Indiana Dunes National Park | Porter, Indiana
On the south shore of Lake Michigan, you’ll find Indiana Dunes National Park, which became the 61st national park in 2019. The harsh winds off the lake have shaped the 15 miles along the coast. Most notable are the sand dunes, but there are also woodlands, wetlands, and prairies. There are more than 50 miles of trails that wind through the park’s 15,000 acres. The area is a popular spot for birders, with more than 300 species that live or migrate through the park.
Find inspiration and tips for your next trip
Subscribe to the St. Louis Travel newsletter, covering big cities, small towns, and everywhere in between!
Hot Springs National Park | Hot Springs, Arkansas
There are many ways to enjoy Hot Springs National Park. You can visit Bathhouse Row to soak in the springs. (Note: There are no outdoor soaking opportunities, though there are several places where you can touch the thermal waters outside.) If you want to drink the water from the springs, there are fountains where you can fill up a bottle. There are also 26 miles of hiking trails and opportunities for biking, swimming, and kayaking.
Effigy Mounds National Monument | Harpers Ferry, Iowa
Located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, Effigy Mounds National Monument is the home of an ancient Native American burial and ceremonial mounds. There are 195 known mounds that range in shape. Most are conical, but there are also some shaped like animals. They are believed to date back to 450 BCE. The forests and prairies that make up the park are home to white-tailed deer, bald eagles, and other birds.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio
The only national park in Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley began as a national recreation area and was redesignated in 2000. The Cuyahoga Valley preserves the landscape that runs along the Cuyahoga River between Akron and Cleveland. The valley consists of rolling hills, forests, and farm land. There are more than 125 miles of hiking trails where visitors can take in the wildlife and native plants.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | Alger County, Michigan
The 42 miles along Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula were the first lakeshore to receive national recognition. The sandstone cliffs and arches overlooking the water create a dramatic landscape. Visitors can kayak through the rock formations or take a sunset boat cruise. There are beaches for swimming and trails for hiking. The park is home to more than 300 species of animals and 900 species of plants. In the winter, you can explore the park via cross-country skis or snowshoes.
Isle Royale National Park | Keweenaw County, Michigan
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous and rugged, head to Isle Royale National Park. The park consists of a main island that is 45 miles long and 9 miles wide, with 400 smaller islands. Its location in the northwest of Lake Superior makes this a remote getaway. You can reach the island via ferry from Houghton, Michigan and Grand Portage, Minnesota. Isle Royal doesn’t have any roads, and wheeled vehicles are not allowed, but it does offer a range of activities for kayakers, boaters, divers, and hikers. Many visitors camp, though there are guest lodges as well.
Voyageurs National Park | Northern Minnesota
Voyageurs National Park is recognized as an International Dark Skies Place. If you travel to the park between November and April, then you will have increased odds of catching the Northern Lights, which can also appear any time of the year. Voyageurs National Park is a sprawling park, with 218,054 acres, one-third of which is water. Boats, canoes, and kayaks are a common form of sightseeing, though you can also swim, fish, and hike. (You can rent gear for camping, fishing, and winter activities.)
Gateway Arch National Park | St. Louis, Missouri
Finally, if you haven’t visited the Arch since it received national park recognition, then you need to add it to your summer plans. In addition to taking a tram ride to the top, the museum on the ground floor is not to be missed. Six interactive exhibits guide visitors through 200 years of historical events, including a look at the architectural proposals for the grounds and multicultural influences.
