The United States are rich in beautiful and magical places created by either nature or people. Although most of the sights in the U.S. are not as ancient as the architectural historical heritage of European countries, their uniqueness and popularity can’t be matched. Each state boasts its own unique attractions and natural wonders. However, these 4 gorgeous sites are a must-visit for everyone:
1. Niagara Falls
The most famous waterfall in the world is located on the Niagara River, connecting two of the Great Lakes of Erie and Ontario on the border between America and Canada. The height of Niagara Falls is only about 164 ft. but the width is around 3937 ft. in total. The powerful flow of water makes Niagara Falls a very interesting and beautiful spot that everyone should visit at least once.
Interesting facts about Niagara Falls:
- In 1911, due to unprecedented frosts, Niagara Falls completely froze and turned into a huge block of ice which numerous tourists tried to climb.
- About 20% of the US drinking water travels through Niagara Falls.
- Enterprising local authorities have built several power plants under Niagara Falls that generate energy from the flowing water.
- A little less than 11,000 years ago, Niagara Falls already existed but was located in a different place. As a result of soil erosion, Niagara Falls moved to where it is today.
- In 2012, one acrobat walked 550 meters along a cable between the Canadian and American shores of Niagara Falls. In order to enable him to do this, the authorities of both countries canceled the law which had been in force for 128 years prohibiting such tricks.
- Niagara Falls is New York’s largest electricity producer. The total capacity of the power that Niagara Falls supplies is 4.4 gigawatts.
2. Golden Gate Bridge
The most famous and beautiful bridge in the USA, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, is 4,200 ft. long. It is a suspension bridge that since its opening in 1937 was the largest in the world until 1964. Just imagine your weekend visit in sunny San Francisco. All you need is to lease a car, bring your friends, and cross this mighty bridge while enjoying the beautiful views.
Interesting facts about Golden Gate Bridge:
- The construction required considerable effort. This bridge weighing almost a million tons had to withstand the Pacific current of 115 miles per hour and gusts of wind causing bridge vibrations of up to 29 ft.
- The Golden Gate Bridge also has a bad reputation because of the number of suicides committed on it. According to statistics, every two weeks someone’s life ends on this bridge.
- Payment for crossing the bridge in the south is $5 and is completely free in the north.
3. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is one of America’s largest national parks in the state of Wyoming. The popularity and uniqueness of this place are thanks to more than 200 geysers that produce steam from sources of sulfur.
One of the most interesting and beautiful thermal springs of Yellowstone is Morning Glory Lake. Initially, its water was azure but crowds of tourists littered this lake with coins and other garbage which caused uneven heating of the water and the formation of microorganisms on the surface that painted the edge of the geyser yellow.
Interesting facts about Yellowstone National Park:
- Yellowstone earthquakes occur almost every day but they are not strong hence tourists don’t notice them. One of the strongest earthquakes, a magnitude of 7.5, occurred in 1959 and killed 28 people. As a result of a landslide and destruction, a new body of water appeared in the park which is called the Earthquake Lake.
- Yellowstone is the first national park in the world. The park was founded on March 1, 1872.
- Since the spring of 2014, residents of Yellowstone have noticed that bisons are running away from the park. Scientists predict that if the park’s supervolcano explodes, the consequences will be hundreds of times worse than in the Apocalypse movies.
4. Grand Canyon National Park
Another incredibly beautiful place in the U.S. is the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, which is the largest river canyon in the world. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and is over a mile deep. Therefore, you’ll definitely enjoy a helicopter flight or a rafting trip while you visit the Grand Canyon.
Interesting facts about Grand Canyon National Park:
- Even before it became one of the main tourist attractions in the United States, the Grand Canyon was a place of worship and pilgrimage among the indigenous people who inhabited this area. Moreover,it was believed that spirits dwell in this place and that a huge natural power is enclosed there.
- According to statistics, the Grand Canyon is a rather dangerous place. Every year, several people die there. In 2014, the Grand Canyon claimed the lives of 18 people. The causes include a heart attack, suicide, traffic accidents, a fall, and other incidents. From 1925 to 2005, 53 people died after falling from the edge of the canyon and another 48 people died for various other reasons. Furthermore, several people died from losing control and falling into the canyon with their cars.
- The Grand Canyon is interesting for its weather conditions. In winter when it’s frosty and snowing at the top, in the depths of the gorge the temperature rises to 50 °F. As a consequence of these big temperature differences, there are many unprecedented thunderstorms,especially in the spring and summer.
The continental United States provides many breathtaking sights. Everyone should add these 4 sites to their bucket list and enjoy the memories they make while enjoying the views.
Which of these places would you most like to visit? Share with us in the comments!
Feature Image by Dayne Topkin on Unsplash
