National Parks of the United States Guide

Largest Wilderness in the Eastern United States: The Everglades

Everglades National Park, unlike Western parks with their scenic mountains and canyons, was established to protect a unique ecosystem with a wide array of animals and plants found nowhere else. It is the largest wilderness area in the eastern United States, providing a safe haven for endangered species like the manatee, Florida panther, and threatened crocodile. The park's main road spans 38 miles, passing through subtropical hardwood hammocks, pinelands, bald cypress groves, and mangrove forests, as well as the famous “River of Grass”. This river of freshwater originally flowed from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay, creating a diverse environment for a variety of wildlife.

Everglades is a paradise for nature lovers, offering a wide range of experiences from observing crocodiles to admiring butterflies, and from exploring different types of flora like palms and orchids. Visitors can easily capture close-up photos of alligators, turtles, herons, egrets, and anhingas in their natural habitat. For a unique experience, consider taking a tram tour or a bicycle ride through Shark Valley in the northern part of the park.

Outstanding Biological Diversity of Indiana Dunes

Indiana Dunes became the 61st national park in 2019, after over a century of conservation efforts to protect the exceptional biological diversity along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. The park encompasses 15,000 acres of beaches, towering sand dunes, wetlands, prairies, and woodlands. It is a haven for birders with over 350 species on the park list, making it a prime location for watching migrating birds along Lake Michigan or observing waterbirds in winter.

In the summer, visitors flock to Indiana Dunes for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking along 15 miles of beautiful beaches. The park’s rich flora and fauna is a result of the changing shoreline of Lake Michigan over millennia, creating diverse ecosystems throughout the park.

Iconic Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a symbol of America, attracting around five million visitors annually from all over the world. Theodore Roosevelt himself urged every American to witness its majesty. The canyon is revered as one of the seven wonders of the natural world, offering breathtaking views that leave visitors in awe. The South Rim is the most popular spot, but the North Rim provides equally stunning vistas and a chance to see California condors in their natural habitat.

Death Valley: Land of Extremes

Death Valley is a land of superlatives, being the hottest, driest, lowest, and largest national park in the Lower 48. Despite its harsh conditions, the park remains a captivating destination for tourists. Visitors can explore the park's geology, from the striated canyons to the vast salt pans under the scorching sun. Mining ruins and diverse wildlife add to the park's allure.

For a unique experience, drive through the Black Mountains and along Badwater Road in Death Valley, reaching the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. Early spring and late fall are ideal times to visit, but some visitors are drawn to the park in summer to experience extreme heat first-hand. The ferocity of Death Valley makes it a truly unforgettable destination for adventurers.

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