13 National Monuments You Can’t Afford to Miss on Your American Adventure

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Here’s something fascinating: The United States has 136 nationally recognized monuments, each with its own story. These treasures keep the US’ history, culture, and natural beauty afloat for residents and millions of visitors annually.

For all the ways an American adventure can be a dream come true, there is no better way to tap into the country’s soul than to visit these monumental sites. Rugged landscapes and awe-inspiring architecture—there are few places full of options for exploration, education, and awe.

These are 13 national monuments to add to your must-see list.

Statue of Liberty, New York

National Monuments You Can’t Afford to Miss on Your American Adventure — Image Credit: Jakub Hałun/wikimedia commons

Visiting the US and visiting the Statue of Liberty is a must-do. In 1886, it was a gift from the people of France to the United States. It stands at 305 feet and greeted millions of immigrants arriving through Ellis Island in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Guided tour hours allow you to tour the museum, climb the crown for a view over the city, and learn about the museum of this famous immigration landmark.

Devils Tower, Wyoming

Devil’s Tower rises an impressive 867 feet from its base to become America’s first national monument. This striking geological formation is sacred to Native American tribes and draws climbers and nature lovers.

For breathtaking views, take the Tower Trail loop or visit the tribe during one of their cultural events and experience the history that created this natural jewel.

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

Mount Rushmore welcomes about 2.5 million visitors yearly and has become a symbol of American leadership. Standing as a face of faith, hope, and charity, decorated with the 60-foot faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, it embodies ideals that formed the nation.

Try to arrive early to get around crowds. For up-close views of this masterpiece of ‘stone work’ carved into granite, walk the Presidential Trail.

California, Cabrillo National Monument

Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego commemorates the arrival in 1542 of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo. He was the first European to set down roots on the US west coast.

From Old Point Loma Lighthouse, enjoy panoramic views of the Bay of San Diego or walk along the coastal tide pools.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico

Visit Chaco Canyon, which is packed with the remains of one of North America’s most complex pre–Columbian societies.

Explore the well-preserved ruins of ceremonial buildings and dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans. The best time to visit is late spring and fall when temperatures are more moderate, and ranger-led astronomy programs help bring the skies to life.

Craters of the Moon, Idaho

Craters of the Moon is a 750,000-acre lava field named for the otherworldly landscape. This monument is formed by volcanic eruptions about 15,000 years ago, giving Earth’s dynamic geology a peek. Highlights are the caves cut out by cooled lava flows and a 7-mile loop drive.

Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico

Bandelier preserves mesas, cliffs, and ancient structures made by the Pueblo people on over 33,000 acres. On the Main Loop Trail hike, visitors can visit remnants of cliff houses and petroglyphs over a thousand years old. It’s a deeply immersive experience of history, archaeology, and nature.

Canyon de Chelly, Arizona

Beautiful sandstone cliffs and ancient cliff dwellings are carved into rock faces in Canyon de Chelly on the Navajo Nation.

A Navajo guide will provide oral history and cultural insight, enhancing your experience. For the ultimate experience, start with the hike to the breathtaking Spider Rock formation, which rises 750 feet into the sky.

George Washington Birthplace, Virginia

Head to the rolling fields of Westmoreland County to visit the birthplace of America’s first president, George Washington.

Colonial-style farming demonstrations give a taste of what 18th-century life was like, and reconstructing the family home provides insight. Make your visit a short walk along the peaceful Potomac River shores.

Fort Sumter, South Carolina

Begin your Civil War history tour at Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor — where the first shots of that long war were fired in 1861.

The monument can be reached by ferry only and boasts informative museums and striking waterside views. Be sure to arrive early enough for a ranger-led tour to give you more depth during your visit.

Montezuma Castle, Arizona

The castle was built into a limestone cliff more than 900 years ago and is among the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America.

Wander from the trails lined with sycamore trees that course through this historical site and learn about the Sinagua people who built these structures.

Civil Rights National Monument, Alabama

Pay tribute to the Civil Rights Movement at the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument. The district preserves pivotal places in the struggle for equality, including the 16th Street Baptist Church and the A.G. Gaston Motel.

Interinteractive exhibits and guided tours offer in-depth perspectives on this imperative part of American history.

Colorado and Utah’s Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument is a fascinating paleontological destination for those inclined. It has more than 1,500 exposed dinosaur fossils and provides a window into the Jurassic period.

In addition to bones embedded directly into the rock, the Quarry Exhibit Hall and hiking and rafting options make for an adventurous visit.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.