tourpio

Many people refer to Wisconsin as the Cheese State or the Dairy State, but there is more to the area than Dairy production. Wisconsin is home to many desirable travel locations from big cities to national parks, offering a range of sights and attractions for thrill seekers, nature lovers and families. Travelers can find amusement and relaxation year-round in Wisconsin though tourists should be prepared for any type of weather if they want to have the best possible vacation. Travelers should never judge what to wear based on how the locals dress as Wisconsinites tend to have thick blood and an enviable tolerance for cold weather. An overview of the best places to visit in Wisconsin:

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Pattison State Park is home to Big Manitou Falls, a 165-foot (50 meter) high waterfall, the tallest in the state. Native Americans were said to have believed to hears the Great Spirit’s voice from the falls. The park also has Little Manitou Falls, which is 31-feet (9 meter) high. The state park is located around 13 miles south of Superior in Douglas County. There are many campsites as well as a few nearby motels.

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The Cave of the Mounds is a caver’s delight located 20 minutes west of Madison. It is one of the most cherished caves in the Midwest, featuring guided tours year-round. People often refer to the Cave of the Mounds as the “jewel box” of the Midwest’s caves. It is known for its many formations and sheer beauty. Visitors can also enjoy a lunch in the picnic area, go hiking, visit the Butterfly Gardens or check out the Fossil Dig.

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Lake Minocqua is a large lake in Oneida County. Tourists can find many vacation rentals around the lake and access the water from parks and public boating landings. The destination is most popular in the winter for snowmobiling and in the summer for waterskiing and boating. Fish found in Lake Minocqua include Walleye, Musky, Panfish, Largemouth and smallmouth bass and Northern Pike.

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The Geneva Lake Walking Path is a 21-mile (34 km) mix of concrete, limestone and dirt originally created by Native Americans a century ago. Serious walkers can complete the path in eights hours, but most people require 10 to 14. Some travelers may prefer the lake’s South Side because it allows access to Big Foot Beach State Park, but this side is not as developed as the North Side, which is home to many old mansions. Visitors desiring a shorter walk can travel a portion of the path. A 6.5-mile (10 km) section takes people through downtown Lake Geneva and Williams Bay. People choosing this option can drive into Williams Bay and leave their car if they can arrange for a ride back, or tourists can opt for the more unique option and arrange to be picked up by a water taxi from the Lake Geneva Cruise Line.

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Wisconsin Dells is known as “The Waterpark Capital of the World” and offers a range of attractions and accommodations to meet every waterpark lover’s needs. An explosion of indoor water parks has turned the Dells from a summer hot spot to a year-round destination. There are over 21 water parks, water-skiing thrill shows and super-minigolf courses. The Dells has two visitor centers that can best assist tourists plan their vacation.

See Also: Where to Stay in Wisconsin Dells

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Madison is the state capital of Wisconsin and home to around 500,000 people. The city is one of only two in North America that is located on an isthmus (the other is Seattle). Madison is home to fine dining, theater, and a thriving night life, as well as five lakes and plenty of bike-friendly areas. Many college students reside in Madison because the city is home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Madison has the feel of a college town combined with the benefits of a metropolitan area, yet a short drive out of the city gives travelers access to the countryside.

See Also: Where to Stay in Madison

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Situated on a narrow peninsula jutting into Lake Michigan, Door County is a great place to visit in Wisconsin for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. The county is home to picturesque lighthouses and small 19th- century villages in addition to 300 miles of shoreline. Visitors can enjoy outdoor theater, live music and stunning views everywhere they look. For travelers who want to get away from it all, remote islands are accessible by boat. People looking for glamour and luxury can enjoy fine dining and opulent resorts. Quaint bed and breakfasts, cabins and historic inns offer a variety of other accommodations. Many travelers head to Door County in the spring for the cherry blossoms, but there is plenty to do any season.

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Apostle Islands draws in hikers, water sport enthusiasts and campers. The islands are home to Meyers Beach, Bayfield Headquarters, the Little Sand Bay Visitor Center and fishery, and the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. Visitors should be aware that the only way to the islands is by water. Many people choose to access the islands by kayak but there is a ferry can take cars to Madeline Island. Stockton Island is home to one of the greatest concentrations of black bears in North America, though bears may be found on just about any of the Apostle Islands.

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Milwaukee is Wisconsin’s biggest city with nearly 0,000 residents. It is located on Lake Michigan’s southwestern shore and is known for its brewing traditions. Milwaukee boasts many attractions to appeal to tourists such as Pier Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Riverwalk and Miller Park. Visitors who would rather take a walk on the wild side can see the Harley-Davidson Museum or the Milwaukee County Zoo. Tourists can break up their time in the city by visiting the Kettle Moraine State Forest, an enormous park that is home to the thousand-mile Ice Age Trail.

See Also: Where to Stay in Milwaukee

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For a small town experience that is rich with history, tourists should visit Bayfield. Home to only a few hundred people, Bayfield is the main gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Bed and breakfasts and speciality shops are plentiful in the town located almost at the most northern section of the state on the shores of Lake Superior . There are two museums, Bayfield Maritime Museum and Bayfield Heritage Museum, and a few art galleries, but the town’s biggest attraction is the yearly Apple Fest in October. Many people also visit for Race Week, which is held around the 4th of July.

See Also: Where to Stay in Bayfield

The largest state east of the Mississippi River, Georgia is a perfect introduction of everything the South has to offer. A trip to Georgia affords tourists the chance to experience stunning natural views, pristine wilderness and places with incredible cultural significance. Everyone from hikers to history buffs can find something exciting or relaxing to do in the Peach State. Among the best places to visit in Georgia are also beautiful state parks as well as the sprawling metropolis of Atlanta.

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Callaway Gardens is an expansive resort located in the southern foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Pine Mountain that is a perfect spot to relax and commune with nature. More than 750,000 people visit the gardens each year. The resort features a spa, lakes, a butterfly habitat, golf courses and the John Sibley Horticultural Center. Trails are available for hiking and biking. A 10-mile (16 km) trail known as the Discovery Bike Trail takes guests through the gardens. Within the grounds is Robin Lake Beach, the biggest man-made white sand beach in the world.

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Amicalola Falls is Georgia’s tallest waterfall, measuring at 729 feet (222 meters) high. It is actually the largest falls in the Southeast. Amicalola Falls is located within the Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville, between Ellijay and Dahlonega. Tourists have several options to view the falls ranging from taking an easy pathway to traversing a more difficult trail that includes stairs. Visitors can stay in the campground, cottages or a mountaintop lodge. Several trails in the area offer hikes suitable for day trips or shorter durations to meet the needs of beginner and expert hikers.

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Stone Mountain Park boasts the quartz monzonite dome monadnock called Stone Mountain. The bas-relief on the mountain’s north face is the biggest in the world. It features a sculpture called the Confederate Memorial Carving of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, General Robert E. Lee and General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson. The top rises 825 feet (251 meters) above the surrounding area and provides a beautiful view of Atlanta. The nearby museum Confederate Hall has information about the mountain’s geology. There is also the Antebellum Plantation and Farmyard, which is an open air museum complete with farm animals that visitors can pet and 19 historic buildings meant to depict a pre-Civil War plantation.

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Cumberland Island National Seashore is a preserved wilderness area near St. Marys, Georgia. It features undeveloped beaches and places of historic interest as well as protected habitat areas for a variety of animals and plant life. Visitors may camp on the seashore but should be advised that bathrooms and access to drinking water are available primarily on the south end. People can rent bicycles at the Sea Camp Dock. Visitors can access the shore by taking the Cumberland Queen ferry but reservations are recommended. A museum and visitor center are located near the ferry dock and provide information to help travelers plan their trip and explain the area’s rich history.

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Chattahoochee National Forest is located in the northern part of the state and is connected to the Oconee National Forest. Within the park are hundreds of miles of trails as well as several campgrounds, streams and rivers. It’s an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Civil War buffs can visit locations where many battles were fought. Chattahoochee boasts many stunning views and towering trees in contrast to Oconee, which is mainly flat with some small hills.

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Macon is a city in central Georgia nicknamed the Heart of Georgia. It is around 85 miles (137 km) south of Atlanta and is one of Georgia’s three Fall Line Cities where the rolling hills of northern Georgia meet the south’s flat plains. It makes for an attractive stop, especially when its cherry trees erupt with blossoms in late March. Located near downtown Mason is the Ocmulgee National Monument where lies some of the state’s biggest earthwork mounds created by Native Americans, including burial mounds, temple mounds and a spiral mound. Every September, the Ocmulgee Indian Celebration takes place at the monument, bringing representatives from many Native American nations to show their artwork and give performances.

See Also: Where to Stay in Macon

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Only 11 miles (18 km) southwest of Folkston lies the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. A beautiful place to visit in Georgia, the refuge is home to the huge Okefenokee Swamp complete with islands, cypress trees and wet prairies. A variety of animal life resides in the refuge, including alligators, raptors, bears and bobcats. The swamp is well-known for its amphibian population though it features a rich human history for Native American inhabitants and early settlers.

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No trip to Georgia’s Atlantic coast would be complete without seeing the Golden Isles of Georgia located on the coast approximately halfway between Savannah and Jacksonville in Florida. The area includes the city of Brunswick on the main land and four larger islands: St. Simons Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island and Jekyll Island. There are also many smaller islands called hammocks that visitors may mistake for continuous land connecting the mainland to the four barrier islands. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, camping and beautiful beaches. The St. Simons Lighthouse located near the pier is one of only five left in the state.

The capital and largest city of Georgia, Atlanta is a sprawling, modern city with three urban skylines rising up from the picturesque scenery of rolling hills, pine forest, magnificent old oak trees and charming magnolia and peach trees. Established as a railroad terminus in 1837, Atlanta has emerged as the leader of the New South. The city’s top attractions are the CNN Center, World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium, which features the world’s largest indoor aquarium. Other major places of interest include the boyhood home, church and final resting place of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the home of “Gone With the Wind” author, Margaret Mitchell.

See Also: Where to Stay in Atlanta

The quintessential Southern city, Savannah draws millions of tourists every year to its charming scenes of Victorian architecture, cobbled streets, moss-draped oaks and leisurely pace. Lying on the Atlantic Coast in eastern Georgia, Savannah is the state’s oldest city, rich in history, hospitality and natural beauty. A walk around the Historic District’s cobbled streets allows views and tours of beautiful old mansions and historic sites. It also includes lovely parks, huge oak trees, Victorian homes and important memorials. Another tourist magnet is Factor’s Walk, a row of restored, old warehouses leading down to the riverfront, which now house attractive shops, galleries and restaurants.

See Also: Where to Stay in Savannah

North Carolina truly has something for every traveler. It is a state blessed with beautiful beaches, stunning mountain scenery and plenty of Old South charm. North Carolina is also the de facto home to NASCAR, America’s number one spectator sport. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities from hiking, mountain climbing, and skiing, along with a taste of Appalachian culture in the Blue Ridge and Smokey mountains or visit some of North Carolina’s increasingly diverse cities. Sun, and sand await visitors to the state’s coastal region with secluded barrier islands in the Outer Banks and the bustling beach-side city of Wilmington. An overview of the best places to visit in North Carolina:

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Chimney Rock State Park, which is located approximately 25 miles (40 km) from the town of Asheville, boasts miles of hiking trails and the beautiful 400-foot (0 meter) Hickory Nut Falls. Of course, the most famous destination in this state park is the more than 300-foot (0 meter) monolith known as the Chimney Rock, which boasts amazing views of surroundings. Visitors can either take the 26-story elevator or climb 500 steps — or the approximate equivalent of 31 flights of stairs — to reach the top of the Chimney. This park is relatively new, having only been authorized by the North Carolina General Assembly in 05.

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Visitors looking for a destination where the pace is slower and there are no cars should head to Bald Head Island. This island, which can only be reached by ferry from the town of Southport or by private boat, boasts 14 miles (23 km) of beaches and a laid-back atmosphere. Traveling from one spot to another on this island is by foot, bicycle or on a golf cart. The island’s 1andscapes include marshes, maritime forests and the Bald Head Island Golf Course. This island is also a turtle nesting ground and during the summer months, its Bald Head Island Conservancy hosts Turtle Walks for visitors who want to help monitor a nest for emerging babies or to watch for mothers coming ashore to nest.

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This lovely park, which is located close to the Winston-Salem area in the Sauratown Mountains, offers visitors over 18 miles (29 km) of trails that range from easy to difficult, and a lake that is perfect for boating, fishing and swimming. The park is also home to a number of pretty waterfalls. Hanging Rock State Park has ten cabins as well as a tent and trailer campground available for visitors who want to stay in the park. Hanging Rock State Park is famous for its stunning quartzite formations and ridges, such as the Devil’s Chimney and the eponymous Hanging Rock.

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Old Salem is a living museum, a recreation of what life was like in the Winston-Salem area of North Carolina during the 18th and 19th centuries. Through interaction with Old Salem’s reenactors and by strolling the streets of this National Historic Landmark, visitors can see and experience first-hand the culture and various trades of the Moravian settlers who lived in this area. Guests to Old Salem, for example, can watch shoemakers, gunsmiths and tailors go about performing their respective services or making their particular wares. In addition, some areas of Old Salem also offer visitors hands-on activities.

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The town of Asheville, which is set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Foothills, enjoys a reputation for being a vibrant, artsy community. Its town center features a number of boutiques that showcase local creations as well as bars and great places to eat. Strolling musicians and street performers only add to Ashville’s overall creative vibe. Over the years, this beautiful and unique town has won a host of awards, including “America’s Quirkiest Town” from “Travel & Leisure” in September 2014, and it was named by “Good Morning America” as being one of its “Most Beautiful Places in America.” Ashville is also located very close to the world-famous Biltmore Estate. Built between 1889 and 1895 this Châteauesque-styled mansion is the largest privately owned house in the United States and attracts almost 1 million visitors each year.

See Also: Where to Stay in Asheville

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The Blue Ridge Parkway is considered by many to be one of the most scenic roads in the United States and one of the best places to visit in North Carolina. This winding stretch of asphalt, which has earned both the National Parkway and All-American Road designations, is especially gorgeous during the fall months when the surrounding hills turn shades of oranges, yellows and reds. The parkway is also very pretty in the spring months when the Carolina rhododendrons and dogwoods are in bloom. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs for 469 miles (755 km) from the Great Smokey Mountains National Park to Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park.

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Charlotte, which is the largest city in North Carolina, has a lot to offer visitors, especially those who love motorsports. Nicknamed the Queen City, Charlotte is home to a number of interesting attractions including the amusement park, Carowinds; the largest man-made whitewater park, the US National Whitewater Center; and the family-friendly Discovery Place, which combines a science museum with an aquarium. This city is also where visitors can find the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Charlotte Motor Speedway. In addition, just about every NASCAR race shop, most of which are open to the public, can be found in the nearby suburb of Mooresville.

See Also: Where to Stay in Charlotte

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The Wilmington area is home to some of North Carolina’s most popular beaches — Carolina, Kure and Wrightsville Beaches. This historic port city is also a family-friendly destination. Its NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher was named by the “Travel Channel” as one of the best in the United States. Visitors can also enjoy taking leisurely strolls along Wilmington’s Riverwalk, which runs alongside the Cape Fear River. There are also a number of mansions and plantations in the area, including Poplar Grove Plantation, the oldest peanut plantation in the United States, and the antebellum Bellamy Mansion.

See Also: Where to Stay in Wilmington

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Because the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located within easy driving distance of a number of large East Coast cities, it is the most visited national park in the United States. But it’s not just this park’s accessibility that makes it so popular. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also famous for its abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery. Over 1,500 black bears, for example, wander this natural wonderland, as do deer, fox, turkey and even elk, which were recently re-introduced. In addition, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts approximately 850 miles of trails and many pretty waterfalls.

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The Outer Banks — or OBX, as it is known to the locals — is a string of barrier islands that hug the North Carolina coastline. These narrow islands were once a favored haunt of pirates, including the infamous Blackbeard. Today, the Outer Banks is a popular destination for vacationers seeking a break from the summer heat.

The northern end of the Outer Banks is famous for the wild horses that still wander its dunes. The middle section is home to the towns of Nags Head and Kitty Hawk on Bodie Island, where travelers can find numerous miniature golf courses, gift shops and restaurants. Roanoke Island, west of Bodie Island, is home to the town of Manteo, home to the ‘Lost Colony, ’ whose British settler inhabitants disappeared without a trace in the 1580s. Farther south lie the beautiful and relatively wild Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Cape Lookout National Seashore.

See Also: Where to Stay in Outer Banks

It’s no wonder that New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment. Whether exploring ancient ruins, shopping for silver and turquoise jewelry or just enjoying the ever-changing colors of the sky at sunset, New Mexico casts its charm on every visitor. With varied landscapes that range from red rock mesas to snow-capped mountains, New Mexico encapsulates all of the geological features that attract visitors to the American Southwest. No other state, however, has such a unique palette of light-infused colors, which is why so many artists call New Mexico home. Claimed by Native Americans, Spaniards and Mexicans before becoming a state in 1912, few places have a history that is so rich in cultural diversity too. An overview of the best places to visit in New Mexico:

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Located to the west of Socorro in central New Mexico is the Very Large Array National Radio Astronomy Observatory where 27 giant antennas combine to form a single radio telescope. At an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet (2,100 meters) above sea level, the aptly named array has helped astronomers make key observations about phenomena like black holes, quasars and cosmic gases. A museum, gift shop and theater are open to the public year round. Self-guided tours allow visitors to get a closer view at the dish-shaped antennas, and guided tours are available the first Saturday of every month as well.

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Constructed during the 13th century by the ancestral Puebloans of the Mogollon area, the Gila Cliff Dwellings are the main attraction of this national monument. The ancient dwellings were carved into 6 natural caves on the canyon wall and divided into rooms with stones and mortar hauled up from the canyon floor 180 feet (55 meters) below. Steps, rocks and ladders lead visitors into the caves, which contain a total of 42 rooms. Hiking is a popular activity within the forested park as well. Several popular hot springs are located near the visitor center.

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For travelers who want to enjoy views of some of New Mexico’s most spectacular landscapes in comfort, there’s no better option than a trip aboard the historic Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railway. Built in 1880, the highest narrow-gauge steam railroad in the country runs for 64 miles (103 km) between the city of Chama and Antonio, Colorado, passing over the 10,000-foot (3,000 meter) high Cumbres Pass and through the Toltec Gorge. Two-hour trips from Chama to Cumbres Pass are available as well. Passengers have their choice of coach, deluxe or parlor cars, and everyone is welcome to enjoy the open-air gondola.

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Encompassing canyons and mesas, Bandelier National Monument was home to the ancestral Puebloan people between 1150 and 1550 A.D. Located in Frijoles Canyon south of Los Alamos, the Monument has a broad array of restored and unexcavated ruins, a museum displaying archeological artifacts and a wilderness area that includes 70 miles (110 km) of hiking trails. The 2-mile-long Main Loop Trail leads past the site’s famous cliff houses where visitors can climb ladders to reach small alcoves perched 140 feet (40 meters) above the canyon floor. A visitor center is equipped with picnic tables, toilets and parking.

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One of the most unusual landscapes in New Mexico, the White Sands National Monument covers a huge area of sand dunes in the southeastern section of the state. The sands are composed of 8 billion tons of gypsum crystals blown in over millions of years from an ephemeral lake rich in mineral content located in the western part of the Monument. The well-marked 16-mile (26 km) long Dunes Drive near the visitor center includes designated parking areas where visitors can stop and explore the dunes. Ranger-guided day and evening walks through the dunes are available as well.

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Located near the center of New Mexico, Albuquerque is the state’s most populous city and one of its oldest municipalities too. Founded on the banks of the Rio Grande in 1706, the city is best known today as the site of the International Balloon Fiesta held each year in October. The new Balloon Museum features exhibits about the history of ballooning while the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History explores the city’s cultural past. The nearby Sandia Peak Tramway takes visitors on a 15-minute ride up to the crestline of the Sandia Mountains.

See Also: Where to Stay in Albuquerque

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Located in northwestern New Mexico, Chaco Canyon National Historic Park boasts the most extensive collection of ancient pueblo ruins in the United States. Between 00 and 1150 A.D., the 9-mile (15 km) stretch of canyon was the center of civilization for the ancestral Puebloan people formerly known as the Anasazi. Sandstone blocks and timber were hauled from great distances to build structures up to four stories in height, and recent archeological findings suggest they were built to align with solar and lunar cycles. Visitors must drive along dirt roads to reach the canyon. Tours, maps and camping permits are available at the park’s visitor center. One of the signature features of Chaco is Fajada Butte near the south entrance. This narrow, steep-walled butte rises about 400 feet (135 meters) above the canyon and includes several small cliff dwellings in its higher regions.

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The Carlsbad Caverns are part of a vast cave complex situated in southeastern New Mexico near the town of Carlsbad. One of the most popular places to visit in New Mexico, the main attraction of the Carlsbad Caverns is the Big Cave, which contains one of the world’s largest underground chambers, known as the Big Room. The Big Room is easily accessed by an elevator from the visitor center or by a short walking trail. Once inside the massive chamber, visitors can walk along a paved pathway to admire electrically lighted stalactites, stalagmites and natural pools.

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Founded by Spanish explorers in 1610, Santa Fe is one of America’s oldest cities and arguably one of the most beautiful. It is also the state capital. Building codes require new construction to maintain the “Santa Fe Style” of pueblo architecture, ensuring that visitors will enjoy picturesque views from every corner of the city. Santa Fe’s cultural attractions include the Palace of the Governors museum, which is housed in the nation’s oldest public building. With its permanent collection of 20,000 works of art, including pieces by Ansel Adams, Georgia O’Keeffe and Francisco de Goya, the New Mexico Museum of Art is must-see attraction as well.

See Also: Where to Stay in Santa Fe

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Situated in a picturesque valley of the Rocky Mountains near the Rio Grande, the beauty of the small pueblo community of Taos has drawn artists to the area for hundreds of years. Long before the town attracted luminaries like novelist D.H. Lawrence, painter Georgia O’Keeffe and photographer Dorothea Lange, the Tiwa tribe of Pueblo Indians made an art of crafting fine pottery. The town also serves as a base for several places with “Taos” in their name that are all part of the region. The most well-known is probably Taos Pueblo just north of town, an ancient American Indian community in a particularly beautiful setting. Ranchos de Taos is a small village south of Taos proper that is notable for a its much-photographed church. Taos Ski Valley is about 20 miles (30 km) north of town in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Finally, the Taos Box is a section of the nearby Rio Grande known for its superb whitewater rafting.

See Also: Where to Stay in Taos

Utah, boasting natural beauty, five national parks, 43 state parks, and vast areas of breathtaking wilderness, is one of the most popular states in the country for tourism. Along with what is recognized as the best snow on earth, visitors to Utah are also able to enjoy outdoor recreation, scenic vistas, and world-class shopping and dining. Thanks to Utah’s ideal location, this lovely state presents the best of the Desert Southwest and the Rocky Mountains. An overview of the best places to visit in Utah:

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A reservoir situated on the Colorado River on the border between Arizona and Utah, Lake Powell is the second-largest manmade reservoir in the United States. Attracting approximately 2 million visitors per year, the lake boasts an array of landmarks, including Rainbow Bridge, which is one of the largest natural bridges in the world. Numerous other features can also be found here, including numerous canyons that are home to Anasazi ruins. The lake has also served as a shooting location for dozens of television series and films, including both the 1968 and 01 versions of Planet of the Apes.

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Situated in the southeastern part of the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island State Park is open year-around and provides boundless options for recreation. Visitors will find an abundant wildlife population in the park, including one of the largest free-roaming herds of bison in the country. The park is also home to mule deer, bighorn sheep, and a variety of waterfowl. While Antelope Island is particularly known for its wildlife, there are also numerous events and activities to enjoy, including an annual balloon festival. Cycling and hiking are also popular activities in the park.

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Situated in eastern Utah, Moab is one of the most popular towns in Utah and attracts numerous tourists each year. Most of the visitors coming to Moab also make their way over to nearby Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Moab also serves as a base for the many mountain bikers who travel to the area to take advantage of the numerous network of nearby trails. Known for its stunning natural settings, Moab boasts an array of activities in the nearby area, including kayaking and whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, canoeing on the Green River, mountain biking, rock climbing, base jumping, hiking, backpacking, and extreme 4×4.

See Also: Where to Stay in Moab

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Located in northern Utah is Park City. This former mining town rebounded during the 1980s and has rapidly become a popular tourist destination thanks to the presence of three major ski resorts nearby. Deer Valley Resort, Canyons Resort, and Park City Mountain Resort Park all provide excellent opportunities for snowboarding and skiing. Park City has also become a major hub for the largest independent film festival in the United States, the Sundance Film Festival. Visitors to Park City are also able to go to numerous factory outlet stores, restaurants, bars, and clubs. Just outside the city are reservoirs, forests, hot springs, and biking and hiking trails.

See Also: Where to Stay in Park City

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Salt Lake City is not only the largest city in Utah but also the capital. Its probably best known as the as the home the Mormon Church and the 02 Winter Olympics. Situated between the Oquirrh Mountains and Wastach Range, Salt Lake City boasts incredible beauty. Here, visitors will find an array of attractions, including Grand America Hotel, which is home to some of the most expensive mirrors and chandeliers in the world. Hogle Zoo is home to a variety of exhibits, including two massive primate and elephant exhibits. Other popular attractions in Salt Lake City include The Living Planet Aquarium, Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, Temple Square, and a host of parks.

See Also: Where to Stay in Salt Lake City

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Situated in south-central Utah, Capitol Reef National Park is less crowded as the other national parks in the state but just as scenic. While the park is 100 miles (0 km) in length, it is fairly narrow. Featuring colorful canyons, monoliths, buttes, and ridges, the park is known for the particularly rugged, line of white cliffs and domes that presented a significant barrier to travel until the early 1960s. Inside the park, visitors are able to enjoy a spacious campground and the Burr Trail Scenic Backway. The park boasts a range of activities, including horseback riding, hiking, and driving tours. Orchards that were originally planted by Mormon pioneers are still maintained in the park.

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Located in southeastern Utah, this National Park is situated near the town of Moab. Visitors to Canyonlands are able to enjoy the preservation of a vast colorful landscape featuring innumerable canyons, buttes, and mesas alongside the Green River and Colorado River. The park is divided into four districts with their own distinctive character; the Needles, the Maze, the Island in the Sky, and the rivers. With so many varied landscapes, the park is considered one of the most unique places to visit in Utah. Visitors to Canyonlands are able to enjoy a wealth of recreational activities, including hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, four-wheeling, rafting, and kayaking.

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Another piece of nature’s artwork found in Utah, the Arches National Park is known for its inspiring natural arches. Salt beds deposited 300 million years ago from the receding ocean helped form the more than 00 arches in the park, including Delicate Arch, one of the state’s most famous icons. Towering spires, fins and balanced rocks complement the arches, creating a remarkable scenery. The extraordinary features of the park are highlighted by a striking environment of contrasting colors, landforms and textures.

Situated in southwestern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park features a collection of massive natural amphitheaters (and not a canyon despite the name), nestled alongside the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Visitors to the park are able to enjoy a spectacular kaleidoscope of varied colored rocks. Originally settled by Mormon pioneers during the mid-19th century, Bryce Canyon became a national monument in 1923 and was later designated as a national park. The park features tremendous biodiversity and is home to more than 400 native species of plants in three life zones based on elevation. Visitors to the park are able to enjoy 13 viewpoints looking out over the amphitheaters and various hiking trails.

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Even among America’s National Parks, few can match the stunning beauty of Zion National Park. Situated near Springdale in southern Utah, the park protects a series of incredible rock formations and high sandstone cliffs, and is a favorite spot for hiking, backpacking, canyoneering and climbing. Unlike many other parks in the American Southwest, where visitors look down from the rim of a canyon, visitors to Zion walk on the canyon floor and look up. In addition to the magnificent monoliths and cliffs, the park is known for its desert landscape of sandstone canyons, mesas, and high plateaus.

See Also: Where to Stay in Zion National Park