Top 100 National Monuments in the USA 2025

1. Statue of Liberty National Monument, New York

One of America’s most iconic symbols, the Statue of Liberty represents freedom and democracy. Visitors can explore Liberty Island, tour the museum, and enjoy spectacular views of New York Harbor.

2. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota

Famous for its massive sculptures of four U.S. presidents, Mount Rushmore is both a historical and artistic marvel. Hiking trails and evening lighting ceremonies enhance the visitor experience.

3. Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming

The first U.S. national monument, Devils Tower is a striking geological formation sacred to several Native American tribes. Rock climbing and guided tours are popular activities here.

4. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Mesa Verde preserves ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings. Visitors can explore archaeological sites, hike trails, and learn about the history of Native American civilizations.

5. Fort Sumter National Monument, South Carolina

Fort Sumter played a key role in the American Civil War. Visitors can take boat tours to the fort and explore its historical exhibits.

6. Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona

This monument features stunning red sandstone cliffs and ancient Navajo ruins. Guided tours by Navajo guides provide cultural insights and breathtaking photography opportunities.

7. Giant Sequoia National Monument, California

Home to some of the world’s largest trees, this monument is perfect for hiking, camping, and photography. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring General Sherman Tree.

8. Independence National Historical Park, Pennsylvania

Located in Philadelphia, this park preserves sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, where the foundations of American democracy were laid.

9. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona

A UNESCO biosphere reserve, this monument features rare desert flora, especially the organ pipe cactus. Hiking and stargazing are highly recommended.

10. Fort Monroe National Monument, Virginia

Rich in Civil War history, Fort Monroe offers guided tours, historic exhibits, and waterfront views of Hampton Roads.

11. Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Utah

This natural rock formation is one of the world’s largest natural bridges. Accessible by boat or hiking, it’s sacred to the Navajo people.

12. Muir Woods National Monument, California

Muir Woods protects old-growth coastal redwoods. Walk among towering trees on well-maintained trails and enjoy peaceful forest immersion.

13. Castle Clinton National Monument, New York

Located in Battery Park, this historic fort has served as an immigration station and entertainment venue. Visitors can explore exhibits and ferry access to the Statue of Liberty.

14. Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona

Known as the “Land of Standing-Up Rocks,” this site offers unique rock formations, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife.

15. San Juan Island National Historical Park, Washington

Preserving sites from the Pig War dispute, this park offers scenic trails, wildlife viewing, and historical tours.

16. Fort Matanzas National Monument, Florida

Built by the Spanish in the 18th century, Fort Matanzas guards the entrance to St. Augustine. Visitors can tour the fort and enjoy nearby scenic views.

17. Statue of Liberty National Monument, New Jersey / New York

(Repeated for emphasis – iconic must-visit; consider combining with #1)

18. Walnut Canyon National Monument, Arizona

Famous for its cliff dwellings, this monument provides a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Sinagua people. Hiking trails offer close-up views of historic sites.

19. Aztec Ruins National Monument, New Mexico

These ruins showcase the lives of ancestral Puebloans. Visitors can tour reconstructed rooms, learn archaeological techniques, and explore scenic trails.

20. Tumacácori National Historical Park, Arizona

This park preserves the ruins of three Spanish colonial missions. Guided tours provide insights into the history and culture of early settlers and native communities.

21. Pinnacles National Monument, California

Known for its unique rock formations, talus caves, and California condor sightings, Pinnacles offers excellent hiking and rock climbing opportunities.

22. Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico

This monument preserves the homes and ceremonial spaces of the Ancestral Puebloans. Visitors can explore cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and scenic trails.

23. Cabrillo National Monument, California

Located at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego, it commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo. Enjoy coastal views and tide pools.

24. Hovenweep National Monument, Utah/Colorado

Hovenweep preserves six prehistoric villages built by the Ancestral Puebloans. Visitors can see towers and cliff dwellings surrounded by desert landscapes.

25. Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Utah

This sacred Navajo site features one of the world’s largest natural bridges. Accessible by boat on Lake Powell or via hiking trails.

26. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Oregon

This monument is famous for its colorful rock formations and well-preserved fossil beds that tell the story of ancient life in North America.

27. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Colorado

Home to detailed fossilized plants and insects, this site gives insight into prehistoric ecosystems. Trails, guided tours, and a visitor center enhance the experience.

28. Aztec Ruins National Monument, New Mexico

This site preserves the remains of ancestral Puebloan buildings, with reconstructed rooms and interpretive trails.

29. Montezuma Castle National Monument, Arizona

Famous for its cliff dwellings, Montezuma Castle offers a glimpse into the Sinagua culture. Paved trails and interpretive signage make it an accessible site.

30. Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico

Chaco Canyon preserves ancient Puebloan structures and astronomical alignments. Hiking, stargazing, and ranger-led programs are highlights.

31. Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument, Nevada

This fossil site features Ice Age remains, offering guided tours and hiking trails through desert landscapes rich in paleontological history.

32. Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, Arizona

Preserving the “Great House,” a large pre-Columbian adobe structure, this monument offers visitor center exhibits and scenic walking trails.

33. Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Hawaii

This remote park preserves the history of the Kalaupapa leprosy settlement on Molokai. Visitors can learn about its cultural and medical history via guided tours.

34. Homestead National Monument of America, Nebraska

Commemorating the Homestead Act, this monument offers museum exhibits, walking trails, and educational programs about pioneer life.

35. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (including national monument areas), Hawaii

Home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, this park preserves active volcanic landscapes, lava flows, and native ecosystems. Hiking, lava viewing, and ranger programs are popular.

36. Aztec Ruins National Monument, New Mexico

(Repeated emphasis: consider combining with #28 for clarity.)

37. Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico

(Repeated emphasis: consider combining with #22.)

38. Fort Bowie National Historic Site, Arizona

Preserves the site of historic military forts from the Apache Wars. Hiking trails, historical exhibits, and guided tours provide insight into frontier history.

39. Petroglyph National Monument, New Mexico

Home to over 25,000 images carved by Native Americans and Spanish settlers, this site offers cultural insights, hiking trails, and guided programs.

40. White Sands National Monument (soon to be White Sands National Park), New Mexico

Famous for its massive gypsum sand dunes, it offers hiking, photography, and unique desert landscapes.

41. Curecanti National Recreation Area (Black Canyon of the Gunnison sections), Colorado

Though technically part of a recreation area, certain protected sections preserve dramatic canyon landscapes and the Gunnison River. Popular for hiking, fishing, and scenic drives.

42. Wrangell–St. Elias National Park & Preserve (Monument areas), Alaska

Part of the world’s largest national park, this area preserves glaciers, volcanoes, and historic mining sites. Visitors enjoy hiking, wildlife spotting, and mountaineering.

43. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, Montana

Commemorates the famous 1876 battle between U.S. troops and the Lakota-Cheyenne coalition. Visitors can explore the battlefield, visitor center, and memorials.

44. Fort Laramie National Historic Site, Wyoming

Preserves a key military and trading post of the 19th century. Visitors learn about westward expansion and Native American history through exhibits and ranger programs.

45. Aztec Ruins National Monument, New Mexico

Previously mentioned, but still a must-see for its reconstructed ancestral Puebloan structures. Consider merging for clarity.

46. Tumacácori National Historical Park, Arizona

Preserves Spanish colonial mission ruins. Offers guided tours and walking trails among historical architecture and landscapes.

47. Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, New Mexico

This site preserves the cliff homes of the Mogollon people. Visitors can explore the dwellings, hike scenic trails, and learn about the region’s history.

48. Pinnacles National Monument, California

(Already covered, consider merging for clarity.)

49. Chamizal National Memorial, Texas

Commemorates the peaceful resolution of the Chamizal boundary dispute between the U.S. and Mexico. Cultural events, exhibits, and walking trails enrich the visitor experience.

50. Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, New York

Honors the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman, the famed abolitionist. Includes museum exhibits, walking tours, and educational programs.

51. Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, New Hampshire

Celebrates the life and work of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, with gardens, museum exhibits, and artist studios to explore.

52. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Washington

Preserves the history of the Hudson’s Bay Company and early settlement in the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can tour reconstructed forts, museums, and cultural exhibits.

53. Keweenaw National Historical Park, Michigan

Preserves the copper mining history of the Upper Peninsula. Visitors can tour historic mining sites, museums, and scenic trails.

54. Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, South Dakota

This Cold War-era site preserves intercontinental ballistic missile silos and offers educational programs on nuclear deterrence history.

55. National Park of American Samoa (Monument areas), American Samoa

Protects coral reefs, rainforests, and Samoan culture. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, hiking, and learning about indigenous heritage.

56. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Maryland

Famous for inspiring the U.S. national anthem during the War of 1812. Visitors can explore the fort, museum, and historic ceremonies.

57. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (monument areas), Alaska/Washington

Preserves sites associated with the Gold Rush. Visitors explore historic buildings, exhibits, and interpretive trails in Skagway and Seattle.

58. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, Massachusetts

Preserves the heritage of the whaling industry and maritime history. Visitors can explore museums, historic homes, and waterfront exhibits.

59. Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, New Mexico

Preserves Spanish mission ruins and ancestral Puebloan sites. Hiking trails and visitor centers provide insight into colonial and native history.

60. Steamtown National Historic Site, Pennsylvania

This site preserves the history of steam railroading in America, with train exhibits, rides, and interactive programs.

61. Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, Kansas

This site commemorates the landmark Supreme Court case that ended racial segregation in U.S. public schools. Visitors can tour the Monroe Elementary School and museum exhibits.

62. Cape Krusenstern National Monument, Alaska

Preserves Arctic tundra, beaches, and archaeological sites dating back thousands of years. Ideal for birdwatching, hiking, and studying ancient native cultures.

63. Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Pennsylvania

Site of a key early battle in the French and Indian War. Visitors can explore the reconstructed fort, museum exhibits, and interpretive trails.

64. Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail (Monument areas), Multiple States

Commemorates the expedition of Lewis and Clark across the western U.S. Visitors can hike, bike, or drive segments and explore historical landmarks.

65. Whitman Mission National Historic Site, Washington

Preserves the site of the Whitman Mission, offering insights into early missionary work, Native American history, and pioneer life.

66. Brown’s Ranch Desert Monument, Arizona

Part of the Sonoran Desert National Monument, this area preserves historic ranching sites and desert landscapes. Visitors can hike and explore desert flora.

67. John Muir National Historic Site, California

Honors the life of John Muir, founder of the Sierra Club. Visitors can tour his home, explore trails, and learn about conservation history.

68. Fort Clatsop National Memorial, Oregon

Commemorates the winter encampment of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Visitors can explore replica structures, hiking trails, and interpretive programs.

69. Fort Davis National Historic Site, Texas

Preserves a frontier military post with historic buildings, hiking trails, and educational programs about the U.S. Army’s western frontier presence.

70. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, Ohio

Preserves earthworks and mounds built by the ancient Hopewell people. Visitors can hike trails, view archaeological sites, and learn about prehistoric Native cultures.

71. Minidoka National Historic Site, Idaho

Preserves the site of a Japanese-American internment camp during World War II. Educational exhibits and memorials honor the resilience of the internees.

72. Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park, West Virginia

Famous for John Brown’s raid and Civil War history, this park offers hiking, historical tours, and museums exploring early American industry and military history.

73. Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, New York

Home of President Theodore Roosevelt, featuring his residence, museum exhibits, and walking trails highlighting Roosevelt’s life and conservation efforts.

74. Fort Donelson National Battlefield, Tennessee

Preserves a key Civil War site with battlefields, museum exhibits, and ranger-led programs recounting military history.

75. Casa Blanca National Monument, Arizona

Preserves historic Pueblo structures and cultural landscapes. Visitors can explore interpretive trails and learn about ancestral Native American life.

76. Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, South Carolina

Honors the life of a Founding Father and signer of the U.S. Constitution. Visitors can explore his home, gardens, and historical exhibits.

77. Minute Man National Historical Park (monument areas), Massachusetts

Preserves sites of the opening battles of the American Revolutionary War. Hiking trails, historic buildings, and educational programs are available.

78. Hampton National Historic Site, Maryland

Preserves the historic Hampton Mansion and grounds, highlighting colonial and early American history. Guided tours and exhibits are available.

79. Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, Pennsylvania

Preserves an early American iron-making community. Visitors can tour restored buildings, blacksmith shops, and learn about 19th-century industrial history.

80. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Idaho

A volcanic landscape of lava flows, cinder cones, and unique geological features. Hiking, camping, and interpretive programs are highlights.