

Michigan

Capital – Lansing – Michigan’s capital is the beautiful city of Lansing located along the Grand River. Lansing offers a combination of city life and some outdoor activities on the city outskirts. To get an idea of Lansing’s past a good visit is to the Turner-Dodge House, which is a fully restored mansion built after the Victorian era.

Detroit

For the past few decades Detroit has been an interesting city to visit that is often overlooked. The city is a place that is just as fun in the morning as it is at night, with many unique attractions to keep you entertained at all hours. The Henry Ford Museum is the largest indoor-outdoor museum in the United States. The Heidelberg project which took the slums of Detroit and converted them to art is considered a must see for visitors. Detroit also has many entertainment hubs such as their waterfront area and even casino resorts.

Muskegon – On the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, the city of Muskegon has long been a recreational area famous for its miles of sandy beaches, winter sports including a luge track, and Michigan’s ‘Adventure Amusement and Water Park’, the largest amusement park in the state. Of course since it is located on the water, many waters sports are enjoyed during the summer, with boat fishing during the warmer months and ice fishing in the winter.

Upper Peninsula – Representing about a third of Michigan in terms of area, the upper peninsula only holds three percent of the state’s population. With no major cities in the Upper Peninsula, you’ll only find small Michigan towns, remote beaches and vasts areas of wilderness. The Porcupine Mountains are considered to be the oldest mountains in North America, and though they lack high elevations they are just one example of a good place to explore in the Upper Peninsula.

Minnesota

Capital – St. Paul – St. Paul is often paired with nearby Minneapolis and the two are called the Twin Cities. Together they have over 3.5 million people, and make up one of the largest metropolitan areas in the mid west. There are many attractions in the Twin Cities, such as the 19th century Fort Snelling, the cities’ downtown areas, and the museums. What tops the list is the Mall of America, the largest retail complex in the country that even features an indoor amusement park.

Duluth

Minnesota’s forth largest city, Duluth is a perfect place to plan your adventures in the largest fresh water lake in the world. The city itself has plenty of attractions such as its lake walk, some historic places to visit and plenty of nice restaurants and places to stay. Lake Superior is a great place for swimming, sailing, or just lounging around at one of its many beaches. There are also plenty of places for hiking and some great scenery along the coast such as Palisade head cliff.

Pipestone National Monument

p>For centuries, various Native Americans tribes quarried in what is now Pipestone National Monument, using the red stones to carve into peace pipes. Peace Pipes were a very important part of culture for Native Americans living in the prairies. Native America’s from different tribes traveled hundreds of miles to reach this sacred ground, which was also considered a neutral place.

Superior National Forest – Taking up the entire northern portion of the state, superior national forest is one of America’s largest remaining wildernesses. The forest is a haven for bears, wolves, elk and moose, and home to thousands of lakes. In the winter time, the temperatures drop low enough that the water freezes with about two feet of ice, opening the door for new activities such as cross country skiing or skating.

Mississippi

Capital – Jackson – Jackson Mississippi is the largest city in the state, known for its Confederate history and its southern culture. The city was the birth place of the Confederate president Andrew Jackson during the Civil War and was the site of several Civil War battles. Aside from its history, the city has also gone a 1.5 billion dollar remodeling of its downtown area which is sure to make Jackson an exciting place to visit.

Gulf Coast – Mississippi’s coast line is less than 100 miles in length with much of it severely damaged during the 2005’s Hurricane Katrina. The Mississippi government has been putting in millions of dollars to rebuild the gulf area’s infrastructure and promote tourism. In the gulf region you can expect to find subtropical beaches, barrier islands, historical sites, and many some of the casino resorts in the south.

Delta National Forest – As the only bottomland hardwood national forest in the United States, the Delta National Forest is heavily managed by forest rangers to protect the ecosystems fragile plant and wildlife. A bottomland hardwood forest is essentially a forest that survives in a river swamp, and is a haven for waterfowl, fish, amphibians and certain species of reptiles.

Missouri

Capital – Jefferson City – Another small state capital with less than 40,000 people, Jefferson City is often overlooked as most travelers head down south to the great outdoors, east to St. Louis, or west to Kansas City. Jefferson city is built along the Missouri river, and is located halfway on the 225 mile Katy trail making it a perfect place to stop and spend a day or two. The small strip of restaurants and shops right outside the capitol building is a great place to start.

Kansas City – Just below a population of half a million, Kansas City is the biggest city in Missouri with plenty of things for travelers to do. There are a few features that make the city unique; the city is number two in the world for most fountains, second to Rome, and number two in the world for boulevards, second to Paris, earning the nickname Paris in the Plains. Kansas City is probably one of the most overlooked cities in the United States, with dozens of major attractions.

St. Louis – As the gateway to the west, St. Louis was once the beginning of the Oregon trail and a starting point for many settlers heading towards the Pacific. The Mississippi river runs right by the city, and once helped support an ancient civilization over a 1,000 years ago who had built huge wooden temples in the area. St. Louis is known for its French heritage and for its large Gateway Arch.

The Ozarks – A plateau that is mostly within Missouri’s southern borders but also stretches into 3 other states, The Ozarks are a relative highlands compared to the rest of the flat state. Currently under construction is a 700 mile hiking and mountain biking trail that will link St. Louis, Missouri to Arkansas. Once completed, the Ozarks trail will be one of the longest in the United States, and will offer the best way to see the Missouri’s outdoors, wildlife and its most scenic parts.

Montana

Capital – Helena – Founded in 1864 by four Georgians who had found gold along the Last Chance Creek, the small town quickly became the state’s capital in only 11 years. The town started off with the name Crabtown, and went to Pumpkinville, Squashtown until it finally got its permanent name of Helena. Despite having its name changed so many times, Helena has kept its small town atmosphere and only has a population of about 25,000. Places to see in Helena include the state capitol, the Museum of Gold, and St. Helena’s cathedral which was modeled after the famous cathedral in Cologne Germany.

Billings – Just topping 100,000 people, Billings is Montana’s largest city and largest metropolitan area. The view of Billings itself isn’t very attractive, but the surrounding country landscape and the city’s downtown area easily make up for it. In Billings you can see the state’s only high rise building, have a drink in the city center, and even attend a symphony orchestra. Also within a short driving distance is Yellowstone National Park and the area of the famous Battle of the Little Bighorn.

Glacier National Park – Like its name, Glacier National Park was formed to protect the dozens of glaciers that exist in the two mountain ranges found in the park. Due to global warming the glaciers are quickly retreating and about 25 currently exist today. The park totals over a million acres and has over 700 miles of hiking trails in addition to almost 50 peaks over 9,000 feet, and 6 topping 10,000 feet. Wildlife includes bison, elk, moose, mountain goats and rare animals as the grizzly bear and the Canadian lynx.

Nebraska

Capital – Lincoln – Lincoln is a college town famous for their football team the Cornhuskers. Many locals follow their team religiously, so the best time to visit is during the fall game season. Aside from football Lincoln is a great place to walk around and check out various restaurants and local breweries. Lincoln’s capital building is a unique design and the tallest building in the city. Another highlight is the beautiful Sunken Gardens which were even listed as one of the top city gardens by National Geographic.

Lewis & Clark Lake – Getting its name from the famous expedition of Lewis and Clark who camped by the lake on their westward exploration, the lake is now a popular destination for tourists bringing in over a million each year. Many come for the fishing, camping, and boating while others simply enjoy the scenery.

Omaha – Right in the middle of America, Omaha is a mid-sized city located in the heart of the great plains with a population near half a million. In the 1800s President Lincoln choose Omaha as the end of the first transcontinental railroad. Since then the city has seen a healthy economic growth. Omaha is famous for its steaks, being the birthplace for Malcom X, and for being the winter quaters for the Mormons, where they camped out for the winter during their migration west.

Wild Cat Hills –

Nevada

Capital – Carson City – The small capital of Nevada is known as Carson City, founded right on the western border of the state along California. With many other cities like Reno and Las Vegas in the same state, Carson City might seem boring in comparison. Here you can get a lesson about the state from the birthplace of Nevada, and catch a camel race, or see a renacted gunfight. Reno is also very close to Carson City, so a quick day trip is all you should need.

Reno

Also know as “The Biggest Little City in the World”, Reno was the original gambling capital of the United States until it was surpassed by Las Vegas. Even though Reno is no longer the king of casinos and shows, it still is among the top places in the US for gambling and entertainment and remains just as fun today as it did 50 years ago. Most casino’s and restaurants are open 24 7 for unlimited fun into the night, while during the day no one should miss the city’s River Walk.

Lake Tahoe – Split in half by Nevada and California, the high altitude Lake Tahoe offers lots of activities both in the summer and during winter. The lake is famous for its turquoise colored waters and scenic mountains that have lots of hiking and some of the best skiing in the country. Around the lake are lots of bars and night clubs where many people enjoy doing outdoor activities in the day and then going out and drinking at night.

Las Vegas – In less than fifty years, Las Vegas has risen from a humble railroad town to the entertainment capital of the world. Visitors from all nations come here to enjoy the massive casinos, spectacular night shows, and adult entertainment. Las Vegas is one of the few cities where its attractions are the hotels themselves, where people can stay at some of the most luxurious casino resorts on earth, while they shop, gamble, drink and find all other sorts of entertainment without even leaving the building.

Valley of Fire – Nevada’s oldest state park and one of its most accessible, Valley of Fire is located less than an hour drive of Las Vegas and boasts brilliantly colored formations of sandstone and sand dunes. The park got its name because of the way the sun makes the valley appear to be on fire during the early morning hours and during sunset. Valley of Fire is an excellent place to see some of Nevada’s best scenery and offers a chance to visit part of its vast deserts.

New Hampshire

Capital – Concord – A small city located right in the center of the state, Concord barely has a population of 40,000 people. Founded in 1733, the city’s main attractions are by far the historical sites and landmarks. With such a small city, you can expect to do and see a little bit of everything in Concord. Some examples are visiting the historical areas, hiking the trails around the city, or simply dining out or going shopping in the downtown area.

Portsmouth – New Hampshire isn’t associated with the ocean, but it actually shares a tiny coast with the Atlantic, and along its coast is the historic and popular tourist destination of Portsmouth. The city of Portsmouth was once one of the biggest ports and had the largest shipbuilding infrastructure in the United States. The historic districts of Portsmouth have survived the centuries and usually is the cities main attraction for tourists.

Mt. Washington – Only 6388 feet above sea level, Mt. Washington has the ‘worst weather in the world’ because of its strategic location right where three major weather storms meet. The highest wind speed on the surface of the earth was recorded on Mt. Washington at 231 mph, and for a third of the year the mountain experiences hurricane force winds. The winter weather which usually has winds of at least 40mph and wind chills below 0 degrees makes a 4 hour hike to the summit a good challenge. During the summertime its possible to drive your car to the summit and visit the Mt. Washington observatory.

New Jersey

Capital – Trenton – Known more for its high crime rate rather than being a tourist destination, Trenton mostly offers to visitors colonial history. Most famous are the old barracks that were constructed in 1758 and provided housing for British and Irish soldiers until American troops used it during the revolutionary war. President George Washington also had his first military victory here, after he won the battle of Trenton, and briefly made the city capital of the US.

Atlantic City – Located in the center of the state along the Atlantic, this city is famous for its boardwalk and casino gambling. For those who can’t make a trip out west to Las Vegas, Atlantic City is the best destination on the east coast for casinos and luxurious hotels with the bonus of sandy beaches. The city was grew so quickly and as people scrambled to buy real estate, the inspiration for the board game monopoly was created.

Delaware Water Gap – In a state that is known for its dense population and crowded suburbs of New York, the Delaware water gap offers a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts and for rock climbers as well. As part of the Appalachian mountains, the area has some challenging hikes, scenic waterfalls, and plenty of fishing and other outdoor opportunities. This area would also be the best place in the state to search for wildlife.

Newark – New Jersey’s largest city, Newark is right across the river from Manhattan New York making it part of the largest metropolitan area in the country. Newark is America’s third oldest city, surpassed only by Boston and New York City. The Washington Park is one area of the city that has been fully preserved since its founding in 1666. Like Trenton, Newark also suffers from a high crime rate that scare many would be travelers away.

New Mexico

Santa Fe

New Mexico’s historic capital Santa Fe has the largest collection of old buildings in the state. For starters, the San Miguel Chapel is the oldest church in the United States, and the Palace of the Governors is the oldest occupied public building in the US, both were founded in 1610. With Santa Fe’s mix of Native American and Spanish Colonial architecture, the city stands out and provides a different experience from other cities in the United States.

Albuquerque

New Mexico’s largest city, Albuquerque attracts scores of tourists during all seasons of the year. Many come to visit the historic and cultural parts of the city. Albuquerque also has a tram called Sandia peak, which holds the record as the world’s longest. The International Balloon Festival is held in early October in Albuquerque, this is the largest gathering of hot air balloons and is the most photographed event in the world!

Roswell

Since the 30s, Roswell has been a major player in altitude experiments and for rocket and aerospace engineering. Roswell became famous around the world in 1947 when what was claimed by some to be a UFO crashed in the vicinity of the city. Since then, Roswell has become the most famous UFO incident in history, and those who believe in the government cover up passionately research the event even to this day. Alien and UFO tours are readily available.

Taos – Part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range, the Taos mountains found in northern New Mexico include one of the country’s best ski resorts, New Mexico’s highest mountain of 13,167 feet, and the pueblo of Taos itself. The outdoors and trails offer fantastic views and a chance to come across high altitude wildlife. Many ski resorts are also found in Taos, and surprisingly they are believed to be the best ski schools in the country.

White Sands

This national monument represents a vast area of desert and the largest gypsum sand dunes in the world. Gypsum is a type of mineral and gives the sand the white color making it almost appear like snow. For miles, the area is covered in waves of white sand dunes that are occasionally dotted with shrubs. There is also a scenic dune drive through the park but this can be closed due to missile tests by a nearby military base.

New York

Capital – Albany – Sometimes called ‘Smallbany’ because of its relative small population of less than 100,000 people, most people either love or hate the small capital of New York. Many people coming from New York City straight to Albany are disappointed with its small size, but Albany actually has a wide range of activities. Empire state plaza, the capitol building, and Albany’s many festivals throughout the year provide plenty to do for all types of travelers.

Adirondack – Famous for its dense populations and big cities such New York City, many are surprised to know that New York has the largest state park in the country. Adirondack is larger than Yellowstone, Glacier Park, the Everglades and the Grand Canyons all combined. With over 40 peaks above 4,000 feet, Adirondack is one of the best places to enjoy the mountains in the east coast, and a great escape from the city life.

New York City – New York City is the largest city in America and also its financial capital with plenty to do both day in night. The statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Ground Zero and Broadway are some of the most famous places in the city. Films have given New York City a reputation of danger and high crime, but NYC actually has one of the lowest crime rates among America’s biggest cities. Many world travelers often label NYC as one of their favorite cities.

Niagara Falls – North America’s most impressive falls are located on the border of the United States and Canada. Niagara is made up of two falls, the main one being the Horseshoe Falls and the smaller known as the American Falls. View points from Canada and the United States give different perspective of the falls with both having advantages. Niagara Falls is also known for daredevils who tried to ride over the falls in a wooden barrel earlier in the century.

North Carolina

Capital – Raleigh – North Carolina’s capital is a populated area that often includes nearby Durham and the college town of Chapel Hill into the Raleigh metropolitan area. Raleigh itself surprises many visitors with its dozens of places of interests that are within walking distance in the capital. These include the state capitol building to various churches and other historic areas of the city. Raleigh also is known for its night life, and has plenty of places to go out including separate five entertainment districts.

Charlotte – One of the largest cities in the mid Atlantic, Charlotte’s population almost reaches 700,000 people. The city is a haven for those interested in sports, as the city is home to the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Knights and the Charlotte, Bobcats. One of the most interesting places is the national whitewater center, which has all types of activities and opportunities for people to hike, bike and to train. Other places of interest are the Carowinds Amusement parks, and the downtown district for those wanting to go out at night.

Great Smoky Mountains – The Great Smoky mountains are one of the best national parks in the southeastern part of USA. The park is on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina and has many activities. With over 800 miles of trails, the Great Smoky Mountains are one of the best places to do back country hiking which requires over night camping. The population of bears exceeds 1600, so many people come here in hopes of an encounter.

Outer Banks

For over 400 years people have be going to North Carolina’s outer banks for its warm weather and beaches. The outer banks are made of up several barrier islands that are great for swimming, hiking, bike riding and camping. The island’s history began in 1587 when the British attempted to make a permanent colony in Roanoke Island, only to return a few years later to find the colony abandoned. A few hundred years later, the Wright brother’s first flight in a powered aircraft successfully took place in the Outer Banks, where a monument and museum is now located.

North Dakota

Capital – Bismarck – For travelers wanting to visit North Dakota’s small capital of Bismarck, the city can be split into three separate districts. The best place to start is the area immediately around the Capitol building, where you can find the city’s tallest structure, the North Dakota Heritage Center, the governor’s residence and other important landmarks. The next district would be the downtown area where you visit the small shops and restaurants followed by the historic cathedral district.

Fargo – North Dakota’s largest city, Fargo population hovers around 100,000 and was actually rated one of the best places to live in the United States because of its low crime, clean air and its expanding economy. As far as attracting tourists, there are a variety of things to do in Fargo, one of the most popular is a trip to the historic Bonanzaville depicting life in the Fargo area from the 1800s. Some more typical activities include visiting the downtown area, or going to a sports game.

Theodore Roosevelt Park – After President Theodore Roosevelt’s wife and mother both died on the same day, Roosevelt spent several years at his ranch located in western North Dakota. The area was a personal favorite of his, where he wrote about the frontier and the lives of cowboys. In 1978 the area was named Roosevelt National Park, preserving the surrounding plains and terrain known as badlands as well as such wildlife like bison, wild horses, rattlesnakes, and more.

Ohio

Capital – Columbus – The 15th largest city in America, Ohio’s capital is located in the very center of the state. Tourists can spend their time at the Arena district watching sports, catching a movie or other forms of entertainment. For those interested in arts they can visit Short North arts district where there are dozens of galleries and places to dine. A highlight of Columbus is their nationally renowned zoo and aquarium that receives 2.5 million visitors a year.

Cleveland – Ohio’s next largest city after Columbus, Cleveland is located 150 miles northeast of the capital on the shores of the Lake Erie. Despite losing over half its population in the past century, Cleveland’s many interesting places still remain. Famous for sports, the city is home to the Cleveland Indians, and any fans of rock should definitely visit the Rock and Roll hall of fame.

Cincinnati – Located on the border of Kentucky along the Ohio River, Cincinnati has transformed into a commercial hub from its early days as a trading post during the revolutionary war. Since the city is built along the Ohio River, many of its entertainment districts have a nice waterfront with retail shops and dining to bars and clubs.

Cuyahoga National Park – With most of Ohio within a 30 minute drive of a major city, many are surprised to find that the state has one of the few national parks on the east coast. The name Cuyahoga is translated to Crooked River from the Mohawk language and was used to describe the river flowing through the valley. Most visitors choose to go hiking or cycling through the parks trails, taking in the scenery of the deep ravines, rolling hills and the animal life.

Oklahoma

Capital – Oklahoma City – The 30th largest city in America and the largest in the state, Oklahoma City is often overlooked by would be travelers, but the city has a large range of activities for everyone. No one can visit the capital without paying respects at the Oklahoma City bombing memorial, a site dedicated to the second worst terrorist attack in the US. The rest of the city is divided up into different entertainment districts, such as the art district, bricktown, deep deuce and more that each have their own unique flavor and culture.

Tallgrass Prairie Reserve – Hundreds of years ago North America’s biggest ecosystem was the tallgrass prairies. With most of them converted to farms for their rich soil, almost all of the original prairies have been destroyed. The reserve in Oklahoma is over 30,000 acres and is the largest tallgrass prairie remaining in the world. With over 1600 bison and grass that tops 10 feet in height, the tallgrass prairie is the best place to see what the majority of the continent was once like.

Tulsa – Where highway 66 as well as western swing music were born, Tulsa is a surprisingly unique city in Oklahoma. After highway 66 was completed that linked Chicago to California, many travelers using it stopped by in Tulsa, creating a economic boom in the city. Tulsa is also one of the best cities in the United States for architecture, because of its many famous art deco structures such as the Boston Avenue Methodist Church.

Wichita Mountains – Deer, longhorn, prairie dogs, turkeys and many other animals are commonly seen in the Wichita mountains. The mountains reach heights near 3,000 feet, and offer some of the best rock climbing in the state. With a size near 60,000 acres there is plenty of room for hiking and back country camping. Another main attraction is the ‘Holy City of the Wichita’s, a play which first began in the 1920s, and today brings tens of thousands to watch the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Oregon

Capital – Salem – Given the Tree City USA award for 30 years in a row, Salem is a prime example of an outdoor friendly city striving to protect and expand its urban forests. Salem is a medium sized city that has dozens of city parks, landmarks and other places of interest to keep travelers entertained. Some good places to visit are shops and restaurants in the historic downtown, or a leisurely stroll along the city’s riverfront.

East Oregon – With most of Oregon’s cities and popular destinations located out west close to the Pacific coast, many travelers miss out on Oregon’s equally beautiful and adventurous east side. Unlike the wet and forested west, eastern Oregon is normally dry and desert like with high altitude plains and enormous canyons carved out by rapid rivers heading to the ocean. This region of America is one of the most rural in the entire country making you feel like you feel like you’re 1,000 miles from civilization.

Portland – With over half a million people, Portland is the largest city in the American northwest after Seattle, Washington. Like Salem, the city of Portland is also known for its many city parks and urban forests. As one of the major destinations in Oregon, there are all types of things within the vicinity of the city for travelers to do. Pioneer Courthouse square is located in the city center, and is the scene of festivals and other events throughout the year. The city is also one of the few places left in the US to still run steam locomotives.

Mt. Hood – At 11,249 feet, Mt. Hood is Oregon’s tallest peak that provides beauty and recreation for adventurers. Mt. Hood has twelve glaciers and snow fields most of which are located above the 7,000 foot mark. The permanent snow and ice provide the only year around ski resort in North America. During the summer, Mt. Hood offers some challenging hiking and mountain climbing as well as breathtaking beauty with the snow capped volcano rising above the surrounding green forests.

Silver Falls – The largest of Oregon’s state parks, Silver Falls earns its name from the 10 large waterfalls found in the park. You can drive through the park stopping at most of the falls, but to really experience the park you should hike the network of trails that will pass by all 10. The waterfalls are certainly the highlight of this park, but the wildlife and unique plants of Silver Falls shouldn’t be overlooked.

Pennsylvania

Capital – Harrisburg – Pennsylvania’s capital of Harrisburg is located on the Susquehanna River in the south central area of the state.Harrisburg is another great American city with a good down town area and plenty to do at night on the weekends. The biggest civilian nuclear accident took place in nearby Three Mile Island, one a partial meltdown of a reactor their occurred in the 1970s.

Allegheny ForestLocated up on a plateau in north western Pennsylvania, the Allegheny National Forest is covered with eastern hardwood trees with rolling hills and has several large rivers winding through. Many river islands are found in Allegheny forest, providing a unique experience of canoeing through the woods while camping along islands at night.

Gettysburg Battlefield – Of all the civil war battles, the bloodiest took place in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in July 1863. The battle of Gettysburg only lasted 3 days but produced over 50,000 casualties and was a major victory for the Union Army. There are now over 1,400 monuments and memorials on the battlefield today and a cemetery where over 3,500 Union soldiers were buried. Gettysburg Battlefield also has a large visitor center complete with a museum.

Lancaster

Another one of Pennsylvania’s historic cities, Lancaster also stands out for its Amish population. Lancaster was named after Lancaster, England and has the honor of being the capital of the United States for a whole day after the British took over Philadelphia. Many other points of interest are in Lancaster, but the most interesting is the Amish who are found all over the surrounding Area. The Amish refuse to use electricity and live like Americans did in the 18th century.

PhiladelphiaOne of America’s largest and most historic cities, Philadelphia is found only a few hours from both New York City and the nation’s capital. Philadelphia’s history starts in the mid 1700s when the city was then the capital of America. The city has one of the most significant historic attractions, the Liberty Bell was which rang to summon up the city of Philly so the Declaration of Independence could be read. Many start exploring at the museum of art next to the Rocky Balboa statue, for lunch you can try the famous Philly cheese steaks, and at night you can watch a play at the oldest theater in America.

Pittsburgh

Built at the confluence of the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers, Pittsburgh is holds one of America’s most beautiful skylines. The city’s unique unique architecture make it stand out from many other cities in the US, and was used to represent Gotham City in Batman. Pittsburgh has an array of attractions for tourists, from the usual museums, downtown areas and night life to the more unique adventures such as the local Mt. Washington. For just $2.25 you can take a round trip ride in the Duquesne Incline to the top and get a whole panoramic view of the city.

Rhode Island

Capital – Providence – Settled in 1636 by exiles who were kicked out of Massachusetts by the Puritans, Providence is one of America’s oldest cities. Today Providence is the largest city in the country’s smallest state, with a population of 175,000. The downtown area of Providence is the best place to visit, and is where you can find the nice shops, restaurants, bars and more. The city also has many famous landmarks and memorials.

Newport – The historic city of Newport was founded in the 1600s, and has one of the highest concentration of colonial homes in the United States. Newport is also known for its many giant mansions that were built in the decades following the civil war. This city is a very important seaport, and is also the home of the US Navy war college. Popular attractions in Newport are the historic sites, or the cities two public beaches.

Warwick – Another old city of Rhode Island, Warwick has been the location of two major battles. The city was almost completely destroyed during King Philip’s war which began in 1675, one of the bloodiest wars on American soil. The most significant history of Warwick is that it was the location of the first shot against the British during the American Revolution. Today the historic city is the state’s second largest, and is known for its sailing and large beach properties.

South Carolina

Capital – Columbia – Both the capital and the largest city in South Carolina, Columbia is a hub for business, education and of course, the state government. Keep yourself entertained by exploring the downtown areas or the state capitol. If you seek nightlife then you’ll have plenty of bars and clubs which are usually packed in this college town. Not too far from the mountains or Lake Muray, there are also plenty of outdoor activities to be enjoyed.

Charleston – A city rich in history and tradition, Charleston is a major tourist destination in the southeast bringing in 4 million tourists each year. Surrounding the city are also dozens of islands, beaches and resorts to cool off in the summer and enjoy water sports. Charleston’s history begins during 17th century and was the site of several important American events, including the location of where the civil war first began.

Congaree Park – One of America’s smallest national parks, Congaree is just below 90km2, preserving the largest area of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the US. For visitors, they can see the park by hiking, canoing and by camping next to facilities or through back country camping. Congaree appears as a swamp, with many large creeks surrounding trees and providing a habitat for pigs, bear, coyote, alligators and many other species of wildlife.

Myrtle Beach – One of the biggest destinations in America, Myrtle Beach draws in over 14 million tourists a year who come to visit the city’s 60 miles of subtropical beaches. Many other beaches in the Carolinas or in Georgia are focused on family friendly environments, while Myrtle beach has all types of atmospheres for both families and the younger crowd who are looking to party.

South Dakota

Capital – Pierre – Coming in second after Montpelier, Pierre is the country’s next least populated capital coming in with 14,000 people. The South Dakota state capital is much more impressive than its counterpart in Vermont, and is made up of a huge limestone and marble building that is the most beautiful in the state. On the other hand Pierre is said to be one of the most boring state capitals in the country, since it does not have any significant downtown area or fancy hotels to accommodate any would be travelers.

Badlands National Park – One of the largest protected mix grass prairies in America, Badlands preserves almost 1,000km2 and protects the black-footed ferret; the most endangered mammal on the continent. Badlands national park also contains the richest epoch fossil beds in the world, and have some fossils of animals such as horses, camels, javelina and even rhinoceros! The mountains and sharp spires and pinnacles found throughout badlands make the scenery alone worth a visit, especially in the winter time.

Mt. Rushmore – By far the state’s biggest attraction, Mt. Rushmore brings in more than double South Dakota’s population in the form of tourists who come to see the national monument. Mt. Rushmore is the famous site where Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln where carved into the granite mountains. The monument also has a large museum inside the mountain with several trails going up Mt. Rushmore and also along South Dakota’s famous black hills.

Sioux Falls – The largest city in the Dakotas, Montana and Wyoming, Sioux Falls should almost be considered the capital of the northern great plains. For the time being, Sioux Falls is at least known as the ‘gateway to the plains’, and is the best place to experience any type of city life while traveling through the northern plains. There are over 40 historic sites, one of the largest cathedrals in the midwest, and plenty of places to keep you entertained after hours.

Tennessee

Nashville

Known as the country music capital of the world, Nashville is a must for country lovers. Nashville’s downtown area on Broadway street is full of bbq restaurants, live country music and several bars. Though the country music is definitely what Nashville’s reputation is built around, there are many attractions for everyone. One example is a full replica of the Parthenon located in Athens Greece that has been constructed in Nashville.

Memphis

The city of Memphis is one of America’s greatest places for music lovers ever since Elvis Presley started rock’n and rollin in the early 1960s. Elvis fans come from all over the world to visit Graceland, his home during the last 20 years of his life and now his final resting place. Another great American who passed away in Memphis was Martin Luther King after his assassination in 1968. After sightseeing in Memphis, you should finish your visit with a night on Beale Street.

Texas

Austin

Texas has recently been known to the be the capital of live music because of the live bands and concerts always taking place in the city. Austin is one of those places where everyone seems happy and there are always things to do to stay entertained. One of the most unique attractions in Austin is a visit to the Congress Ave bridge in downtown. Home to over a million bats, they take off everyday at sunset and stream across the sky.

Big Bend – The Rio Grande River that forms the border between America and the US continues for over 1,000 miles as it cuts through valleys and desert between the two nations. The Big Bend National Park covers about a quarter of that area, protecting a small portion of the vast Chihauhuan desert and high altitude mountainous. Because of the different elevations within the park, it is possible to spot bears and mountain lions at higher altitudes and then descend to the desert and come across jack rabbits and reptiles in the same day.

Corpus Christi – The coastal city of Corpus Christi is a major destination in Texas, as residents and travelers from other states come to escape the hot sun and relax on the Gulf of Mexico. The city has a large appearance with sky scrappers in the center but is surrounded by wildlife refuges, giving it both city and country life. Many attractions range from visiting the beaches, sailing, or even things such as museums and bird watching.

Dallas – Ranking the 8th most populous city in America, Dallas is another one of Texas’s giants. Dallas itself is famous most famous for the JFK assassination. Those interested in the JFK assassination can visit a conspiracy theory museum to learn more details about the event. For those who love night life, Dallas is packed with an endless amount of restaurants and bars. And finally, anyone with an interest int he American West and cowboys can’t miss the historic Fort Worth stockyards.

Houston – The forth largest city in America, Houston has over two million people and is famous for its strong economy largely based on the discovery of oil. Visitors will find plenty to do in Houston, from the city life to historical places such as the battle of San Jacinto that took place outside of the city limits. The NASA Space Center, theater district, and Texas’s largest mall the Galleria are other places to visit.

San Antonio – San Antonio is America’s 7th largest city, but more importantly it is Texas’s oldest. San Antonio is visited by over 20 million people a year who come to visit six flags amusement park, Sea World, the first museum of modern art, or to catch a basketball game with one of the NBA’s best teams, the San Antonio Spurs. Other points of interest are the historical Alamo building or taking the River Walk along shops and restaurants underneath the city.

Utah

Capital – Salt Lake City – Founded by Joseph Smith in the 19th century, Salt Lake City is known today for its large population of Mormons. The center of the city is known as Temple Square where many Mormon churches and temples were constructed over a hundred years ago and receives millions of visitors from around the world each year. Despite being only a couple hundred years old, Salt Lake City has some interesting history and the largest Mormon Church.

Arches National Park – Over 2,000 natural arches where carved out of the land after millions of years. Natural arches occur in other parts of the world, but no where are there as many as in Arches national park. In addition to the unique arches the land itself has some spectacular colors that make the park very beautiful and different from the rest of the world. Arches National Park is very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter and can receive snow temperature changes of 50F in the same day are possible year around.

Great Salt Lake – With the Pacific Ocean over 1,000 miles away, locals come to the Great Salt Lake to cool off when temperatures reach over 100 degrees in the summertime. Most people seem to enjoy boating and water skiing over swimming. The Great Salt Lake has one of the highest levels of salt in the world, and has earned the name the dead sea of the west. Like the Dead Sea in the middle east, there are no fish in the Great Salt Lake.

Uintas Mountains – The Uintas Mountains aren’t very far from Utah’s capital, and hold the state’s highest peaks and some of its best hiking. King’s Peak stands at over 13,000 feet and has many well marked trails leading to the summit making it an ideal climb for people in good shape but limited experience.

Vermont

Capital – Montpelier – With only 8,000 people in Montpelier, it is America’s smallest capital right in the center of Vermont. Being the smallest capital in the US, you can expect that there isn’t much to do in Montpelier itself, at best you can visit the state capitol building, and take a walk through its small downtown area stopping at its book stores and coffee shops or restaurants. The most exciting attractions for ice cream lovers will be the Ben & Jerry’s factory 10 miles up the road.

Bennington – This small historical town in the southwestern part of the state is famous for its pottery and textiles. Surprisingly it is also the location of Vermont’s tallest structure; the Bennington Battle Monument which was dedicated to a small battle that took place during the Revolutionary War. The town is also known for six covered bridges within its border, a popular design in New England.

Burlington – Vermont’s most populated city of Burlington may be five times larger than Montpelier in terms of population, but like the other cities in the state, in reality it is at most a big town. In fact, Burlington is the smallest city from the list of the biggest cities of each state. The Church Street Market Place is the Burlington’s most lively area, and is the location where you can find festivals and other events that take place throughout the year.

Green Mountains – Probably more often covered with snow than green leaves, the green mountains offer some of the best scenery on the east coast. At 4,395 feet, the green mountains are also home to Mount Mansfield,Vermont’s highest peak. Mount Mansfield is also one of two peaks in Vermont that are believed to have arctic tundra that has survived from the ice ages. The area is also knonw for its dense population of wild moose.

Virginia

Richmond

Today Richmond is Virginia’s capital, but for a few years during the Civil War, Richmond was the capital of the Confederate States of America. Richmond has a lot of history from the Revolutionary period and from the Civil War. In addition to its history, Richmond has James River which runs right through the city and is a great place to go hiking and kayaking during the day and visit the shops and bars during the evening.

Jamestown – As the first permanent British colony in the New World, Jamestown is considered to be America’s oldest city. Today there isn’t much left of the original settlement of Jamestown, but you can find a replica of the colony and the ships that made the voyage across the Atlantic. There are also replicas of the Powhatan villages that the early colonists discovered when they first reached the new world.

Luray Caverns – Luray caverns were discovered in the late 1800s and have become one of Virginia’s most popular destinations. When the first person entered the caverns in the late 19th century, fragments of human bones were found embedded in the calcite that were believed to be long to a native American about 500 years ago. The caverns are also famous for the Great Stalacpipe Organ, which is a musical instrument that plays different tunes by striking stalactites.

Northern Virginia – Located on the border of Washington DC, Northern Virginia is the location of several historic sites and important government buildings. George Washington’s Mansion, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Pentagon are some of a few famous places to be found here. Arlington City and Old Town Alexandria are also in Northern Virginia, and have lots to see during the day with both casual and hardcore night life after hours.

Shenandoah

The Shenandoah are part of the Appalachian Mountains that run from Georgia all the way to Maine. These mountains are great for hiking and other outdoor activities and are part of the famous Appalachian trail. There are also several challenging hikes and peaks up to 4,000 feet that you can climb to get spectacular views. Shenandoah is one of the few national parks on the east coast, and is home to black bears, deer, bobcats, flying squirrels and lynx.

Virginia Beach – Designated the world’s longest pleasure beach by the Guinness book of world records, Virginia Beach boasts 28 miles of coast along the Atlantic with another 10 miles of beach along the Chesapeake Bay. This city is filled with hundreds of hotels, restaurants and countless attractions. Virginia beach is also located only minutes away from Virginia’s largest city of Norfolk, also home to many historic points of interest and the largest naval base in the world.

Washington

Capital – Olympia – Washington’s capital of Olympia is a green city near the Pacific ocean and close to both Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens. Like Seattle, coffee shops are very popular and available all over the city, with many people taking an interest in the surrounding natural beauty and the outdoors, especially the temperate rainforest of Olympia National Park. With its own port, many sail from the capital to other destinations along the Pacific coast, or enjoy the capital’s waterfront.

Mt. St. Helen – The volcano Mt. Saint Helen was considered dormant for many years until its violent eruption in 1983. The volcano was once the tallest mountain in the continental United States, but after it erupted its height was reduced by several thousand feet. The eruption of Mt. Saint Helen was the most dramatic and destructive volcano on the US mainland. Many national parks have been created from the lava fields which have begun to turn green again as wildlife returns.

Scablands – About 15,000 years ago during the last ice age, it is believed that a huge wall of ice about 25 miles across served as a dam for a lake in the north western part of what is now the United States. The dam’s own weight eventually caused its bottom part to give out and released a gigantic wave across eastern Washington. This single wave literally carved out canyons and threw giant boulders across the plains in a single day, and this area is now known as the Scablands.

Seattle

Famous for coffee and its towering landmark the Space Needle, Seattle is a popular destination for travelers and a favorite city for many in the United States. As most people tend to like coffee in the US, there is no better place to get it than Seattle, as many famous coffee companies such as Starbucks were founded here. Numerous events and fairs occur throughout the year to keep Seattle a good place to visit during all seasons.

Washington DC

Capital – Washington DC – Even though it’s the capital of the United States, DC is a relatively small city with a population of only 600,000. Even though the size and population of the city is small, there is plenty to see in the capital. During the day you can see the famous sites and landmarks such as the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and more. After you’re done exploring the city during the day you can then go out at night to Adams Morgan or Georgetown to enjoy a few drinks.

West Virginia

Capital – Charleston – West Virginia’s capital is small city with a population of 50,000, but with a metro population of 300,000. Despite being a small city, the capital has some places that you wouldn’t expect to find. The Charleston Town Center is a shopping mall that opened up in the early 80s, and at the time it was the largest mall on the east of the Mississippi. Capitol street extends through the capitals historic district and has many nice small bars and coffee shops.

Greenbrier Hotel

The Greenbrier hotel is a 4 star resort located in a small town called White Sulphur Springs. The resort has many shops and restaurants, an indoor pool, bowling alley, and everything you could ever need. The real reason to visit this hotel isn’t so much for the luxury, but because the hotel was actually chosen by the US government to be the site of a nuclear bomb shelter for the legislative branch. The hotel has the secret bunker built into it which was unknown to guests for decades. The best way to visit the bunker is through the hotel’s 90 minute bunker tours.

Harper’s Ferry – The small town of Harpers Ferry is most famous for John Brown’s raid against an armory in the first attempt to start a slave rebellion. This was a major event that happened just before the civil war. When the civil war started, both sides wanted to take Harper’s Ferry because of its strategic location, which led to control being lost and gained 8 times as different battles raged in the town.

Monogahela National Forest – West Virginia is most famous for its small population and remote countryside. The Monogahela national park is over 1,400 square miles, and is the best place to go hiking and enjoy the great outdoors. Lots of wildlife, including black bears, can be found in the park. The Appalachian trail which runs from Georgia all the way to Maine also passes through this forest.

Snowshoe – Skiing in snowshoe coast can’t compare to the high altitude mountains found out west, but it still is one of the best places along the east coast. Unlike most villages built around ski resorts, Snowshoe is actually located on top of the mountain. In the summer time the resort is still a very popular place to visit. Thousands come to enjoy the outdoors and activities like hiking, dirt biking, horseback riding, fishing and more.

Wisconsin

Capital – Madison – The state’s second largest city, Madison houses of over 200,000 people and is the University of Wisconsin’s home. The area surrounding the capitol building is known as the state capitol square, where many college students and locals visit on the weekends. The state has a large population of descendants from Europe and throughout the year many different European festivals are celebrated across Wisconsin and in the capital of Madison.

Apostle Islands – For sailors navigating through Lake Superior, getting lost or shipwrecked in the largest freshwater lake in the world was a real possibility. The Apostle Island’s were used as an important reference point for sailors, and many 19th century lighthouses built on the islands are still standing today. The islands are also very scenic and surprisingly one of has the largest concentration of black bears in the continent. In the summer you can reach the islands by using car ferries, guided tours, or kayaking. In the winter time the lake actually freezes over and you can even drive your car to the islands!

Nicolet Forest – One of Wisconsin’s largest forests, Nicolet is a temperate forest just south of the Michigan border. Home to bears, and other interesting animals, it has some of the best wildlife viewing and hiking available in the state. It was named after the French Explorer Jean Nicolet who was the first European explorer to visit the area. The best time visit is in the autumn, when the leaves are changing colors.

Milwaukee – Largely founded on beer, Milwaukee has lots of brewing companies based in the area from small companies all the way up to Miller. Because a large population comes from Germany, there are dozens of German restaurants and bars which sell imported beer that is usually hard to find in other places in the country. For the nondrinkers, a trip to the lake front or one of Milwaukee’s museums can be worth a visit.

Wyoming

Capital – Cheyenne – Wyoming’s capital of Cheyenne was created overnight by cowboys, gangs, businessmen, and thieves hoping to thrive next to the union pacific railroad. The city was built so quickly that it got the nickname, “Magic City in the Plains”. Cheyenne is also Wyoming’s largest city with a population of 50,000 but still has a country atmosphere. Rodeo shows and live country music are also very popular in the city.

Cody – Founded by the famous cowboy Buffalo Bill, the small town of Cody is the place to see how life might have been during the 19th century. During the day time you can ride horses along the countryside, stop by the old historic town, and visit the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. When the night comes around you won’t have any trouble finding beer, and can enjoy it at a local rodeo show or at a bar along with live country music.

Grand Tetons

Grand Teton is a large national park in Wyoming that is known for its great scenery and wildlife. Herds of bison, packs of wolves, moose, elk and deer are often seen here in Grand Teton. The park has some mountains over 13,000 feet in altitude that reflect off the lake below on a clear day. Climbing the Grand Teton offers some of the best climbing in the 48 states. The lake itself is an excellent place go to fishing, kayaking or to hike the trails around it.

Yellowstone

As the earth’s first national park, Yellowstone has done a good job of preserving its wildlife while the world around it has been modernized. Thousands of wild buffalo roam the plains, wolves and bears trek the mountains at night, while moose and elk stop at the lakes and rivers for a drink. Yellowstone itself sits on a dormant super volcano that could supposedly put the earth into another ice age if it ever erupted! The volcano still fuels thermal activity today, and as a result Yellowstone has the largest concentration of geyser’s in the world.

What to see in the United States

What to see in the United States

Ohio

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