parkverdict
A geyser erupts steam in front of the bright sun.

Editorial ranking 384 parks ranked

Best national parks for wildlife watching

Our ranked pick of the best US national parks for wildlife watching, ordered by Experience Score.

Photo: NPS / Jacob W. Frank

Parks assessed576
That made the cut384
Ranked onDocumented wildlife watching

Ranked by how much each unit documents for wildlife watching in official NPS data (matching activities and topics, plus whether our editors featured it), with the Experience Score as the tie-breaker. No park pays for placement.

1Rank
Top pickA geyser erupts steam in front of the bright sun.NPS / Jacob W. Frank

National Park

Yellowstone National Park

Idaho, Montana, Wyoming

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching in open valleys, with bison, bears, wolves, and elk documented in the park

StargazingHikingCamping
$20
2Rank
a bison cow and calf on the prairieNPS Photo / Dan Roddy

National Park

Wind Cave National Park

South Dakota

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Free-roaming bison and elk herds visible from park roads and trails year-round

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
3Rank
Waves wash in from the left onto a long, straight stretch of undeveloped, low-lying coastline.NPS Photo

National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore

California

95DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Kayaking and kayak camping on Tomales Bay, a protected estuary with reliable calm water and wildlife

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
4Rank
San Luis National Wildlife RefugeSteve Martarano/USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

San Luis National Wildlife Refuge

California

53FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Tule elk viewable from dedicated auto tour routes, one of the few reliable spots in California for this endemic subspecies

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
5Rank
A small alligator basking on top of dry vegetation.NPS Photo

National Preserve

Big Cypress National Preserve

Florida

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Roadside wildlife watching along the Tamiami Trail, especially for wading birds and alligators during dry season

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
6Rank
A sunset creates a silhouette of a cypress tree with needle-like leaves that is shaped like an 'N'.NPS Photo by Miguel Salas

National Park

Everglades National Park

Florida

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Roadside alligator and wading bird watching that requires zero hiking and delivers reliable, close-range sightings

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
7Rank
aerial image of Bear GlacierUSGS/Bruce Molnia

National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park

Alaska

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Marine wildlife including orcas, humpbacks, sea otters, and large seabird colonies

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
8Rank
Alpine wildflowers are bloomingNPS Photo/R.Williams

National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Documented wildlife watching including elk in open meadows, with fall rut a particularly reliable seasonal event

StargazingHikingCamping
$15
9Rank
Spanish moss hangs from live oak treeNPS Photo

National Historical Park and Preserve

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

Louisiana

88DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Alligator and wading bird sightings in the Barataria Preserve swamp

Good with kidsWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
10Rank
A colorfully striped butte in the foreground overlooks a dark green badlands landscapeNPS Photo / Mark Meyers

National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

North Dakota

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Scenic driving loops through layered badlands buttes with frequent bison sightings

StargazingHikingCamping
$15
11Rank
View of the Hualapai Mountains from the Cerbat FoothillsJustin Robbins, BLM

Recreation Area

Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area (CFRA)

Arizona

74WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birding for Gambel's quail, mourning dove, and multiple raptor species in open scrub habitat

HikingWildlife watchingBiking
Free
12Rank
Wisps of fog hang over the forests in the mountains.Kristina Plaas

National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

North Carolina, Tennessee

84WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching including black bears, elk, and diverse bird species

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
13Rank
a white colored sheep standing on a mountainside overlooking a green valleyNPS Photo / Nathan Kostegian

National Park & Preserve

Denali National Park & Preserve

Alaska

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Bus and shuttle tours along the single park road, the primary way most visitors access deep wildlife habitat

StargazingHikingCamping
$15
14Rank
Organ pipe cactus and mountains at sunsetNPS Photo/ Craig Stocks

National Monument

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Arizona

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birding and wildlife watching in a biologically rich Sonoran Desert habitat

StargazingHikingCamping
$15
15Rank
Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife RefugeDiana Douglass, Share the Experience

National Wildlife Refuge

Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge

Washington

89DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Four-season recreation on 42,657 acres of Selkirk Mountain terrain with no entrance fee

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
16Rank
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife RefugeRebecca Wynn

National Wildlife Refuge

Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Virginia

82WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birding a refuge with over 200 documented species, including swamp specialists rarely seen elsewhere in Virginia

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
17Rank
Blackwater National Wildlife RefugeUSFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Maryland

77WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife Drive auto tour through open tidal marsh with frequent eagle and waterfowl sightings

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
18Rank
Sherburne National Wildlife RefugeTina Shaw/USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge

Minnesota

77WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birding at a designated state Important Bird Area on the prairie-forest transition

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
19Rank
Trempealeau National Wildlife RefugeUSFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge

Wisconsin

77WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Auto tour route through wetland and upland habitat for accessible wildlife viewing

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
20Rank
Anahuac National Wildlife RefugeShare the Experience, Julio Zaga

National Wildlife Refuge

Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge

Texas

74WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Globally Important Bird Area status, reflecting genuinely exceptional migratory bird diversity

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
21Rank
Shiawassee National Wildlife RefugeJim Hudgins/USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge

Michigan

73WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Globally significant migratory waterfowl stopover with Important Bird Area designation

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
22Rank
Wertheim National Wildlife RefugeUSFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge

New York

72WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birding across multiple distinct ecosystems - woodland, grassland, and wetland - in a single visit

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
23Rank
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife RefugeJohn Carr - USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

Colorado

70WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Resident bison herd viewable on the auto tour and from hiking trails

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
24Rank
Audubon National Wildlife RefugeShare the Experience, Lara Trozzo

National Wildlife Refuge

Audubon National Wildlife Refuge

North Dakota

69GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Audubon National Wildlife Refuge sits on the North Dakota prairie as a working refuge, not a destination park built around spectacle.

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
25Rank
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife RefugeShare the Experience, Jana Schoenberg

National Wildlife Refuge

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Washington

67GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birding the Nisqually Delta during migratory season, when shorebird and waterfowl concentrations can be exceptional

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
26Rank
Kodiak National Wildlife RefugeLisa Hupp, USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge

Alaska

67GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Brown bear viewing in one of the densest bear habitats on earth, especially concentrated near salmon streams in late summer

Water activitiesWildlife watchingGuided tours
Free
27Rank
Bear Effigy Mounds with visitor walking nearby.NPS Photo

National Monument

Effigy Mounds National Monument

Iowa

62GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Over 200 preserved American Indian earthworks including distinctive bird and bear effigy shapes

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
28Rank
Bitter Lake National Wildlife RefugeRobert Laremore, Share the Experience

National Wildlife Refuge

Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

New Mexico

60GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Auto touring the refuge loop for close wildlife viewing without leaving your vehicle

HikingWildlife watchingBiking
Free
29Rank
Florida Manatees at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, FloridaJim Reid - USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Florida

60GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Winter manatee viewing and diving in Kings Bay, where hundreds of manatees gather seasonally around warm spring waters

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
30Rank
Alaska Maritime National Wildlife RefugeGary Drew/USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge

Alaska

51FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birding along the Aleutian and island coastlines, where seabird colonies reach staggering densities

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
31Rank
Coral reef with two snorkelers diving below the surfaceNPS image by Shaun Wolfe

National Park

Biscayne National Park

Florida

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching along the jetty trail and from the water

CampingGood with kidsWater activities
Free
32Rank
Cruising Glacier BayNPS / T. VandenBerg

National Park & Preserve

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

Alaska

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Humpback whale watching directly from the water during summer feeding season

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
33Rank
salmon jumping at waterfallNPS/David Jacob

National Park & Preserve

Katmai National Park & Preserve

Alaska

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Brown bear viewing at Brooks Falls during salmon runs, one of the most reliable large-predator wildlife experiences in North America

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
34Rank
Layered badlands formations behind fields of green grass under cloudy and billowing clouds.NPS Photo

National Park

Badlands National Park

South Dakota

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching for bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dog colonies directly from the road or short trails

StargazingHikingCamping
$15
35Rank
fall wildflowers at the preserveNPS

National Preserve

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Kansas

88DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Bison and wildlife watching across open Flint Hills terrain

StargazingHikingGood with kids
Free
36Rank
Scattered clouds over landscape view of winding river and brown grasslandsNPS Photo

National Preserve

Valles Caldera National Preserve

New Mexico

78WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching for elk herds in the open mountain meadows

StargazingHikingGood with kids
$15
37Rank
Summer view of the Yellowtail Dam from the Ok-A-Beh road.Sharron Genaux

National Recreation Area

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Montana, Wyoming

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Hikers and wildlife watchers find rugged, mostly uncrowded terrain.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
38Rank
Backpackers in North Fork Cascade Canyon, Grand Teton behindNPS Photo / D. Lehle

National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Wyoming

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching and birdwatching across a broad valley and riparian corridor

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
39Rank
A herd of elk crossing a river.NPS Photo/Jon Preston

National Park

Olympic National Park

Washington

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Exceptional wildlife watching spanning shorebirds, forest species, and mountain fauna across multiple habitat types

StargazingHikingCamping
$15
40Rank
The canyon glows orange as people visit Mather Point, a rock outcropping that juts into Grand CanyonNPS/M.Quinn

National Park

Grand Canyon National Park

Arizona

84WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching and birdwatching across canyon elevations from river to rim

StargazingHikingCamping
$20
41Rank
John Day Wild and Scenic RiverBob Wick, BLM

Recreation Area

John Day Wild and Scenic River

Oregon

66GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing for mule deer, elk, black bears, peregrine falcons, and bald eagles along the riparian corridor

CampingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Varies
42Rank
Bear River Migratory Bird RefugePeter Padesky

Recreation Area

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

Utah

60GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Fishing and hunting opportunities that reflect the refuge's working wildlife management mission, not just passive observation

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
43Rank
National Elk Refuge, WyomingTony Hough - USFWS Volunteer

Recreation Area

National Elk Refuge

Wyoming

53FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Winter and shoulder-season wildlife viewing with elk, bison, and trumpeter swans on open glacial flats

Water activitiesWildlife watchingBiking
Free
44Rank
Betty's Kitchen Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area and National Recreation Trail south viewBLM

Recreation Area

Betty's Kitchen Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area and National Recreation Trail

Arizona

50FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Riparian birding along the lower Colorado River, one of the more productive and surprising spots in the desert Southwest

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Varies
45Rank
underwater photo of salmon swimming in riverNPS/R. Wood

Wild River

Alagnak Wild River

Alaska

73WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Brown bear and migratory bird wildlife watching from the water

CampingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
46Rank
Photo of blue sky with fluffy white clouds reflect in calm lake with mountains in the background.NPS Photo / James Kramer

National Park & Preserve

Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

Alaska

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Brown bear and salmon wildlife watching on the coast without Katmai-level crowds

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
47Rank
Boulders in the Balconies Cave.National Park Service/Oscar Garcia

National Park

Pinnacles National Park

California

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Free admission to a full-featured national park with camping, caves, climbing, and wildlife all in one unit

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
48Rank
A man stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the receding mountains.NPS Photo / Neal Lewis

National Park

Shenandoah National Park

Virginia

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching with documented black bear, deer, and diverse birdlife throughout the forest

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
49Rank
A long pine tree stands in front of distant mountain ridges beneath an orange sunsetHarold Blackwood Photo

Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway

North Carolina, Virginia

98DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching for deer, black bear, and migratory birds throughout the corridor

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
50Rank
Autumn colors at Crab OrchardJim Osborne/Friends of CONWR

National Wildlife Refuge

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

Illinois

96DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Strong birding potential across multiple distinct habitat types within a single property

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
51Rank
The Fire Island Lighthouse against a vibrant sunset.NPS Photo

National Seashore

Fire Island National Seashore

New York

95DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Strong migratory birding and wildlife watching along the Atlantic flyway

StargazingCampingGood with kids
Free
52Rank
Many rock pinnacles with a valley and mountain range in backgroundNPS Photo

National Monument

Chiricahua National Monument

Arizona

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Sky island birding corridor supporting unusually diverse wildlife for the region

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
53Rank
View from above the trees looking down at Duncan Bay Narrows, trees, Lake Superior, and Canada.NPS / Paul Brown

National Park

Isle Royale National Park

Michigan

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Moose and wolf wildlife watching in one of the most studied ecosystems in North America

StargazingHikingCamping
$7
54Rank
Seney National Wildlife RefugeJason Goldberg/USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Seney National Wildlife Refuge

Michigan

89DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Auto tour route through managed wetland pools with consistent wildlife sightings

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
55Rank
a sun setting behind historic parade groundsNPS Photo/Gary Tarleton

National Historical Park

San Juan Island National Historical Park

Washington

88DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Saltwater shoreline access for kayaking, swimming, and orca and seabird watching

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
Free
56Rank
Kofa National Wildlife RefugeRecreation.gov

National Wildlife Refuge

Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

Arizona

86DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birding in a diverse desert refuge with rocky, scrub, and bajada habitats

CampingWildlife watchingBiking
Free
57Rank
Desoto National Wildlife RefugeUSFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

Iowa

84WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Year-round birding for rare and threatened species including piping plover and least tern

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
58Rank
Arroyo CampgroundRecreation.gov

Recreation Area

Orilla Verde Recreation Area

New Mexico

83WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife diversity driven by the canyon's dramatic 800-foot elevation gradient

StargazingHikingCamping
Varies
59Rank
Wisconsin RapidsPhoto by Bob Wick, BLM.

Recreation Area

Wisconsin River Islands

Wisconsin

82WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birding during spring and fall migration in undisturbed river and lake island habitats

CampingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
60Rank
The visitor center sits in the middle of mixed grass prairie.NPS Photo

National Monument

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Nebraska

78WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Two self-guided walking trails through the actual fossil-bearing landscape

StargazingHikingGood with kids
Free
61Rank
Deer Flat National Wildlife RefugeAddison Mohler/USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge

Idaho

77WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: One of the oldest refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System, with over a century of documented wildlife history

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
62Rank
Pink flowers and green foliage frame the roofless remains of a stone mission.NPS Photo

National Monument

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

New Mexico

76WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birding at Quarai, set in an unusually lush riparian microhabitat for the region

StargazingHikingGood with kids
Free
63Rank
Tamarac National Wildlife RefugeTina Shaw/USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge

Minnesota

72WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Migratory bird and waterfowl viewing across lakes, marshes, and wetland edges

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
64Rank
Big Stone National Wildlife RefugeShare the Experience, Amy Rager

National Wildlife Refuge

Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge

Minnesota

70WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Auto touring route through wetland impoundments and grassland units - the backbone of a wildlife-viewing visit

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
65Rank
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife RefugeJessie Jobs/USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

New Mexico

70WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Auto tour loop offering close-up wetland and riparian wildlife viewing from your vehicle

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
66Rank
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife RefugeShare the Experience, Leah Weikert

National Wildlife Refuge

Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge

North Carolina

70WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Auto touring the refuge roads for close-range views of waterfowl, wading birds, and marsh wildlife

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
67Rank
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, AlabamaBill Gates - USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge

Alabama

70WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Over 295 documented bird species, with peak waterfowl concentrations on the impoundment in fall and winter

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
68Rank
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife RefugeSarah McNamara - USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Minnesota

68GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birding along the Minnesota River bottomlands during spring and fall migration

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
69Rank
Snorkeler swimming by Elkhorn Coral at Buck Island Reef NM.NPS

National Monument

Buck Island Reef National Monument

US Virgin Islands

66GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Snorkeling the protected elkhorn coral reef, among the most intact in the Caribbean

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
70Rank
White Pelicans at Pea Island National Wildlife RefugeEve Turek

National Wildlife Refuge

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

North Carolina

66GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Migratory bird watching across brackish ponds and marsh habitat that draws waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, and raptors

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
71Rank
Rio Grande Wild and Scenic RiverBritt Runyon, Share the Experience

Recreation Area

Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River

New Mexico

65GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birding along the riparian corridor where the gorge habitat supports wildlife including bighorn sheep

StargazingHikingCamping
Varies
72Rank
Flint Hills National Wildlife RefugeShare the Experience, John Kenkel

National Wildlife Refuge

Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge

Kansas

60GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birding across a convergence of prairie, riparian, and wetland ecosystems in one compact refuge

Water activitiesWildlife watchingScenic drives
Free
73Rank
Upper Souris National Wildlife RefugeJennifer Jewitt/USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge

North Dakota

60GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birding focused on the Central Flyway migration route, one of the continent's most significant waterfowl pathways

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
74Rank
Alligator - Merritt Island National Wildlife RefugeUSFWS - Stacy Shelton

National Wildlife Refuge

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Florida

59GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birding along the impoundments and marshes, one of the most species-rich coastal birding sites on the East Coast

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
75Rank
White Faced Ibis - Havasu National Wildlife RefugeUSFWS - Matthew Zmuda

National Wildlife Refuge

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge

California

56GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birding along the Pacific Flyway, where migratory waterfowl and shorebirds concentrate in significant numbers

Water activitiesWildlife watching
Free
76Rank
William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, ORGeorge Gentry/USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge

Oregon

56GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birding across two distinct habitats, wetlands and upland oak savanna, giving you genuinely different species in a single visit

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
77Rank
North Fork American RiverPhotos by Bob Wick, BLM

Recreation Area

North Fork American River

California

53FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birding and wildlife viewing across a varied habitat mix of ponderosa pine forest, oak woodland, and chaparral

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
78Rank
Baskett Slough National Wildlife RefugeJoseph Sands/USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge

Oregon

50FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birding focused on Willamette Valley wetland and upland species, with viewing platforms designed for sustained watching

HikingWildlife watchingGuided tours
Free
79Rank
Cabo Rojo National Wildlife RefugeUSFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge

Puerto Rico

49FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Free entry with a visitor center offering educational context for the refuge's migratory bird mission

HikingWildlife watchingBiking
Free
80Rank
Steep, rugged ocean cliffs extending in an island chain.Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com

National Park

Channel Islands National Park

California

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching for endemic island foxes, seabirds, and marine mammals including sea lions and seals

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
81Rank
Lincoln Bridge with Travertine Creek flowing belowNPS Photo

National Recreation Area

Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Oklahoma

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching in riparian and lake edge habitat

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
82Rank
Sunrise view of Gila Cliff Dwellings with brilliant sky.NPS/Janice Wei

National Monument

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

New Mexico

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The surrounding Gila Wilderness offers serious backcountry hiking, good birding, dark skies, and horse camping.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
83Rank
A beautiful, if short, waterfall empties into the side of the Niobrara NSR.NPS Photo

National Scenic River

Niobrara National Scenic River

Nebraska

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching and birdwatching in a biologically rich Great Plains transition zone

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
84Rank
View from forest floor looking straight up. Ferns as seen close up and redwood trunks meet.NPS Photo / Steve Olson

National and State Parks

Redwood National and State Parks

California

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife and birdwatching across a rare combination of old-growth forest, wetland, and coastal habitat

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
85Rank
Wingate Sandstone cliffs behind historic barn and farmhouseNPS Photo

National Park

Capitol Reef National Park

Utah

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching across diverse desert and riparian habitats

StargazingHikingCamping
$10
86Rank
A view of Crater Lake and Wizard IslandNPS Photo

National Park

Crater Lake National Park

Oregon

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching and birdwatching in the surrounding Cascade forest and rim environment

StargazingHikingCamping
$15
87Rank
Ferry in the Pensacola BayNPS/Doggrell

National Seashore

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Florida, Mississippi

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The white sand beaches and warm Gulf water draw most people in first, but the real payoff comes from combining paddling, saltwater fishing, wildlife watching, and living history across multiple days.

HikingCampingGood with kids
$15
88Rank
A purple and pink streaked sky over a mountain peak and forested valley.JD Hascup Photo

National Park

Mount Rainier National Park

Washington

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Day hikers, families, backcountry campers, mountaineers, winter recreationists, wildlife watchers, stargazers - pretty much everyone walks away satisfied.

StargazingHikingCamping
$15
89Rank
The red masonry walls of Fort Pulaski still show battle damage over 150 years later.NPS Photo / Joel Cadoff

National Monument

Fort Pulaski National Monument

Georgia

76WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Outdoor generalists visiting Savannah who want a half-day of paddling, birding, or fishing alongside real history will leave equally satisfied.

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
$10
90Rank
Tidepools at CabrilloNPS Photo / Dan Zeller

National Monument

Cabrillo National Monument

California

66GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Oceanside tidepools with accessible intertidal wildlife during low tide

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
$10
91Rank
The target room inside Jewel Cave.NPS Staff Photo

National Monument

Jewel Cave National Monument

South Dakota

60GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife and birdwatching on surface trails

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
92Rank
Grasslands, large dunes, and snow-capped peaks at sunsetNPS/Patrick Myers

National Park & Preserve

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

Colorado

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Documents wildlife watching, animals and bison among its National Park Service activity and topic listings.

StargazingHikingCamping
$15
93Rank
Okefenokee RefugeStacy Shelton, USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Georgia

89DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Alligator and wading bird wildlife viewing from boats and boardwalks - populations are large and highly visible

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
94Rank
Channel Islands National Marine SanctuaryClaire Fackler/NOAA

Recreation Area

Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

California

78WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Year-round dolphin and whale wildlife viewing from the water

Water activitiesWildlife watchingGuided tours
Free
95Rank
Montezuma National Wildlife RefugeDoug Racine/USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

New York

77WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Auto tour route through managed wetland impoundments for close wildlife viewing from your vehicle

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
96Rank
Earth Dam, Concrete Spillway, with lake and trees in the backgroundUSACE

Lake & Reservoir

Dorena Lake

Oregon

68GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Managed lakeshore wildlife habitat supporting birds and other animals year-round

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
97Rank
Atlantic City/South PassShare the Experience, Shannon Givens

Recreation Area

Atlantic City/South Pass

Wyoming

61GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing for pronghorn, elk, moose, deer, and raptors along open high-desert corridors

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
98Rank
Parker River National Wildlife RefugeMatt Poole - USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Massachusetts

58GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Shorebird and migratory bird watching across salt marsh, mudflat, and impoundment habitats with 300-plus species documented

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
99Rank
Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, AlabamaRobin Koch - USFWS Volunteer

National Wildlife Refuge

Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge

Alabama

56GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Auto tour route through a mosaic of wetlands, pine stands, and croplands purpose-built for wildlife observation

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
100Rank
Carrizozo Lava Flow Wilderness Study AreaDianne Cron, Share the Experience

Wilderness Area

Carrizozo Lava Flow Wilderness Study Area

New Mexico

54FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Spotting melanistic wildlife whose darker coloring evolved as camouflage against the black basalt

HikingCampingWildlife watching
Free
101Rank
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge wetlandDavid Wagner - USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Virginia

50FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Migratory bird watching across marsh, grassland, and forest edge habitats in a single compact loop

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
102Rank
Prime hook National Wildlife RefugeBill Butcher/USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Delaware

48FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Atlantic Flyway migration corridor drawing hundreds of bird species through the refuge each spring and fall

Water activitiesWildlife watchingGuided tours
Free
103Rank
Still river in the winter with leafless trees on either sideTim Kiser

Park

Great Egg Harbor River

New Jersey

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Some of the best shorebird and waterfowl birdwatching on the East Coast

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
104Rank
Aerial view of the Missouri River and surrounding landscape.NPS Photo

National Recreational River

Missouri National Recreational River

South Dakota, Nebraska

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching along a major migratory flyway with documented wildlife watching access

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
105Rank
Stone bridge and fall leavesNPS Photo

Park

Rock Creek Park

District of Columbia

88DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birding along the creek valley corridor, a productive urban migration route

StargazingHikingGood with kids
Free
106Rank
slave cabins made of tabby with wooden roofsNPS Photo/Darryl Herring

Ecological & Historic Preserve

Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve

Florida

88DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The preserve protects one of the last large unspoiled coastal wetland systems on the Atlantic Coast, which gives the wildlife watching and paddling genuine substance.

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
Free
107Rank
Bluestone RiverNPS Photo

National Scenic River

Bluestone National Scenic River

West Virginia

75WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife observation along the forested gorge terrain

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
Free
108Rank
Three wet muskox stand in a line.NPS / Roy Wood

National Preserve

Bering Land Bridge National Preserve

Alaska

73WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching in a roadless, largely undisturbed ecosystem

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
109Rank
Pink lotus flower blooms in a pond.NPS Photo/Miguel A. Marquez

Park

Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens

District of Columbia

71WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The gardens are home to lotus and water lilies, a functioning beaver habitat, turtles, dragonflies, and enough bird activity to keep a serious birder busy for hours.

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
110Rank
Two brown cows graze in a field(NPS/CLaBarge)

Park

Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm

Maryland

71WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching along Oxon Cove

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
111Rank
A fossil horse stands in the center of a room filled with posters and display casesNPS/S. Lacy

National Monument

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

Idaho

67GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Scenic overlook drives above the Snake River canyon framing the fossil-bearing bluffs

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
112Rank
Ruins of the fort with mountains and valley in the background.NPS Photo/ Ron Stewart

National Historic Site

Fort Bowie National Historic Site

Arizona

60GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Strong birdwatching potential within one of Arizona's most celebrated birding regions

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
113Rank
Mokupāpapa Discovery Center for Papahānaumokuākea Marine National MonumentAndy Collins/NOAA

National Monument

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

Hawaii

60GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing opportunities for Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles in critical habitat

Water activitiesWildlife watchingGuided tours
Free
114Rank
A front view of the ranch house.NPS Photo

National Historic Site

Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site

Montana

56GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching and birdwatching in the riparian habitat surrounding the ranch

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
Free
115Rank
View of the Alcatraz Lighthouse and Island from the waterNPS

Park

Alcatraz Island

California

54FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: One of San Francisco Bay's largest nesting seabird colonies, active in spring and summer

Wildlife watching
Free
116Rank
Fish fossils exposed near cliff edge with green hills in the distance.NPS Photo

National Monument

Fossil Butte National Monument

Wyoming

45FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Hiking trails through the fossil-bearing ridgelines above the ancient lakebed

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
117Rank
Sunset over Amistad Reservoir with Highway 90 bridge to left of photo going over the reservoir and iNPS / E Paola

National Recreation Area

Amistad National Recreation Area

Texas

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Few units in the National Park System pack this much into a free destination: water sports, fishing, camping, paddling, and wildlife watching, all running at serious scale in one place.

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
118Rank
A child dancing on the beach at duskNPS Photo

National Recreation Area

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

Massachusetts

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching across 34 islands and peninsulas

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
119Rank
: Black & white patterned tower of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse stands against a blue & white cloud fNPS photo

National Seashore

Cape Lookout National Seashore

North Carolina

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Paddling the sound side by kayak or canoe, with calmer water and strong wildlife watching opportunities

StargazingCampingGood with kids
Free
120Rank
A close-up shot of a folded, waving sea of lava rock, with mountains in the far distance.NPS / David Hunter

National Monument & Preserve

Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve

Idaho

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Come expecting lush scenery, water features, or wildlife, and you will probably leave disappointed.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
121Rank
Snowcapped mountains surrounded by bright blue skies and frames by gold wildflowers on a valley flooNPS

National Park

Death Valley National Park

California, Nevada

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching at desert oases, which function as critical wildlife refuges in an otherwise arid landscape

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
122Rank
A pink sky above gentle white buildingsMitch Smith

National Park

Hot Springs National Park

Arkansas

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching along wooded creek corridors inside city limits

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
123Rank
A frozen lake below snow-covered trees and peakNPS Photo / Scott Arnaz

National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park

California

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Summer opens up hiking, paddling on clear mountain lakes, wildlife watching, fishing, and some of the best dark-sky stargazing in Northern California.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
124Rank
Kelso Dunes with rays of light coming through the clouds. Mountains in the background..NPS

National Preserve

Mojave National Preserve

California

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and desert wildlife observation across diverse elevation-driven habitats

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
125Rank
a view of the Delaware RiverNPS Photo

Scenic & Recreational River

Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River

New York, Pennsylvania

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching along an intact, healthy riparian ecosystem

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
126Rank
Turquoise water laps white sandy shore fringed with lush green vegetation.NPS Photo

National Park

Virgin Islands National Park

US Virgin Islands

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Snorkeling and SCUBA diving over coral reef ecosystems with documented marine wildlife

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
127Rank
Granite dome with trace amounts of snow.NPS / Cindy Jacoby

National Park

Yosemite National Park

California

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching and birdwatching across diverse elevation zones

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
128Rank
Aerial view of the Yukon River during fall colorsNPS Photo / Josh Spice

National Preserve

Yukon - Charley Rivers National Preserve

Alaska

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife and birdwatching in one of Alaska's least-visited preserves

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
129Rank
Wild horses on the dunes at AssateagueNPS Photo

National Seashore

Assateague Island National Seashore

Maryland, Virginia

99DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Families, serious campers, anglers, paddlers, wildlife watchers, and off-road enthusiasts all have solid reasons to visit.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
130Rank
El Morro with SunflowersNPS Photo

National Monument

El Morro National Monument

New Mexico

98DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: If you're after backcountry hiking or wildlife, El Malpais next door is the better call.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
131Rank
A brilliant sunset filled with hues of blue, red, orange, magenta, and purple highlight the sky.NPS / Kristi Rugg

National Park

Acadia National Park

Maine

97DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Acadia works well for almost any traveler who likes spending time outside, but families, active couples, and people who want hiking, paddling, and wildlife watching all within a short drive of each other will honestly get the most out of it.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
132Rank
sun setting on sand dunesNPS Photo

National Park

Kobuk Valley National Park

Alaska

96DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Serious backcountry paddlers, wilderness campers, and wildlife photographers will find this park worth the charter flights and careful planning it demands.

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
133Rank
Noatak River cuts through a green tundra landscape with distant mountains.NPS Photo / Annie Carlson

National Preserve

Noatak National Preserve

Alaska

94DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching in an undisturbed Arctic landscape

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
134Rank
Mirror reflection of Lunksoos Mountain and trees within the water of the river.Jason Gablaski

National Monument

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

Maine

92DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Hunting and wildlife watching in a large, lightly visited landscape

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
135Rank
Blooming CenizoNPS

National Park

Big Bend National Park

Texas

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Among the highest bird species diversity of any national park in the country

StargazingHikingCamping
$15
136Rank
The sky turns hues of pink and purple over a field of Joshua trees.NPS / Emily Hassell

National Park

Joshua Tree National Park

California

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching across two distinct desert habitats

StargazingHikingCamping
$15
137Rank
Sand and pebbles in foreground with turquoise water in backgroundNPS Photo

National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Michigan

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore earns its 90 Experience Score because it delivers real variety across every season rather than coasting on a single attraction.

StargazingHikingCamping
$15
138Rank
A triangular sandstone mountain overlooks green and yellow foliage. A cloudy blue sky is overhead.NPS/Shane Carte

National Park

Zion National Park

Utah

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife and birdwatching along the Virgin River riparian corridor

StargazingHikingCamping
$20
139Rank
Large cliff dwelling in cliff alcoveNPS Photo

National Park

Mesa Verde National Park

Colorado

89DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching in a landscape that supports species found nowhere else

StargazingHikingCamping
$15
140Rank
Mallard Drake on Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish RefugeStan Bousson

Recreation Area

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

Minnesota

89DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge runs 261 miles along the Mississippi River through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois, covering more than 240,000 acres.

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
141Rank
confluence of two riversNPS Photo

National Memorial

Arkansas Post National Memorial

Arkansas

88DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching along a productive river confluence wetland corridor

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
Free
142Rank
People in bright orange kayaks paddle around a bend in a river, past green trees and a rocky shore.NPS Photo / D.J. Reiser

National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Ohio

88DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching along the river corridor and wetland areas

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
Free
143Rank
Photo of Giant Dome and Twin Domes in the Big Room.NPS / Michael Larson

National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

New Mexico

83WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Desert wildlife and birdwatching above ground in a landscape of canyons and flowering cactus

StargazingHikingCamping
$1
144Rank
muskox standing on the tundraNPS Photo

National Monument

Cape Krusenstern National Monument

Alaska

82WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching and birdwatching in undisturbed Arctic habitat

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
145Rank
a large stone pueblo in a desert beneath mostly sunny skies with mountains in backgroundNPS

National Monument

Wupatki National Monument

Arizona

79WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching in open desert scrub along the monument loop

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
146Rank
A fifty foot square wooden fort surrounded by tall trees in a forest.NPS Photo

National Historical Park

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

Oregon, Washington

78WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: If you come for the history, the dense wet-forest atmosphere, and the wildlife, you will leave satisfied.

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
$10
147Rank
Pink wall of rock next to path and grassJ.Borden

National Monument

Pipestone National Monument

Minnesota

76WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching along the trail in a quiet prairie setting

Good with kidsWildlife watchingWinter sports
Free
148Rank
Dune plants, beach, and ocean.NPS Photo Lord

National Seashore

Canaveral National Seashore

Florida

75WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Recorded activities and topics here include wildlife watching and animals.

HikingCampingGood with kids
$15
149Rank
Two buildings surrounded by green foliage with a brick path leading to the buildings.NPS / Cleo Kantz-Schultz

National Monument

George Washington Birthplace National Monument

Virginia

74WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching opportunities across a colonial-era agricultural landscape

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
Free
150Rank
A lone raft floats the Aniakchak Wild River as it flows through the "Gates"NPS Photo/Troy Hamon

National Monument & Preserve

Aniakchak National Monument & Preserve

Alaska

73WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching in one of Alaska's least-disturbed wilderness corridors

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
151Rank
Rainbow over Lake VermilionRecreation.gov

Lake & Reservoir

Lake Vermilion Public Islands

Minnesota

62GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Fishing and wildlife viewing across a massive 40,000-acre lake system with surrounding smaller lakes

StargazingCampingWater activities
Varies
152Rank
Sand dunes covered with shrubs and grassesNPS Photo

National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Georgia

55GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: It rewards people who come specifically for solitude, wildlife, and the particular atmosphere that comes with a place that is genuinely hard to reach.

HikingCampingWater activities
$15
153Rank
Wooden sign and entrance to Muir Woods National MonumentNPS Photo

National Monument

Muir Woods National Monument

California

48FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife and birdwatching in a cool, sheltered canyon environment

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
$15
154Rank
Reflections of twisting tupelo trees in calm water below a green canopy.NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

National Preserve

Big Thicket National Preserve

Texas

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Recorded activities and topics here include wildlife watching, animals and alligators or crocodiles.

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
155Rank
the fossilized skull of camarasaurus dinosaurNPS Photo / Dan Johnson

National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument

Colorado, Utah

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The NPS data for Dinosaur National Monument covers wildlife watching, animals and elk.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
156Rank
White buildings with red roofs at Crissy Field with blue bay and Golden Gate Bridge and fog behind.NPS photo/Will Elder

National Recreation Area

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

California

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The NPS data for Golden Gate National Recreation Area covers wildlife watching, animals and whales.

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
157Rank
Glaciers loom over the ocean with large snowy mountains rising into blue skiesNPS Photo/ Neal Herbert

National Park & Preserve

Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve

Alaska

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching, animals and bison for this national park & preserve.

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
158Rank
the village of TyuonyiNPS Photo/Sally King

National Monument

Bandelier National Monument

New Mexico

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Documents wildlife watching, animals and elk among its National Park Service activity and topic listings.

StargazingHikingCamping
$15
159Rank
A curling wave breaks against the backdrop of a pink sunrise.NPS image

National Seashore

Cape Cod National Seashore

Massachusetts

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The NPS data for Cape Cod National Seashore covers wildlife watching, animals and whales.

HikingCampingGood with kids
$15
160Rank
Sunlit Painted Desert hills of the Petrified Forest National Wilderness AreaNPS Photo

National Park

Petrified Forest National Park

Arizona

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The NPS data for Petrified Forest National Park covers wildlife watching, animals and elk.

StargazingHikingCamping
$10
161Rank
A few of the stars at night with a view of Fort Jefferson.NPS Photo / Brett Seymour

National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park

Florida

85DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Documents wildlife watching, animals and alligators or crocodiles among its National Park Service activity and topic listings.

StargazingCampingGood with kids
$15
162Rank
A cloud shrouded volcano rises behind a field of yellow flowers.NPS photo/ R. Richman

National Monument

Capulin Volcano National Monument

New Mexico

63GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Documents wildlife watching, animals and elk among its National Park Service activity and topic listings.

StargazingHikingGood with kids
Free
163Rank
Twin Lakes Recreation AreaBureau of Land Management

Lake & Reservoir

Twin Lakes Recreation Area

Washington

93DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Developed wetlands north of the lakes supporting multiple bird populations

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
164Rank
Large canoes and crews paddle down the river amidst autumnal color.NPS photo/Gordon Dietzman

National River & Recreation Area

Mississippi National River & Recreation Area

Minnesota

88DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching along a major migratory flyway with documented wildlife watching infrastructure

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
Free
165Rank
Aerial view of the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve, DelawareDelaware National Estuarine Research Reserve

Recreation Area

Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve

Delaware

79WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Second largest shorebird migration concentration in the Western Hemisphere during spring stopover

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
166Rank
Bogue Chitto National Wildlife RefugeLana Gramlich, Share the Experience

National Wildlife Refuge

Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge

Louisiana

72WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birding for swallow-tailed kites and migratory species in a rare Delta habitat

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
167Rank
Cape Romain National Wildlife RefugeJennifer Koches - USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

South Carolina

60GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Exceptional shorebird and seabird watching across a 29,000-acre designated wilderness area

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
168Rank
John Heinz at Tinicum National Wildlife RefugeUSFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum

Pennsylvania

60GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing across a refuge that hosts over 300 bird species, with dozens nesting on site seasonally

Water activitiesWildlife watchingGuided tours
Free
169Rank
New River at 4-Mile CreekBureau of Land Management

Recreation Area

New River Area of Critical Environmental Concern

Oregon

60GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing focused on rare bird species dependent on the river corridor

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
170Rank
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, FloridaApalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve

Recreation Area

Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve

Florida

57GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing focused on trans-gulf migratory birds using the bay as a critical stopover and forage area

Water activitiesWildlife watchingGuided tours
Free
171Rank
A dirt path leads through a wooded area of trees covered in Spanish mossThamara Hernandez, FWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge

Texas

57GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birding at a rare convergence of two major flyways, with species found nowhere else in the US outside deep South Texas

HikingWildlife watchingBiking
Free
172Rank
St. Marks National Wildlife RefugeSteve Hillebrand - USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

Florida

56GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Migratory bird watching across coastal marshes and estuaries spanning three Florida counties

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
173Rank
Cache River National Wildlife RefugeEric C. Johnson

National Wildlife Refuge

Cache River National Wildlife Refuge

Arkansas

53FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing and photography centered on migratory bird concentrations in the Mississippi Flyway

Water activitiesWildlife watchingGuided tours
Free
174Rank
Bandon Marsh National Wildlife RefugeShare the Experience, Chloe Abbott-Phillips

National Wildlife Refuge

Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge

Oregon

52FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Peak shorebird migration in spring and fall along the Coquille River mudflats

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
175Rank
Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife RefugeBill Wallen/USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge

Virginia

49FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Hunting access that sets this apart from purely passive wildlife refuges nearby

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
176Rank
A view of marsh land at Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, MississippiGrand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Recreation Area

Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Mississippi

49FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Paddling through black needle rush marshes with chances to spot bottlenose dolphins and manatees in deeper reserve waters

Water activitiesWildlife watchingGuided tours
Free
177Rank
Aerial photograph of trail through lava along the Hawaiian CoastNPS Photo

National Historic Trail

Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail

Hawaii

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching in coastal habitats integrated into the trail corridor

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
178Rank
A heron at sunset in the waters and marshes of Blackwater National Wildlife RefugeNPS Photo / Middleton Evans

National Historic Trail

Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, New York

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching from the water, particularly wading birds and raptors

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
179Rank
Aerial view of town in a valley with cruise ships in portNPS Photo/S. Millard

National Historical Park

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Alaska

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching and birdwatching in dramatic coastal mountain terrain around Skagway

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
180Rank
Silhouette of a man with backpack standing on McAfee Knob at sunset with mountains in the distance.Photo Credit: ATC/Benjamin Hays

National Scenic Trail

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia

95DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching through diverse Appalachian forest and ridge ecosystems

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
181Rank
Hiking on trailNCTA

National Scenic Trail

North Country National Scenic Trail

Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Wisconsin

95DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching and birdwatching across a wide ecological corridor

HikingCampingWildlife watching
Free
182Rank
A blue river winds through a valley lined with trees in autumn color.NPS / Pete Wintersteen

National Scenic Riverway

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

Wisconsin, Minnesota

92DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife and birdwatching along a largely forested, undeveloped river corridor

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
183Rank
The rushing river cascades over the rocks of the PotomacNPS photo

National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

District of Columbia, Maryland, West Virginia

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching along one of the mid-Atlantic's premier riparian corridors

HikingCampingGood with kids
$10
184Rank
Carter Pond on a sunny day in summerNPS Photo/Cecilia Lynch

Park

Prince William Forest Park

Virginia

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Backcountry hiking, multiple camping styles, mountain and road biking, freshwater fishing, orienteering, wildlife watching, and guided programming all share the same address.

HikingCampingGood with kids
$10
185Rank
A canon sits in front of an equestrian statue.NPS Photo

National Military Park

Gettysburg National Military Park

Pennsylvania

88DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife and birdwatching across the open fields, woodlots, and quieter corners of the park

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
186Rank
buildings varying in size on either side of a gravel path.NPS Image

National Historic Site

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

Pennsylvania

88DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The historic structures are the anchor, but a surrounding trail network and wildlife habitat push the site well beyond a single-building museum stop.

StargazingHikingGood with kids
Free
187Rank
large red brick mansion with white lattice porch and lush green lawnTom Remp

National Historical Park

Marsh - Billings - Rockefeller National Historical Park

Vermont

88DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching in a forested Vermont hillside setting

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
188Rank
Painting of the Battle of the River RaisinPainting by Tim Kurtz

National Battlefield Park

River Raisin National Battlefield Park

Michigan

88DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching along the river corridor

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
Free
189Rank
A large house painted gray with green lawn and trees.NPS/Audrey Tiernan

National Historic Site

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site

New York

88DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: 83 acres of hikeable grounds with documented birdwatching and wildlife watching opportunities

StargazingHikingGood with kids
Free
190Rank
panorama of mission church with green grass and cloudsNPS Photo

National Historical Park

Tumacácori National Historical Park

Arizona

88DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Spanish colonial history, indigenous Southwest cultures, mission architecture, birding, kids who need something to do, this place covers a lot of ground.

StargazingHikingGood with kids
Free
191Rank
Field of yellow flowers in the foreground with two log huts and a paved trail in the middle distanceNPS Photo / B. Dhunjisha

National Historical Park

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Pennsylvania

88DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching across diverse open and forested habitats

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
Free
192Rank
Men in reproduction uniforms talk around a campfireCharles Dischinger

National Battlefield

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

Missouri

88DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching along the creek corridor and open fields

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
193Rank
Tuafanua TrailNPS Photo / Michael Larson

Park

National Park of American Samoa

American Samoa

85DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching for flying foxes and tropical seabirds rarely seen elsewhere in the NPS system

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
Free
194Rank
This is the home where Gen. Lee surrendered to Gen. Grant on April 9, 1865NPS Photo

National Historical Park

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

Virginia

83WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Hiking trails through the surrounding historic landscape with wildlife and birdwatching opportunities

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
195Rank
Aerial of the west side of National Mall and Memorial ParksNPS Photo

Park

National Mall and Memorial Parks

District of Columbia

83WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Boating and wildlife watching at the Tidal Basin

Good with kidsWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
196Rank
Colorful painted tipi on green lawnNPS Photo

National Historical Park

Nez Perce National Historical Park

Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington

83WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife and birdwatching across dramatically varied elevations and habitat types

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
197Rank
Two animals are tied to a wooden frame in the interior of a large adobe structure.NPS Photo

National Historic Site

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

Colorado

81WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching along the Arkansas River corridor

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
198Rank
Share the Experience Photo Contest - Photo Courtesy of Peter RealiShare the Experience Photo Contest - Photo Courtesy of Peter Reali

National Monument

Craters of the Moon National Monument

Idaho

79WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: If you want lush trails, wildlife-rich meadows, or classic Western scenery, there are better options elsewhere in Idaho.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
199Rank
1828 Lowcountry cottage and groundsNPS Photo

National Historic Site

Charles Pinckney National Historic Site

South Carolina

78WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching on lowcountry plantation grounds

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
200Rank
Hensley SettlementNPS Photo

National Historical Park

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia

78WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching opportunities across 14,000 acres of Appalachian forested wilderness

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
201Rank
A row of cannon with Fort Moultrie in the background. A US flag is flying in the fort.NPS Photo

National Historical Park

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park

South Carolina

78WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching along the Charleston Harbor waterfront

StargazingGood with kidsWater activities
$10
202Rank
Looking toward Aspet from the Pan GardenNPS Photo

National Historical Park

Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park

New Hampshire

78WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching along the front-country trail network

StargazingHikingGood with kids
$10
203Rank
A totem pole in the foreground with a sunset over water in the background.NPS Photo

National Historical Park

Sitka National Historical Park

Alaska

78WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching along the Indian River corridor

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
Free
204Rank
Cannon at sunset at Yorktown BattlefieldNPS Photo/Linda Williams

Part of Colonial National Historical Park

Yorktown Battlefield Part of Colonial National Historical Park

Virginia

78WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: History, trails, biking routes, and wildlife watching are all on offer.

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
$15
205Rank
Photograph of a large glacial erratic boulder in autumn with trees covered in colorful foliage and fNPS Photo / Billy Flynn

National Scenic Trail

Ice Age National Scenic Trail

Wisconsin

77WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching and birdwatching through diverse Wisconsin habitats including wetlands, forests, and prairies

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
206Rank
Aerial view of Anacostia Drive and the playgroundNPS Photo/Miguel Marquez

Park

Anacostia Park

District of Columbia

76WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching along the river and adjacent green space

Good with kidsWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
207Rank
Garrison Flag flying over the post.NPS Photo / Max Kandler

National Historic Site

Fort Davis National Historic Site

Texas

76WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching in a high-desert setting

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
$10
208Rank
A historic cabin stands next to a concrete path that leads to a plow shaped visitor centerNPS Photo/Hunter Hendricks

National Historical Park

Homestead National Historical Park

Nebraska

76WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching along prairie and woodland trail sections

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
209Rank
Obed in FallNPS Photo

Wild & Scenic River

Obed Wild & Scenic River

Tennessee

76WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching along diverse riparian and cliff habitats

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
210Rank
A stone papamū (Kōnane playing surface) with Hale o Keawe and Hōnaunau Bay in the background.NPS / Chisholm

National Historical Park

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Hawaii

76WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife and birdwatching opportunities along the rocky shoreline

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
Free
211Rank
Small waterfall with brown rocks and green mossNPS Photo / Alex Wiles

National Historic Trail

Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, West Virginia

74WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Boating, fishing, and wildlife watching on expedition waterways

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
Free
212Rank
Miller's Chapel at Oregon CavesNPS

National Monument & Preserve

Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve

Oregon

74WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching and birdwatching in a biologically diverse mountain setting

HikingCampingGood with kids
$20
213Rank
Devils Tower looming above the treesNPS/ S. Carter

National Monument

Devils Tower National Monument

Wyoming

73WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching including prairie dog colonies and raptors near the base

StargazingHikingCamping
$15
214Rank
Browns Canyon National MonumentRecreation.gov

National Monument

Browns Canyon National Monument

Colorado

72WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing for bighorn sheep, mule deer, and raptors in riparian and upland zones

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
215Rank
Slater Mill, Wilkinson Mill and Brown House at Blackstone River Valley NHPNPS Photo

National Historical Park

Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park

Rhode Island, Massachusetts

71WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching along the river's natural margins

Good with kidsWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
216Rank
Agave stalks and wildflowers with mountains in the distanceNPS Photo / D. Bly

National Memorial

Coronado National Memorial

Arizona

68GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Recorded activities and topics here include wildlife watching and animals.

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
217Rank
The first memorial erected to honor Abraham LincolnNPS Photo

National Historical Park

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park

Kentucky

66GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching on the peaceful memorial grounds

StargazingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
218Rank
Tent in the Greenbelt Park campgroundNPS/G Wilson

Park

Greenbelt Park

Maryland

63GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching in a wooded Mid-Atlantic setting

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
219Rank
sunset over a riverNPS Photo / Steve Dean

National Scenic Trail

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia

61GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching in a rich riparian habitat along the river

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
220Rank
Fort during fall hikeNPS Photo

Park

Fort Dupont Park

District of Columbia

57GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching in a forested corridor, unusual for a park this close to a dense urban core

Good with kidsWildlife watchingBiking
Free
221Rank
A bronze statue of Theodore Roosevelt standing and pointing.NPS

Park

Theodore Roosevelt Island

District of Columbia

55GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: visitors who want genuine greenery and wildlife alongside a meaningful memorial, without driving hours out of the city.

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
222Rank
5 part Mansion at HaberdeventureNPS Photo / Stephen Girimont

National Historic Site

Thomas Stone National Historic Site

Maryland

54FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching in a quiet rural Maryland setting

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
223Rank
Pompeys PillarBLM Montana Dakotas

National Monument

Pompeys Pillar National Monument and Visitor Center

Montana

53FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing along the riverside grounds and trails

HikingWildlife watchingHistory & culture
Free
224Rank
Petroglyphs on dark boulders with a cloudy sky.NPS Photo / Daniel Leifheit

National Monument

Petroglyph National Monument

New Mexico

47FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching along the volcanic escarpment

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
225Rank
The snow-capped San Juan Mountain Range looms in the distance as viewed from the Crystal TrailNPS image by Matt Johnson

National Recreation Area

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Colorado

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Recorded activities and topics here include wildlife watching and animals.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
226Rank
View from the Bluff OverlookNPS Photo / H. Richards

National Historical Reserve

Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve

Washington

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching, animals and whales for this national historical reserve.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
227Rank
Log buildings, stockade fence and dock near a large lake.NPS

National Monument

Grand Portage National Monument

Minnesota

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching and animals for this national monument.

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
228Rank
El Capitan with blooming claret cup cactiNPS/Bieri

National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Texas

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching and animals for this national park.

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
229Rank
sun rising on Black CanyonNPS Photo/Andrew Cattoir

National Recreation Area

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Arizona, Nevada

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Documents wildlife watching and animals among its National Park Service activity and topic listings.

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
230Rank
A cascade of water pours over a rock ledge. Green foliage is in the background.NPS Photo/ Deb Spillman

National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park

Kentucky

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The NPS data for Mammoth Cave National Park covers wildlife watching and animals.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
231Rank
sun rising over the New River GorgeGary Hartley

National Park & Preserve

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

West Virginia

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The NPS data for New River Gorge National Park & Preserve covers wildlife watching and animals.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
232Rank
Northern Lights over Voyageurs National Park watersNPS /Dimse

National Park

Voyageurs National Park

Minnesota

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Recorded activities and topics here include wildlife watching and animals.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
233Rank
Tree-covered red cliffs meet greenish blue water, in a bowl shape.NPS Photo / M. Carlson

National Lakeshore

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Wisconsin

97DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Documents wildlife watching and animals among its National Park Service activity and topic listings.

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
234Rank
A large bluff shelter near Buffalo Point.NPS Photo

National River

Buffalo National River

Arkansas

97DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Recorded activities and topics here include wildlife watching, animals and elk.

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
235Rank
The first-order Fresnel lens is visible in the lantern room of the Bodie Island Lighthouse.NPS Photo

National Seashore

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

North Carolina

97DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Documents wildlife watching and animals among its National Park Service activity and topic listings.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
236Rank
View of Independence Monument with Grand Valley in background. Taken from Rim Rock Rock Drive.NPS Photo

National Monument

Colorado National Monument

Colorado

92DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Recorded activities and topics here include wildlife watching and animals.

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
237Rank
blue sky with green trees in mountain cirqueNPS Photo

National Park

Great Basin National Park

Nevada

91DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching and animals for this national park.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
238Rank
A red rock landscape and plateau forest glows with the morning sunNPS Photo / Peter Densmore

National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park

Utah

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching and animals for this national park.

StargazingHikingCamping
$20
239Rank
View of the Delaware River cutting between two low mountain peaksCourtesy of James Hicks

National Recreation Area

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

New Jersey, Pennsylvania

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Documents wildlife watching and animals among its National Park Service activity and topic listings.

HikingCampingGood with kids
$10
240Rank
Michigan Lake beach with green grassy dunes in the background, under a blue sky.NPS Photo

National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching and animals for this national park.

StargazingHikingCamping
$15
241Rank
Sunrise at Lava BedsNPS Photo / Nathan Charlton

National Monument

Lava Beds National Monument

California

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching and animals for this national monument.

StargazingHikingCamping
$15
242Rank
Yellow flowers bloom in the dunes along Malaquite Beach.NPS Photo/ Thomas DiGiovannangelo

National Seashore

Padre Island National Seashore

Texas

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Documents wildlife watching and animals among its National Park Service activity and topic listings.

StargazingCampingGood with kids
$15
243Rank
Multi-colored sandstone cliffs rise out of Lake SuperiorNPS Photo

National Lakeshore

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Michigan

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The NPS data for Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore covers wildlife watching and animals.

StargazingHikingCamping
$15
244Rank
A snowy day on top of Shasta BallyNPS Matthew Switzer

National Recreation Area

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

California

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Recorded activities and topics here include wildlife watching and animals.

StargazingHikingCamping
$15
245Rank
The ground falls away from the viewer creating brilliant rock formations of pink, red, and orange.NPS Photo

National Monument

Cedar Breaks National Monument

Utah

86DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching and animals for this national monument.

StargazingHikingCamping
$10
246Rank
Yellow sandstone cliff at sunset with dark lava field in backgroundNPS Kristi Rugg

National Monument

El Malpais National Monument

New Mexico

85DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Recorded activities and topics here include wildlife watching and animals.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
247Rank
Rocky coastline with palm trees and a cliff beyonCourtesy of J. Frank

National Park

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii

83WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The NPS data for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park covers wildlife watching and animals.

HikingCampingGood with kids
$15
248Rank
Painting of historic ceremony at Puʻukoholā HeiauHerb Kane

National Historic Site

Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site

Hawaii

83WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The NPS data for Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site covers wildlife watching, animals and whales.

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
249Rank
Black Canyon near Tomichi PointNPS Photo/Lynch

National Park

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

Colorado

82WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The NPS data for Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park covers wildlife watching and animals.

StargazingHikingCamping
$15
250Rank
Aerial View of Fort MonroeNPS Photo

National Monument

Fort Monroe National Monument

Virginia

81WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching and animals for this national monument.

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
251Rank
The Devils Postpile basalt formation resembles tall columns.NPS Photo

National Monument

Devils Postpile National Monument

California

80WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching and animals for this national monument.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
252Rank
Fall Season in the CanyonNPS Photo

National Preserve

Little River Canyon National Preserve

Alabama

78WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching and animals for this national preserve.

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
$15
253Rank
A 5-story masonry dwelling sits in a cliff alcove.NPS Photo/Sharlot Hart

National Monument

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Arizona

76WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching and animals for this national monument.

StargazingCampingGood with kids
$10
254Rank
moundsNPS

National Historical Park

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park

Georgia

74WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching, animals and alligators or crocodiles for this national historical park.

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
Free
255Rank
Two adult Great Blue Herons stand watch over their 3 young chicks in the nest.NPS Photo/Tom Wilson

National Recreation Area

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Georgia

73WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching and animals for this national recreation area.

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
$5
256Rank
Russell Cave in SpringNPS Photo / Mary Dawson

National Monument

Russell Cave National Monument

Alabama

54FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Recorded activities and topics here include wildlife watching and animals.

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
257Rank
A marsh with open water, cattails, and a masonry dwelling beyond.NPS Photo

National Monument

Tuzigoot National Monument

Arizona

52FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching and animals for this national monument.

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
$10
258Rank
luminaries placed by Maryland Monument with dramatic orange red cloudsNPS Antietam/BBaracz

National Battlefield

Antietam National Battlefield

Maryland

93DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching across the open farmland and creek corridors within the park

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
259Rank
Middle section of the trail to Wildhorse LakeGreg Shine, BLM

Recreation Area

Steens Mountain Cooperative Management & Protection Area

Oregon

93DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The place suits self-sufficient travelers best: backpackers, backcountry photographers, dedicated wildlife watchers, anglers, and dark-sky enthusiasts who can work around remote logistics.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
260Rank
Coralville LakeUSACE

Lake & Reservoir

Coralville Lake

Iowa

91DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Five hundred campsites spread across three campgrounds, with dedicated mountain bike trails, boat ramps, swimming, fishing, OHV use, and wildlife viewing all packed into the same stretch of Iowa lowland forest and open water.

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
261Rank
Sunny hiking at Hog Canyon LakeJeff Clark, Bureau of Land Management

Recreation Area

Fishtrap Recreation Area

Washington

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing across a genuine habitat mosaic including wetlands and open steppe

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
262Rank
View of marsh at Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research ReserveWaquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Recreation Area

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Massachusetts

89DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing and photography across open bay, salt marsh, and upland habitats

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
263Rank
Multiple tepee poles and a river are silhouetted against a dawn sky.NPS Photo

National Battlefield

Big Hole National Battlefield

Montana

88DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The experience score runs higher than you might expect, and that reflects actual range: winter access, wildlife, fishing, and hiking give the site a legitimate outdoor dimension alongside its cultural core.

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
Free
264Rank
A man wearing 18th-century clothing carrying a musket and a farmhouse are silhouetted by sunrise.NPS Photo

National Historical Park

Saratoga National Historical Park

New York

88DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching and birdwatching across a mix of open farmland and forested terrain

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
Free
265Rank
West Point LakeUSACE

Lake & Reservoir

West Point Lake

Georgia

87DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Hiking and wildlife viewing give you land-based options, and private lodges and concession sites mean you can skip the roughing-it part if you prefer.

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
266Rank
Gold Belt Scenic BywayRecreation.gov

Recreation Area

Gold Belt Recreation Management Area

Colorado

86DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The BLM-managed corridor supports a genuinely long activity list: auto touring, hiking, climbing, camping, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, biking, and wildlife viewing.

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
267Rank
Beautiful Scofield ResevoirUtah Office of Tourism

State Park

Scofield State Park

Utah

86DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing in a mountain reservoir setting away from Utah's heavily trafficked canyon corridors

HikingCampingWater activities
Varies
268Rank
Limestone bluffs covered with ashe juniper trees surrounding Whitney Lake.USACE photo by Matthew Jones

Lake & Reservoir

Whitney Lake

Texas

86DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Hopewell Trail: 12.5 miles of multi-use trail for hikers, bikers, and equestrians winding along the lake and through wildlife areas

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
269Rank
Winter skiing on Campbell TractBob Wick, BLM

Recreation Area

Campbell Tract Special Recreation Management Area

Alaska

84WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Urban wildlife viewing in a wooded setting within Anchorage city limits

HikingWildlife watchingWinter sports
Free
270Rank
The Wick House surrounded by colorful fall leavesNPS Photo/Dan Beards

National Historical Park

Morristown National Historical Park

New Jersey

84WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching in the Jockey Hollow woodlands

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
271Rank
Aerial photo of Walter F. George Lock and Dam, lock in foreground, powerhouse and lake in background.USACE

Lake & Reservoir

Walter F. George Lake

Georgia

84WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing along Chattahoochee River corridor and lake shoreline habitats

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
272Rank
Aerial of Jordanelle State ParkUtah Office of Tourism

State Park

Jordanelle State Park

Utah

83WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Rock Cliff area for quieter, non-motorized water access and wildlife viewing

HikingCampingWater activities
Varies
273Rank
overlooking lakeusace

Lake & Reservoir

Eufaula Lake

Oklahoma

82WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing along a shoreline that stretches more than 600 miles

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
274Rank
Scenic valley overlookBLM Oregon

Recreation Area

North Bank Habitat Management Area

Oregon

82WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing opportunities enhanced by the habitat transitions between woodland and canyon

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
275Rank
Sunset at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural AreaKenneth Henke, BLM

Recreation Area

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area

Florida

81WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing in one of Florida's most ecologically significant estuary systems

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
276Rank
A dirt trail winds along in a forest.NPS

National Historic Trail

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia

80WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching and birdwatching opportunities across Appalachian and Piedmont landscapes

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
277Rank
South Yuba Recreation AreaPhoto by BLM

Recreation Area

South Yuba Recreation Area

California

80WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing in a riparian canyon setting with wilderness character

HikingCampingWater activities
Varies
278Rank
Lake Abert and Abert RimBureau of Land Management

Lake & Reservoir

Lake Abert and Abert Rim

Oregon

79WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: An experience score of 79 reflects real breadth: hiking, paddling, dispersed camping, stargazing, and wildlife viewing are all well documented here.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
279Rank
Florida Keys National Marine SanctuaryMatt McIntosh/NOAA

Recreation Area

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Florida

78WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing on the water - sea turtles, rays, and reef fish

Water activitiesWildlife watchingGuided tours
Free
280Rank
View of house with fence. Autumn colored leaves on treesNPS Photo

National Historic Site

Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site

Missouri

78WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching on the property grounds

Good with kidsWildlife watchingBiking
Free
281Rank
Chopaka LakeBureau of Land Management

Wilderness Area

Chopaka Lake and Chopaka Mountain Wilderness Study Area

Washington

76WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: What you get is solitude, fly fishing for trout, and wildlife in a setting that takes real effort to reach.

HikingCampingWater activities
Varies
282Rank
Knoxville Recreation AreaPhoto by Jesse Pluim/BLM

Recreation Area

Knoxville Management Area

California

76WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing and photography across a large, lightly developed acreage

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
283Rank
Merced River RMAPhotos by David Greenwood, BLM

Recreation Area

Merced River Recreation Management Area

California

76WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The activity list is genuinely broad: whitewater paddling, fishing for trout and bass, hiking, biking on gravel roads, accessible swimming holes, wildlife watching, and recreational gold panning.

HikingCampingWater activities
Varies
284Rank
Buffumville DamUSACE

Lake & Reservoir

Buffumville Lake

Massachusetts

75WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing opportunities along the lake and trail corridors

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
285Rank
Continental Divide National Scenic TrailJonathan Upchurch, Share the Experience

Recreation Area

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail

New Mexico

75WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Seasonal wildlife viewing across desert, riparian, and montane zones

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
286Rank
Circular stockade in the middle of a meadow. Dramatic clouds build in the blue sky.NPS Photo/Tom Markwardt

National Battlefield

Fort Necessity National Battlefield

Pennsylvania

75WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Free admission with birdwatching and wildlife watching available in the surrounding meadow and woodland

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
287Rank
A tipi sits beneath a tree near a walking trailNPS Photo

National Historic Site

Whitman Mission National Historic Site

Washington

75WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching opportunities along the trail corridor in a quiet, open landscape

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
288Rank
Big Jacks Creek WildernessRecreation.gov

Recreation Area

Big Jacks Creek Wild and Scenic River

Idaho

74WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Bighorn sheep inhabiting the canyon walls and terraces, offering genuine wildlife viewing opportunities

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
289Rank
Cabin and smokehouse in the fallNPS Photo/Paula Alexander

National Memorial

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial

Indiana

73WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching opportunities along the trails and farm grounds

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
290Rank
Canoeing Boquillas CanyonNPS / G. Fisseler

Wild & Scenic River

Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River

Texas

73WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching in one of the most isolated corners of the lower 48 states

HikingCampingWater activities
$30
291Rank
Camping at Snow CanyonUtah Office of Tourism

State Park

Snow Canyon State Park

Utah

73WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Dawn and dusk wildlife activity including coyotes, kit foxes, roadrunners, and quail

CampingWildlife watchingClimbing & caving
Varies
292Rank
View of Mt Hood from Avery Park on Lake CeliloUSACE

Lake & Reservoir

The Dalles Lock and Dam, Lake Celilo

Oregon

73WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing along the reservoir corridor

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
293Rank
Bluebonnets at Hords CreekUSACE

Lake & Reservoir

Hords Creek Lake

Texas

72WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing and water sports round out the activity list.

CampingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
294Rank
Ashton HousingNPS

Recreation Area

John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor

Massachusetts

72WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing along the forested and wetland edges of the river

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
295Rank
Marion Reservoir DamAaron Haflich/ USACE

Lake & Reservoir

Marion Reservoir

Kansas

72WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Surrounding 6,000 acres of public land for wildlife viewing and upland game hunting

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
296Rank
Upland view of the Wallowa RiverBureau of Land Management

Recreation Area

Wallowa & Grande Ronde Wild and Scenic Rivers

Oregon

72WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Riparian wildlife viewing in a canyon environment

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
297Rank
A one story wood frame house has board-and-batten exterior siding and a picket fence painted white.NPS Photo/John Eicher

National Historic Site

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

Iowa

71WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Restored tallgrass prairie landscape with walking trails for birdwatching and wildlife watching

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
298Rank
Aerial view of Fern Ridge LakeUSACE

Lake & Reservoir

Fern Ridge Lake

Oregon

70WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Extensive wetland habitat supporting wintering waterfowl and diverse wildlife populations

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
299Rank
Boundary ReservoirJeff Clark, Bureau of Land Management

Lake & Reservoir

Boundary Reservoir Recreation Area

Washington

69GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing in dense northeast Washington forest and canyon habitat

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
300Rank
Springtime view of Alder Glen Falls and the Nestucca Wild and Scenic River at the Alder Glen Recreation SiteGreg Shine, BLM

Recreation Area

Nestucca River Recreation Area

Oregon

69GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing in a riparian forest corridor with no cell distractions

HikingCampingWater activities
Varies
301Rank
Aerial View of John Day Dam on the Columbia RiverUSACE

Lake & Reservoir

John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla

Oregon

68GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing along the riparian corridor and reservoir edges

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
302Rank
OHVBLM

Recreation Area

Little Sahara Recreation Area

Utah

68GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Anyone hoping for quiet trails or meaningful wildlife encounters will leave disappointed.

HikingCampingWildlife watching
Free
303Rank
National Marine Sanctuary of American SamoaWendy Cover/NOAA

Recreation Area

National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa

American Samoa

68GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Marine wildlife viewing including marine mammals alongside diverse reef species

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
304Rank
Owyhee Wild and Scenic RiverRecreation.gov

Recreation Area

Owyhee Wild & Scenic River

Oregon

67GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Fishing and wildlife viewing along an undeveloped river corridor in the high desert of southeastern Oregon

HikingCampingWater activities
Varies
305Rank
Loosestrife removal in Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, MarylandChesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Recreation Area

Chesapeake Bay Maryland National Estuarine Research Reserve

Maryland

66GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing across three distinct habitat types, from tidal freshwater to open estuary

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
306Rank
Golden Hour Light at Goblin ValleyUtah Office of Tourism | Matt Morgan

State Park

Goblin Valley State Park

Utah

66GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing in a high-desert setting that rewards patient, early-morning visitors

HikingCampingWildlife watching
Varies
307Rank
large group shelterusace

Lake & Reservoir

Ozark Lake

Arkansas

65GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Varied shoreline character, from steep wooded bluffs to flat open fields, rewarding casual wildlife viewing from the water

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
308Rank
View of Sutton Mountain WSA at low lightBureau of Land Management

Wilderness Area

Sutton Mountain and Pat's Cabin Wilderness Study Areas

Oregon

65GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing in a landscape managed specifically to preserve wilderness character, keeping human pressure low

HikingCampingWildlife watching
Free
309Rank
De Queen LakeUSACE De Queen Lake

Lake & Reservoir

Dequeen Lake

Arkansas

64GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing opportunities along the wooded shoreline

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
310Rank
Rows of grave markers in the green grass of the cemetery as light shafts through misty trees.NPS photo/Will Elder

Park

Presidio of San Francisco

California

64GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: You can spend an hour walking past historic architecture on a self-guided loop, or stretch it into a full day of biking and wildlife watching with the Golden Gate sitting right there behind you.

HikingWildlife watchingBiking
Free
311Rank
Red Rock CanyonHoward & Linda Payne

National Conservation Area

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Nevada

64GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing in authentic Mojave Desert habitat, just minutes from an urban core

HikingWildlife watchingBiking
Free
312Rank
Greater Farallones National Marine SanctuarySara Heintzelman/NOAA

Recreation Area

Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary

California

63GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Boating and paddling opportunities with genuine wildlife encounter potential, including marine mammals and seabirds

Water activitiesWildlife watchingGuided tours
Free
313Rank
View from West Ridge of Horse Heaven Hills.Bureau of Land Management

Recreation Area

Horse Heaven Hills

Washington

62GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Watchable wildlife habitat across undeveloped terrain, well suited to patient observers and photographers

HikingCampingWildlife watching
Free
314Rank
Colorful Pipes and Spires of Kodachrome Basin State ParkUtah Office of Tourism

State Park

Kodachrome Basin State Park

Utah

62GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing in a compact, accessible setting that rewards patient, quiet visitors

HikingCampingWildlife watching
Varies
315Rank
RV Camping at SteinakerUtah Office of Tourism

State Park

Steinaker State Park

Utah

62GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing around the reservoir offers a quieter alternative to the busier parks clustered nearby in the Uinta Basin

CampingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Varies
316Rank
Gazebo at the OverlookUSACE

Lake & Reservoir

Ball Mountain Lake

Vermont

61GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The wildlife-viewing and environmental education programs connect directly to the reservoir's fish restoration work, so you leave with a real sense of what you were looking at and why it matters.

CampingWildlife watchingWinter sports
Free
317Rank
Bright Star WildernessShelley Smith Ellis, Share the Experience

Wilderness Area

Bright Star Wilderness

California

61GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing across a varied elevation range from valley floor to Kelso Peak at 5,090 feet

HikingCampingWildlife watching
Free
318Rank
South Fork OwyheeRecreation.gov

Recreation Area

South Fork Owyhee Wild and Scenic River

Idaho

61GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing and photography in a high-desert canyon with genuine backcountry solitude

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
319Rank
Evening Light on River Below Citadel RockRecreation.gov

Recreation Area

Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River

Montana

60GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing across riparian, badlands, and pine-juniper Breaks habitats in a single trip

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
320Rank
Donner und Blitzen Wild and Scenic RiverGreg Shine, BLM Oregon

Recreation Area

Donner und Blitzen Wild and Scenic River

Oregon

59GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing in a remote high desert river corridor with minimal crowds

HikingCampingWater activities
Varies
321Rank
Stone Bridge Along the George Washington Memorial ParkwayNPS

Memorial Parkway

George Washington Memorial Parkway

District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia

59GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching opportunities along the wooded Potomac riverbank

Wildlife watchingBikingHistory & culture
Free
322Rank
Wildhorse Creek Wild and Scenic RiverBureau of Land Management

Recreation Area

Wildhorse Creek Wild and Scenic River

Oregon

59GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Fishing and wildlife viewing along creek corridors that support rare, scientifically protected vegetative communities

HikingCampingWater activities
Varies
323Rank
Cottage Grove LakeUSACE

Lake & Reservoir

Cottage Grove Lake

Oregon

58GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The water is the main draw, with boating, water skiing, and fishing all available, and the wildlife along the shoreline is genuinely worth your time.

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
324Rank
Gallatin House - Stone House and South Wing in snow with blue skyNPS Photo/Rene Benson

National Historic Site

Friendship Hill National Historic Site

Pennsylvania

58GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Front-country hiking trails through the estate grounds with wildlife and birdwatching opportunities

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
325Rank
Group of people around a Russian cross in tall grassNPS Photo

National Historic Area

Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area

Alaska

57GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching in a remote, largely undisturbed North Pacific environment

Good with kidsWildlife watchingGuided tours
Free
326Rank
Elk crossing the landscape at Telford Recreation AreaBureau of Land Management

Recreation Area

Telford Recreation Area

Washington

57GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing on undeveloped eastern Washington rangeland

HikingCampingWildlife watching
Free
327Rank
Borah Peak Wilderness Study AreaKim Bessler, Share the Experience

Wilderness Area

Borah Peak Wilderness Study Area

Idaho

56GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing and hunting across sagebrush-grass slopes and scattered mountain mahogany

HikingCampingWildlife watching
Free
328Rank
Tumey Hills WildflowersRyan O'Dell/BLM

Recreation Area

Tumey Hills

California

56GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Rare endemic wildlife including San Joaquin kit fox and giant kangaroo rats for patient wildlife watchers

HikingCampingWildlife watching
Free
329Rank
Knolls Off-Highway VehicleKnolls Off-Highway Vehicle

Recreation Area

Knolls Off-Highway Vehicle Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA)

Utah

55GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing against a spare, open desert backdrop unlike Utah's canyon parks

HikingCampingWildlife watching
Varies
330Rank
Pacific Crest Trail night skiesKyle Sullivan/BLM

Recreation Area

Pacific Crest- Owens Peak Segment

California

55GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing in a quiet, lightly trafficked backcountry setting

HikingCampingWildlife watching
Free
331Rank
An “Entering Public Lands Sign” along the Snake River-Mormon Basin Back Country Byway.Bureau of Land Management

Recreation Area

Snake River-Mormon Basin Back Country Byway

Oregon

55GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing across open rangeland where sightings reward patient, unhurried driving

CampingWildlife watching
Free
332Rank
Flower Garden Banks National Marine SanctuaryJohn Embesi/NOAA

Recreation Area

Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

Texas

54FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing opportunities for pelagic and reef species far from the disruptions of coastal waters

Water activitiesWildlife watching
Free
333Rank
Four white Indian lodges on a grassy plain.NPS Photo/Shawn G. Gillette

National Historic Site

Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site

Colorado

54FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching on surrounding shortgrass plains

HikingWildlife watchingGuided tours
Free
334Rank
Little Lost LakeRecreation.gov

Lake & Reservoir

Little Lost Lake

Idaho

53FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing and photography opportunities in a lightly visited backcountry setting

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
335Rank
Wapanocca National Wildlife RefugeUSFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge

Arkansas

53FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wapanocca is a small, free refuge that attracts far more wildlife than its size would suggest, especially during fall and winter migration when waterfowl crowd onto the lake in serious numbers.

Water activitiesWildlife watchingGuided tours
Free
336Rank
Gray's Reef National Marine SanctuaryGreg McFall/NOAA

Recreation Area

Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary

Georgia

52FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing opportunities from the water, with a diverse marine community concentrated around the reef structure

Water activitiesWildlife watchingGuided tours
Free
337Rank
Lindenwald, a yellow, 3 story mansion, is surrounded by trees.NPS Photo

National Historic Site

Martin Van Buren National Historic Site

New York

51FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching on the property

Good with kidsWildlife watchingGuided tours
Free
338Rank
A view of docks and boats in the waterside town of Cape Charles VANPS Photo

Park

Chesapeake Bay

District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia

50FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching for ospreys, bald eagles, and migratory shorebirds along tidal shorelines

Good with kidsWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
339Rank
John Muir Home at the John Muir National Historic SiteNPS Photo

National Historic Site

John Muir National Historic Site

California

50FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife watching on the grounds, fitting naturally within the naturalist theme

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
340Rank
Silhouette of birds flying over the Atlantic Ocean as the sun rises above the cloudy horizon.U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

National Wildlife Refuge

Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge

Florida

49FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Nearly 10 miles of mangrove habitat along the Indian River Lagoon, excellent for patient wildlife viewing and photography

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
341Rank
Aravaipa Creek in Aravaipa Canyon WildernessBLM

Wilderness Area

Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness

Arizona

48FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Riparian wildlife viewing concentrated by one of southeast Arizona's only permanent water sources

HikingCampingWildlife watching
Varies
342Rank
Bruneau RiverSeth Flanigan, Share the Experience

Recreation Area

Bruneau Wild and Scenic River

Idaho

48FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing across sagebrush plateau habitat supporting over 200 species, including raptors nesting on canyon rims

HikingCampingWater activities
Varies
343Rank
Peaceful LakeRecreation.gov

Lake & Reservoir

Kaweah Lake

California

48FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing along the foothill shoreline between valley and high country ecosystems

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
344Rank
Steelhead Falls on the Deschutes RiverBob Wick, BLM

Recreation Area

Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River

Oregon

48FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Canyon wildlife viewing, with leashed pets allowed but predator country demanding real attention

HikingCampingWater activities
Varies
345Rank
Welcome to Otter CreekUtah Office of Tourism

State Park

Otter Creek State Park

Utah

48FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing around the reservoir edges, particularly for birdwatchers scanning the water

CampingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Varies
346Rank
View of the West Little Owyhee River, west of Anderson CrossingGreg Shine, BLM

Recreation Area

West Little Owyhee Wild and Scenic River

Oregon

48FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Wildlife viewing and photography in a setting with almost no other human presence

HikingCampingWater activities
Varies
347Rank
Picture of FDR in a wheel chair within his memorialNPS Photo

Park

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

District of Columbia

47FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and wildlife watching opportunities along the Tidal Basin waterfront

Good with kidsWildlife watchingGuided tours
Free
348Rank
Bank fishing the Umpqua River at Swiftwater Day-Use AreaBureau of Land Management

Recreation Area

Swiftwater Day-Use Area

Oregon

47FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Hikers and wildlife watchers can find something here too, though the range of activities is narrow.

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
349Rank
A three story house with large porch across the front and flight of steps leading to the ground.Photo by Escape Brooklyn

National Historic Site

Thomas Cole National Historic Site

New York

30FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Birdwatching and quiet wildlife observation on the pastoral Hudson Valley grounds

Wildlife watchingGuided toursHistory & culture
Free
350Rank
Snow dusted granite formations jut up from a mountainous juniper covered landscape.NPS Photo

National Reserve

City Of Rocks National Reserve

Idaho

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Documents wildlife watching and animals among its National Park Service activity and topic listings.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
351Rank
Sunset picture with high vantage point overlooking river with fall colors and sun setting in distancBrock Davis

National Scenic Riverways

Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Missouri

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching and animals for this national scenic riverways.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
352Rank
A tall ship sails on the water.Pride of Baltimore, Inc.

National Historic Trail

Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The NPS data for Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail covers wildlife watching and animals.

HikingCampingGood with kids
Free
353Rank
A slightly curvy section of the Natchez Trace Parkway in Early FallNPS Photo

Parkway

Natchez Trace Parkway

Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee

97DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Documents wildlife watching and animals among its National Park Service activity and topic listings.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
354Rank
A deep canyon with a forested floor and steep granite cliffsNPS/Rick Cain

National Parks

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

California

90DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching and animals for this national parks.

StargazingHikingCamping
$20
355Rank
Large lawn in front of the memorial.NPS photo

Park

American Memorial Park

Northern Mariana Islands

88DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching and animals for this park.

Good with kidsWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
356Rank
blue cannon sits in front of park's visitor centerNPS Photo / Vester Marable

National Military Park

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park

Alabama

88DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The NPS data for Horseshoe Bend National Military Park covers wildlife watching and animals.

StargazingHikingGood with kids
Free
357Rank
Summer view of EarthlodgeNPS photo

National Historic Site

Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site

North Dakota

88DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching and animals for this national historic site.

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
Free
358Rank
Ruggles Battery at ShilohNPS Photo/Mekow

National Military Park

Shiloh National Military Park

Tennessee, Mississippi

88DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching and animals for this national military park.

Good with kidsWildlife watchingBiking
Free
359Rank
The sun rises behind a green field with a cannon in the foreground.NPS Photo / Buddy Secor

National Battlefield

Stones River National Battlefield

Tennessee

88DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The NPS data for Stones River National Battlefield covers wildlife watching and animals.

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
Free
360Rank
2 story tan house with green shutters. Red, white, and blue striped bunting draped below its fenceNPS Photo

National Historic Site

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Illinois

83WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching and animals for this national historic site.

Good with kidsWildlife watchingGuided tours
Free
361Rank
Shaded structure overlooking the battlefieldNPS

National Historical Park

Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park

Texas

83WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The NPS data for Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park covers wildlife watching and animals.

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
362Rank
Historic Fort DavisNPS photo

Park

Civil War Defenses of Washington

District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia

78WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Documents wildlife watching and animals among its National Park Service activity and topic listings.

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
363Rank
9-3'x5' international flags line sidewalk that leads to a white building with green roof. Tall stoneNPS Photo

Memorial

Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial

Ohio

78WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching and animals for this memorial.

StargazingGood with kidsWater activities
$10
364Rank
a bench next to a tree with U.S. and Mexican flags flying against a mountain backgroundNPS Photo

National Memorial

Chamizal National Memorial

Texas

76WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Documents wildlife watching and animals among its National Park Service activity and topic listings.

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
365Rank
White frescoed church with a stone ruin to the left in the foreground.NPS Photo/Andrew Shirey

National Historical Park

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Texas

76WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Recorded activities and topics here include wildlife watching and animals.

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
366Rank
Fort Vancouver GardenNPS Photo / Troy Wayrynen

National Historic Site

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Oregon, Washington

66GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching and animals for this national historic site.

Good with kidsWildlife watchingBiking
$10
367Rank
The rehabilitation of Kaloko fishpond started in 1998 and still continues today....NPS Photo

National Historical Park

Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

Hawaii

60GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Recorded activities and topics here include wildlife watching and animals.

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
Free
368Rank
The MemorialNPS

Park

LBJ Memorial Grove on the Potomac

District of Columbia

56GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching and animals for this park.

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
369Rank
Cow CreekRecreation.gov

Recreation Area

Cow Creek Back Country Byway

Oregon

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The NPS data for Cow Creek Back Country Byway covers wildlife viewing.

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
370Rank
Manhattan skyline as seen from Governors Island National MonumentNPS photo

Park

National Parks of New York Harbor

New York

100DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching for this park.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
371Rank
Chequamegon-Nicolet National ForestBill Hickey, Share the Experience

Recreation Area

Chequamegon-Nicolet NF

Wisconsin

99DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Documents wildlife viewing among its National Park Service activity and topic listings.

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
372Rank
Hoosier National ForestShare the Experience, Raymond Lee

National Forest

Hoosier National Forest

Indiana

93DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Recorded activities and topics here include wildlife viewing.

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
373Rank
Moab PicBLM

Recreation Area

Moab Field Office (BLM)

Utah

93DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Recorded activities and topics here include wildlife viewing.

StargazingHikingCamping
Free
374Rank
Sunset at Overlook ParkRanger Samuell Price

Lake & Reservoir

Canyon Lake

Texas

88DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife viewing for this lake & reservoir.

HikingCampingWater activities
Free
375Rank
A cannon is in the left foreground with the Maham rifle tower in the distance.NPS photo

National Historic Site

Ninety Six National Historic Site

South Carolina

87DOES IT ALL

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Recorded activities and topics here include wildlife watching.

HikingGood with kidsWater activities
Free
376Rank
Kayakers on the North Umpqua Wild and Scenic RiverBob Wick, BLM

Recreation Area

North Umpqua Wild and Scenic River

Oregon

83WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife viewing for this recreation area.

HikingCampingWater activities
Varies
377Rank
Dock at Palisade State ParkUtah Office of Tourism

State Park

Palisade State Park

Utah

79WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife viewing for this state park.

HikingCampingWater activities
Varies
378Rank
People walk to barracks framed by mountain peaks.Dorothea Lange

National Historic Site

Manzanar National Historic Site

California

76WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The NPS data for Manzanar National Historic Site covers wildlife watching.

Good with kidsWildlife watchingBiking
Free
379Rank
A reconstructed Elkhorn Tavern.NPS Photo

National Military Park

Pea Ridge National Military Park

Arkansas

75WIDE RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Its official NPS record lists wildlife watching for this national military park.

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
Free
380Rank
Yakima River CanyonRecreation.gov

Recreation Area

Yakima River Canyon

Washington

66GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Recorded activities and topics here include wildlife viewing.

HikingCampingWater activities
Varies
381Rank
West Eugene WetlandsBLM

Recreation Area

West Eugene Wetlands

Oregon

64GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: The NPS data for West Eugene Wetlands covers wildlife viewing.

HikingWildlife watchingBiking
Free
382Rank
Dale Bumpers National Wildlife RefugeRay Paterra - USFWS

National Wildlife Refuge

Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge

Arkansas

58GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Documents wildlife viewing among its National Park Service activity and topic listings.

CampingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
383Rank
Hoover Dam at NightMichael McCook, Share the Experience

Recreation Area

Hoover Dam

Nevada

56GOOD RANGE

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Documents wildlife viewing among its National Park Service activity and topic listings.

HikingWater activitiesWildlife watching
Free
384Rank
Castillo San Felipe del Morro Aereal ViewCourtesy: Aerofoto

National Historic Site

San Juan National Historic Site

Puerto Rico

46FOCUSED

Why it ranks for wildlife watching: Recorded activities and topics here include wildlife watching.

HikingGood with kidsWildlife watching
$10

How this ranking is built

The order is auditable, so here is the recipe.

This list ranks by documented wildlife watching relevance first: how many wildlife watching-related activities and topics each unit records in the official NPS data, plus whether our editors featured that theme in the write-up. When two units are level on wildlife watching, the parkverdict Experience Score below breaks the tie. So the top of this page is genuinely the strongest wildlife watching parks, not just the ones that document the most of everything.

The Experience Score itself weighs:

  • 48Activity breadth
  • 16Topic breadth
  • 14Imagery
  • 12Camping
  • 10Free access

parkverdict is independent. No park pays for placement, and scores use an honest spread, so you will see real 60s and 70s here, not a wall of 90s. Read the full methodology.

The honest limits

What this ranking cannot tell you

This order reflects what each unit documents for wildlife watching in official public data, not a day spent on the ground. It cannot weigh scenery, how crowded a place gets, trail or road conditions, seasonal timing, or the quality of a specific tour. A unit that records fewer wildlife watching activities can still be the better wildlife watching trip for you, so treat the ranking as a documented-breadth shortlist and read each park verdict for who it actually suits.