This article was originally published on tv-bee and has been republished here with permission.
America is a large country with a tremendous amount of variety when it comes to natural beauty and unique pit stops that everyone should try and see at some point. If we were to try and go through every site and every landmark, we may be here a while, but with world travel slowly becoming a reality again, it might just be time to start up that bucket list again. To make things a bit easier, We've narrowed it down to only the most amazing places that everyone must visit if given the chance to travel around the United States in their lifetime.1. "All's Well That Ends Well"
When seen during the hours on either side of high-tide, Thor's Well appears like something out of Norse Mythology from the waters off the central coast of Oregan.
One of two natural saltwater fountains in the area, Thor's Well is powered by the sea itself and has been providing sustenance to the surrounding ecosystem for millions of years. Tourists are able to camp at the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area and then catch a boat tour over to the well. On the way, some tourists have been fortunate enough to see the migration of the gray whales.
2. 'Looks Like A Ringer'
As the Colorado River slowly dries up the scar that is the Grand Canyon grows deeper into the Northern Arizona landscape. As the water level drops, however, the mysterious beauty that lays below the surface is revealed.
It's best to start the hike to the lookout point of the Grand Canyon's Eastern rim about an hour before sunset in order to ensure that all possible colors are seen while the setting sun reflects against the Navajo Sandstone and the Colorado River that make up Horseshoe Bend.
3. 'Time For A Staycation'
When someone in America is craving a little taste of those crystal clear Caribbean seas but is unable to get to them due to pandemic-related travel restrictions, all they need to do in order to quench that craving is to go north. That's right, north!
The summer is fast approaching and Lake Superior has some of the most beautiful coastlines that the Great Lakes have to offer. The turquoise waters and sandstone cliffs are just a few of the elements that help the 500-million-year-old "The Pictured Rocks" stand apart from other freshwater coastlines. When traveling through Northern Michigan, be sure to stop and check out one of the oldest fur-trade routes in North America.
4. 'Which Witch Was The Wickedest Witch?'
The Jonathan Corwin house has been a mainstay in Massachusetts for 400 years. Most people, however, know it by another name, "The Witch House".
The Salem Witch Trials were one of the darkest times in American history, and The Witch House is one of the final remnants of those dark times. If one finds themselves around Salem, Massachusetts in late October, be sure to pop on by the house for some trick-or-treating and a possible glimpse at one of the 19 spirits who were sent to the gallows by, former Salem Witch Trial judge, Judge Jonathan Corwin.
5. 'On Top Of The World'
Yosemite National Park isn't just one of the most beautiful places in America, but also the world. Approximately 4 million visitors visit the 748,000-acre national park every year. Some visit for sport, some for a bit of soul-searching, and some visit to marry their soul mate.
I can think of few better places to marry the love of one's life than overlooking the Yosemite Valley. With more than 10 million years of history, it is a perfect place to begin the love story of one's life.
6. 'Cave Of Wonders'
Carved out of the very stone that makes up the islands, the Apostle Island sea caves, truly are hidden gems that are worth exploring. As cold as the northern winters can get, enduring the winter chill is made up for by the payoff that is achieved when catching a glimpse of the frozen waterfalls and giant icicles that reside inside these caves.
North America's Great Lakes are the source of countless wondrous sights, but few sights are more spectacular than the sea caves that can be found when exploring the Apostle Islands just north of Wisconsin, off of Lake Superior's westernmost peninsula.
7. 'It's A Miracle!'
The beauty of America's east coast is often overlooked by travelers who get caught up in what the West and Mid West have to offer. When finding oneself driving through upstate New York on the way to Montreal for some poutine and maple syrup, be sure to stop in Lake Placid along the way. Lake Placid may be known for its winter activities, however, that's not to say that there aren't a plethora of beautiful sights and amazing activities to partake in.
On the topic of Lake Placid being known for its winter sports, the city on the lake is one of only 4 cities in the world to have the distinction of hosting the Winter Olympic games on two separate occasions. The first coming way back in 1932 and the other coming of course, when the United States Men's Hockey Team performed their "Miracle On Ice" in 1980.
8. 'You Cannot Describe Zion, You Can Only Experience It'
Covering 229 square miles and with more than 5000 feet separating its lowest point from its highest, Zion National Park in South Western Utah has activities for adventurers of all levels and ages. The rock climbing looks amazing, but the trail walks are what this national park is known for. There are walks that can range anywhere from 30 minutes (for the amateurs out there) and all the way up to 8-10 hours for the more experienced or veteran hikers.
In 1909 President Taft officially named The Mukuntuweap National Monument and in doing so the land was thus protected as a national monument. The name didn't last long though. Only 9 years later it was renamed Zion National Park, in part due to the Mormons who settled on those lands. More than 100 years later, the national park is still thriving and is home to 75 species of mammals, 32 different types of reptiles, and almost 300 kinds of birds.
9. 'Off Into The Sunset'
The Blue Ridge Parkway winds and bends its way through 470 miles of North Carolina and Virginia while connecting the Shenandoah and Great Smokey Mountains National Parks.
The vastness of the untamed wilderness that the Blue Ridge Parkway runs through stretches out as far as the eye can see, and must be seen to be believed.
10. 'Rocking In The Pre-World'
There are signs of ancient worlds all around us, we just have to know where to look and what we're looking for. The magnificent rock formations that can be found across the United States date back millions of years, some even pre-dating the earliest Dinosaurs.
Ok, so the Monument Rocks in Kansas don't pre-date the earliest Dinosaurs, but their formation does pre-date some of them. It is estimated that they were formed approximately 80 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period. The rocks were part of the Western Interior Seaway which, at the time, split North America into two separate landmasses.
11. "Field Of Dreams"
There are not many places in the world that have the ideal conditions for tulips to thrive naturally. Not until one lays their eyes upon a field of tulips will they be able to begin to comprehend the majestic simplicity of the flower.
Every April Skagit Valley, Washington is home to one of the world's largest Tulip festivals. Feel free to visit every spring because due to the rotation of the crops in the Valley, the tulip fields look different every year.
12. "Hello? Is It Me You're Looking For?"
Entering a room that consists of seventy-seven mirrors, an assortment of black lights, and a 2,000-foot kaleidoscope with glowing twists and turns sounds like one hell of a Saturday night rave, but it's not. It's simply the blueprint for Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze - all the entertainment of a carnival funhouse, with none of the clowns.
For only a $5 entry fee visitors can get themselves lost within one of the most complex mirror mazes in the world. Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze in San Francisco is fun for all ages, and children 5 years and younger get in for free. So when traveling down the West Coast with the kids, be sure to pop on in for a visit, just be sure to have a safe word in case anyone gets misplaced amongst the mirrors.
13. "Just Around The Riverbend"
Stretching just over 3000 feet from end to end, those who cross the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia, do so at almost 900 feet above the river.
Although the bridge itself is the product of some amazing engineering, the view from down below while paddling downriver in a kayak or watching the sunset while camping out overnight on the riverbed would be much better.
14. 'It's Getting Hot In Here'
Yellowstone National Park has been home to Native Americans for over 11,000 years. During this time they had discovered many things that until recently were unable to be explained.
Yellowstone National Park's, Grand Prismatic Spring is not just the largest hot spring in the United States, it is also the third-largest in the world. If that's not a good enough reason to check out this natural wonder, perhaps the amazing photo opportunities are. Don't even think about going for a dip though, with water boiling at a scorching 160 degrees Fahrenheit it could be fatal if one were to slip on into this giant jacuzzi.
15. 'A Diamond In The Rough'
Shining through the many frozen layers of Alaska's ice caves, the sun reflects fluorescent light across the chambers and lights the way past the constant flowing of the glacier's internal waterfalls.
Reminiscent of a location out of a science fiction film, the caves that can be found within Alaska's glaciers are beyond belief. According to some of the most experienced spelunkers in the world, Alaska's Mendenhall Glacier is home to some of the most beautiful ice caves known to man.
16. 'Where The Buffalo Roamed'
The view from Whitaker Point in Arkansas is amazing for so many reasons. The first and most obvious is the vast wilderness that can be seen from the lookout point. As the leaves change color in the autumn, the National Buffalo River is transformed into a pastel paradise.
And of course, the quiet would be wonderful. Whitaker point is far enough away from the cities that on a clear night, every star in the sky can be seen and if we listen carefully enough, we could still hear the sounds of the Native Americans hunting buffalo down by the river bed 10,000 years ago.
17. "A Cravin' To Go Cavin'"
Formed close to 250 million years ago, the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico are one of the cooler places on this list. In their youth, the caverns are believed to have been part of the coastline for an inland sea. That's right, New Mexico hasn't always been this dry.
A lot of thought clearly went into naming the largest of the limestone chambers that can be found within the caverns, as it was wisely named "The Big Room". It is the largest chamber in North America measuring 4000-feet long, 655-feet wide, and 255-feet tall, so I guess it's earned its name.
18. 'Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls, Let Them Find You'
I don't think that anyone would have expected to find the Hamilton Pool in the Wild West, but much like everything else in Texas, the hidden gems are also bigger.
Found less than 25 miles from Austin, Texas, Hamilton Pool truly would seem like a mirage to those who stumble upon it accidentally, however, most of its visitors stop by intentionally as it has been a favorite cooling spot for locals and tourists alike since the 1960s.
19. "The Future 'Henges' On It"
Stonehenge's true purpose is a mystery that has remained unsolved for more than five thousand years. Although there are theories as to who built the site and for what reason, the mystery that is Stonehenge will most likely remain unsolved. The story behind Carhenge, however, is known.
Jim Reinders built Carhenge out of 39 vintage American automobiles, which he spray-painted grey back in 1987. At the time that he built it, Reinders had no idea that 30 years later, his creation would be included in the path of totality of a solar eclipse on August 21st, 2017. Any American who has ever dreamt of getting to Stonehenge, but doesn't have the means to do so, pop on down to Alliance, Nebraska, and see the next best thing.
20. 'The Great Escape'
Fort Jefferson is composed of more than 16 million bricks and holds the title of the largest brick masonry structure in the Americas. The Fort served as a military prison until 1874 and was actually the prison that housed those who were convicted of conspiracy in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.
Nowadays Fort Jefferson is part of Florida's Dry Tortugas National Park and has been transformed into an excellent place for people to escape to...instead of from. That is, of course, if they enjoy quiet private beaches, magnificent coral reefs, and some of the best saltwater fishing around.
21. 'Falling For You'
Straddling the border between New York State and Ontario, Canada, Niagara Falls is unofficially the 8th wonder of the Natural World, and rightfully so. The largest of the falls holds the distinction for being the most powerful waterfall (by flow rate) in North America, which makes it even more impressive that, in 1901 Annie Edson Taylor survived the plunge over Horseshoe Falls in a barrel.
No trip to Niagara Falls is complete without crossing the border to the Canadian side of the falls (where the views and beer are better). Make sure to book a ticket for a tour on the Maid Of The Mist. A boat that takes passengers around the bowl of the largest of the three waterfalls, Horseshoe Falls. Curious tourists can also go for a stroll through some of the caves that lead behind the falls.
22. 'Technicolored Dreams'
Lighting the sky ablaze night after night, always performing but not always seen. Each show is different from the last with no two acts ever being the same. Every audience member's experience is as unique as the performance itself. This seems like a show that must be seen.
Fairbanks, Alaska isn't just popular for its mention in the film adaptation of "Into The Wild" but is also one of the best places in the world to see this phenomenon in action. Due to the white nights that are experienced between April-August, the Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights) can be seen only between August 21-April 21, during that time, due to cloud cover on some days, the lights can be seen an average of 4 out of every 5 nights.
23. "Life Ain't So Rocky In These Mountains"
As the spring arrives and the temperature rises, the snow-covered hills of the Maroon Bells and Snowmass mountains melt away and are transformed into majestic green fields, flourishing with new life, quickly forgetting the quiet desolation of the winter that has passed.
Found in the center of America's heartland the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness in Colorado has been aptly named after the two tallest mountain peaks in the region. For anyone who loves a good hike, there are more than 180,000 acres of wilderness to explore, and camping is not just permitted, it's recommended. How else can one see the sunset and rise in the valleys?
24. 'Who Needs Starbucks?'
Driving across the United States takes a lot of time and can be extremely exhausting. It's a good thing that there are plenty of places to stop and recharge along the way.
Found between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Plateau in Roanoke, Virginia, The Coffee Pot is a must-see stop for all coffee lovers who find themselves on a trip across America and has been since 1936. It's not just a cool-looking building either. The Coffee Pot is a roadside diner with fantastic food and, you guessed it, coffee.
25. "Bigger Isn't Always Better"
Less than a ten-mile drive east of Horseshoe Bend is a place that warrants its own trip to northern Arizona, as opposed to tail gating on the back end of a trip to the more well-known Grand Canyon.
Antelope Canyon is not nearly as large as its neighbor, however, the patterns and colors that make up this canyon are definitely not second-rate. Antelope Canyon makes for some of the most beautiful photo ops in the country and is a favorite place for artists to come and practice their crafts.
26. 'Feeding Time'
Twisting and carving its way through 1000 miles of the Pacific Northwest, much like its namesake, Snake River has had to draw nourishment from many different places in order to survive.
A hidden oasis in the Southwestern part of Washington state, Palouse Falls can be found a short 4 miles upstream from where the Palouse and Snake Rivers intersect. For those who don't want to take a lengthy kayak trek up the river, there is parking just a few minutes walking from the waterfall's viewing point.
27. 'Electric Avenue'
Alice Springs in Australia is home to the rock giant that is Uluru, but the United States has the Devil's Tower gazing out over Wyoming like a watchful eye. For more than 40 million years it has stood tall and has borne witness to the changes that have taken place over this landscape.
It's tough to tell which is more beautiful to see between the awe-inspiring sunsets at Devil's Tower and the spectacular light shows put on by the electric storms of the Wyoming plains. A visit in the summer months would be the perfect opportunity to see both.
28. "Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires"
Trekking across the Appalachian Trail is a right of passage that dates back to before the Appalachian Trail had a name. The scenic views and wildlife that can be seen at almost every turn are enough to make someone feel as though they are a character in a fairytale.
The Great Smokey Mountains, on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, provide all the evidence needed in order to convince someone that a trail walk just may not be the worst idea in the world. The millions of trees, bushes, and plants that reside in the mountain range give off a vapor that creates, what appears to be, an endless amount of smoke hovering amongst the mountain tops.
29. 'Sands Of Time'
The sandstone troughs that make up Arizona's "The Wave" were originally carved via water erosion, more than 145 million years ago. Due to the lack of water there over the past few millennia, however, the wind has been responsible for most of "The Wave's" later day erosion.
The stunning patterns of The Wave are pushed to the limits of their beauty when the sun hits the formation just right and brings out every shade of orange, red, and yellow, that the sandstone has been hiding. Be sure to book at least 4 months in advance or bring a lucky charm to the site, because in order to help maintain the fragility of the structure, only 10 online visitors, and 10 daily visitors (drawn via lottery a day earlier), are granted access to "The Wave" each day.
30. 'Which Way Was Out?'
Pineapples are just one of the many things that Hawaii is known for. As such, the Dole Pineapple Plantation in Honolulu is something that any fan of the sweet, yet sour, tropical fruit shouldn't pass by on their trip around America.
The plantation isn't just a great place to sample some delicious fruit. It has also has the largest maze in the world (recognized by The Guinness Book Of World Records) as is an easy place to lose one's self for a few hours on a hot afternoon in Hawaii.
31. 'Getting Lost'
Covering more than 1,000,000 acres of land, Montana's Glacier National Park is an excellent destination for lovers of anything that has to do with the wilderness. Whether swimming, hiking, climbing, or diving, Glacier National Park has it all.
Glacier National Park is truly a "Lost World" hidden deep within the North American Continent. With over 100 crystal clear freshwater lakes, hundreds of different types of animals, and more than 1000 species of plants, not much else is needed to prove how pristine the conditions in this ecosystem are for life.
32. 'The American Frontier'
When most people think about the state of Utah, they probably think of Mormons and Salt Lake City, while they usually tend to forget about the breathtaking views, amazing natural formations, and history of the land.
Originally settled by Mormons in the 1850s, Bryce Canyon was designated as a National Park in 1928 and has remained fairly untouched. Bryce Canyon and nearby Zion National Parks are excellent places to visit in order for one to see a bit of what the frontier used to look like.
33. 'Time To Get Leid'
With beautiful beaches, stunning mountain top views, great fishing, fresh fruit, and a seemingly unlimited amount of water-based activities to partake in, the islands of Hawaii have it all. It should come as no surprise that so much is being done in order to preserve Hawaii's natural beauty, especially that of Hawaii's oldest inhabited island, Kaua'i.
During the summer season of May-September, the only ones who are allowed access to the island's northwest Na Pali Coast (by land or sea) are those who have obtained special camping permits. Camping is allowed by permit only and only a handful of these permits are assigned each year. If Hawaii is on the upcoming destination list, plan ahead but don't plan for a long camping trip, the permits are only valid for a maximum of three days.
34. 'Watch Out For Tahoe Tessie'
Found on the border between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe has long been known as one of the most serene and beautiful vacation spots on the west coast. Cottaging on this lake is an outdoor experience that is unmatched by almost any other location in America.
The waters of Lake Tahoe are so pristine that they are almost as clean and safe to drink as regular drinking water and the lake is deep enough at some points that the Empire State Building could be submerged in its entirety.
35. "Make Like A Tree And Get Outta Here"
As far as entertainment goes, California has a seemingly endless number of options. From Hollywood to Disney Land there is never a dull, however, some of the most interesting things to see are the ones that are foolishly overlooked by most people.
California's Sequoia National Park is home to five of the world's ten largest trees and an almost pre-historic experience. Walking amongst these giant trees is enough to remind anyone about how big this world really is. When a giant tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it fall, carve a hole in the center and build a road through it.
36. "Rest In Reese's Pieces"
No road trip across America is complete without a stop to pay respects at one of the most important graveyards that can be found on American soil.
The Ben & Jerry's Flavour Graveyard in Vermont is a reminder of, nay, a tribute to, all of the flavors that have been discontinued over the years. The plots belong to a wide range of tastes, some lasted more than a decade and some just one season. If Creme Brulee were to have been released 10 years later, perhaps its plot would be filled with the memory of another flavor. Instead, it can be found just a few tombstones away from Vermont's own "Vermonty Python".
37. 'Bridge Over Troubled Waters'
Not everything that we must see in America was created naturally. There are many bridges and tunnels that have helped us on our way from one of mother nature's wonders to the next, and the planners behind them had their own ideas for how to make them stand apart from the rest.
Measuring about half of a mile in length, the High Trestle Trail Bridge provides beautiful scenic views of the Des Moines River from 13 stories up. The decorative lighting that the bridge has become known for remains illuminated until 9 PM in the winter and 10:30 PM during the summer months.
38. "They're Coming From Over Yonder"
Located on the border where Georgia and Tennessee meet, Lookout Mountain offers more than just a breathtaking view of the landscape. It offers a view of one of the most important battlefields of the American Civil War.
Making the trek up through Rock City and out to Lookout Mountain's viewing point (called Lover's Leap) is a beautiful, yet challenging trek. The payoff is well worth the effort, however, as both Union and Confederate soldiers alike claimed that it was possible to see parts of seven different States from the mountain top. For that reason amongst others, during the Civil War, Lookout Mountain was a position that both sides coveted greatly.
39. "Wanna Play A Game?"
The Sawtooth Mountain range is a part of the Rocky Mountains that can be found in central Idaho. Similar to all the other parts of the Rockies, Sawtooth is an impressively imposing figure whose presence is far from disappointing.
When the sun hits the Sawtooth Mountain range just right, the peaks look as though they have been set ablaze as they cut their way across the Idaho sky.
40. "Just Like Starting Over"
As we have now seen, there are at least 39 amazing places to visit, should one find themselves wandering around the United States for a while with nothing to do. It could take months or even years, but with the right amount of determination, and the right travel buddy, anything is possible. Our last pit stop on our journey through America brings us to Delaware and it just may be the start of something new.
There's not much to see in Delaware, but with the off chance that the fountain is real, it is most definitely worth the detour.