It’s no secret that the United States is flush with natural beauty. Whether it’s a serene lake, bird watching, or a hike up a crisp, misty mountain, each of the 50 states has many regional sources of pride that involve nature. On September 4th, the country will celebrate National Wildlife Day, which aims to pay homage to these gorgeously treasured parts of the country that preserve and showcase these natural riches.
With so many different places to explore and adventure it can be a challenge in itself to find the perfect spot to get away from the town or city life and while there are far too many places to be able to list every single one in detail here, don’t worry. There are still plenty of great locations to check out for national wildlife day that is also near affordable vacation rentals. Here are a few ideas for visitors to immerse themselves in wildlife this year. So pack the tent and the hiking boots and take a stroll through this list of the best places to go for National Wildlife day.
Wyoming: Yellowstone National Park
As America’s first national park, Yellowstone National Park is one oldie, but a goodie that anyone looking for a nature rush will enjoy. At 2.2 million acres, Yellowstone stretches into Montana and Idaho, aside from Wyoming, and is prized for being the largest wildlife sanctuary in the lower 48 states. Visitors are encouraged to hike, bike, and even camp out in designated trails and areas that have been set aside for them. The park can also be enjoyed on horseback. Yellowstone offers a dizzying amount of activities, including fishing, boating, and swimming, as well as breathtaking views and thermal basins with geysers, which includes the infamous Old Faithful, a geyser that often erupts within a more predictable timeframe.
Favorite outdoor activity in Yellowstone: Although there are multiple different spots that anyone should visit while taking a trip here. Old Faithful is by far the top go-to destination at this massive park.
Where to Stay in Yellowstone
Ready to see where you can find an affordable stay near Yellowstone? Check it out! The Old Faithful Inn is the perfect place to stay for those who want to be close to the famous geyser and also be centrally located to other attractions while being in a rugged yet, comfortable cabin-style housing
Florida: The Everglades
Everglades National Park is located at the southern tip of Florida. At two million acres in size, it is near both Miami and Fort Lauderdale. This land is internationally recognized and protected, as it is the largest subtropical wilderness in the country. Visitors can expect wetlands and bodies of water that are home to native grasses and plants. The Everglades host more than 360 species of birds, including “wading birds” such as herons and egrets. Famous for its natural predators, the Florida Panther, alligators, and crocodiles also call this region home. To catch a glimpse of it all, the park offers boat tours that take visitors through the water.
Favorite outdoor activity in the Everglades: The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers kayaking, snorkeling, and so much more. Be sure to bring a towel!
Where to Stay in the Everglades
After all that gator action, why not rest up in a vacation rental near the Everglades? A perfect place to get away in the Everglades is the Bonaventure Resort and Spa. With proximity to the Everglades themselves while still being a remarkable 4-star hotel. this is the perfect place for any vacationer to relax after an exciting day exploring an outdoor vacation.
New Jersey: Pine Barrens & Great Swamp
The Pine Barrens is part of New Jersey’s Pinelands National Reserve, which covers seven counties worth of New Jersey, totaling a whopping 1.1 million acres. Known for its mystical presence in the state, local folklore including legends and fables is part of the community fabric. Pinelands reserve is also home to many rare plant and animal species and contains the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer system, which is estimated to have 17 trillion gallons of water.
Some 26 miles west of New York City’s Times Square lies New Jersey’s Great Swamp. At roughly 12 square miles, this treasured wildlife zone offers a visitors center, wildlife tours that include local species in their natural habitats, and vantage points to watch various native species of birds. The Great Swamp also has a significant stretch of designated hiking trails.
Favorite outdoor activity in New Jersey: Grab a rental kayak or canoe and float downstream at any one of the many rivers and streams that are peppered throughout this magnificent landscape for a truly one on one experience with the glorious nature of New Jersey.
Where to Stay in New Jersey
Find a gorgeous vacation rental in New Jersey, then get ready to explore. Staying at one of the many campgrounds located within the Pineland National Reserve is the perfect way to get a full-fledged nature experience for world wildlife day.
New Hampshire: White Mountains
As part of the Appalachian Mountains, the White Mountains cover nearly one-fourth of the landmass contained within the state of New Hampshire and it also extends into Maine. All told, there are 17 attractions for visitors, spanning from hiking trails to amusement parks, but for nature seekers, there is plenty to do within that list. For an unforgettable view, there is Cannon Mountain, an 80-person aerial tramway that goes 4,100 feet up the summit and offers views of the mountains, into Maine, Vermont, and into Canada. Hikers can take a self-guided tour of the two-mile-long Flume Gorge, or walk along the wooden boardwalk trail that includes views of jagged rock walls, waterfalls, and glacial boulder caves.
Favorite outdoor activity in New Hampshire: Mount Washington is the highest peak on the East Coast of the United States. This snow-capped peak stands out amongst the other gorgeous mountains in the area and offers rides to the top for panoramic views so long as the weather is permitting.
Where to Stay in New Hampshire
Ready to book an affordable vacation rental in New Hampshire? A wonderful option is the Bernerhof Inn offers the authentic experience of a New England Bed and Breakfast while being located smack in the middle of the white mountains. For an affordable yet centrally located getaway, this is the perfect spot to stay.
Michigan: Upper Peninsula
Although the Great Lake State has plenty of wildlife enjoyment on both of its peninsulas, the Upper Peninsula offers freshwater coastline and remote wilderness that can’t be beaten. Nature lovers have to cross a large suspension bridge to reach it, and on the other side lies a paradise for hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. Famous places on this forested haven include Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, located on the south shore of Lake Superior. Nature lovers are known to behold the multicolored cliffs made by sandstone formations.
The Upper Peninsula also offers up Copper Harbor, which offers views of Lake Superior, nature hikes, and gorgeous sunsets. Mountaineers are also sure to enjoy this one, which has its 60,000 acres Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park at the ready. With over 90 miles of trails for hiking, visitors are sure to be pleased.
Favorite outdoor activity in Michigan: The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers some of the most picturesque landscapes in the country. Tens of thousands of acres housed in this park offer a truly unique and memorable experience for any visitor.
Where to Stay in Michigan
Why not add an adventure to Michigan to your trip itinerary this year? A truly remarkable place to stay in the Pictured Rocks Cabins. Located just steps away from the shores of Lake Superior and aptly named for its proximity to the aforementioned National Lakeshore. These cabins are a perfect option for those who want to be close to the major sights and attractions of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Alaska: The Final Frontier
Although Star Trek thought outer space was worthy of the “Final Frontier” moniker, it turns out Alaska isn’t far behind on the final frontier forefront. The modern-day Alaskan Final Frontier — made famous on the Discovery Channel — this treasured family homestead traces its roots back to the 1940s when Yule Kilcher and his wife Ruth were granted 160 acres of land by the state and raised their eight children there.
The family continues to own and run the homestead, which has now expanded to 600 acres. Guests are invited to enjoy the full homestead experience, which includes art classes, music workshops, mushroom picking, fence building, or picking berries to make jam. There is also a working homestead museum where visitors can gain more insight into how life has changed since the early years on the homestead.
Favorite outdoor activity in Alaska: Denali is the highest peak in North America. With that being said the sheer beauty and majesty of this impressive mountain goes unmatched in the continent. Visit the surrounding National Park for views of it and if you’re feeling outdoorsy go for a 3-night hike to the base camp!
Where to Stay in Alaska
After all that homesteading, don’t you deserve a cozy place to rest? We thought so too! The Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge offers comfortable housing with all the modern amenities. All of the ads make for the perfect retreat after getting rugged in the Alaskan terrain for a few days.
Get Outdoors for National Wildlife Day!
There are so many places to go and adventure for national wildlife day that it can be quite a challenge to choose the perfect place to go. With the vast wilderness of the United States, there are just so many options to choose from. The one thing that’s for sure is that there are plenty of options that can be explored on any budget. This list has compiled just a few of the multitude of places to be explored for an outdoor vacation. Pack the bags and bring extra socks because an adventure for world wildlife day is just a few clicks away.