The Most Scenic Nature Getaways in Every State

Illinois: Garden of the Gods

Devil's Smoke Stack, Anvil Rock, Camel Rock... those are the names of just a few of the one-of-a-kind rock formations that make up the Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest. Sculpted by wind, rain and other elements over 320 million years ago, the sandstone structures are completely climbable, making this nature getaway a sort of natural playground for all ages.

Indiana: Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Who knew land-locked Indiana has a beach that rivals those along the Atlantic coast? On the shore of Lake Michigan, you'll find over a mile of grassy rolling dunes, the largest of which is Mount Baldy. Hike to the top of this "living" dune (it moves about four feet every year) for incredible views of the glistening lake.

Iowa: Maquoketa Caves

Step into Maquoketa Caves and you'll feel like you stepped into a South American rainforest. Whether you're walking the paved trail through the most popular Dancehall Cave which was originally formed by a glacier or slipping on a headlamp and getting dirty in one of the lesser-known caves, there are plenty of hidden nooks and crannies to explore.

Michigan: Kitch-iti-Kipi

Native Americans originally named this freshwater spring (the largest in Michigan) "Mirror of Heaven"—and we can understand why. Over 10,000 gallons of icy cold water (it's a constant 45 degrees) rush into the limestone pool each day where the captivating emerald colored water is so crystal clear, you can see the bottom of the spring 40 feet down from aboard the raft.

Minnesota: Palisade Head

For one of the most breathtaking views in the whole Midwest (and maybe even the country), make the journey to Palisade Head. The steep cliff, along Minnesota's rocky north shore, was formed by a lava flow billions of years ago and is now a great place to soak in the Sawtooth Mountains in the distance looming over the deep blue waters of Lake Superior.

Nebraska: Platte River

The Platte River, with its twists and turns through wetland meadows, is worth a trip no matter at any time of the year. But if you visit in early March, you're in for a spectacular show courtesy of Mother Nature. That's when over 500,000 sandhill cranes descend on the river as part of their annual migration. It's almost magical between the gentle rustle of flapping wings and rushing water and the silhouettes of the graceful birds dotting the riverfront.

North Carolina: Chimney Rock

The name says it all—this 535 million-year-old granite formation is shaped just like a chimney. As if the massive rock isn't enough, climb to the top and you'll be treated to an incredible view of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains including Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge as you stand 2,280 feet above sea level.

North Dakota: Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Badlands buttes, grassy prairies, dramatic canyons... this national park has it all. Whether you want to trek the backcountry trails or drive the 36-mile scenic loop, you'll linger over panoramas of colorful rock structures jutting out of the ground and wild bison grazing in the rolling fields. It's no surprise this was its namesake president's favorite place to spend time.

Oregon: Crater Lake

Oregon has almost too many beautiful scenic spots from its rugged coastline to its magnificent mountains. One favorite among outdoors adventurers is Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the entire world. Observe the picturesque scene from the 2,000-foot tall rim or hike down to the water's edge—either way, you'll be reminded of the power and wonder of Mother Nature as you take in everything from the tree-studded island in the middle of the lake to the incredible blue color of the water itself.

Rhode Island: Mohegan Bluffs

Rhode Island might be the smallest state but its scenic nature getaways certainly have a big impact. Take the dramatic Mohegan Bluffs on Block Island, for example. From the top of the steep clay cliffs, you can see all the way to Montauk as you listen to the waves crashing against the rocky outcrops 200 feet below. You can also descend the 141 stairs to the bottom to frolic in the refreshing Atlantic surf.

South Carolina: Hunting Island

Escape the hustle and bustle of the summer crowds on the windswept beaches of this lesser-known island off the coast of South Carolina. Go shelling during low tide (you just might find some shark's teeth!) or meander through the Lowcountry lagoons that lie further inland.

South Dakota: Badlands National Park

Now, this is the Wild West at its best. Post up on "The Wall" to take in the vast valley of the Badlands, boasting colorful buttes, rock spires, and steep canyons carved by millions of years of erosion. Then hike the Fossil Trail and look for the hundreds of animal fossils and skeletons preserved in layers of rock at the foot of the hills.

Utah: Bryce Canyon

Bryce is unlike any canyon of its kind with hundreds of uniquely shaped "hoodoos" lining its floor. Enjoy these red rock formations, which the Paiute Indians thought to be men who had been turned to stone, from the Rim Trail above or hike into the canyon itself through dense bristlecone pine trees (the oldest trees in the world!) and a rainbow of orange-pink hues.

Vermont: Lake Willoughby

Referred to by the locals as "America's Lucerne," this serene lake bordered by striking mountains looks like something straight out of northern Europe. Sculpted by glacial rivers, Lake Willoughby is now home to a wide variety of wildlife from the trout swimming through its deep waters to the occasional peregrine falcon you might spot flying overhead.

Virginia: Natural Bridge

High above babbling Cedar Creek stands the 215-feet tall Natural Bridge. Carved out of limestone by nature's own forces, the bridge is a sight to behold nestled deep in the overgrowth of the forest—in fact, Thomas Jefferson was so in awe of it, he purchased it for himself in the 1700s. Pro tip: Continue along the trail at the base of the bridge to see the swelling Lace Falls.

Washington: Blanca Lake

This vivid turquoise body of water hidden in the Cascade Mountains is one of Washington State's best-kept secrets. A cascading waterfall dumps blue water from the surrounding glaciers into the lake as snow-capped peaks look on in the distance. It's only accessible by a more intermediate hike but you can kick back on the south shore under the pines and snack on wild huckleberries before heading home.