Ever wonder what’s cooler than a national park but maybe flies a bit under the radar? Enter national monuments.
These gems preserve some of America’s most awesome natural wonders and historical sites. Let’s take a whirlwind tour of some standouts:
Statue of Liberty National Monument, New York
The big lady with the torch. She’s been welcoming folks to America since 1886. Talk about a long-standing greeter!
Bears Ears National Monument, Utah
Red rock country that will make your jaw drop. It’s packed with Native American history and some of the prettiest views you’ll ever see.
Muir Woods National Monument, California
Giant redwoods just a stone’s throw from San Francisco. These trees are older than your great-great-grandparents!
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Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Florida
It’s an old Spanish fort that’s tough as nails. It’s survived wars, storms, and now, tourists with selfie sticks.
Giant Sequoia National Monument, California
Home to some of the world’s biggest trees. The giant sequoia trees here could make a redwood feel small.
Montezuma Castle National Monument, Arizona
Ancient apartment living, cliff-style. The Sinagua people built this place, and it’s still standing. Take that, modern construction!
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Washington
Where nature showed off its explosive side in 1980. It’s still rumbling today – talk about a long-lasting show.
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Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado/Utah
Jurassic Park, but real (and without the running and screaming). You can actually touch dinosaur bones here!
Fort McHenry National Monument, Maryland
Where the Star-Spangled Banner was born. Francis Scott Key saw those broad stripes and bright stars, and the rest is history.
Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico
Ancient pueblos and petroglyphs galore. It’s like stepping back in time, but with better hiking trails.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
It is so remote; you might feel like the first person to discover it. Spoiler: you’re not, but it’s still awesome.
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Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho
Looks like the moon, but with better air. Lava tubes, cinder cones – it’s a volcanic wonderland.
César E. Chávez National Monument, California
This monument honors a civil rights hero. It’s a powerful place that’ll make you think about the people behind your produce.
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Maine
Maine’s woods and waters at their finest. Moose sightings are not guaranteed, but fingers crossed – you may see them!
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Chimney Rock National Monument, Colorado
Ancient Puebloan site with a view. Those folks sure knew how to pick a scenic spot.
Tips and Tricks
Now, before you pack your bags, here’s some tips on visiting these places:
The Web is Your Friend
Check the National Park Service website. They’ve got the lowdown on what’s open and what’s not.
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Be Prepared to be ‘Off-The-Grid’
Some of these spots are pretty remote. Bring water, snacks, and maybe a good map (your phone might not work everywhere).
Be Law-Abiding
Follow the rules. These places have stuck around for ages, and it’d be nice if they stayed that way.
Look for Hidden Gems
Try the less famous monuments. Fewer crowds, more ‘wow, I discovered this’ vibes.
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Time to Dive in and Discover
From ancient dwellings to volcanic moonscapes, from giant trees to symbols of freedom, America’s national monuments are like a greatest hits album of natural and historical wonders. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature nut, or just someone who likes cool stuff, there’s a monument out there calling your name.
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