Outdoor Adventure

Trails through the woodlands at Joe Sheldon County Park in Humboldt, Iowa

By Sam Scott 2 hours ago

Between Des Moines And Okoboji Is Iowa's Charming Midwest City With Vibrant Parks, Tasty Eats, And A Nearby Museum

Think Iowa is a mere flyover state? Think again! This conveniently located Iowan city offers visitors culture and outdoor recreation in spades.

Red kayaks on calm water surrounded by forest at Nolin Lake State Park, Kentucky

By Anahid Akkam 3 hours ago

Just Beyond Mammoth Cave Is Kentucky's Peaceful State Park With A Scenic Lake Beach And Primitive Camping

This Kentucky state park is a lakeside retreat with a beach, primitive camping, boating, fishing, wooded trails, waterfalls, and plenty of outdoor adventures.

The docks at Lakeside in Glenwood, Minnesota

By Christy Nicholson 9 hours ago

Between Fargo And Minneapolis Is A Charming Midwest City With Lake Fun, A Museum, And Seasonal Festivals

The Land of 10,000 Lakes lives up to its moniker in this gorgeous lakeside city in Minnesota, with an engaging museum and some brilliant festivals.

Wetlands at Brooker Creek Preserve in Florida

By Audrey Simons 14 hours ago

Outside Tampa Is Florida's Idyllic Nature Preserve With Wetland Trails, Tours, And Exhibits

Discover Florida's untamed beauty at this wilderness preserve where hiking trails and learning for all ages combine to make an awesome day trip from Tampa.

A lily-pad covered lake with a gazebo, surrounded by Spanish Moss draped cypress trees at Lochloosa Lake Park in Florida.

By Melanie Johnson 15 hours ago

Outside Gainesville Is Florida's Dreamy Lake Escape With Pretty Cypress Trees, Fishing, And Boating

A short drive from Gainesville leads to a scenic Florida lake with cypress trees, fishing, boating, wildlife, and a peaceful setting away from crowds.

Tree-lined walking trails along the Red River in Lindenwood Park in Fargo, North Dakota

By Nally Preseault 19 hours ago

Fargo's Largest Multi-Use Park Is An Urban Gem With Nature Walks, Riverside Campsites, And A Bridge To Minnesota

This leafy park is tucked along the North Dakota-Minnesota border in Fargo and offers lovers of the great outdoors both bike and kayak rentals for exploring.

Trees surrounding the Ouachita River in Arkansas

By Sam Scott 20 hours ago

Arkansas' 'Brick Capital Of The World' Is A Historic City With A Walkable Downtown And Outdoor Fun

This storied city pays tribute to its legacy with charming brick-paved sidewalks and red brick buildings housing an eclectic mix of shops and eateries.

A scenic curvy road winding through the colorful trees during autumn in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

By Tosh Bene 21 hours ago

The Best Scenic Drives With Idyllic Nature Views In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Whether you're looking to hike along babbling creeks or explore historic structures, these are the most beautiful drives in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

lush wetland panaromas at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, Michigan

By Neha Maheshwari 22 hours ago

Between Detroit And Traverse City Is A Scenic Wildlife Refuge With Wetland Trails, Fishing, And Boating

Nearly 300 bird species have been spotted in this 10,000-acre refuge, home to bottomland hardwood forests marshes, wetlands, and grasslands.

Glendo Reservoir at Glendo State Park, Wyoming, with rock formations and people boating on the water

By Anahid Akkam 1 day ago

Tucked In The Western Region Of The US, This Artificial Lake Park Is A Boating Paradise With Fishing And Camping

This sprawling Wyoming reservoir retreat offers boating, productive fishing, shoreline camping, sandy beaches, and miles of trails for outdoor adventures.

Wooden stairs on a hiking path in the yellow forest of Turkey Run State Park in the autumn

By Rachel Means 1 day ago

Indiana's 7 Scenic Nature Walks That Show Off The Best Of Turkey Run State Park

As one of the first state parks in Indiana, Turkey Run boasts idyllic walks through gulches and forests, and these are the best routes to explore.

Geese float on the water at Pinto Lake City Park on a sunny day.

By Eva Johnstone 2 days ago

Between San Jose And Monterey Is California's Scenic Lake Park With RV Camping, Fishing, And Boating

Skip the major parks and visit this local spot in California for a slow and relaxed nature escape, complete with boating, fishing, and lakeside camping.

Brick walls remaining at Brunswick Town-Fort Anderson in North Carolina

By Rene Bennett 2 days ago

North Carolina's Former Military Fort Is Now A Scenic State Historic Site With An Eerie But Beautiful Ghost Town

Walk along the ruins of an abandoned colonial town, which was later used as a Civil War fort, in this active archaeological site in North Carolina.

A person sitting at a picnic table perched on the golden hillsides overlooking San Luis Reservoir in California's Central Valley

By Hillary Louise Johnson 2 days ago

Forget Lake Tahoe — Visit One Of California's Largest Artificial Lakes Perfect For Fishing And Boating

Instead of Lake Tahoe, head to this artificial lake surrounded by hills in the Central Valley that is perfect for fishing, boating, windsurfing, and camping.

Fields of flowers amid rolling green hills with a country church in Forêts National Park in France

By Jen Theriault 2 days ago

France's Newest National Park Is A Forest Getaway With Trails And Rare Wildlife Just A Few Hours From Paris

This enormous park was created in 2019 to protect swaths of medieval forests and rare wildlife, and is criss-crossed with hundreds of miles of trails.

RV camped next to a lake in the wintertime

By Reannon Muth 2 days ago

Nevada's Wildlife Refuge 90 Minutes From Las Vegas Has Hiking, Camping, And Acres Of Lakes And Lush Wetlands

This easy trip from Las Vegas leads to a quieter side of Nevada, with lakeside campsites, hiking trails, lush wetlands, wildlife, and scenic desert views.

Panther Hollow Bridge spanning a forest and lake on an autumn day in Pittsburgh

By Robert Isenberg 2 days ago

Pennsylvania's Once-Thriving Artificial Pittsburgh Lake Is Now Ideal For Idyllic Nature Walks

This lake in Pittsburgh was once used for boating and ice skating, but today, it makes for a special stop during a walk in a local urban park.

By Carrie Back 2 days ago

Florida's Unsung Campground Under 2 Hours From Gainesville Has Crystal-Clear Waters, Wildlife, And Outdoor Fun

Whether you're looking for a peaceful hideaway or a nature retreat with modern amenities, this campsite in the Sunshine State offers it all.

Skyline of Pittsburgh, with a river crossed by bridges and buildings surrounded by trees in the foreground, under a cloudy blue sky

By Jess Simms 2 days ago

One Of The Best Counties To Retire In America's Northeast Is A Pennsylvania County With A Big City And Outdoor Adventures

While Pennsylvania may not have been on your retirement list, this county offers the perks of a big city, with lots of adventure for retirees to enjoy.

Elevated boardwalk through trees at at Peghorn Nature Park, Florida

By Audrey Simons 2 days ago

Outside Orlando Is Florida's Former Cattle Land That's Now A Wetland Nature Park With Scenic Trails And Wildlife

This peaceful slice of Florida preserves wetlands, woodland paths, wildlife, colorful gardens, and fascinating reminders of the state's cattle-ranching past.

Panoramic views of the surrounding Green Mountains from Mount Mansfield in Vermont

By Kirtana Menon 3 days ago

Not California, Not Hawaii — This East Coast Gem Is The Most Environmentally-Friendly State In 2026

WalletHub ranked US states based on their environmental quality, eco-friendly behaviors, and climate change contributions, and this state shines in those areas.

Mist floats above the water near a floating cabin at Bayou Segnette State Park.

By Eva Johnstone 3 days ago

The Closest State Park To New Orleans Is A Nature Retreat With A Wetland Trail, Wave Pool, And Fishing

This spot offers a NOLA stay unlike any place else, with cabin rentals that float on the bayou while alligators swim around, and a welcoming campground.

A city park along the Boise River Greenbelt located along the Boise River in Idaho

By Jen Theriault 3 days ago

One Of Idaho's Most Vibrant Parks Is A Riverside Tree-Lined Pathway That Cuts Through The Heart Of Boise

Boise combines riverside trails for walking and biking with wildlife, museums, and dining, offering travelers an easy way to explore the Idaho capital.

Trees surrounding a rocky bank along the water in Missouri's James River Valley

By Grae Gleason 3 days ago

Between Branson And Springfield Is Missouri's Peaceful Ozark River With Camping, Fishing, And Boating

Outdoor adventures abound on and around this peaceful Ozark river that snakes through magnificent Missouri from Springfield to south of Branson.

Fishing village of Alert Bay along the water during the daytime, with trees in the background

By Rebecca High 3 days ago

The 'Home Of The Killer Whale' Is A Historic Canadian Island Village With Incredible Wildlife Watching

Off British Columbia's coast, a tiny Canadian island village offers exceptional whale watching, Indigenous culture, historic waterfronts, and nature trails.

Lake Chelan's bright blue water surrounded by forested mountains during a sunny summer day, Washington

By Ben M Stower 3 days ago

America's Cleanest Lake For 2026 Is A Pacific Northwest Beauty With Fishing, Swimming, And Boating

America's cleanest lake is a Washington escape that offers pristine waters, inviting beaches, abundant fish, and endless opportunities for boating and swimming.

A foggy evening in the pines at Panola Mountain State Park in Georgia.

By Eva Johnstone 3 days ago

Georgia's State Park Just Half An Hour From Atlanta Is A Recreation Hub With Camping And Scenic Lakes

Just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of ATL sits a delightful state park with gorgeous lakes and camping as it was meant to be.