Most people can probably name one or two national parks in Utah, but many have never heard of Capitol Reef. Founded in 1971, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, is home to a dramatic geologic “fold” in the Earth’s crust. From the ground, the Waterpocket Fold resembles cliffs and buttes, but from the air, the long […]
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Category: Unique Features
Bryce Canyon
Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is like visiting another world. It’s home to some of the most bizarre rock formations around. This valley, full of wind-eroded red spires known as “hoodoos,” is justifiably world renowned and was protected as a National Park in 1928. While you’ll find hoodoos elsewhere, you won’t find them […]
Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, was founded in 1872 as the first National Park. Why a National Park? Because Wyoming and Montana weren’t states yet! But what a great place to start the National Park concept, the first of its kind in the world. Yellowstone is unique as the home of the world’s largest concentration of […]
White Sands
Ever wonder what it would be like to wander across seemingly infinite dunes of brilliant white sand? Then White Sands National Park is the place for you to satisfy that urge. The park protects an enormous field of white gypsum sand that doubles as a test range for missiles. Visitor Rating (write your own review […]
Petroglyph
Volcanic activity near modern day Albuquerque, New Mexico produced canyons of black boulders that became the canvas for native Americans who inscribed these rocks with an amazing variety of petroglyphs. Many of these glyphs are preserved in the multiple units of Petroglyph National Monument, established in 1990 to protect these sites. Visitor Rating (write your […]
Badlands
What’s to love about a bunch of eroding cliffs? Everything! While not as beautiful as the erosion in Grand Canyon or Zion, Badlands offers a great way to explore some amazing scenery in a very accessible and “hands-on” way that’s great for families. Visitor Rating (write your own review below) ILNP Rating Scenery Uniqueness Wildlife […]
Devils Tower
Devils Tower is a natural icon so unique it has been the basis of mystery and legend from the time the native Americans first saw it to the science fiction craze of the 1970s. Whether you want to see something truly unique, explore an island of pine forest in the canyons and grasslands, or see […]
Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. While it doesn’t offer enough activities to be a destination location by itself, its placement in the center of the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota makes it a great centerpiece to the myriad of beautiful parks, drives and attractions in the […]
Mammoth Cave
Do you have claustrophobia? How about a fear of being trapped underground? If so, then Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is NOT the place for you! Enjoy exploring strange places? Then you’ll love this park! Discovered by modern settlers in the 1700s, Mammoth Cave started life as a saltpeter mine for making gunpowder. In […]
Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock National Monument, Colorado, was established in 2012 on San Juan National Forest land surrounded by the Ute Reservation. Its twin rock spires high on a ridge inspired the name, but the monument protects several sites of ancient Puebloan ruins built by the Chaco people. Visitor Rating (write your own review below) ILNP Rating […]
Waco Mammoth
Waco Mammoth National Monument in Texas preserves the active dig site for the remains of a group of at least 24 prehistoric Columbian mammoths. While the first bones were discovered in 1978, the site wasn’t opened to the public until 2009 as a joint venture between the city of Waco and nearby Baylor University. In […]
Capulin Volcano
Capulin Volcano National Monument in northern New Mexico protects a well-preserved cinder cone volcano from a field that erupted thousands of years ago. Established in 1916, it’s one of the older monuments in the National Parks System. Visitor Rating (write your own review below) ILNP Rating ILNP Park Review Our Weather. Clear but windy and 50 […]