From staggeringly vast and beautiful national parks, marks of ancient cultures and more modern yet impressive manmade landmarks, the Unites States of America has incredible sites. Manmade monuments showcase the best of what America is all about, reflecting democracy, independence and pride in those who sacrificed their lives for their nation, while, America’s natural landmarks exhibit the power of mother nature through cavernous canyons, petrified forests and colossal lakes. Each state here is dramatically different, from its natural history to historic architecture and cultural inheritance. While the states are packed full of hundreds of must-see monuments, here are 20 landmarks in America you simply cannot miss.
Contents
20 Landmarks in AmericaNatural Landmarks1- Sierra Nevada Mountains, California2- Red Canyon, Utah3- Devils Tower, Wyoming4- Niagara Falls, New York/Ontario5- Antelope Canyon, Arizona6- Crater Lake, Oregon7- Everglades National Park, Florida8- Russell Cave National Monument, Alabama9- Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma10- Mendenhall Ice Caves, Alaska11- Grand Canyon, Arizona12- Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park13- Denali (Mount McKinley), Alaska14- El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, California15- Clingmans Dome, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee16- The Badlands WallMonuments in America17- The Statue of Liberty, New York18- Hoover Dam, Nevada19- The Pentagon, Virginia20- The White House, Washington DC20- Mount Rushmore, South Dakota21- Liberty Bell, Pennsylvania22- Cliff Palace, Colorado23- Gateway Arch, Missouri24- Kalmar Nyckel, Delaware25- Alamo, Texas26- Golden Gate Bridge, California27- Space Needle, Washington28- USS Arizona Memorial, Hawaii29- Fort Sumter National Monument, South Carolina30- National Mall, Washington31- Wall Street, New York City32- Wright Brothers National Memorial, North Carolina
20 Landmarks in America
Natural Landmarks
1- Sierra Nevada Mountains, California
The Sierra Nevada mountain range is a stunning natural landmark in the USA.
The Sierra Nevada Mountains form the eastern periphery of the state of California.
A picture book of incredible scenery, the mountain range includes deep Redwood and Sequoia forests, the tallest waterfall in the USA, and of course, snow-capped mountains.
Sierra Nevada means ‘snow-covered mountain range’, and was given its name by Spanish soldier Pedro Font during the Spanish colonial period in California in 1776.
The highest point within the range is Mount Whitney, standing at 4421 m/ 14,505 feet, making it the highest peak in the USA.
The range is home to another spectacular sight; the giant Redwoods and Sequoias.
Visit General Sherman, the largest living tree and largest living organism on the planet.
2- Red Canyon, Utah
With its unmistakable red rocks and towering monoliths, Red Canyon is the perfect place to hike, camp and picnic when in Utah.
The canyon runs along the scenic Highway 12 and is just outside of Bryce Canyon.
The Canyon’s visitor centre offers information on several hiking trails through the canyon, including to a ponderosa pine, which smells like butterscotch.
Throughout the canyon are towering hoodoos, pillars of rock that have slowly gained unusual shapes through years of erosion.
Keep your eyes peeled for several ‘windows’ in the rocks that have naturally eroded to give the appearance of windows or holes in otherwise solid rock.
3- Devils Tower, Wyoming
Devil’s Tower in Wyoming is a stunning USA landmark to put on your bucket list.
Devils Tower was named America’s first national monument in 1906 by President Roosevelt. The tower is made up of igneous rocks and rises to 867 feet above the surrounding landscape.
Also known as Bears Lodge, the tower is sacred to Northern Plains Indian tribes.
Tribes still hold ceremonies at the tower, including sun dances and sweat lodges.
At the foot of the tower, many colourful prayer cloths are tied to trees.
The tower was made famous for its role in Stephen Spielberg’s movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
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4- Niagara Falls, New York/Ontario
Niagara Falls is made of three waterfalls; American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Canadian Falls.
The falls sit on the border between Ontario, Canada and New York State in the USA.
One of the best ways to experience the Falls is by taking a trip on one of the Maid of the Mist boat tours.
Each trip lasts around 30 minutes and gives visitors incredible closeup views of the falls from the spray at their base.
Visit at night to see a spectacular light show light up the falls. During national holidays, the lights used coordinate with the holiday.
5- Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Antelope Canyon is a vast network of winding sandstone in Arizona, with wave-like walls and structures that are the product of millions of years of water erosion.
Water erosion chiselled the canyon and the Navajo appropriately named the canyon is “Tse’ bighanilini”, meaning “the place where water runs through rocks”.
Antelope Canyon has great spiritual significance and was named a Navajo Tribal Park in 1997.
Due to its spiritual importance, visitors can only explore the canyon as part of a guided tour.
Many photographers flock to Antelope Canyon to capture its famous light beams that fall through gaps in the sandstone, creating a beautiful and spiritual experience.
6- Crater Lake, Oregon
Crater Lake is a beautiful natural American landmark in Oregon.
Crater Lake in Oregon was formed over 7700 years ago when an ancient volcano collapsed during a violent eruption.
The Klamath Tribes witnessed the eruption of Mount Mazama, and stories of the eruption fill their histories.
The resulting crated filled with water from rainfall and snowfall and became the deepest lake in the USA.
No rivers run into the lake, and so its water levels are dependent on rainfall and precipitation.
As the water is very pure, and due to the depth of approximately 2000 feet, Crater Lake has a unique deep blue hue to its water.
7- Everglades National Park, Florida
Consisting of 600,000 hectares/1.5 million acres of wetland, the Everglades is a must-see natural landmark in Florida.
Within the park is a 65 feet tall observation tower giving visitors a breathtaking view over the Everglades.
Tours run throughout the Florida Bay offering visitors the chance to see the wildlife of the Everglades, including crocodiles, manatees and even dolphins.
Due to its vast size, the park encompasses many smaller parks and preserves, including the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve, where lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of the Florida panther, a black bear or a ghost orchid.
8- Russell Cave National Monument, Alabama
A limestone cavern in Alabama, Russell Cave National Monument is an extensive cave system with artefacts from human settlements stretching back to 10,000BC.
Artefacts found in the cave come primarily from three cultures: Archaic, Woodland and Mississippian.
During the Archaic period, Native Americans occupied the cave.
Within the cave, archeologists have discovered arrowheads, stone projectiles presumed used in hunting and even charcoal remnants from ancient fire pits.
The onsite museum now houses many of the artefacts found in the caves and shows how ancient cave inhabitants would have lived.
9- Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma
Taking its name from an American Indian tribe that lived in the area centuries ago, the Wichita Mountains in Oklahoma extends for 30 miles.
These ancient mountains date back to 525 million years ago, with the mountains changing over time due to erosion.
The highest peak in the Wichita range is Mount Scott, which stands at 2464 feet above sea level.
Wichita Mountains is home to one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the USA; protected animals within the sanctuary include bison, elk, coyotes and prairie dogs.
The range was once part of the American gold rush between 1901 and 1904, however, when gold deposits dried up, much of the mining equipment was left behind and can still be seen today.
10- Mendenhall Ice Caves, Alaska
The Mendenhall Glacier stretches for 12 miles, and inside the Mendenhall Ice Caves can be found.
Accessible exclusively by a kayak to the edge of the ice, followed by a hike over the glacier, the sights once inside are worth the effort. Still, it’s recommended to only venture into the caves with a guide.
Inside the caves, glacial rain pours into streams below, and the ceiling is illuminated underneath frozen bright blue ice.
Sadly, due to climate change, the glacier is melting and has receded by over two miles since 1958.
11- Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon in Arizona is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, it spans 277 miles in length, up to 18 miles in width, and over a mile deep.
Its awe-inspiring landscapes feature layered bands of colorful rock, revealing a timeline of Earth’s geological history.
As a UNESCO World Heritage wonder, it attracts millions of visitors annually for hiking, rafting, and breathtaking viewpoints like the South Rim.
Home to diverse wildlife and rich cultural significance, it is also sacred to Native American tribes such as the Hopi and Navajo.
12- Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone straddles Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. The world’s first national park was established in 1872.
Renowned for its geothermal wonders like Old Faithful, vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring, and diverse wildlife, it offers stunning landscapes, including canyons, forests, and waterfalls.
Yellowstone is a global treasure of natural beauty and ecology.
Old Faithful, a world-renowned geyser, earned its name for its remarkably predictable eruptions, which occur approximately every 60 to 110 minutes, shooting water and steam up to 180 feet into the air.
Old Faithful is in the Upper Geyser Basin, home to the largest concentration of geysers in the park.
It symbolises Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders and draws millions of visitors annually. Surrounding the geyser, the Old Faithful Inn, a historic log-built lodge, adds to the site’s charm and serves as a central hub for exploring this unique area.
13- Denali (Mount McKinley), Alaska
Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, is the highest peak in North America.
Rising 20,310 feet above sea level in Alaska’s Denali National Park, the mountain is a symbol of natural grandeur and a challenge for mountaineers worldwide.
The mountain’s massive presence dominates the Alaskan landscape, surrounded by glaciers, rugged tundra, and abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou and moose.
Denali is sacred to the Koyukon Athabaskan people, who have revered it for centuries.
Visitors can explore the park through hiking, dog sledding, and scenic drives, with occasional clear views of Denali’s majestic, snow-covered summit piercing the clouds.
14- El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, California
The most famous landmark in Yosemite is El Capitan, a massive granite monolith that towers 3,000 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor.
Renowned worldwide among climbers, it is a premier destination for challenging ascents like The Nose route.
Visible from various points in the park, El Capitan is a stunning natural feature, attracting photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
It symbolises Yosemite’s dramatic beauty and serves as a focal point for millions of visitors to the park each year.
Yosemite is famed for its breathtaking granite cliffs, waterfalls and ancient sequoias. Besides El Capitan, iconic landmarks include Half Dome and Yosemite Falls, one of North America’s tallest waterfalls.
The park spans over 1,100 square miles, offering diverse ecosystems, from alpine meadows to lush valleys.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yosemite attracts millions of visitors annually for hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife spotting. Its awe-inspiring landscapes make it a crown jewel of America’s parks.
15- Clingmans Dome, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains, spanning Tennessee and North Carolina, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse regions in the U.S.
Known for their misty, “smoky” haze, the park features lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and iconic peaks like Clingmans Dome. With over 800 miles of hiking trails, historic cabins, and vibrant wildlife, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
As the most visited U.S. national park, it captivates millions with its stunning scenery and cultural heritage.
As the highest point in the park at 6,643 feet, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Visitors can access the observation tower via a steep half-mile hike. On clear days, visibility can extend over 100 miles across seven states. It’s renowned for its breathtaking sunrises, sunsets, and unique biodiversity, making it a must-see destination in the Smokies.
16- The Badlands Wall
Badlands National Park, located in South Dakota, is a breathtaking expanse of rugged terrain featuring dramatic rock formations, steep canyons, and sprawling prairies.
Known for its colourful sedimentary layers, the park offers stunning landscapes shaped by millions of years of erosion.
It is home to diverse wildlife, such as bison, prairie dogs, and bighorn sheep, as well as ancient fossil beds.
The Badlands Wall, a striking 100-mile-long ridge of jagged peaks and pinnacles, is the park’s most famous landmark.
While the majority of the park lies in South Dakota, the Badlands region extends into parts of North Dakota, enriching both states’ natural heritage.
Monuments in America
17- The Statue of Liberty, New York
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most famous monuments in America.
Created by French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi and architect Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, the Statue of Liberty was erected on Liberty Island in 1886.
Making the statue was a joint effort between the two countries, as the French built the statue from steel and copper, and the USA built the pedestal on which the statue would stand.
The statue was designed to commemorate the friendship between France and the United States.
The statue is considered to be a symbol of freedom and democracy, as it welcomed immigrants arriving onto the nearby Ellis Island.
Visitors were once able to climb the statue and access the torch for views over New York, however, this was permanently halted during World War One.
Battery Park offers one of the best land-based views of the Statue of Liberty in New York City. The park at the southernmost tip of Manhattan provides a direct line of sight across New York Harbor to the iconic statue on Liberty Island.
18- Hoover Dam, Nevada
The Hoover Dam is an incredible manmade landmark in the USA.
Hoover Dam is in Black Canyon, 30 miles from Las Vegas.
The dam is a colossal 700 feet tall concrete structure, which forms an arch-gravity dam. Construction began on the dam in 1928 and was finished in 1936.
Officials built a federal ran city, Boulder City, nearby to house workers and their families, as many flocked here looking for work during the Great Depression.
The dam was originally named ‘The Boulder Dam’ but was renamed after President Hoover in 1947.
The dam is considered an Art Deco masterpiece and features many Art Deco design elements such as geometric facets and bronze angels.
Engineers assumed that by designing the exterior and interior in such a way, people would visit the dam as tourists.
19- The Pentagon, Virginia
The Pentagon is a modern US landmark
The Pentagon, a sizeable five-sided building in Virginia, is the home of the US Department of Defence.
The Pentagon was built between 1941 and 1943 to consolidate the War Department.
The building has five floors, excluding the mezzanine level and the basement.
Within The Pentagon are several libraries that carry books and periodicals in several languages, which allow military research to be carried out there.
Tours of The Pentagon are available through advanced booking and include information on the history of the four military branches, the indoor memorial of the 9/11 crash, and the Hall of Heroes.
20- The White House, Washington DC
Another famous landmark of America is the White House, located in DC.
The White House was commissioned by the first president of the USA, George Washington in 1791.
It was first occupied by a president, John Adams in 1800, and has remained the home of the President of the United States and their family since.
The house was rebuilt following a fire in 1814, with additions to the structure being made over the following years.
The White House is also home to a museum of US history.
Tours are available of the White House, however, visitors must submit a request through their Member of Congress, or, if they are a non-US citizen, through their embassy in Washington, DC.
20- Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Mount Rushmore is one of the most incredible American monuments.
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln have been immortalised in stone through carvings on Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.
The Black Hills surround Mount Rushmore. This famous presidential memorial was designed to share the story of the birth of the USA, its growth and preservation.
Sculptor Gutzon Borglum carved the presidents faces. He chose the four presidents depicted as he believed they represented the most important events in the history of the USA.
Mount Rushmore includes a half-mile hiking trail named the Presidential Trail.
For a more unusual stop during your visit to the national memorial, head to the Carver’s Cafe to sample ice cream based on the first written recipe for ice cream in the United States.
21- Liberty Bell, Pennsylvania
This is one of the most famous historic American landmarks.
Previously named The State House Bell, the Liberty Bell was located in Independence Hall before being moved to its permanent home in the Liberty Bell Centre.
The bell dates back to 1751, where a metal foundry in London, England was commissioned to cast the bell.
Sadly the bell cracked on the first test ring in Pennsylvania, and so was recast there.
The now-famous crack in the Liberty Bell was first recorded around 1840, although there is no apparent documented reason as to what caused the split.
The bell’s name of Liberty came about in the 19th century due to its bible inscription and became a symbol of both the anti-slavery movements and Women’s Suffrage.
22- Cliff Palace, Colorado
Cliff Palace is a historic USA landmark to visit.
The cliff dwellings carved out of the stones of Mesa Verde are the best-preserved ancient dwellings in the United States.
The dwellings are carved directly out of the sandstone cliffs and supported with wooden beams.
During the 1190s, the Ancestral Pueblo people migrated from living atop Mesa Verde to homes carved into the overhanging cliffs.
The dwelling is often called Cliff Palace, as the dwellings total of 150 rooms.
While no evidence of a writing system was found at Cliff Palace, researchers found evidence that the people who inhabited the dwelling knew mathematics and the golden ratio, as both were used in the construction of the Sun Temple.
23- Gateway Arch, Missouri
An architectural USA landmark to admire.
Representing the role St Louis played in expanding America to the west during the 19th century, the Gateway Arch (located in the state of Missouri) is a modern reflection of the ‘Gateway to the West’ city.
The park in which the monument sits serves as a national memorial to Thomas Jefferson and his role in this expansion, Dred Scott who sued for his freedom in a local courthouse, and the pioneers of America.
The arch is 192 m high, 630 feet tall and 630 feet wide and is the tallest man made monument in the USA, and tallest arch in the world.
To view the spectacular surroundings of the city and the Mississippi River from the top of the arch, two trams carry up to five seated passengers at a time in a four-minute journey to the top.
24- Kalmar Nyckel, Delaware
The Kalmar Nyckel was a pioneering colonial ship built by the Dutch in 1625 and purchased by the Swedish in 1629.
The original ship played a significant role in both the colonisation of America from Sweden and as a navy ship.
It is believed that the original sank while fighting for the Dutch in a war against England in 1652, although there are no official records to prove this.
Today, a replica version of Kalmar Nyckel is docked in Lewes, Delaware, and serves as a floating museum dedicated to Delaware’s maritime and colonial histories.
25- Alamo, Texas
Also known as ‘The Alamo Mission’, the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas was built in 1744.
Designed as a Roman Catholic mission and fortress, the Alamo is of national historic importance because of the American revolution, as a during 1836, Texas lost the Battle of the Alamo to Mexican troops.
Following its original purpose as a Spanish built mission, aimed at educating Native Americans following conversions to Catholicism, the Alamo became an important and strategic military base.
The Alamo is the most visited monument in Texas, with over two million people visiting annually.
26- Golden Gate Bridge, California
The Golden Gate Bridge, spanning the Golden Gate Strait in San Francisco, California, is one of the most famous American landmarks in the world.
Completed in 1937, this engineering marvel connects San Francisco to Marin County and was the longest suspension bridge at the time.
Its striking orange-red colour, known as International Orange, enhances visibility in the region’s frequent fog.
Stretching 1.7 miles, it offers breathtaking views of the city, San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean.
A symbol of innovation and resilience, the Golden Gate Bridge attracts millions of visitors annually, whether for scenic drives, walks, or simply admiring its architectural brilliance in San Francisco.
27- Space Needle, Washington
The Space Needle in Seattle, Washington, is an iconic symbol of innovation and futuristic design.
Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, it stands 605 feet tall and features a unique saucer-shaped observation deck.
Offering panoramic views of Seattle’s skyline, Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, it draws over a million people annually.
The Space Needle’s revolving glass floor, “The Loupe,” adds a thrilling perspective.
As a representation of Seattle’s modernity and creativity, it remains a beloved landmark and a testament to mid-20th-century engineering and architectural ingenuity, continuing to inspire locals and tourists alike.
28- USS Arizona Memorial, Hawaii
The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, commemorates the 1,177 crew members who lost their lives during the December 7, 1941, attack that propelled the United States into World War II.
Built above the sunken battleship USS Arizona, the national memorial is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made.
Accessible by boat, you can view the ship’s remains beneath the water and pay respects at the shrine room, which lists the names of the fallen.
Operated by the National Park Service, the memorial attracts millions annually, serving as a powerful symbol of remembrance and resilience.
29- Fort Sumter National Monument, South Carolina
A prominent monument in South Carolina is the Fort Sumter National Monument in Charleston Harbor.
Fort Sumter is historically significant as the site where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired on April 12, 1861.
Today, you can tour the well-preserved remains of the fort and learn about its pivotal role in the past.
Accessible by ferry, the monument offers stunning views of the harbor and provides insight into the nation’s tumultuous past, making it an important destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.
30- National Mall, Washington
The National Mall in Washington D.C. is one of the best historical sites and cultural centerpieces in the United States.
Spanning over two miles from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, it is lined with iconic landmarks such as the Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
The Mall is also home to numerous Smithsonian museums, including the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History.
It hosts major national events, like presidential inaugurations and Independence Day celebrations.
As a symbol of democracy and history, the National Mall attracts millions annually.
31- Wall Street, New York City
Wall Street, located in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, New York City, is a global symbol of finance and commerce.
Home to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq, it serves as the epicentre of U.S. financial markets.
The street’s name originates from a 17th-century wall built by Dutch settlers for defense. Today, it represents economic power, hosting major banks, investment firms and trading institutions.
Famous landmarks include the Charging Bull statue, symbolising market optimism and strength.
32- Wright Brothers National Memorial, North Carolina
The Wright Brothers National Memorial, located in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, commemorates the first successful powered flight by Orville and Wilbur Wright on December 17, 1903.
This historic event took place on the sand dunes of the Outer Banks, where the brothers perfected their flying machine.
The site features a granite monument atop Big Kill Devil Hill, marking their achievement, as well as replicas of the 1903 flyer and their camp buildings. Visitors can walk the flight path, explore interactive exhibits, and learn about the determination that changed aviation history.
The memorial celebrates innovation, perseverance, and the spirit of discovery.
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Publish date : 2024-11-22 15:50:00
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Publish date : 2024-11-23 16:25:09
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