There are literally thousands of unique and interesting destinations in the U.S., and narrowing that down, even to hundreds of places, is a daunting task! From extremely well-known landmarks like the Grand Canyon to Mark Twain’s favorite tavern, every U.S. city has destinations worth seeing.
However, not all destinations are bucket-list worthy; only a special few can be called must-see trips. Here are five of my favorite U.S. destinations that you should see before you die.
1. Mount McKinley and Denali National Park in Alaska
Located within Denali National Park, Mount McKinley is the tallest peak in North America, rising to a majestic 20,320 feet. Visiting this wonder of the world should be on everybody’s bucket list. Denali National Park is an incredible six million–acre wildlife reserve, home to grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, moose, Dall sheep and golden eagles.
The park is not only for animal lovers. Those who can’t get enough of natural scenery will certainly appreciate the sweeping views of subarctic tundra and taiga, glaciers, lush green valleys and massive mountain peaks in addition to Mount McKinley.
Stay in a log cabin inside the park’s Camp Denali to really experience the full pleasure of the park’s serene forest. The camp employs wonderful and knowledgeable staff who lead naturalist-guided hikes and educational programs.
2. Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Arizona
Canyon de Chelly is best known for its spectacular multistoried cliff-side dwellings made of sun-dried clay and stone, which were built by the Anasazi people between A.D. 700 and 1300. The canyon highlights the 2,000 years of Native American history with a quiet and magical spirituality.
Sheer sandstone walls tower 600 feet around this 130-square-mile canyon. This is truly a photographer’s dream, especially during sunrise and sunset when the sun’s rays hit the walls at stunning angles.
The canyon is located inside the Navajo Indian Reservation, the largest in North America. The Navajo are full-time canyon residents and act as tour guides because unaccompanied visits to the canyon floor are prohibited. The canyon is considered one of the Navajo’s holiest places.
3. Death Valley National Park in California
This park has the dubious distinction of being the lowest, driest and hottest spot in America, with scorching summers that can reach 120 degrees. If these superlatives don’t get your motor going, maybe the 11,000-foot Telescope Peak will pique your interest.
The parched landscape of Death Valley is actually quite magnificent. One of the most popular sights within the park is the Artist’s Palette, where mineral deposits have caused swathes of red, pink, orange, purple and green to color the hills. Zabriskie Point features wrinkled-looking hills and 14 square miles of perfectly sculpted sand dunes.
Air-conditioned cars and luxury inns make a trip to this hot attraction infinitely bearable. You won’t have to rough the heat like the early settlers; high–thread count sheets and rain showers welcome you back from a busy day of sightseeing in the desert.
4. The Great Amish Country Auction in Indiana
Experience a slice of Americana at the Antique and Miscellaneous Auction in Shipshewana, Indiana, one of America’s largest Amish and Mennonite communities. The auction and market are attended by Amish sellers and buyers from all over the community and by visitors from all over the country.
You’ll see horse and buggies, farmers wearing wide-brimmed black hats and Old Testament beards, and many other Amish delights. Since the Amish are famous for being reclusive and tend to shy away from any notoriety, the auction is a great opportunity to meet the Amish people and check out their wares.
While you’re there for the auction, you can meander along the 100-mile Heritage Trail in the farm region of Elkhart and LaGrange Counties, home to 17,000 Amish. There are audio tours available to take you through the historical sites along the trail.
5. The Bourbon Trail in Kentucky
Did you know that 95% of the world’s bourbon comes from Kentucky? The simple ingredients of native corn and limestone—plus the rich local spring water of Kentucky—create this beloved amber-colored liquor.
Just nine Kentucky distilleries make bourbon. Each brand boasts its own unique taste and character, which is defined mostly by the charred oak barrels where it must be aged for a minimum of two years.
You can take a tour of the seven Kentucky distilleries that are open to the public and participate in offered tastings of their various bourbon varieties. Bourbon tastings are also plentiful at the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival in September. There you’ll find live music, dancing, historic tours, tastings, great food and other specialties guaranteed to tickle your fancy.
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Of course, I personally recommend hitting up Hawaii even before visiting these attractions. It’s hard to beat the islands’ multicolored sand, lush rainforests and rich history—not to mention that it’s home to the largest mountain in the world (even taller than Everest!).