Stephanie is a cherished member of the Sampling America writing team, dedicated to crafting captivating narratives that transport readers to thrilling adventures across the country and beyond.
UNESCO – or The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization promotes peace through social reforms. The primary purpose of World Heritage Sights is to protect specific natural spaces by fostering education, scientific endeavors, and understanding through discovery.
There is a total of 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sights throughout the United States. Each site is a unique landscape that the natural world has to offer.
Consider visiting some of these sights on your next road trip to learn more about the culturally significant landmarks.
The Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright is a famed American architect who worked in the early 20th century. He was instrumental in changing how the United States looked due to his cultural innovations.
The heritage of Frank Lloyd Wright spans eight specific places throughout the U.S. and encompasses several houses from Pennsylvania to California.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Missouri
This site is the largest and earliest pre-Columbian settlement outside of Mexico. The 1,600-hectare archeological site shows how people lived pre-industrial revolution.
It’s a perfect place to visit if you’re looking to inspire some knowledge of early life in North America to youngsters who might have difficulty understanding life before technology and even further before modern urban living.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Anyone who grew up in New Mexico will know the importance of visiting Carlsbad Caverns on a school trip or on summer vacation.
The park is home to over 100 natural caverns full of humongous stalagmites and stalactites. This fascinating learning experience will thrill visitors of all ages.
Chaco Culture National Park, New Mexico
The Chaco Culture National Park is a sight in New Mexico; it is over 10,000 years old, representing some of the earliest human activity in the U.S.
Visitors can expect to see early sites and Pueblos built by the Navajo, Hopi tribe, and Puebloans. This fascinating place will teach you more about how early people lived in America before any type of modernization.
Everglades National Park, Florida
The Everglades is one of the most famous UNESCO sites in the world. The glades are an exciting mixture of marshlands and subtropical wilderness.
You can expect to see several unique wildlife, such as manatees, the Florida panther, the American crocodile, and the world’s largest mangrove ecosystem.
Several types of driving, walking, and boating tours can be taken through the park to experience the flora and fauna.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Spending a vacation wearing a parka in Alaska might seem strange. However, many people can attest that seeing the landscapes and icebergs in Alaska is essential to understanding how the world works.
The park covers over 3.3 million acres of mountains, glaciers, rainforests, and wild coastlines with jagged fjords. You can expect to see some of the best U.S. wildlife: humongous grizzly bears, salmon, bald eagles, moose, and elk.
The Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most iconic sites in the U.S. and one of Earth’s most visited ecological sites.
The canyon has several stunning sections of the park that can be hiked, biked, and explored. The canyon was formed over 6 million years ago due to geological activity and erosion.
Consider taking one of the guided tours on horseback to experience the majesty that the canyon offers without wearing yourself out through the day.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
These misty mountains offer acres of undisturbed terrain with the largest block of virgin red spruce on Earth. It’s a stunning place to see in person; experiencing a hike through the smokey mountains is like no other.
This site is also the only place to experience the Southern Appalachian mountain culture. People can expect to enjoy hiking, fishing, biking, horseback riding, and ranger-led tours.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Mauna Loa and Kilauea are two of the most active and accessible volcanoes in the world. You can easily see the geological process in motion. This place can be an excellent educational opportunity for anyone learning more about geology.
Hike through the warm Hawaiian jungle to get to the top of the active volcano to experience a ranger-led tour through this fantastic site.
Independence Hall, Pennsylvania
Known as the birthplace of America, Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed.
The building has been preserved to help educate all preceding generations on the importance of the founding actions in America.
Visitors can expect to learn a wealth of knowledge on the historical importance of these documents and how people lived these days.
La Fortaleza and San Juan, Puerto Rico
La Fortaleza and San Juan are a collection of three forts and a historical mansion still in use today. They show the European settlers that put down roots in the Caribbean.
These forts are culturally significant to the Americas as they represent the island’s colonization in the 16th century. Visitors can tour the military structures and journey through the restored walls of La Fortaleza.
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
The cave system in Kentucky is over 185 miles of surveyed passageways and one of the most amazing ecological sites in the U.S. The unique flora and fauna is unmistakable here.
Take a ranger-led cave tour deep below the Earth’s surface or go kayaking, canoeing, or fishing on the Green River and Nolin River.
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Visit this archeological site to explore these centuries-old cave dwellings. The prehistoric Puebloan culture built their homes into the sides of walls and caves.
The Mesa Verde is one of the most ubiquitous sites to learn about the prehistoric culture in the U.S. This stunning formation is sure to inspire awe and a fresh understanding of early culture in America.
Monticello and the University of Virginia, Virginia
The University of Virginia was founded by Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the U.S. and the author of the Declaration of Independence. He was also a highly skilled architect.
The Monticello plantation is historically vital to learning about the foundation of America. It is known for hosting secret meetings and parties of some of the most influential politicians in the U.S.
Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point, Louisiana
This site is culturally significant to Native American culture and heritage; it has five mounts, six semi-elliptical ridges, and an educational museum of artifacts.
The earthworks were originally made for ceremonial purposes in a hunter-gatherer society that dates back to 3700 B.C. Visitors can learn about the trading network once used in this prehistoric society.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Since 1981, Olympic National Park in Washington State has been a unique biological and ecological site. The rainforest next to the Pacific Ocean creates a unique mix of environmental beauty.
The park is open 24/6 to visitors to camp, hike, swim, and walk along the beach. Since outdoorsy people and campers usually frequent the area, the passes can be purchased for seven days at a time.
Papahānaumokuākea, Hawaii
This ecological and cultural site is a stunning example of the best parts of Hawaii. The area hosts a cluster of small islands and atolls surrounding Hawaii that feature lagoons and colorful coral reefs.
It’s one of the most extensive protected marine areas in the world, and travelers can expect to see a vast array of colorful Sealife and wildlife. On a nature tour, you can try to see monk seals, sea turtles, and albatrosses.
Redwood National and State Parks, California
The redwoods in California cover over 39,000 acres in an affluent coastal forest. The beauty of this area brings visitors from all over the globe.
Visitors can expect to enjoy hiking, backpacking, camping, and cycling through a forest with trees that are hundreds of years old.
San Antonio Missions, Texas
This site has four Spanish frontier missions in San Antonio previously created by Catholics attempting to convert the local native population.
This area is a beautiful place to learn more about early Spanish colonial missions in North America. Walk through the historic sites through the 8-mile stretch of recreational trails.
Statue of Liberty, New York
While this site may seem like a standard sight to New Yorkers, the statue holds significant importance to the creation of America.
The historic landmark was gifted to the U.S. by France to symbolize the freedom that the U.S. was built upon. It sits at the gateway of Ellis Island, where more than 12 million immigrants entered the U.S. at one of the busiest times in history.
To explore the Statue of Liberty, you must take a ferry around the island; you’ll see up-close views of the statue to experience the magnificent architecture and craftsmanship.
Taos Pueblo, New Mexico
On the edge of the Rio Grande, the Pueblos in New Mexico are a settlement of adobe dwellings and religious buildings. They were built by Pueblo Native Americans as early as the 13th century.
You can expect to learn the highlights of culture, history, and the people of the early Americas. Discover the magnificence of early Native American culture to understand the importance of this site.
Waterton Glacier International Peace Park, Montana
The Peace Park in Montana combines the Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada, and Glacier National Park in Montana.
On the border of the two countries, the park is an excellent example of parklands in America: Forest, prairie, alpine, and glacial features. Expect to see black bears, whitetail deer, unique bird populations, and bobcats while hiking through this park.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
Known as America’s first national park, Yellowstone was established in 1872. This park is home to several tribes who inhabited the park well before European colonizers came to the U.S.
Because of the historical significance of Native groups as well as the ecological importance of geysers, grizzly bears, and wolf populations, the area became strictly protected.
Yosemite National Park, California
One of the oldest parks in the U.S., Yosemite is full of crucial biological diversity. In the Sierra Nevada range in central-eastern California, the park hosts stunning attractions, such as Half Dome, a granite formation 5,000 feet above the valley floor.
El Capital, Yosemite Galls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Mirror Lake can also be seen. This national park is one of the best places to visit with a family to see the majesty of the Californian wilderness.
The 16 Best National Parks to Visit in June For Summer Fun
Are you looking for the perfect summer adventure? Look no further than these top national parks to visit in June! From the stunning wildflower displays at Lassen Volcanic National Park to the world-class whitewater rafting at New River Gorge National Park, this article provides insider tips and recommendations for an unforgettable outdoor experience. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore these breathtaking natural wonders during one of the best months of the year!
6 National Parks To Avoid This Summer (And The Alternatives)
Are you planning a summer trip to a national park but want to avoid the crowds? Look no further than this article, which provides insider tips on which popular national parks to avoid and offers recommendations for six alternative destinations that offer unique experiences and stunning natural beauty. From exploring rugged peaks and pristine lakes at North Cascades National Park to discovering the geological history of Capitol Reef National Park, this article has everything you need to plan an unforgettable outdoor adventure this summer.
Best 16 Utah Vacation Spots
Are you looking for an unforgettable vacation spot with breathtaking natural beauty? Look no further than Utah! With stunning national parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon, as well as unique attractions like the Homestead Crater and Dead Horse Point, Utah has something for everyone. This article provides insider tips and recommendations for the best places to visit in Utah, from hiking to skiing to soaking in natural hot springs. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore this incredible outdoor playground!
5 Waterfalls in Zion National Park For A Fabulous Day Out
Are you a nature enthusiast looking for an outdoor adventure that will take your breath away? Look no further than Zion National Park in southwestern Utah! This article explores the park’s stunning waterfalls, including the moderate hike to Archangel Falls and the more challenging Upper Emerald Pools. But that’s not all – the article also highlights other natural attractions in the park, such as The Great White Throne and the Court of the Patriarchs. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore this gorgeous landscape and experience the beauty of Utah’s unique natural wonders!