I love living in the U.S., and every summer, I take a road trip to see something I haven’t seen before, whether it’s the biggest ball of twine in the world, or the something more awe-inspiring, like a famous landmark. Hoe any of us have seen the faces on Mount Rushmore on TV or in a movie, but have no idea what it really looks like? Here’s my list of the 8 U.S. landmarks to see — in person! — this summer…
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How many movies and TV shows, even cartoons, have features the faces on Mount Rushmore? I can think of at least a dozen… but have you ever seen it for yourself? It’s truly awe-inspiring, and definitely well worth the trip to South Dakota. For more information about the park (yes, it’s actually a national park!), visit nps.gov .
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I just finished reading a fascinating book about the Hoover Dam called “Colossus,” by journalist Michael Hiltzik. I knew the dam was turning 75 this year, but I didn’t know any of the controversy surrounding it… or even just naming it! Still, it’s an amazing landmark to see, and the tours are breath-taking. If you’re visiting Vegas already (see item 5), why not make a side trip to the Hoover Dam? To find out more about the Hoover Dam, visit usbr.gov .
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Every school child in the States knows what happened on December 7th at Pearl Harbor, but you can’t understand the gravity of it until you visit the USS Arizona Memorial there. The Arizona is the final resting place of all her 1,177 sailors who died that day. More information about the Memorial can be found at nps.gov .
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Just like Mount Rushmore, the Statue of Liberty has been in so many movies, from X-Men to Planet of the Apes, that many of us feel we know exactly what it looks like, so why bother to visit? But if you’re up for a trip to New York, why not go see her in person? She’s truly amazing, and is one of our most loved landmarks! For more information on our Statue of Liberty, visit nps.gov .
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This is far and away one of the most interesting landmarks in the U.S.! Where do all of those neon signs up and down the strip in Las Vegas go when they die? To the Neon Sign Graveyard, part of The Neon Museum. If you’re planning a trip to Vegas (maybe to get hitched?), be sure to visit the Graveyard! It’s so cool! For more information, visit neonmuseum.org .
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My family lives in Washington State, just an hour south of Seattle, so they’re jaded and refuse to visit the Space Needle with me. But I still love it, from the tummy-tickling elevator ride to the gorgeous view. While you’re up there, use the little machine to smash a penny as a souvenir. To find out more about tours and pricing, check out spaceneedle.com .
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Downtown St. Louis is cool, with so much to do, but don’t take my word for it! Visit St. Louis and make time to see the Gateway Arch, designed by Eero Saarinen and finished in 1965 to celebrate Thomas Jefferson and the westward expansion. To learn more about the Arch, visit gatewayarch.com .
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The Distinct of Columbia isn’t a landmark itself, but it’s so full of our country’s history, museums, and memorials, it would take too long to list them all as their own item. There’s the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, White House, and so many more! Visit in the spring, when the cherry trees are in blossom… gorgeous!
There are so many fantastic memorials scattered all across our country, how will you see them all this summer? I predict a long road trip! Which of these landmarks is your favorite? Or did I leave your favorite off my list? Please let me know!
Top Photo Credit: JoelDeluxe