For Americans, national monuments are a source of pride. Many people visit these monuments to learn about what they stand for and to appreciate their beauty. Each national monument will be described in this post, along with the top picks for you to see at least once in your lifetime.
Let’s explore the administration and history of these federally controlled monuments before providing a list of all US National Monuments.
Differences Between Monuments And National Parks
When they were founded is the key distinction between National Monuments and National Parks. National monuments may also be created with the president’s assistance. Almost every other classification must adhere to the United States Constitution.
The two differences are that National Parks are solely maintained by the National Park Service, whereas National Monument Management is overseen by several organizations that work in tandem with the National Park Service.
There are two ways that national monuments can be declared. either a presidential proclamation made under the Antiquities Act or congressional legislation.
President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed Devils Tower in Wyoming as the first monument in 1906. In 1906, the Antiquities Act was adopted.
Our Favorite National Monuments In the USA
Have you visited every place on your national parks bucket list already? This list is for you if so: The United States is home to 32 national monuments that collectively highlight its history, wildlife, and breathtaking natural beauty.
You won’t regret visiting any of these must-see national monuments, whether they are in the mountains, city, or historic locations like Pearl Harbor.
Alaska’s Admiralty Island
Admiralty Island is distinct in various aspects since it is a component of the Tongass Forest in Alaska. It boasts the greatest population of brown bears in the world and is a prime example of the northern temperate rainforests found in the Pacific Northwest.
Visitors can observe these bears in their natural environment by flying to Pack Creek, then hiking a short distance to an observation tower to see the creatures consuming wild salmon. Canoeing and fishing are two other well-liked sports on the island.
Pacific Theater Of World War II Bravery, Hawaii
The Pearl Harbor attack in 1941, which marked the beginning of American involvement in World War II, took place on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, one of the three locations for this national monument. The USS Arizona battleship sank here and remains submerged there today. Over its ultimate resting place, a memorial that may be reached by boat has been erected.
Although admission to the memorial is free, a ticket is necessary. It can be challenging to obtain one of the 1,300 daily tickets during popular times (Spring break, Christmas break,
and summer), so it is advised that guests make reservations 60 days in advance or arrive early on the day they intend to visit.
Cabrillo, California
This year-round San Diego landmark is named for a Mexican explorer who made the first landing on the west coast of North America. It offers history, scenic vistas, and natural beauty to offer visitors.
The Old Point Loma Lighthouse and its keeper’s quarters can be explored on foot, as can a longer trail trip to take in the landscape. You can also stop at Whale Overlook to see if you can view any whales and explore the tide pools at the monument when the tide is low.
Typically, January and February are the best months to watch whales, while spring is regarded to be the prettiest season to see wildflowers.
Bandelier, New Mexico’s Bandelier
Bandelier contains evidence of human activity stretching back 11,000 years—an archeologist’s paradise. Longer climbs will take you to stunning falls and mesa tops, while shorter ones will take you through the excavated sites and still-standing cliff homes and masonry walls. From mid-October to mid-May, you can drive into Bandelier; otherwise, a shuttle bus is the only method to get to the park’s most popular region.
Every day of the year, from dawn until nightfall, the park and its trails are accessible. Fall is a stunning season to see Bandelier’s fall color. Visitors to monuments in the winter should be ready for both abundance of beauty and snow. Adults 16 and older must pay $15 to enter the park.
Bandelier contains evidence of human activity stretching back 11,000 years—an archeologist’s paradise. Longer climbs will take you to stunning falls and mesa tops, while shorter ones will take you through the excavated sites and still-standing cliff homes and masonry walls.
From mid-October to mid-May, you can drive into Bandelier; otherwise, a shuttle bus is the only method to get to the park’s most popular region. Every day of the year, from dawn until nightfall, the park and its trails are accessible. Fall is a stunning season to see Bandelier’s fall color. Visitors to monuments in the winter should be ready for both abundance of beauty and snow. Adults 16 and older must pay $15 to enter the park.
Canyon de Chelly, Arizona’s
Canyon de Chelly, which is close to the Colorado Plateau’s southern boundary, offers tourists stunning views as well as a rich past. There have been people living here continuously for 5,000 years, and today the region is home to tribal lands where the Navajo people raise their families and take care of their farms and cattle.
Paved rim drives are leading to canyon vistas, private guided and tours hiking trails, are available, and admission is free (for a fee). A campground that is first-come, first-served is also present.
All these museums have great scenery. Which of these destinations would you like to visit, let us know in the comment section.
