Can You Guess Your State Based on This One Natural Wonder?
It's time to put your memories of Mother Nature to the ultimate test.
From sea to shining sea, the United States is home to a plethora of natural wonders for citizens and visitors alike to revel in. No matter which state you call home, it's likely that it contains at least one natural wonder, a park, waterfall, or even cave that has become a favorite destination. To test your appreciation for the landscapes and landmarks in your home state—and in America in general—we've come up with a quiz that offers you the opportunity to guess each state based off of a picture of its most beloved natural wonder.
Where are these stunning river lilies located?
Hint: You'll find these picturesque plants in one of the most iconic waterways in this state.
In Alabama!
Located in the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, the aquatic Cahaba lily can only be spotted in Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Where are these falls found?
Hint: Part of these falls also exist in Canada.
In New York!
According to Marriot on the Falls, approximately 30 million people visit Niagara Falls each year.
Where can you find this enchanting national park?
Hint: It's located in the historic state that also housed the very first English settlement.
In Virginia!
With more than 500 miles of trails, Shenandoah National Park is one of the best places in America to go hiking.
In which state can you find this natural pool?
Hint: Like everything else in this state, this natural pool is bigger than your typical swimming hole.
In Texas!
The Hamilton Pool Preserve in Texas features a beautiful limestone enclave and breathtaking natural falls.
In which state can this supreme lookout spot be found?
Hint: This state's natural wonder—an immensely popular tourist destination—is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States.
In New Hampshire!
New Hampshire's Mount Washington is known for experiencing strange and violent weather. In fact, the natural wonder currently holds the record for highest measured wind speed not associated with a tornado or tropical cyclone.
Where is this celebrated peak located?
Hint: On your way to this mountain top, you'll traverse through volcanic landscapes and bamboo forests.
In Hawaii!
From rugged summits to breathtaking coastlines, the Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii is home to a truly stunning range of natural wonders.
Where is this surreal national park located?
Hint: You'll find just as many carved historic statues as you will natural wonders in this state.
In South Dakota!
Located in southwestern South Dakota, Badlands National Park is made up of striking geological deposits, many of which have formed mysterious and ruggedly beautiful landscapes over time.
Where is this underground oasis hidden?
Hint: In this state, you can also learn all there is to know about one of the most iconic baseball bats.
In Kentucky!
Spanning more than 400 miles underground, Mammoth Cave National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state of Kentucky.
In which state can this natural arch be found?
Hint: The scenic views here are far from cheese-y!
In Wisconsin!
Consisting of 21 islands and tens of thousands of acres of shoreline, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore charms visitors with its lighthouses, quaint towns, and beautiful wildlife.
Where can this natural rock formation be found?
Hint: Many people who visit this rock formation—and the state in which it's found in general—end up with serious altitude sickness.
In Colorado!
This rock formation, called Garden of the Gods, almost became a designated spot for a beer garden until a surveyor remarked that it was surely a "fit place for the Gods to assemble."
Where is this stunning glacial lake located?
Hint: Though the state that this lake is located in is the fourth largest in the U.S. in terms of size, it is only the 44th largest in terms of population.
In Montana!
In Montana's Glacier National Park, the Grinnell Glacier is a very popular attraction, seeing as it's one of the only remaining glaciers in the park.
In which state is this scenic park located?
Hint: This park provides refuge for endangered species like the manatee, the American crocodile, and the panther.
In Florida!
Found on the very southern tip of Florida, the Everglades National Park is a protected swampland that gives visitors a glimpse of the state's natural habitats.
Where can this state park be found?
Hint: This scenic park is located just outside of Athens.
In Ohio!
Located in southwestern Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park boasts a number of impressive sights, ranging from deep waterfalls to towering cliffs.
Where can this famous canyon be found?
Hint: This state is also a popular place for hitting the slopes.
In Utah!
In Utah, you'll find Bryce Canyon, a national park containing a stunning series of spire-shaped rock formations.
Where is this wildlife preserve?
Hint: Though the majority of this state is swamplands, it's more often associated in people's minds with beignets and Fat Friday.
In Louisiana!
Barataria Preserve, located outside of New Orleans, is home to scenic wetlands, dirt trails, and wildlife, like alligators and turtles.
Where is this towering natural wonder located?
Hint: An overwhelming majority of the famous Yellowstone National Park is also located in this square-shaped state.
In Wyoming!
According to the National Park Service, this natural landmark got its name—Devils Tower—after an army commander allegedly misinterpreted the true Native American name for the towering monument. Interestingly, Devils Tower is the first national monument ever established in the States.
In which state can you find this scenic beach?
Hint: Pictured above, Haystack Rock is considered an iconic image in this state.
In Oregon!
Many visitors to the state of Oregon seek out Cannon Beach and its surrounding quaint towns in search of that special Pacific Northwest ambiance.
Where can this famous rock be found?
Hint: In this state, you might buy a big rock if you get lucky!
In Nevada!
Not far from the wild deserts of Nevada is Bonsai Rock, a large boulder known for the four tiny trees growing out of a crack in its shell.
Where are these sandy dunes located?
Hint: After visiting these dunes, you can head to this state's famous speedway and catch a race.
In Indiana!
Hikers traversing the Indiana Dunes National Park can enjoy 50 miles of wetlands, prairies, sand, and ocean.
Where can you see this natural display of lights?
Hint: This state is famous for being the primary backdrop of Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild.
In Alaska!
One of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the United States is Fairbanks, Alaska, a city located just 150 miles south of the Arctic Circle.
Where can this idyllic spot be found?
Hint: The state that houses this curious preserve is infamously difficult to spell.
In Mississippi!
Cypress Preserve is a "natural Delta treasure" that (unsurprisingly) contains a large population of Cypress trees and is home to many local Mississippi bird species.
In which state can these natural falls be found?
Hint: This state is also home to natural wonders like Niagara Cave and Artist's Point.
In Minnesota!
Gooseberry Falls, located in Gooseberry Falls State Park, is one of the most sought-out natural areas in the state of Minnesota.
Where is this rocky shore located?
Hint: You can find this stone-lined shoreline in the smallest state in America.
In Rhode Island!
Located along the eastern shore of Newport, Rhode Island, the Newport Cliff Walk provides visitors with spectacular views of rugged coastline, the Atlantic Ocean, and centuries-old New England mansions.
In which state can this gorge be found?
Hint: This gorge is known as this state's "Grand Canyon."
In Pennsylvania!
Carved into a portion of north-central Pennsylvania is Pine Creek Gorge; its spectacular views have earned it the nickname "The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania."
Where is this sandy destination located?
Hint: Here's hoping that the aliens of Roswell leave you alone on your trip to this natural wonder.
In New Mexico!
Deep in the Chihuahuan Desert is White Sands National Monument, an eerily spectacular and sparkling destination made of white gypsum.
Where are these falls located?
Hint: You can find these famous falls in Yosemite National Park.
In California!
If you plan on visiting Yosemite Falls, do so during the month of May when the falls are at their peak flow.
And in which state are these falls found?
Hint: You'll want to visit this natural wonder sooner rather than later.
In Oklahoma!
Turner Falls is the Sooner State's largest waterfall and a haven for family-friendly adventure.
Where is this natural wonder on full display?
Hint: This state is often confused with the country's capital.
In Washington!
Standing at an impressive 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier is an iconic geographical feature in the state of Washington.
Where can this natural rock formation be found?
Hint: In this natural wonder's home state, you'll also find one of the country's biggest—though inedible—coffee beans.
In Illinois!
Located in Illinois's Shawnee National Forest, the Garden of the Gods—different from the one in Colorado—is a recreational space that features unique sandstone rock formations and panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.
Where can this impressive display of cactuses be discovered?
Hint: This state is also home to the equally impressive Antelope Canyon.
In Arizona!
Found in Tucson, Arizona, Saguaro National Park is home to the nation's largest cactus: the Saguaro cactus.
In which state can you find these colorful hills?
Hint: John Denver is a big fan of the state where these hills are found.
In West Virginia!
Also known simply as The Glades, the Cranberry Glades are a cluster of five boreal-type bogs found in the aptly-named Pocahontas County.
Where is this scenic coast located?
Hint: This state is the backdrop for most Nicholas Sparks novels.
In North Carolina!
In the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the historic and beautiful Cape Hatteras is chock full of rugged coastlines and memorable landmarks like the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
Where can this natural lookout point be found?
Hint: This Instagrammable landmark is located within the Ozark National Forest.
In Arkansas!
Fun fact: According to the Buffalo Outdoor Center, Disney filmed the opening to Tuck Everlasting at Whitaker Point.
Where is this breathtaking gorge located?
Hint: This small state is home to some of our favorite ice cream.
In Vermont!
Vermont's Quechee State Park, home to Quechee Gorge, is a popular destination for New Englanders who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and camping, when they're not consuming Ben & Jerry's ice cream.
Where can you find these colorful bluffs?
Hint: This natural site is almost as peachy as the fruit that its state is known for.
In Georgia!
Found in southern Georgia, Providence Canyon offers visitors a colorful look at the state's geological past—literally. All over the canyon's walls, you'll find pleasing hues of pink, orange, red, and purple.
Where is this underwater cavern located?
Hint: It's quite possible that Elvis Presley once visited this natural wonder, seeing as his estate is located in the same state.
In Tennessee!
Tennessee's Lost Sea is part of an even larger historic cave system called the Craighead Caverns.
In which state can these falls be found?
Hint: You'll also find one of the most prestigious colleges in the country in this northern state.
In Connecticut!
Connecticut's Kent Falls State Park houses a series of falls and cascading waterways that all lead into Kent Falls.
Where can this natural wonder be found?
Hint: This state's national park, pictured above, is named after the American president who championed the birth of the American parks system.
In North Dakota!
Named after former American president Theodore Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is comprised of 70,000 acres of gorgeous rock formations and other natural wonders.
Where are these giant rocks located?
Hint: You can easily recognize this state's most iconic city skyline by the giant arch that takes up most of it.
In Missouri!
Elephant Rocks State Park, located in southeastern Missouri, is named after the natural granite structures along its wooded trails that are said to resemble elephants.
Where can this cape be found?
Hint: This state was the first of the original 13 to validate the Constitution.
In Delaware!
In 1682, William Penn, an explorer and eventual proprietor of the state of Pennsylvania, proclaimed that Cape Henlopen in Lewes, Delaware, would be a public land and that its natural resources would be used to help early settlers thrive, according to the Delaware State Parks website.
In which state can this enormous tree be found?
Hint: This state is home to a famous port city that attracts millions of tourists every year.
In South Carolina!
The Angel Oak Tree, located on Johns Island, is estimated to be around 500 years old. Similar to its historic surroundings, this tree has been the subject of many folktales over the years, including several ghost stories revolving around its former owners.
Where are these giant falls hidden?
Hint: This natural destination is located in the aptly-named city of Twin Falls.
In Idaho!
Often referred to as the "Niagara of the West," Shoshone Falls stands at an impressive 212 feet high on the Snake River in southern Idaho.
Where can these cliffs be found?
Hint: Bruce Springsteen often croons about how much he loves this state.
In New Jersey!
Also called the New Jersey Palisades, the Palisades are a line of steep cliffs that jut out of the Hudson River along the border of New Jersey and New York. From certain angles, hikers trekking along the Palisades can enjoy the occasional view of New York City from across the Hudson River.
Where can you catch a glimpse of these panoramic views?
Hint: The pictured park has become a popular destination to take in sweeping views of the Mississippi River.
In Iowa!
Pikes Peak State Park in Iowa, one of the most photographed destinations in the state, offers a seemingly endless bounty of natural beauty with its rich forests and rocky bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River.
Where can this unique rock be discovered?
Hint: One of this state's most famous cities shares its name with a famously honest president.
In Nebraska!
Chimney Rock, located near the southern edge of the North Platte River Valley, is a natural geological formation that was used as a recognizable landmark for early settlers migrating out West, according to the National Park Service. Today, visitors to Chimney Rock revel in both its towering presence and historic importance.
Where can this famous national park be found?
Hint: The rugged shorelines that make up this national park might have inspired a certain local author while on his quest to find the most captivating setting for his chilling tales.
In Maine!
Maine's Acadia Natural Park preserves the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands in America. In this national park, it isn't a rarity to catch a glimpse of a wild moose, bear, or whale on any given day.
Where can you find this iconic rock?
This state's former capital is known as "Motor City."
In Michigan!
Most Michigan residents (and out-of-state travelers) can attest to the fact that Turnip Rock in Lake Huron is the most idyllic kayaking destination in the Midwest.
Where can these rocks be found?
Hint: Along with this landmark, this particular state boasts the presence of other natural wonders such as the Big Basin Preserve, Rock City, and Baldwin Woods.
In Kansas!
The Monument Rocks landmark in western Kansas was selected by the United States Department of the Interior as a National Natural Landmark in 1968, according to Washburn University.
Where does this seashore exist?
Hint: Along this shoreline, visitors can drive past the historic Kennedy Compound.
In Massachusetts!
Spanning a number of miles along Massachusetts's shoreline, the Cape Cod National Seashore is a popular getaway for New Englanders who wish to relax in the sand, surf, and enjoy the quaint villages along this coast.
Where can you find this beach teeming with wild horses?
Hint: The northern entrance for this state's park is only 8 miles from Ocean City.
In Maryland!
Assateague Island National Seashore is an island chock full of breathtaking beaches and wild horses. And if you're looking for something to further fuel your wanderlust, don't miss these 20 Hotels So Outrageous You Won't Believe They're Real.
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