Looking to explore the best places to see wildlife in the USA? Whether you’re a seasoned nature enthusiast or just looking for a new adventure, our list of 15 incredible destinations offers something for everyone.
From majestic national parks to hidden wildlife refuges, these spots provide a front-row seat to the diverse and spectacular wildlife that calls America home. Dive in and discover where you can witness nature’s wonders up close!
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, is the first and oldest national park in the world, spanning nearly 3,500 square miles of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Its diverse ecosystems and landscapes make it a prime location for wildlife viewing, home to the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states, including grizzly bears, gray wolves, bison, elk, and moose.
Prime viewing spots like Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley offer visitors the chance to see large herds of bison and elk in their natural habitats. With its rich history and diverse wildlife, Yellowstone is a must-visit for any nature enthusiast.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Everglades National Park, established in 1947, spans over 1.5 million acres in southern Florida, making it the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. This unique ecosystem is home to rare species like the American crocodile, West Indian manatee, and Florida panther, offering visitors extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities.
Birdwatchers will particularly enjoy spotting wading birds such as herons and roseate spoonbills, as well as raptors like osprey and the endangered snail kite. Explore the park through airboat tours, hiking trails, or canoe trips for an unforgettable experience in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park, established in 1917, spans over six million acres of pristine Alaskan wilderness and is home to North America’s highest peak, Denali, standing at 20,310 feet. The park’s diverse ecosystems range from taiga forests to alpine tundra, providing ideal habitats for wildlife like grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, and Dall sheep.
One of the best ways to experience Denali’s expansive landscapes and abundant wildlife is by traveling the 92-mile Denali Park Road, which offers stunning views and frequent animal sightings. Birdwatchers will also find plenty to marvel at, with species such as golden eagles and migratory birds nesting in the park during summer.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, established in 1934, spans over 522,000 acres along the Tennessee-North Carolina border and is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its amazing biodiversity, hosting over 65 species of mammals, including a significant population of black bears and a thriving elk population in Cataloochee Valley.
Birdwatchers flock to the park to spot over 240 bird species, while the park’s streams and rivers support a rich variety of aquatic life. With its mist-covered mountains, lush forests, and numerous hiking trails, the park offers endless opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature exploration.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park, established in 1915, is a wildlife haven located in northern Colorado. Spanning over 415 square miles, its diverse elevations provide habitats for over 60 species of mammals and 280 species of birds.
From the iconic fall elk rut to sightings of bighorn sheep, black bears, and golden eagles, the park offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts. Don’t miss the scenic Trail Ridge Road, which showcases dramatic views and unique alpine ecosystems.
Custer State Park, South Dakota
Custer State Park, nestled in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Spanning over 71,000 acres, the park is best known for its thriving population of around 1,300 American bison, which roam freely across its diverse landscapes.
Visitors can also spot pronghorn antelope, elk, and mountain goats while exploring scenic drives like the Wildlife Loop Road. Each fall, the Buffalo Roundup offers a marvelous opportunity to witness the herding and managing of the bison population, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1984, is a wildlife haven on the Albemarle-Pamlico Peninsula. Spanning over 152,000 acres, the refuge is one of the few places where visitors might spot the endangered red wolf in the wild.
Home to one of the highest densities of American black bears in the Southeast, the refuge also supports alligators, river otters, and a myriad of bird species. Scenic drives and waterways offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and exploration.
Channel Islands National Park, California
Channel Islands National Park, established in 1980, protects five distinctive islands off the southern California coast, often called the “Galápagos of North America.” The park is a wildlife hotspot where visitors can see endemic species like the island fox and island scrub-jay.
Its marine sanctuary features rich kelp forests, vibrant tide pools, and sightings of sea lions and migrating whales. The islands also offer excellent hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling opportunities, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Voyageurs National Park, established in 1975, is a remote wilderness paradise in northern Minnesota, near the Canadian border. Spanning over 218,000 acres, its interconnected waterways and lush forests create ideal habitats for a diverse array of wildlife, including gray wolves, black bears, and moose.
Birdwatchers will delight in sightings of bald eagles and loons, among over 240 recorded species. Accessible primarily by boat, the park offers exciting water-based recreation like canoeing, kayaking, and houseboating, providing an immersive experience in its serene and rugged landscape.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia/Florida
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1937, spans over 400,000 acres of pristine wetlands in southeastern Georgia and northern Florida. This vast refuge is a haven for wildlife, offering extraordinary opportunities to see American alligators, sandhill cranes, and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.
With over 200 bird species and diverse habitats ranging from cypress forests to quaking bogs, it’s a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the swamp’s labyrinthine waterways by canoe or kayak, providing close-up views of the rich flora and fauna.
Katmai National Park, Alaska
Katmai National Park, established in 1980, is a remote wilderness on the Alaska Peninsula, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife. Covering over four million acres, the park is famous for the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and its high concentration of brown bears.
Brooks Camp offers unparalleled bear-watching opportunities, especially during the summer salmon runs at Brooks Falls. Beyond bears, visitors can spot moose, caribou, and a variety of marine mammals and bird species, making it a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1939, spans approximately 57,000 acres along the Rio Grande in central New Mexico. Renowned for its birdwatching opportunities, especially during migration periods, the refuge attracts thousands of visitors to witness the spectacle of tens of thousands of sandhill cranes and snow geese.
The refuge’s diverse ecosystems, including riparian forests, wetlands, and grasslands, support a wide variety of wildlife, from mule deer and coyotes to amphibians and fish. Visitors can explore the refuge via auto tour loops, walking trails, and observation decks, offering close-up views of the abundant wildlife.
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Pennsylvania
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, established in 1934, is the world’s first refuge dedicated to raptor conservation, situated in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern Pennsylvania. Spanning over 2,500 acres, the sanctuary offers a prime spot for observing the spectacular fall migration of hawks, eagles, and falcons along the Appalachian Flyway.
Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the North Lookout, where species like broad-winged hawks and bald eagles are commonly seen. The sanctuary also supports diverse wildlife and features well-maintained trails and an education center focused on raptor conservation and research.
San Juan Islands, Washington
The San Juan Islands, an archipelago in the Salish Sea between mainland Washington and Vancouver Island, are a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Renowned for their abundant marine life, visitors can enjoy whale watching tours to see orcas, humpback whales, and gray whales, along with harbor seals and sea lions.
Birdwatchers will marvel at the variety of bird species, including bald eagles and seabirds like puffins and cormorants. On land, the islands’ diverse habitats support black-tailed deer, red foxes, and vibrant wildflower meadows, making it a captivating destination for nature lovers.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Florida
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, managed by the National Audubon Society, is a remarkable conservation area in southwestern Florida. Established in 1954, it covers over 13,000 acres and features the largest remaining stand of virgin bald cypress forest in North America, with trees over 500 years old.
The sanctuary’s extensive 2.25-mile boardwalk allows visitors to explore diverse habitats and observe wildlife such as alligators, white-tailed deer, and numerous bird species, including the endangered wood stork. This unique ecosystem makes Corkscrew Swamp a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.