10 Best National Monuments in US to Visit

1. Statue of Liberty National Monument

The Statue of Liberty National Monument is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It is an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy gifted to the United States by France in 1886. The monument consists of the Statue of Liberty, a colossal copper statue designed by sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, and its pedestal. Visitors can climb to the statue’s crown for panoramic views of the city skyline and the harbor. The Statue of Liberty National Monument is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in American history and culture.

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Location

New York Harbor, United States

When was it built

Construction started in 1875

Construction Period

Completed in 1886

Who built it

Designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi; built by Gustave Eiffel

Height

305 feet (93 meters) from ground to torch tip

2. Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument

The Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument is located in northwest Arizona and is connected to part of Grand Canyon National Park. It covers over 1 million acres of canyons, deserts, and wilderness, making it larger than the state of Rhode Island. However there are no paved roads within the monument.

Accessing the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument requires 4×4 vehicles, backcountry hikes, or horseback riding. Visitors can expect to enjoy breathtaking views of the Mojave desert, ponderosa pine forests, and stunning geological formations. It’s important to bring enough water and supplies for the journey, as amenities are limited.

To reach the monument, visitors can start in St. George, Utah, and obtain maps and tips from the Interagency Information Center.

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Location

Northwest Arizona, United States

Establishment

Established by presidential proclamation in 2000

Who built it

García López de Cárdenas

Features

Diverse landscapes including desert, forests, and geological formations

3. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a vast area located in Southern Utah, covering 1.8 million acres of remote and untouched lands. It holds the distinction of being one of the last places in the contiguous United States to be mapped.

This monument includes three main geological landscapes: the Grand Staircase, a series of towering rock layers; the Kaiparowits Plateau, a sprawling plateau rising 4,000 feet high; and the Canyons of the Escalante, carved out by the Escalante River.

Visitors to the monument can explore a diverse range of natural wonders, including hoodoos, slot canyons, domes, natural arches, and bridges. Due to its vast size and numerous attractions, many visitors opt for guided hikes or off-road tours, although self-driving is also possible.

Accommodation options in the nearby village of Escalante cater to adventurers, offering opportunities for glamping or cabin rentals amidst the rugged beauty of the landscape.

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Location

Southern Utah, United States

Establishment

Proclaimed by President Bill Clinton in 1996

Established

September 18, 1996

Area

Encompasses 1.9 million acres (7,570 km²)

4. Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument

The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument sits in southwestern Maryland and honors the life of Harriet Tubman, a brave abolitionist who helped many slaves find freedom. President Obama made it a national monument in 2013 and it later joined with the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge to form the Harriet Tubman Underground National Historical Park.

Tubman grew up enslaved nearby and her childhood home is now a key site in the park. Visitors can explore exhibits about her life and the Underground Railroad, where she led many slaves to safety. There are also hiking trails and picnic spots to enjoy.

Though the monument is in a rural area, it is not far from places like Ocean City or Washington, DC. After a day of exploring, visitors can relax at nearby resorts like the Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort.

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Location

Southwestern Maryland, USA

Establishment

2013 (by President Barack Obama)

Who built by

William Still

Purpose

Commemorates the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman and her contributions to the Underground Railroad

5. George Washington Birthplace National Monument

As its name suggests, this national monument is where America’s first president was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, on February 22, 1732. The former colonel would become the first U.S. president and is arguably the most important founding father of the United States.

Washington’s father, Augustine Washington, was a successful tobacco plantation owner and George Washington inherited his wealth, 64 slaves and this Potomac River-front land after his father’s death. Seven generations of the family lived on the 551-acre estate. It is now home to the Washington Family Burial Ground and the Memorial House a charming brick house constructed in 1931.

The monument is just over 90 minutes south of Washington DC, making it an easy addition to a trip to the capital, where an endless amount of national history can be toured. Make it extra Washingtonian by staying at Hotel Washington!

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Location

Southwestern Maryland, USA

Established

1930 (Designated by U.S. Congress)

Built By

U.S. National Park Service

6. Devils Tower National Monument

Devils Tower, the first U.S. national monument was declared so by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. It is situated in Crook County, Wyoming near the state’s northeastern corner and borders with Montana and South Dakota.

This natural wonder is an igneous rock butte, towering 1,267 feet (386 m) from its base to 5,112 feet (1,559 m) above sea level. Its width at the base spans 857 feet (261 m). Rising dramatically from the flat land around the Belle Fourche River, Devils Tower stands out as a massive and stunning column of rock.

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Location

Crook County, Wyoming, USA

Built By

September 24, 1906 (Proclaimed by President Theodore Roosevelt)

Purpose

Preserves and protects Devils Tower, a unique geological formation and cultural landmark

7. Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home

The Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home is located in Jackson, Mississippi, USA, and holds significant historical importance as the former residence of civil rights activists Medgar Evers and his wife Myrlie Evers. Medgar Evers, an NAACP field secretary, was assassinated in the driveway of the home in 1963, highlighting the dangers faced by those fighting for racial equality during the Civil Rights Movement.

The home has been preserved as a museum and serves as a tribute to the Evers’ legacy and their contributions to the struggle for civil rights in America. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing the Evers’ lives and their pivotal role in the fight against segregation and injustice.

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Location

2332 Margaret Walker Alexander Drive, Jackson, Mississippi, USA

Established

Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2016

Bult by

Constructed in 1956 by Medgar and Myrlie Evers

8. Giant Sequoia National Monument

The Giant Sequoia National Monument is located in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, USA. It covers an area of about 328,000 acres and is home to some of the largest trees in the world, the giant sequoias. These trees can reach heights of over 250 feet and have a diameter of up to 30 feet. The monument also contains diverse ecosystems, including meadows, rivers, and forests, which provide habitat for a variety of wildlife.

Visitors can explore the monument through hiking trails, scenic drives, and ranger-led programs, experiencing the beauty and grandeur of these ancient trees and their surroundings.

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Location

Southern Sierra Nevada mountains, California, USA

Established

Designated as a national monument in April 2000

Purpose

Protects and preserves groves of giant sequoia trees, including some of the oldest and largest trees on Earth

9. Pipestone National Monument

Pipestone National Monument is situated in southwestern Minnesota, USA, near the town of Pipestone. It spans over 300 acres and is known for its culturally significant red pipestone quarries. Native American tribes, including the Dakota, Lakota, and other indigenous peoples, have quarried the soft red stone from this site for centuries to carve ceremonial pipes, also known as peace pipes.

The monument features walking trails that lead visitors through the quarries and showcase the natural beauty of the area including tallgrass prairies and wildlife habitats. The visitor center offers exhibits on the cultural and historical significance of the pipestone quarries providing insights into Native American traditions and craftsmanship.

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Location

Pipestone County, Minnesota, USA

Established

Designated as a national monument in August 1937

Purpose

Protects the sacred quarries of red pipestone used by Native American tribes for traditional pipe making

10. Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods National Monument is located in Marin County, California, USA, just north of San Francisco. It is named after the renowned naturalist John Muir and is home to one of the last remaining old-growth coastal redwood forests in the world. The monument encompasses over 550 acres of land, with towering redwood trees that can reach heights of over 250 feet (76 meters) and are several hundred years old.

The monument also features a visitor center where guests can learn about the history and ecology of the redwood forest and participate in educational programs and guided walks led by park rangers. Muir Woods is a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone seeking to reconnect with the natural world.

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Location

Marin County, California, USA

Established

Designated as a national monument in January 1908

Purpose

Protects one of the last remaining old-growth coastal redwood forests in the San Francisco Bay Area

Also Check

List of U.S National Monuments: Top 10 Monuments to visit

List of U.S. National Monuments: In United States, there are 133 special national monuments. They are built to protect important landmarks, historic sites, and natural wonders. National Monuments can be created by the president or by Congress. It is found in 32 states. They protect a variety of things, like ancient ruins, beautiful landscapes, and sites important to Native American history. Their purpose is to preserve our nation’s natural and cultural heritage.

Check the list of U.S. National Monuments in table below.

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