250 Reasons to Celebrate America Part 4

Geography & Natural Wonders

Photo by Cayetano Gil on Unsplash

From purple majesty, from sea to shining sea, the geography of the United States is worth celebrating. It is home to a wide variety of ecosystems that thrill visitors both domestic and abroad. And yet all of these different regions are uniquely American.

For this edition of 250 Reasons to Celebrate America, we are looking at the land. This is a list of America's natural wonders and unique geography.

1. The National Parks System

Wallace Stegner's "best idea America ever had" — preserving millions of acres for public enjoyment. These parks have not only preserved land for people to visit but also protected habitats for many species of wildlife.

2. The Grand Canyon

One of the seven natural wonders of the world, carved right into the American Southwest. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, this natural wonder attracts thousands of visitors every year.

3. Yellowstone

The world's very first national park is home to incredible geothermal wonders and wildlife. The famed Old Faithful geyser shoots jets of water into the air regularly, entertaining the park's visitors.

4. The Mississippi River

A massive, majestic commercial and cultural artery running through the heart of the nation. The mighty Mississippi works as a dividing line for the continent, but also is a unifier for those communities that grew along the great river.

5. The Great Lakes

The largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth by total area, defining the northern border. They provide not only a great place for tourists to enjoy fishing and boating, but also are a major commercial hub between the U.S. and Canada.

6. The Rocky Mountains

A breathtaking, rugged spine offering endless natural beauty and recreation. Some of the largest mountains in the world are a symbol of Americans' rugged determination to conquer the continent.

7. The Hawaiian Archipelago

A pristine volcanic island chain featuring everything from tropical rainforests to snowy peaks. The islands are a tropical paradise that seems like a world apart from the mainland.

8. The Alaskan Wilderness

A massive, untamed frontier of glaciers, fjords, and unmatched northern landscapes. Alaska is one of America's last frontiers, offering visitors a chance to enjoy nature with minimal human encroachment.

9. The Redwoods and Sequoias

Home to the tallest and most massive living trees on the planet. Some of the Redwoods are so wide that tunnels were cut through the trunks to allow cars to travel through.

10. The Everglades

A unique, subtropical wetland ecosystem found nowhere else on Earth. Sharp-eyed visitors can see Florida alligators and other wildlife from the safety of a boat tour.

11. The Appalachian Trail

A continuous, 2,200-mile public footpath showcasing the stunning eastern wilderness. Part of the United States' original border, the Appalachians were the first frontier that American settlers crossed to build this great nation.

12. The Pacific Coast Highway

One of the most scenic and iconic coastal drives in the world. The PCH provides iconic views of the ocean and coast, along with great stops for a beach visit or some fresh seafood.

13. The Great American Desert

Stunning desert landscapes like the Mojave and Sonoran, filled with unique flora and fauna. At once beautiful and threatening, the desert is one of the harshest yet most breathtaking regions.

14. The Great Plains

A vast expanse of agricultural heartland that defines the American horizon. The Great Plains have become the breadbasket of America, feeding millions of people not only here but abroad.

15. Niagara Falls

A breathtaking natural wonder shared with our northern neighbor, generating massive clean energy. It has become a popular destination for visitors in the Northeast and Canada.

16. Monument Valley

The iconic, towering red-sandstone buttes that define the imagery of the American West. The rock formations have been immortalized in artwork and film, making them a symbol of America's natural beauty.

17. Death Valley

A land of extremes, featuring incredible geological formations and stark, beautiful salt flats. While the region hits extreme heat during the day and frigid cold at night, people still visit the valley annually.

18. The Outer Banks

A 200-mile string of barrier islands rich in maritime history and pristine beaches. Located off the coast of Virginia and North Carolina, the islands have become a summer-time beach destination for thousands of visitors.

19. The Great Smoky Mountains

America's most visited national park is famous for its ancient mountains and blue mist. As part of the Appalachian Mountain Chain, the Smokies offer visitors a chance to reconnect with nature and enjoy traditional crafts (and sample some Moonshine).

20. The Columbia River Gorge

A spectacular canyon cutting through the Cascade Range, famous for waterfalls and windsurfing. The Columbia was one of the last stops for many heading to Oregon and is now visited by many wanting to tackle these same waterways.

21. Acadia National Park

Where the rugged, rocky Atlantic coast meets stunning northern forests. Located in Maine, the park allows for amazing coastal views and delicious North Atlantic seafood.

22. Mammoth Cave System

The world's longest known cave system is located right in Kentucky. The caves provide hours of exploration for casual and hardcore cave explorers.

23. The Finger Lakes

Gorgeous, glacier-carved lakes surrounded by rolling hills and world-class vineyards. Located in upstate New York, the lakes are a popular tourist destination, especially in the fall, when the leaves change color.

24. Mount Rainier and Mount Shasta

Majestic, snow-capped volcanic peaks dominate the Pacific Northwest skyline. Part of the Cascade Mountains, these peaks offer a great challenge for mountain climbing enthusiasts.

25. Public Lands

Millions of acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, national forests, and wildlife refuges are open to all citizens for exploration. These lands are protected from industrial and commercial development, ensuring the land will be preserved for generations.

Conclusion

The landscape of America is as diverse as its people. It is home to vast deserts, tropical paradises, towering mountains, beautiful lakes, and breathtaking forests. If you have a chance to visit just a fraction of these spots, you will see why the land of the United States is worth celebrating.