List of National Treasures: National Parks of America, Breathtaking Landscapes Unveiled
America is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes and historical landmarks in the world, and the country's national parks are a testament to this diversity. Let's take a tour of the national parks across the United States and its territories.
The Lone Star State
In Texas, you can find Big Bend National Park, Fort Davis National Historic Site, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and Padre Island National Seashore. Each park offers unique experiences, from the rugged mountains and desert landscapes of Big Bend to the coastal beauty of Padre Island.
The Volunteer State
Tennessee boasts two national parks: Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The latter is the most visited national park in the USA, known for its lush forests and diverse wildlife. Chickamauga, on the other hand, is a significant Civil War battlefield.
The Land of Enchantment
New Mexico is a treasure trove of national parks and monuments. Bandelier National Monument, Capulin Volcano National Monument, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Valles Caldera National Preserve, White Sands National Park, and Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument are just a few of the sites you can explore.
U.S. Territories
In American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, you'll find national parks such as the National Park of American Samoa, San Juan National Historic Site, Christiansted National Historic Site, and Virgin Islands National Park. These parks offer a glimpse into the rich history and natural beauty of these territories.
The Heart of America
South Dakota is home to Badlands National Park and Wind Cave National Park. The Badlands offer a unique and dramatic landscape, while Wind Cave is known for its extensive network of limestone caves.
The Empire State
New York is home to several national historic sites and parks, including Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, Statue of Liberty National Monument, Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, and Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site.
The America the Beautiful Pass
The America the Beautiful Pass grants entry to all these National Parks and many other federal recreation sites. This pass is valid for entrance fees and some amenity fees at over 2,000 managed sites, including National Parks, National Forests, BLM lands, and more. The pass does not cover fees at state parks and some National Parks may require advance reservations.
The pass is available for purchase online or in person, costing $80 as of 2025, and covers the pass holder plus passengers in a non-commercial vehicle where applicable.
Exploring More
From Oregon's Crater Lake National Park and Lewis & Clark National Historical Park, to North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Wright Brothers National Memorial, there's a world of discovery waiting.
West Virginia's Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park (partly in Wyoming), and Washington's Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, and Olympic National Park are just a few more examples of the national parks you can visit.
In addition, you can explore the Great Basin National Park in Nevada, the Thomas Edison National Historical Park in New Jersey, the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site in New Hampshire, and many more.
So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure! With the America the Beautiful Pass, you can explore the beauty and history of America's national parks with ease.
[1] National Park Service - America the Beautiful Pass [2] National Park Service - Pass Benefits [3] National Park Service - Frequently Asked Questions [4] National Park Service - America the Beautiful Pass Pricing
- Big Bend National Park in Texas offers rugged mountains and desert landscapes, making it a unique destination for explorers.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee is the most visited national park in the USA, known for its lush forests and diverse wildlife.
- Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico showcases ancient dwellings carved into mesa walls, offering a glimpse into the area's cultural history.
- The National Park of American Samoa provides an opportunity to witness tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and volcanic landscapes.
- Badlands National Park in South Dakota offers a distinct and dramatic landscape, with a backdrop of Rappacity rocks, beaded valleys, and towering spires.
- Sagamore Hill National Historic Site in New York offers a look into the life and times of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States.
- With the America the Beautiful Pass, visitors can explore over 2,000 managed sites, including national parks, national forests, BLM lands, and more, without paying entrance fees.
- Mount Rainier National Park in Washington features a majestic volcano and diverse ecosystems, including forests, meadows, and alpine peaks.
- The Great Basin National Park in Nevada features some of the oldest limestone caves in North America, along with a variety of unique flora and fauna, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
