National and State Parks

Sunset over Black Hawk Lake, Black Hawk State Park, Iowa, with a dock, boats, and the US flag

By Anahid Akkam 2 hours ago

Iowa's Lakeside State Park Is A Midwestern Outdoor Haven For Scenic Camping, Fishing, And Hiking

For a great nature escape between Des Moines and Omaha, head to this state park with a glacial lake, scenic camping, fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing.

Aeriel views of a boat cruising on Carr Creek Lake in Kentucky, featuring blue waters, surrouned by lush hills

By Melanie Johnson 4 hours ago

Kentucky's Fishing And Boating Paradise Is An Unsung State Park Brimming With Wildlife

Carr Creek State Park in Kentucky offers a sandy beach, boating, fishing, camping, and peaceful mountain scenery around scenic Carr Creek Lake.

lush shoreline around the lake at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

By Neha Maheshwari 5 hours ago

Iowa's Scenic Midwestern State Park Near The Missouri Border Is A Gem For Lake Fun, Trails, And Camping

Lacey-Keosauqua State Park in Iowa offers scenic trails, a swimming beach, boating, camping, cabins, and colorful fall foliage along the Des Moines River.

Views of the Mississippi River and fall foliage from Nelson Dewey State Park

By Eva Johnstone 6 hours ago

Between Cedar Rapids And Wisconsin Dells Is A State Park For An Idyllic Nature Escape With Camping And Trails

Nelson Dewey State Park offers blufftop campsites, Mississippi River views, short hiking trails, and Native American burial mounds in Wisconsin.

A vista point over the Tehachapi Mountains at Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park

By Eva Johnstone 6 hours ago

Forget Red Rock Canyon, Visit California's Less-Crowded Historic Park With A Uniquely Vibrant Culture

Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park preserves Kawaiisu history in California’s Tehachapi Mountains, with guided tours, rock art, and ancient village sites.

Aerial view of turquoise waters and verdant green golf course along the Big Island's Kohala Coast

By Natasha Bourlin 12 hours ago

My 5 Favorite Spots On Hawaii's Big Island To Show Out-Of-Towners

If you're visiting Hawaii's Big Island and aren't sure where to start, consider these local-approved spots, from a beach for snorkeling to a historical park.

Walkway along the canal at Holyoke Heritage State Park, Massachusetts during sunset

By Rene Bennett 21 hours ago

New England's Once-Thriving Industrial Center Is Now A State Park With Canal Walks And A Nostalgic Carousel

This unassuming pocket near the Connecticut River once produced more paper than anywhere else in the world — today, it is a scenic piece of history.

Water sprays off the Whale-Tail Fountain in downtown New London, Connecticut, on a sunny summer day

By Robert Isenberg 1 day ago

Forget Cape Cod, Visit This Less-Crowded Connecticut Gem With New England Charm, State Parks, And Beaches

If you're looking for the beach fun of Cape Cod but want to avoid the crowds, you can head to this Connecticut county with quieter-but-still-lively towns.

A red truck drives on a single-lane paved road through vibrant golden fall foliage at Brown County State Park, Indiana

By Tori Jane 1 day ago

Indiana's Highly Underrated County To Retire Is A Scenic Nature Escape With Parks And A Charming Town

You may not think of Indiana when pondering retirement, but this scenic gem with parks and a charming town sits at the top of counties to retire in for 2026.

By Reannon Muth 2 days ago

The 6 Worst National Parks To Visit With Seniors Or Young Children

The U.S. National Parks System provides a wide range of activity for all ages, but some parks present a bit of a challenge for children and seniors.

A log cabin and picnic benches in Pillsbury Point State Park

By Eugenia Lazaris 2 days ago

Iowa's Smallest State Park Is An Urban Gem With Scenic Lake Views And A Dark History

Small in size but big in charm, Iowa's smallest state park is a fascinating juxtaposition of gorgeous waters and brutal history.

Towering redwood trees on a misty day on Lady Bird Johnson Grove trail in Redwood National Park, California

By Neha Maheshwari 2 days ago

Hidden Inside Redwood National Park Is The Coastal Tree Grove That Looks Straight Out Of A Fairy Tale

One of Northern California's most memorable outdoor escapes rewards curious travelers with an atmospheric setting that feels like it's out of a storybook.

View of shoreline with cliffs and wildflowers at Bean Hollow State Beach

By Danno Wise 2 days ago

This Scenic West Coast Beach In California Is A Lesser-Known Gem For Fishing, Wildlife, And Ocean Views

Nestled on the San Mateo County coast, this wildly underrated beach is known for its colorful tide pools and wide-open shores with minimal crowds.

A replica of old Monroe at the visitors center of the River Raisin National Battlefield Park

By Keith Langston 3 days ago

Between Detroit And Toledo Is Michigan's Lesser-Known National Park With A Historic Battlefield And Trails

The defeat at this site later became a rallying cry for American forces during the War of 1812, and the battlefield is preserved with a small national park.

By Audrey Simons 4 days ago

Washington's Former Coal Mining Town Is A Fast-Growing City Outside Seattle With Lakes And Nearby State Parks

This burgeoning Seattle suburb is a boon for nature adventures, fringed by forests and protected wilderness areas brimming with lakes, rivers, and rapids.

An aerial shot of lakes and green mountains in Killarney National Park, Ireland

By David McElhinney 4 days ago

Nestled On The Edge Of Ireland's First National Park Is A Vibrant Town With Outdoor Fun, Views, And Shops

Cozy pubs, traditional music, and colorful shops: There's lots to love about this Irish town, which is right by a national park with a castle, lake, and falls.

A gate leading to a church surrounded by rolling fields in Hawkshead village, Cumbria

By Heather Cole 5 days ago

Between Lancaster And Keswick Is A Medieval Village Inside A National Park With Lake Fun, Shops, And No Cars

This village in the Lake District National Park has country pubs, craft stores, and a 15th-century courthouse — and you can also ride a Victorian steam train.

A view of Bavaria Forest National Park with pine trees, green meadows, and a lake

By David McElhinney 5 days ago

Tucked On The Czech Border Is A German National Park With Rustic Forests, Mountain Trails, And Rare Wildlife

Rare wildlife can be spotted from the mountain trails traversing this picturesque national park in Germany, tucked into a forest that stretches into Czechia.

Acres of dry fields and homes surround Porterville, California

By Eva Johnstone 6 days ago

Between Fresno And Bakersfield Is A Sequoia Gateway With Idyllic Nature Escapes And Tasty Restaurants

Stop in town, grab a bite to eat, and stay awhile while exploring the nearby sequoia forests, beautiful lakes, and more this Central Valley town has to offer.

Mountains and trees from an overlook in Kaniksu National Forest.

By C. M. Ramsburg 6 days ago

Nestled On The Border Of Idaho And Montana Is A Secluded National Forest With Mountain Lakes And Unique Wildlife

This exquisite region in Northern Idaho is known for its ancient trees, incredible array of wildlife, and vast glacial lakes famous for trophy-sized fish.

Exterior of of Rutherford B. Hayes' home surrounded by trees at Spiegel Grove in Ohio

By Rene Bennett 6 days ago

Under An Hour From Toledo Is Ohio's Scenic State Park With Presidential History, Trails, And Fairytale Views

An Ohio estate once home to a U.S. president offers a walk through 19th-century history, with a preserved mansion, family tomb, and garden paths.

Waves roll into Narragansett Beach in Rhode Island as the sunset casts a stone structure in an orange glow

By Robert Isenberg 6 days ago

Forget Cape Cod, Visit This Less-Crowded East Coast Escape With Fresh Seafood, State Park Fun, And Beaches

Cape Cod might get the lion's share of attention, but this gorgeous East Coast escape offers a serene getaway with heaps of oceanside delights.

A snowy street view of Banff, Alberta, located inside Banff National Park in Canada

By Hillary Louise Johnson 7 days ago

9 Charming Towns In North America That Are Hidden Inside National Parks

From remote communities inaccessible by road to thriving towns with thousands of residents, you'd be surprised how many people actually live in national parks.

A grassy meadow with wildflowers at Navarino Wildlife Area

By Eva Johnstone 7 days ago

Less Than An Hour From Green Bay Is Wisconsin's Outdoor Escape With A Nature Center And Scenic Trails

This expansive wildlife area is great for wildlife and bird watching, particularly during the spring and fall when thousands of sandhill cranes visit.

Landscape view of the West Texas region near Chinati Mountains State Natural Area

By Tara Dupuis 7 days ago

Texas' In-The-Works Park Near Mexico's Border Is Anticipated To Be A Total Remote Desert Mountain Paradise

The state is currently finalizing the park's public use plan, which is expected to include miles of hiking trails, camping, and excellent stargazing.

Lights from the Star Train in Ely, Nevada, with a starry sky above

By Reannon Muth 8 days ago

The Nevada 'Star Train' Near Great Basin National Park Is A Unique Way To See The Lower 48's Darkest Night Skies

For stargazing in one of the darkest spots in the country, hop aboard this 2.5-hour train ride across Nevada, accompanied by expert "Dark Rangers."

two men in cowboy hats walk towards an erupting geyser in the backdrop

By Kusumita Das 8 days ago

America's 10 Geysers That Are Best-Kept Secrets From Tourists

There are more geysers than just Old Faithful. You've likely never even heard of most of them. These geysers are well worth viewing -- and have fewer crowds.