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America is so huge that there seem to be endless iconic monuments and exciting places to see. But landmarks that deserve a spot on your bucket list aren’t always the most obvious ones. It’s hard to know what is truly worth your while—especially when taking time off work, saving for a trip, and planning everything is no easy feat. These are the best U.S. landmarks worth visiting, according to a recent poll by people who have been there. What would you add to the list?
Alcatraz
Alcatraz is an island in the San Francisco Bay that houses a historically significant prison that is no longer operational. Even though it’s not functioning as a prison anymore, it’s still the subject of a lot of mystery, lore, and even movies like The Rock and Escape from Alcatraz, which is probably why 56% of visitors recommend it. Alcatraz even imprisoned some famous criminals, like noted mafia gangsters Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. Alcatraz is now a national park and holds regular tours, including spooky nighttime ghost tours!
Independence Hall
Located in the city of brotherly love—Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—Independence Hall is the historical site where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were created. Although the capital of the USA is now Washington, D.C., it used to be Philadelphia until the official move in 1800. Much of the famous events concerning our founding fathers occurred in Philadelphia, so the city is steeped in American history.
Ellis Island
Ellis Island is situated in New York Harbor, right next to the Statue of Liberty’s island. 57% of recently polled visitors would suggest adding it to your travel plans. Ellis Island is historically significant as it was once America’s busiest immigrant processing station. Between 1892 and 1954, nearly 12 million immigrants passed through Ellis Island, including notable people like Frank Capra, the Italian-born director of It’s a Wonderful Life, and Isaac Asimov, the Russian-born author of “I, Robot.”
Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore, a mountain with four prominent U.S. presidents carved into granite, is a marvel of modern engineering and sculpting. The monument is located in South Dakota and features the faces of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. Each president’s face is about 60 feet high.
World Trade Center Memorial
For those of us old enough to remember the terrible events of 9/11, it was like nothing we’ve ever experienced. To wake up to the news of planes flying into these iconic New York buildings and the death and destruction that followed was nothing short of tragic. The World Trade Center memorial is a meaningful and touching tribute to those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks, including the first responders who risked their safety to help victims.
The White House
There’s nothing more iconic in American culture than the White House, which is why 60% of visitors recommend going there. It’s where the current-term president lives and works and has been featured in many movies, from Independence Day to Forrest Gump. The best part is that you can book tours of the White House free of charge!
The National Mall
No, the National Mall isn’t a giant building filled with shops like Macy’s and JC Penny; it’s the 146-acre park in downtown Washington, D.C., surrounded by some of the most famous memorials in America, like the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. The National Mall also contains the reflecting pool where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. held the historic March on Washington with over a quarter million marchers and gave his incredible “I have a dream” speech.
Washington Monument
There’s no shortage of Washington, D.C. monuments on this list, considering it’s our nation’s capital and positively brimming with history, politics, and memorials. The Washington Monument is a striking tribute to our nation’s first president, George Washington. The site features a 554-foot-tall stone obelisk, the tallest in the world, surrounded by 50 American flags.
Statue of Liberty
Unsurprisingly, 65% of people polled considered the Statue of Liberty worth visiting. It’s an iconic symbol of America and an integral part of the New York City skyline. Lady Liberty is an epic sight to behold, and its history is fascinating. Did you know this statue was a gift from France and had to be disassembled to ship it overseas? When first installed in the U.S., it was completely bronze-colored, but years of oxidation on this copper statue created its trademark greenish-hued patina.
Lincoln Memorial
No, it’s not just on the five-dollar bill or the penny! The Lincoln Memorial is a real building located in Washington, D.C., to commemorate the life of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. This impressive neoclassical structure resembles ancient Greek column-lined buildings and features an iconic 19-foot-high marble sculpture of President Lincoln sitting inside.
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery, located in Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C., is a military cemetery established during the American Civil War with nearly 400,000 graves. Many people of significance are buried there, including Presidents John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft. This site also features various memorials, like the tomb of the unknown soldier, commemorating unidentified service members who lost their lives during battle.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Coming in as the top-most recommended U.S. landmark by 70% of people surveyed is the infamous Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii. This sobering and meaningful memorial site commemorates the December 7th, 1941 attack on the Pearl Harbor Naval Base during WWII, where over 2,400 people lost their lives. The site features tours of the USS Arizona, Utah, and Oklahoma memorials in a beautiful waterfront location.
Source: YouGov
From Boom to Bust: 18 States on the Brink of Financial Ruin—What Went Wrong?
We’re embarking on a financial roller coaster ride through 18 states, and it isn’t the fun kind. We’re talking about states having to check under the mattress and behind the couch cushions for extra change. These states are trying to balance their budgets, but the numbers aren’t increasing. Why are they skimming through their wallets like they lost a 20-dollar bill? Let’s find out!
From Boom to Bust: 18 States on the Brink of Financial Ruin—What Went Wrong?
