Top 10 | Places to See Wildlife

Top Destinations for Wildlife Viewing

One of the best ways to enjoy the unique natural features of the United States is to enjoy wildlife viewing. You can find amazing wildlife viewing all around you, even if you live in the city you can enjoy wildlife in nearby parks and wilderness areas outside of the city landscape. If you want a wildlife watching experience, here are a few great destinations to see some of the most spectacular animals and other wildlife in the country.

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Located in Southwestern Texas, Big Bend National Park is an amazing place to experience the natural wonders of Texas. You can experience the Chihuahuan Desert and the Rio Grande River as well as other environments. Within Big Bend National Park you can take the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, or enjoy the Old Maverick Road. The Castolon HIstoric District has exhibits and some historic adobe buildings. Of course every visitor to the Big Bend National Park should stop at Santa Elena Canyon and go for a float down the Rio Grande. While exploring these regions visitors should watch for mountain lions, which live throughout the park, even in the Chihuahuan Desert.

Channel Islands National Park, California

The Channel Islands are an amazing archipelago off the coast of California. Visitors will enjoy a wide variety of both land and water activities. The park protects five of the eight islands of the archipelago's eight islands. These islands make up an impotent aspect of California's environment. They are an amazing ocean environment. Within the protection of this national park there are a wide variety of wildlife, natural and cultural resources. On the islands visitors should keep an eye out for seals, sea lions, dolphins, the island fox, spotted skunk and many more. The Visitor Center's located in Santa Barbara and Ventura are a great destination for the whole family to learn about the history of the islands. Then visitors can enjoy a short, but exciting boat trip to the islands, spend time watching for whales, go hiking, enjoy island camping and much more.

Denali National Park, Alaska

This National Park is a stunning place to enjoy Alaska's Wilderness. Visitors can reach the park by the Alaska Railroad, by bus or on the single road entrance to the park. Once in the park visitors should stop at the various Visitor Centers. Denali Visitor Center is the main source of information for the park and is the starting point for most ranger-led programs. The park has 6 million acres of wild land and is open year round, but only in the summer months do the snow and ice loosen their hold on the park. Visitors to Denali National Park can visit the Savage Day-use Area, enjoy backpacking, mountaineering, wildlife viewing and much, much more. When wildlife viewing visitors should keep an eye out for some of Alaska's amazing animals including caribou, sheep, wolves, grizzly bears, moose and more.

Everglades National Park, Florida

The Everglades are one of the United State's true treasures and camping in Florida is a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of the sun and beaches of the southeast. Everglades National Park covers over 1.5 million acres, making it the largest park in the lower 48 states, and it preserves some of the most unique environments in Florida and the United States. You can enjoy hiking, fishing, canoe and kayaking, boating and much more. Within these unique ecosystems there are all sorts of wildlife, visitors should watch for the many species of bird and learn to identify crocodiles and alligators. The Everglades are the only place in the world where crocodiles and alligators coexist. Features to be sure not to miss include the Shark Valley Trail, Whitewater Bay, Shark Valley Slough and more.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park is a gateway to the wild beauty of western Montana. Families camping in Montana will find an abundance of campgrounds, lakes, rivers, forests and more to explore whether in or out of Glacier National Park. Glacier, preserves some of the beautiful wilderness of Montana and is a good starting point for campers looking for adventure. Throughout the park there are opportunities for hiking, biking, backpacking and boating among other things. While enjoying these recreational activities visitors should keep an eye out for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, grizzly bears and even gray wolves. Beyond the trails, recreation and wildlife watching, Glacier National Park also has beautiful park lodges, with a fascinating history.

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

Isle Royale is one of the United States special parks. The islands isolation means that it is only accessible by boat. Once there, you can enjoy the wilderness that has been protected by its isolation. Because of its isolation the island has a unique ecosystem and visitors can see the few mammals that live on the island including moose, wolves and more. The island has a beautiful, rugged coast that can be explored by canoe or kayak. You can also explore the island by hiking its many trails. Another unique feature of the island are the shipwrecks, which can also be explored.

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Mammoth Cave is the longest known cave system in the world. To date, 390 miles of the system have been explored. The first step in a visit to Mammoth Cave is a cave tour to see the amazing cave system in person. Throughout out the park there are many points of interest to explore, including Cedar Sink, The Big Woods, Sloan's Crossing Pond, Cathedral Domes, Cave Island, Frozen Niagara and more. Without spending at least a day or two at Mammoth Cave National Park, you won't be able to visit many of the amazing sights that can be found within the park. While exploring the amazing cave system visitors should be sure to watch for the bat populations that call these dark caverns home, including gray, red and brown varieties.Mammoth Cave National Park also has plenty of opportunities for recreation, camping, water recreation and more.

Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park is a great destination for families to explore the wild beauty of the Washington peninsula and coast. At this park visitors will find beautiful beaches, a rain forest, mountains and more. Children will love the wild coast line, with amazing beaches, and plenty of fascinating sea life and more. Olympic National Park is home to deer, cougar, bears, eagles, Roosevelt and even giant slugs. The whole family will love the many hiking trails, the wild beauty of the beaches throughout the park, the wildlife within the forest and mountains and the amazing Sol Duc Hot Springs.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park is a stunning introduction into the beautiful Rocky Mountains. During the summer months, when the weather is at its best, the Rocky Mountain National Park really allows visitors to Colorado to experience all of the nature and wildlife of the Rocky Mountains. The park has an amazing array of trails that take hikers into the backcountry of the Rocky Mountains. Campers should be sure to look out for elk, bighorn sheep, coyotes and many other species of wildlife. Two great places with views of the wildlife are the Trail Ridge Road and Horseshoe Park.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho

Yellowstone National Park is the nation's first national park, and it has an amazing array of natural splendors great for exploration and discovery with the whole family. Visitors can start at one of the Visitor Centers to learn about the abundant wildlife of Yellowstone. Children will love keeping an eye out for elk, and bison while driving and hiking through the park. Beyond bison and elk, Yellowstone is home to moose, lynx, wolverines, gray wolves and bears. In addition, Yellowstone has some amazing natural features and thermal areas including Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin and the mud pots at Artist Paint Pots.