20 classic American landmarks to see at least once in your lifetime
20 classic American landmarks to see at least once in your lifetime©Shutterstock
Natural wonders and man-made attractions alike delight travellers across the United States. These 20 classic American landmarks are a must-see before you die.
There are few American landmarks more iconic than Mount Rushmore. This giant sculpture of four of the country’s most celebrated presidents took 14 years to complete (from 1927 to 1941), and is host to almost three million visitors a year.
Carved by the flow of the Colorado River over thousands of years, the Grand Canyon spans over 446 kilometres (277 miles) and offers stunning views from nearly every location. The Canyon is up to a mile deep and 18 miles wide in some places
A gift to the United States from France in 1885, the Statue of Liberty stands as a beacon of hope and freedom in New York Harbor. It was designated as a National Monument in 1924.
The formidable carved marble figure of the country’s 16th president is awe-inspiring from nearly any angle, and is even more impressive when lit at night. The inscription above the statue reads, “In this temple as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.”
For a time, the Golden Gate Bridge held the title of the world’s longest suspension bridge, but while it may have lost the title it’s still a sight to behold. The bridge measures about 2.7 km (1.7 mi.) long and stands 227.4 metres (746 feet) high.
The tallest concrete arch dam in the U.S., the Hoover Dam stands at 221.4 m (726.4 feet) high. An engineering marvel, it withstands a maximum water pressure of 45,000 pounds per square foot at its base.
The Alamo is home to one of the most storied battles in the state of Texas’s history, and has been the subject of a number of Hollywood films.
A 184.5-metre (605-foot) observation tower, Seattle’s Space Needle was originally built in 1962 for the World’s Fair. Today, visitors can enjoy looking out over the observation deck or enjoy a meal at the rotating restaurant.
Home to numerous natural wonders, Yosemite National Park is a must-visit for any traveller. The famous shape of Half Dome is a result of being too tall for glaciers to carve. There is also plenty of wildlife to observe in these unspoilt surroundings.
Home to Thomas Jefferson, third president of the United States, Monticello is a National Historic Landmark that features an amalgamation of varying types of architecture.
No trip to the scenic Yellowstone National Park is complete without a visit to the geyser Old Faithful, so named by early Western explorers for its dependability in erupting every 60-110 minutes.
Officially titled Cloud Gate, The Bean in Chicago is a giant metal outdoor art installation originally unveiled in 2004. Since then, it’s quickly become one of Chicago's most iconic sights.
For those looking to explore the history of the American South, Oak Alley Plantation offers just the ticket. A National Historic Landmark, it offers a look into the lifestyles of wealthy Southerners, as well as the history of slavery and its place in American history.
Taos Pueblo dates back nearly 1,000 years and is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited Puebloan communities in the U.S. It has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is a National Historic Landmark.
It is known for its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, and no visit to Arches National Park is complete without a stop at Delicate Arch, which is just a short hike from the main road into the park.
Chimney Rock is one of the most recognized landmarks of the American West, and was an important marker for pioneers travelling west along the Oregon Trail. Its slender spire rises 99 m (325 ft.) from a conical base, and is a result of erosion of the bluffs at the edge of the North Platte Valley.
Devils Tower holds the distinction of being the first national monument in the history of the National Park System, and offers an imposing sight amidst the natural Wyoming landscape. Many Native Americans continue to hold sacred ceremonies here.
Offering otherworldly views, Antelope Canyon includes two separate, scenic slot canyon sections located on Navajo land. Known for its wave-like structure, it was created as the result of millions of years of water erosion.
The oldest working lighthouse in the state, Portland Head Light can be viewed either from the rocky coastline or from the sea on a boat tour. It holds the title as the most photographed lighthouse in Maine, and was first lit on January 10, 1791.
The Breakers is a mammoth mansion, and was once used as the summer cottage of the Vanderbilt family, who earned their fortune in steamships and the New York Central Railroad, pivotal in the development of the country during the late 19th century. The seaside villa is now designated a National Historic Landmark.
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