12 Must-Visit American National Monuments for Your Bucket List 2026

From wonders of Mother Nature to sites deliberately constructed by mankind, the US is home to a vast number of National Monuments. Visiting these gives travelers fascinating glimpses into the natural and social history of this part of the planet. To inspire your next trip, here are some of the best natural and man-made national monuments in America.

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American National Monuments The National Mall, Washington D.C.

The National Mall, Washington D.C. 1/5

American National Monuments George Washington Birthplace, Virginia

George Washington Birthplace, Virginia 2/5

American National Monuments Misty Fjords National Monument, Alaska

Misty Fjords National Monument, Alaska 3/5

American National Monuments Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming

Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming 4/5

American National Monuments Natural Bridges, Utah

Natural Bridges, Utah 5/5

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The National Mall, Washington D.C.

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George Washington Birthplace, Virginia

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Misty Fjords National Monument, Alaska

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Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming

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Natural Bridges, Utah

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Misty Fjords National Monument, Alaska

President Carter designated the Misty Fjords National Monument in Alaska in the late 1970s, comprising over 2 million acres of forest. You can camp in the area, there are various hiking trails for discovering the wilderness, and boat trips among the fjords are available. Look out for wildlife, including killer whales and bears, while visiting this part of the Tongass National Forest.

Visit the Totem Heritage Center: Explore the Totem Heritage Center, located in nearby Ketchikan, which houses one of the largest collections of unrestored 19th-century totem poles. Admission is USD 9 for adults.
Explore the Alaska Raptor Center: Head to the Alaska Raptor Center, located in Sitka, to learn about the rehabilitation of injured birds of prey. Admission is USD 16 for adults.

The National Mall, Washington D.C.

The National Mall is a must because it has many important monuments. It’s an attractive site for a stroll, with broad, tree-lined avenues dotted with grassy parkland. Head here, and you can see the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and more, plus the United States Capitol and the White House.

Tour the United States Botanic Garden: Discover a diverse collection of plants at the United States Botanic Garden, located near the Capitol. Admission is free.
Explore the Library of Congress: Take a guided tour of the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world, featuring stunning architecture and historical exhibits. Admission is free.

Natural Bridges, Utah

Natural Bridges was Utah’s first National Monument, and the natural structures here are amazing to behold. The surrounding landscape is a lovely place for hiking, and a nighttime visit is recommended to see the stars. With minimal light pollution and the shadowy shapes of the arches, there are some striking sights to experience.

Explore Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park: Take a guided tour of Monument Valley, famous for its iconic red rock formations. Admission is USD 8.
Explore the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum: Visit the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, which houses a large collection of Ancestral Puebloan pottery and artifacts. Admission is USD 5 for adults.

George Washington Birthplace, Virginia

Located where Popes Creek meets the Potomac River in Westmoreland County, Virginia, the George Washington Birthplace National Monument is devoted to the man regarded as the nation’s founding father. You can see historical reenactments while visiting the site, which is a great way to engage with the past. Born in 1732, the site covers over 550 acres of land, home to seven generations of Washingtons.

Tour the Menokin Foundation: Explore the Menokin Foundation, the historic home of Francis Lightfoot Lee, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Visit George Washington Birthplace National Monument: Explore the George Washington Birthplace National Monument, where you can engage with historical reenactments and learn about Washington’s early life. Admission is free.

Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming

Designated by President Roosevelt, the Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming is a truly incredible natural wonder. Long before European settlers stumbled upon it, the awesome tower was sacred to Native Americans. A hike in the local area is a great way to see it, and a campground is nearby. Be sure to look out for the local prairie dog population while exploring.

Visit the Devils Tower Visitor Center: Start your visit at the Devils Tower Visitor Center to learn about the geological and cultural significance of the monument. Admission to the park is USD 25 per vehicle.
Visit the Hulett Museum and Art Gallery: Discover local history and art at the Hulett Museum and Art Gallery, located in the nearby town of Hulett. Admission is free.

Carrizo Plain National Monument, California

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The Carrizo Plain National Monument is famous for being the site of the San Andreas Fault. The huge grassland plain is located around 100 miles north of Los Angeles, yet feels far more remote. Time your visit right, and wildflowers could be carpeting the plain. You can also see the dry bed of Soda Lake, so called because of the white, sun-dried, salty deposits. The area is also rich in flora and fauna, rare species, and culturally significant to Native Americans.

Visit Painted Rock: Explore Painted Rock, a significant Native American site featuring ancient pictographs. Access is by guided tour only from July to February with a USD 1 reservation fee.
Visit Carrizo Plain National Monument: Explore the Carrizo Plain National Monument, known for its stunning wildflower displays and the San Andreas Fault. Admission to the monument is free.

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Statue of Liberty, New York

Must Visit U.S. Cities New York — © spyarm / Adobe Stock

The Big Apple’s colossal icon is on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, a sculptor, with a framework constructed by Gustave Eiffel, the neoclassical copper statue was given to America by France in 1885. There is no entrance fee to visit the National Monument, though you’ll need a ferry ticket to reach the island.

Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: To visit the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, you’ll need a ferry ticket. The ferry ticket costs USD 25.50 for adults.
Visit the National Museum of the American Indian: Located near Battery Park, the National Museum of the American Indian offers exhibits on Native American history and culture. Admission is free.

The Giant Sequoia National Monument, California

Must-Visit US Locations for Outdoor Enthusiasts Redwood National Park, California — © nikolas_jkd / Adobe Stock

The biggest trees on the planet are always a jaw-dropping sight, and the giant sequoias of California might also be the largest species ever to live on Earth. It’s a popular site to visit, particularly in summer, with many local hiking trails to follow. If you head here in winter instead, be prepared to tackle snowy and icy roads.

Visit Sequoia National Park: Explore Sequoia National Park, home to the giant sequoias, including the famous General Sherman Tree. Admission is USD 35 per vehicle.
Explore Kings Canyon National Park: Adjacent to Sequoia, Kings Canyon National Park offers deep valleys, towering trees, and rugged peaks. Admission is included with the Sequoia National Park fee.

Fort Sumter, South Carolina

If you visit only one Civil War monument in the US, make it Fort Sumter in South Carolina. The first gunfire occurred here in 1861, and the fort remained in use until 1947. You’ll need to take a ferry to access the fort, and it’s best to time your visit with a reenactment, if you can, for a more immersive experience.

Visit the Fort Sumter National Monument: Start your journey at the Fort Sumter National Monument, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Access to the fort is free, but you’ll need a ferry ticket, which costs USD 10 per person.
Visit the Charleston Museum: Discover the history of the region at the Charleston Museum, the oldest museum in the United States. Admission is USD 15 for adults.

Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona

Among all National Monuments, this is the one for geologists. The vast boulders, supported only by smaller rocks, must be seen to be believed. Take a hike to view these natural phenomena at close quarters, though you might want to avoid the searing heat of midsummer. Looking out for South and Central American migrating birds, journeying north or south, is also a popular pastime at Chiricahua National Monument.

Visit Chiricahua National Monument: Explore the Chiricahua National Monument, known for its stunning rock formations and diverse ecosystems. Admission is free.
Visit the Amerind Museum: Discover Native American art and archaeology at the Amerind Museum, located nearby in Dragoon. Admission is USD 12 for adults.

Canyon de Chelly, Arizona

This National Monument is also in Arizona and is home to a vast selection of prehistoric art. The area was inhabited by various Native Americans, some of whom left behind remnants of Pueblo villages. There’s nowhere else in the US better for encountering Native American life, and the area remains under the ownership of the Navajo Nation.

Visit Canyon de Chelly National Monument: Explore the Canyon de Chelly National Monument, known for its stunning landscapes and ancient cliff dwellings. Admission is free.
Explore the Navajo Nation Museum: Visit the Navajo Nation Museum, located in Window Rock, to learn about Navajo history and culture. Admission is free.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota

This colossal granite sculpture cannot fail to make visitors imagine what its creation must have involved. Now, you can see the faces of Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and George Washington hewn into the rock. Work ended in 1941, and the sculptures are 60 feet high. An interactive museum here explains the history and ethos behind Mount Rushmore.

Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial: Explore the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, where you can view the iconic sculptures and learn about their creation. Admission is free, but parking costs USD 10 per vehicle.
Visit the Crazy Horse Memorial: Just a short drive away, explore the Crazy Horse Memorial, a massive mountain carving in progress. Admission starts at 7 per person.