U.S. Parks Tour

The National Park Service manages over 84 million acres for the enjoyment of 275 million annual visitors. The U.S. is also blessed with countless state, municipal and private parks. Here is a photographic sample of the gorgeous scenery this system offers you and your family. Go visit a park this weekend or for a week. They are wonderful!

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New Eddystone Rock near Ketchikan, Alaska - Encircle Photos

1 New Eddystone Rock near Ketchikan, Alaska

New Eddystone Rock is a majestic, 237 foot basalt pillar. It was a volcanic vent five million years ago and then shaped by glaciers. The tree-covered tower stands in the Behm Canal between the Revillagigedo Island in the background and an entrance to the Misty Fjords National Monument. It has been a popular sight for visitors since European navigator George Vancouver documented his discovery in 1793.

New Eddystone Rock, Alaska 99901
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South Rim from Yavapai Point at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona - Encircle Photos

2 South Rim from Yavapai Point at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona

The word “grand” is inadequate to describe the Grand Canyon’s South Rim in Arizona. Carved by the Colorado River and 1.7 billion years of erosion, it extends 277 miles. Although ten miles across, it requires a 250 mile drive around it. This view from Yavapai Point is the shallowest at 2,400 feet. The canyon is 7,800 feet deep at the North Rim. Nearby is the Yavapai Geology Museum where park rangers provide interesting facts using a scaled model of the canyon.

Yavapai Point Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
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Colorado River Encircling Horseshoe Bend  near Page, Arizona - Encircle Photos

3 Colorado River Encircling Horseshoe Bend near Page, Arizona

Just off Route 89 near Page, Arizona, you take a hot, dusty walk across ancient sand dunes while seeing nothing but rocks, scrub brush and perspiring tourists. Suddenly, a giant canyon emerges. The view of the Colorado River meandering 270° around Horseshoe Bend is heart-stirring. If you also want it to be breathtaking, then dare to inch towards the rim for a better view of the sandstone escarpment 1,000 feet below. Once you are positioned for the best possible photo, your spouse will yell that you are crazy and to crawl back immediately.

Horseshoe Bend, Hwy 89 S, Page, AZ
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Canyon Sunbeams in the Upper Canyon of Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona - Encircle Photos

4 Canyon Sunbeams in the Upper Canyon of Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona

Near Page, Arizona, are two slot canyons called Antelope Canyon. These phenomenal geological sites are managed by the Navajo Nation of Native Americans. The Upper Canyon is famous for sunbeams. After magically appearing, the slivers of light streak and dance through the corkscrew formations of sandstone while creating brilliant orange and purple colors. Then they vanish in seconds. These canyon sunbeams are best seen at mid-day during the summer.

Indian Rte 222 and AZ-98, Page, AZ 86040
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Fannette Island in Lake Tahoe at Emerald Bay State Park, California - Encircle Photos

5 Fannette Island in Lake Tahoe at Emerald Bay State Park, California

Emerald State Park is along the western shore of Lake Tahoe in California. In the center of gorgeous Emerald Bay is Fannette Island. The uninhabited piece of granite rises 150 feet accented with sparse timber and brush. On top are the remains of a “Tea House” where Mrs. Knight entertained friends. Then, in 1929, she commissioned a stunning, Scandinavian castle with 38 rooms and a staff of 15. Her former summer home is available for tours. She and her husband also financed Charles Lindberg’s solo trans-Atlantic flight.

Emerald Bay State Park, 138 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
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Namesake Tree at Joshua Tree Park, California - Encircle Photos

6 Namesake Tree at Joshua Tree Park, California

The namesake for this national park is the Joshua tree. The largest of the yuccas can reach a height of 40 feet. It is indigenous only to the Mojave Desert. The spikey evergreen can live over 150 years. This odd-shaped yet picturesque member of the agave family has several names. The Cahuilla Indians called it hunuvat chiy’a or humwichawa. The scientific name is yucca brevifolia. In the mid-19th century, the Mormons observed the outstretched limbs resembled the Biblical Joshua leading the Israelites during the Exodus. They named it the Joshua tree.

64102 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
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California Bell Tower at Balboa Park in San Diego, California - Encircle Photos

7 California Bell Tower at Balboa Park in San Diego, California

The 200 foot California Bell Tower’s cupola and lantern is accented with a starburst. The tile design has become an iconic symbol of San Diego. This three-tier, Spanish and Mexican tower welcomes visitors arriving at Balboa Park through the El Prado entrance. The California Building was created for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. Inside is the anthropology Museum of Man.

1350 El Prado San Diego, CA 92101
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Palace of Fine Arts Beside Lagoon in San Francisco, California - Encircle Photos

8 Palace of Fine Arts Beside Lagoon in San Francisco, California

In 1915, in preparation for hosting the Panama-Pacific International Exposition world’s fair, ten magnificent yet temporary structures were built on 630 acres in today’s Marina neighborhood. This dome building alongside a lagoon, called the Palace of Fine Arts, is the only one that remains on the original site. It was reconstructed in 1965.

3301 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123
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Maroon Bells and Lake in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen, Colorado - Encircle Photos

9 Maroon Bells and Lake in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen, Colorado

The snow-capped and red-hue Maroon Bells are 14,000 foot sister peaks. The picturesque mounts are located in the 181,000 acres of Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen. In the glacial valley is Maroon Lake. During the spring, its frigid water provides gorgeous reflections of the mountains. The scenic area is also surrounded by meadows, wildflowers and aspen. Local residents include bighorn sheep, red fox, deer and an occasional black bear.

Maroon-Snowmass Trailhead, Aspen, CO 81611
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Grand View Overlook of Monoliths at Colorado National Monument, Colorado - Encircle Photos

10 Grand View Overlook of Monoliths at Colorado National Monument, Colorado

One spectacular panorama of Independence Monument is from the Grand View Overlook. Only the golden eagles and red-tail hawks have a better view of these towering monoliths. You have 801 people to thank for this scenic drive. The first was William Taft. The president leveraged the Antiquates Act in 1911 to make these 20,500 acres a national monument. The other 800 men created the Rim Rock Drive. The laborious project began during the Depression. It took 18 years to complete by 1950. Colorado National Monument is listed by the U. S. National Register of Historic Places.

Grand View, Rim Rock Dr, Grand Junction, CO 81507
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Bighorn Sheep Grazing in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colorado - Encircle Photos

11 Bighorn Sheep Grazing in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colorado

The best way to sample the 415 square miles and 60 mountains of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is by driving along the Trail Ridge Road (Highway 34). If you are adventurous, consider walking some of the 350 miles of trails. The lowlands are covered by lush grasslands and forests until they reach the tree line at 11,500 feet. The tallest mountain is Longs Peak at 14,259 feet. Along the way, you might see a herd of grazing bighorn sheep.

Trail Ridge Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517
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Introduction to Independence Pass, Colorado - Encircle Photos

12 Introduction to Independence Pass, Colorado

Independence Pass is a 32-mile Scenic and Historic Byway located less than 20 miles either side of Leadville in the east and Aspen in the west. Highway 82 winds among glacier-formed valleys and snow-capped mountains. You will drive by gorgeous scenes like this one near Leadville. This is Twin Lakes with Mount Elbert in the background (Colorado’s tallest peak at 14,400 feet). Between the San Isabell and White River National Forests is the 12,095 summit of Independence Pass. Here you will stand at the top of the Continental Divide. This fabulous road is typically open from Memorial Day through early November. However, check U. S. Forest Service bulletins before you go.

6285 Co Rd 10 Twin Lakes, CO 81251
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Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Sunset at Universal in Orlando, Florida - Encircle Photos

13 Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Sunset at Universal in Orlando, Florida

The passenger train on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit reaches an elevation of 165 feet before plunging towards the ground at 65 mph. This rollercoaster at Universal Studios Florida lets you select the song that plays while you are scared to death. With selections like, “Paralyzer,” “Kickstart My Heart,” “Living in Fast Forward,” “Insane in the Brain” and “I Can Sleep When I’m Dead,” it’s hard to pick the most appropriate tune.

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Orlando, FL 32819
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‘Akaka Falls State Park near Honomu, Island of Hawaii, Hawaii - Encircle Photos

14 ‘Akaka Falls State Park near Honomu, Island of Hawaii, Hawaii

The Kolekole Stream plunges 422 feet into a deep gorge in this dramatic waterfall. It is the centerpiece of an easy walking trail around ‘Akaka Falls State Park near Honomu along the Hamakua Coast. The path also loops through a lush rainforest featuring enormous ferns, huge bamboo and banyan trees plus the smaller Kahūnā Falls.

ʻAkaka Falls State Park, Akaka Falls Road & State Hwy 220, Honomu, HI 96728
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USS Arizona Mast and Oil Slick at Pearl Harbor near Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii - Encircle Photos

15 USS Arizona Mast and Oil Slick at Pearl Harbor near Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii

At about 8:00 a.m. on December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. The “date which will live in infamy” resulted in the deaths of over 2,400 Americans, including 1,177 men on the USS Arizona. This view of the sunken ship’s mast is from the memorial. Look closely and you will see an oil slick still forming on the water.

1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818
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Shoshone Falls Park Waterfall near Twin Falls, Idaho - Encircle Photos

16 Shoshone Falls Park Waterfall near Twin Falls, Idaho

Swirling rainbows arch above roaring water as the Snake River cascades 212 feet down a 900 foot wide, horseshoe ridge at Shoshone Falls Park near Twin Falls, Idaho. The widest torrent is Bridal Veil Falls. This spectacle of nature was formed 14,000 years ago during an outburst flooding from a melting glacier. A small fee per car is required to feel the mist as the water thunders 45 feet higher than Niagara Falls.

Shoshone Falls Park, Champlin Rd, Kimberly, ID 83341
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Buckingham Fountain and Downtown Skyline in Chicago, Illinois - Encircle Photos

17 Buckingham Fountain and Downtown Skyline in Chicago, Illinois

The Buckingham Fountain, which resembles a multi-layer wedding cake, was built in 1927 with pink marble in a French 18th century style called Rococo. The 1.5 million gallon fountain in Grant Park apparently represents Lake Michigan which is nearby. During light, music and water shows, 193 jets blast streams of water as high as 150 feet.

301 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
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Schooner Head from Overlook in Acadia National Park, Maine - Encircle Photos

18 Schooner Head from Overlook in Acadia National Park, Maine

Credit earthquakes, volcanoes and glaciers for forming the 47,000 acres of pristine forests, rugged coastlines, peninsula fingers and charming inlets of Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor. This cliff with a cluster of exclusive homes is Schooner Head. The gorgeous scene is viewable from the Overlook observation point just off the Park Loop Road.

Schooner Head Rd & Schooner Head Trailhead, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
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Penobscot Narrows Bridge in Fort Knox State Park in Prospect, Maine - Encircle Photos

19 Penobscot Narrows Bridge in Fort Knox State Park in Prospect, Maine

To reach Fort Knox State Park, you must cross the Penobscot Narrows Bridge. Do not be in hurry to drive across its 2,120 foot length. The cable-stayed bridge was finished in 2007 at a cost of $85 million. An elevator will take you up 42 stories. The 420 foot tower of the Penobscot Narrows Bridge is the world’s tallest bridge observatory. The panoramic views at that height are incredible.

ME-3 & ME-174, Prospect, ME 04981
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Swan Boat Ride in Boston Public Garden in Boston, Massachusetts - Encircle Photos

20 Swan Boat Ride in Boston Public Garden in Boston, Massachusetts

The Boston Public Garden consists of 24 green acres in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts. During the summer, families rent Swan Boats to slowly paddle around the four-acre pond and beneath the lagoon bridge. Nearby are the Boston Common and the famous bar, Cheers.

4 Charles St, Boston, MA 02116
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Old North Bridge in Minute Man National Historic Park near Concord, Massachusetts - Encircle Photos

21 Old North Bridge in Minute Man National Historic Park near Concord, Massachusetts

Great Britain kept raising taxes on the 13 colonies, despite the gentlemanly protests of Ben Franklin (“Taxation without representation”) leading to the Boston Tea Party. In response, Britain dissolved the local governments while the colonists built their militia and stockpiles in Concord, Massachusetts. In 1775, 700 redcoats were sent to seize the weapons. However, good intelligence and the rides of Paul Revere and William Davis adequately warned people. After a skirmish in nearby Lexington, the first major battle of the Revolutionary War occurred on April 19 at the Old North Bridge, which is now Minute Man National Historic Park.

269 Monument St, Concord, MA 01742
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Spoonbridge and Cherry Sculpture by Claes Oldenburg in Minneapolis, Minnesota - Encircle Photos

22 Spoonbridge and Cherry Sculpture by Claes Oldenburg in Minneapolis, Minnesota

In 1988, Claes Oldenburg, along with his wife Coosje van Bruggen, created this delightful, oversized sculpture called Spoonbridge and Cherry for the Walker Art Center. The spoon weighs 5,800 pounds and the cherry with the water streaming from it is 1,200 pounds. It is one of 40 outdoor artworks in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

14357 Loring Greenway, Minneapolis, MN 55403
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Paddleboat at Mississippi River Headwaters in Park Rapids, Minnesota - Encircle Photos

23 Paddleboat at Mississippi River Headwaters in Park Rapids, Minnesota

Floating along in the Coborn’s Cruises Chester Charles II paddleboat is a scenic way to view the Mississippi River Headwaters. These rocks mark the river’s origin in Itasca State Park. Founded in 1891, the park is the state’s oldest with over 32,000 acres and about 100 lakes. From here, the Mississippi River begins its 2,552 mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico near New Orleans.

Miss Headwaters Visitor Park Shevlin, MN 56676
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Sunset over the Midway at the Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul, Minnesota - Encircle Photos

24 Sunset over the Midway at the Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul, Minnesota

The Minnesota State Fair in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is the second largest in the U.S. It may be mandatory that all 1.7 million people who attend the twelve-day event eat something that’s on a stick, is deep fired, and/or is laden with calories. The Midway offers 30 spinning, swirling and scary rides plus carnival games and more food. At sunset, the lights are dazzling.

1842 W Dan Patch Ave, St. Paul, MN 55113
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Wild Horses Resting in Meadow at Glacier National Park, Montana - Encircle Photos

Wild Horses Resting in Meadow at Glacier National Park, Montana

This mare was nuzzling her foal in an open meadow. They looked so peaceful and content. Wild horses are one of about 15 types of large animals living in and around Glacier National Park in Montana. You might also be lucky enough to see a bighorn sheep, black bear, moose, elk, deer, lynx or mountain lion. Plus, there are 70 species of smaller mammals residing within the one million acres of wilderness.

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Saint Mary Lake in Glacier National Park near St. Mary, Montana - Encircle Photos

25 Saint Mary Lake in Glacier National Park near St. Mary, Montana

Wild Goose Island is the centerpiece of Saint Mary Lake. This is the second largest among 130 lakes within Glacier National Park’s million acres. The Going-to-the-Sun Road flanks the northern side of this ten mile lake. Access is closed about eight months a year because snow often drifts as high as 80 feet. In the background is Little Chief Mountain. This 9,500 foot peak marks the beginning of the Rocky Mountains.

Wild Goose Island Lookout, Going-to-the-Sun Rd, Browning, MT 59417
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Sand Harbor in Nevada State Park  near Lake Tahoe, Nevada - Encircle Photos

26 Sand Harbor in Nevada State Park near Lake Tahoe, Nevada

In 1971, Nevada purchased 5,000 acres on the lake’s eastern shore from a local land baron. The property included this gorgeous view on Sand Harbor. This acquisition created Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. The idyllic spot consists of pristine sand, large boulders sprinkled across shallow waters, tree-lined shores, hiking trails and isolated picnic grounds. The only downside is the lack of parking along Highway 28.

2005 NV-28, New Washoe City, NV 89704
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Bentonite Clay Spires at Cathedral Gorge State Park near Panaca, Nevada - Encircle Photos

27 Bentonite Clay Spires at Cathedral Gorge State Park near Panaca, Nevada

These Bentonite clay spires at Cathedral Gorge State Park near Panaca, Nevada, are beautiful. The rugged landscape was shaped by volcanic eruptions, fractures that formed mountains and valleys, a freshwater lake that disappeared, plus millions of years of wind erosion. Wonderful buff-colored carvings stand majestically among the 2,000 acres of arid desert near the Utah boarder. You can also explore several caves. But beware: some are inhabited by creatures who growl with disapproval at the slightest intrusion.

111 Cathedral Gorge State Park Road, Panaca, NV 89042
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Scrub Brush and Mountains in Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas, Nevada - Encircle Photos

28 Scrub Brush and Mountains in Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas, Nevada

A short drive away from the flash and bedazzle of Las Vegas is the peace and serenity of Red Rock Canyon, Nevada. The desert floor is adorned with scrub-brush resembling coral. The backdrops are sandstone and limestone cliffs plus iron oxide outcrops with subtle hues of orange, brown and red. Meandering through this stark beauty is a 13 mile drive.

Red Rock Canyon, Overlook Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161
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White Mountain National Forest near North Conway, New Hampshire - Encircle Photos

29 White Mountain National Forest near North Conway, New Hampshire

There are two scenic byways looping through the White Mountain National Forest. Also winding through the 750,000 acres is the Ellis River. The 17-mile flow begins at the 6,288 foot peak of Mount Washington. Nearby are other mountains named after eight presidents plus notables like Ben Franklin and Sam Adams. Among this gorgeous scenery are quaint villages, museums, covered bridges and tranquil landscapes.

Glen Ellis Scenic Area NH-16, Appalachian Trail, Jackson, NH 03846
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Mesa at Sunset in Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico - Encircle Photos

30 Mesa at Sunset in Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico

New Mexico’s Bandelier National Monument is wedged in a valley surrounded by mounts ranging in height from 5,000 to 10,000 feet. The sun and clouds create dancing shadows as you look down from the peak. Once you descend, you will find Ancestral Pueblo dwellings and petroglyphs carved into cliffs dating from 1150 – 1600. The area also has several mesas. These tabletop mountains glow during the sunset.

15 Entrance Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544
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Macaw Petroglyph at Petroglyph National Monument, New Mexico - Encircle Photos

31 Macaw Petroglyph at Petroglyph National Monument, New Mexico

Volcanoes once scarred the 7,200 acres called Petroglyph National Monument in New Mexico just west of Albuquerque. Many of the ancient magma rocks display 24,000 carvings. The primitive designs were created by the Ancestral Pueblo people from 400-700 years ago. The petroglyphs include images of birds, animals, faces, plants and symbols. You can study this ancient art along developed trails. You can also climb around two canyons and discover more such as this macaw in Boca Negra Canyon.

Boca Negra Canyon, Atrisco Dr NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120
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Camel Rock Silhouette near Tesuque, New Mexico - Encircle Photos

32 Camel Rock Silhouette near Tesuque, New Mexico

Erosion carved this sandstone bluff called Camel Rock into the shape of a sitting camel in Tesuque, New Mexico. The stone camelid looks right at home in the arid surroundings while basking in the sunset. Across U.S. 84-285 is another Camel Rock. That entertainment establishment is a Pueblo-managed casino with a great buffet. In this reservation of 500 Native Americans, you will also find artisans offering paintings and pottery.

285 Frontage, Camel Rock, Santa Fe, NM 87506
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Gypsum Sand Rock and Soaptree Yucca in White Sands National Monument, New Mexico - Encircle Photos

33 Gypsum Sand Rock and Soaptree Yucca in White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

Nature is incredibly resilient. This twig-thin stalk of soaptree yucca manages to grow across the 115 square miles of drifting dunes in White Sands National Monument, New Mexico. This park in the Tularosa Basin is covered with selenite crystals or gypsum. The snow-white material is constantly blowing while creating unique sculptures and wind-swept ridges, knolls and enormous hills. This region averages 100 days with heat above 90° F. Yet the dunes remain cool while snowplows are constantly clearing the road of gypsum sand.

Yucca Picnic Area Loop Dr, Tularosa, NM 88352
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Frederick Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site in Hyde Park, New York - Encircle Photos

34 Frederick Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site in Hyde Park, New York

If you were a wealthy industrialist during the Gilded Age, you often demonstrated your success by building mansions. Nine members of the Vanderbilt family epitomized this trend by commissioning top architects to construct 25 homes between 1870 and 1920; many resembled palaces. This 54 room mansion along the Hudson River sits on a 200 acre estate in Hyde Park, New York, just a short distance from Franklin D, Roosevelt’s home. It was only used seasonally as a vacation home.

119 Vanderbilt Park Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538
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Central Park and Skyline in New York City, New York - Encircle Photos

35 Central Park and Skyline in New York City, New York

Nearly 8.5 million people live in New York City. A whopping 37 million visit the 843 acres known as Central Park. Created in 1857, it has evolved into a mecca for fun, enjoyment and relaxation. Among the attractions are horse-drawn carriages, jogging paths, a carousel, a playground, a zoo, restaurants and outdoor sculptures. There is also plenty of green space. The grass is perfect for lounging, sunbathing and enjoying the cityscape.

830 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065
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Orville Wright Painting at Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina - Encircle Photos

36 Orville Wright Painting at Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

Two brothers who did not finish high school, ran a marginally successful newspaper and then a bicycle shop shared a dream: to master motor-driven flight. From 1899 until 1903, the Wright Brothers generated extensive data from a home-built wind tunnel. The duo also tinkered with bike parts and motors to create and test various gliders. This painting at the Wright Brothers National Memorial depicts their first manned flight of 120 feet at Kill Devil Hill on December 17, 1903.

Visitor's Center, Wright Memorial, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
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Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota Badlands, North Dakota - Encircle Photos

37 Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota Badlands, North Dakota

In 1884, Theodore Roosevelt’s wife and mother died on the same day, causing him to abandon his early political career. He sought solitude in the Badlands in North Dakota. Roosevelt became a rancher, hunter and deputy sheriff. His Maltese Cross Cabin and Elkhorn Ranch can be visited at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. You are also likely to see wild horses, buffalo, deer, sheep and elk roaming in the vibrant, rolling terrain and patchy grasslands of this 70,446 acre park.

201 E River Rd, Medora, ND 58645
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Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania - Encircle Photos

38 Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania

When the Swiss invented milk chocolate in 1875, the expensive luxury had a short shelf life. That changed in 1899 when Milton Hersey developed a process to mass produce the delicacy. He then built a plant and town now called Hersey, Pennsylvania. This facility produces the branded syrup, Kiss, Mr. Goodbar, Krackel and later acquired Reese’s and Twizzlers. In 1973, Hersey’s Chocolate World opened as an amusement park. The attraction offers rides and a tour of the chocolate making process. This is a haven for kids in a candy store.

101 Chocolate World Way, Hershey, PA 17033
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The Wall of Badlands, South Dakota - Encircle Photos

39 The Wall of Badlands, South Dakota

The spectacular spine of Badlands National Park is The Wall. This geological backbone is over 200 feet high, is as wide as three miles and stretches for 60 miles. The Wall is the demarcation between the Lower Prairie to the south and the Upper Prairie to the north. The prominent feature of this eroded escarpment is the colorful layers of sedimentary rocks. Like rings in a tree, they reflect millions of years of history. Wall, South Dakota, was named after this beautiful natural phenomenon when the town was incorporated in 1908.

Badlands Loop Road, SD-240, Wall, SD 57790
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Crazy Horse Memorial in Custer County in Black Hills, South Dakota - Encircle Photos

40 Crazy Horse Memorial in Custer County in Black Hills, South Dakota

Some visions require persistence. The best example might be Crazy Horse Memorial in Custer County, South Dakota. The project was commissioned by Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear. The sculptor, Korczak Ziolkowski, started carving the Indian warrior on a horse with an outstretched arm in 1948. Fifty years of hard work were needed to finish the face. After his death in 1982, his wife Ruth took control until she died in 2014. Now their children are heeding his advice of “Go slowly so you get it right.” There is no timeframe for completing this 560 foot monument in the Black Hills.

12151 Ave of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, SD 57730
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Brief Description of Arches National Park, Utah - Encircle Photos

41 Brief Description of Arches National Park, Utah

Arches is one of the Mighty Five, a collection of outstanding national parks in southern Utah. The other four are Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capital Reef and Zion. It is easy to understand how the park was named. There are over 2,000 sandstone arches within these 76,679 acres of red-rock country. You will also admire abundant mesas, needles, monoliths and natural bridges. This geological masterpiece has been a work in progress for over 300 million years. To preserve this visual sensation for future generations, Arches was made a national monument in 1929 and a national park in 1971.

Arches Scenic Dr, Moab, UT 84532
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Grand Staircase Summit at Rainbow Point at Bryce Canyon, Utah - Encircle Photos

42 Grand Staircase Summit at Rainbow Point at Bryce Canyon, Utah

Rainbow Point is the summit of the Grand Staircase. The geological evolution extends for about 150 miles from the peak where you are standing to the Grand Canyon. The rock formations exposed at Bryce Canyon are the Claron Formation. Relatively speaking, they are the youngest layer of the Grand Staircase. They were created 56 to 34 million years ago. In contrast, the exposed rocks in the 6,000 foot deep Grand Canyon range in age from 200 million to nearly two billion years. Between these two points, there are 24 unique formations within five major “steps.” Bryce Canyon is called the Pink Cliffs. The other four are the Grey, White, Vermillion and Chocolate Cliffs. No wonder they call this overlook Rainbow Point.

Rainbow Point, Bryce Canyon, Bryce, UT 84764
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Hoodoos behind Visitor Center in Red Canyon, Utah - Encircle Photos

43 Hoodoos behind Visitor Center in Red Canyon, Utah

Two perched hoodoos are a dramatic backdrop to the Red Canyon Visitor Center. You will find everything you need here, including trail information, maps and displays plus a souvenir shop, restrooms and a picnic area. If you want a closer look at this impressive cliff, just follow the .3 mile Hoodoo Loop Trail. Nearby is the Red Canyon Campground. The 37 campsites are open from early May through September.

Golden Wall Trailhead, Red Canyon, UT-12, Panguitch, UT 84759
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Erosion Lines in Cliff  at Zion National Park, Utah - Encircle Photos

44 Erosion Lines in Cliff at Zion National Park, Utah

In the center of the Grand Staircase between the Grand Canyon’s north rim and Bryce National Park is the 230 square miles of Zion National Park. Numerous hiking paths, a few scenic drives or a shuttle bus tour all provide inspiring views. You will enjoy seeing painted cliffs, canyons, rivers, arches, deserts, gorges, narrows and monoliths rising over 5,000 feet. Many rocks display these deep scars. The groves were created by erosion during the 100 million years it took to create this masterpiece of nature.

Zion National park, 1101 Zion – Mount Carmel Hwy, Springdale, UT 84737
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Reconstructed First Williamsburg Capitol in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia - Encircle Photos

45 Reconstructed First Williamsburg Capitol in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Colonial Williamsburg contains over 60 restored or reconstructed buildings from the early 1700s across 300 acres. As a living-history museum, costumed employees explain the various venues and reenact key activities. Others conduct a colonist’s daily life like walking down the street and removing their hat when greeting a lady. Williamsburg was once the center for the Colony of Virginia’s government. This Colonial Revival replica built in 1934 is how the first capitol looked in 1705.

500 E Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185
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Devils Tower at Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming - Encircle Photos

46 Devils Tower at Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming

Devils Tower soars like a geological skyscraper over the eastern plains of Wyoming. Possibly born from magnum, the landmark was shaped by erosion during millions of years. The result is this majestic monolith rising 1,267 feet. Along its sides are hundreds of parallel cracks. At the base are piles of boulders and stone as if the master sculptor did not clean up after creating this masterpiece. The trees are Ponderosa pines.

W Rd & Devils Tower-National Monument Rd, Devils Tower, WY 82714
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Snake River below Teton Mountain Range in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming - Encircle Photos

47 Snake River below Teton Mountain Range in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

The Cathedral Group is eight mountains with peaks from 11,300 to 13,770 feet in the Teton Range, Wyoming. On their eastern slope, the cold picturesque waters of the Snake River winds through the spruce-fir forests and tundra of Jackson Hole valley and the Grand Teton National Park. The alpine serenity is stunning.

1 Teton Park Rd, Moose, WY 83012
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Couple Crossing Bridge in Yellowstone, Wyoming - Encircle Photos

48 Couple Crossing Bridge in Yellowstone, Wyoming

Most of the two million plus acres of Yellowstone National Park are located in Wyoming. The park is famous for the spectacular river canyons, the hundreds of animal species freely roaming the forests and grasslands plus Old Faithful. This favorite tourist attraction is only one of 300 geysers in the park. Yellowstone is the largest volcanic system in North America. Many of the geothermal features emit steam. This turns into billowing clouds when the snow falls. This couple’s umbrella seemed like the perfect solution.

View Avenue, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
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Anemone Geyser at Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming - Encircle Photos

49 Anemone Geyser at Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Old Faithful is only one of 500 geysers and 10,000 thermal features in Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park. This massive volcanic caldera is a hot bed for endless fumaroles, mudpots, geysers, hot springs and vents. These natural cauldrons bubble, churn and belch displays of steam, smoke, water and colors. Each one is unique. Sometimes they are quiet and peaceful such as Anemone Geyser shown here. When they erupt, the show is spectacular. Then, just as quickly, they retreat into temporary dormancy.

View Avenue, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
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