HideAcadia National ParkCoastal Views, Lush Forest Trails, and Historic Harbor Towns.17 . An Oceanarium, Whale Museum, Auto Museum, Natural History Museum, and the historic Abbe Museum attract visitors of all ages. Go
HideAspen ColoradoUnbeatable scenery meets posh mountain village.Mining history holds a strong presence in Aspen. If you want a taste for life back in the day, head to Independence and Ashcroft ghost towns as well as the Crystal Mill. Go
HideBend OregonLaid back community between snow-capped volcanoes and high desert plateau.7 . The historic Old Mill District is more about dining and shopping these days, but still great for an afternoon of exploration. Check out the High Desert Museum for a unique look at history and the John Day Fossil Beds offer a glimpse into our natural geolo Go
HideBig Sky MontanaThe Biggest Skiing in America, next door to Yellowstone National Park. Karst Camp and Historic Crail Ranch are the top two historical attractions in Big Sky. A little ways out of town you can visit the historic Virginia City or make the drive up to Bozeman to visit the well known Museum of the Rockies. Go
HideBlack Hills South DakotaHistoric Attractions, Scenic Drives, and the Wild West.21 . The Black Hills are literally filled with history and museums. Don't miss the Adam's House & Museum, the South Dakota Air & Space Museum which is fun for kids, and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum which is fun for big kids. Go
HideBozeman MontanaLively Ski Town near Mountainous Expanses and Wide Open Spaces.6 . Take some time to visit the Museum of the Rockies, especially if you are traveling with kids. The Gallatin Pioneer Museum also has some interesting exhibits and Virginia City is worth exploring on your way to or from town. Go
HideBreckenridge ColoradoHigh Alpine Ski Resorts in Authentic Laid Back Colorado.18 . There are enough ghost towns and historic sites in Summit County to keep history buffs busy for days. Don't miss a trip on the Georgetown Loop Train. Go
HideBryce Canyon National ParkSmall, unique, and colorful park. Easy to see in one day.The easily accessible Parowan Gap Petroglyphs are worth a side trip and the many artifacts at the Frontier Homestead Museum will be entertaining for kids and adults. Go
HideCody WyomingNightly Rodeo and the Wild West. You can easily spend a couple days at the Buffalo Bill Historic Center, but if you are up for more check out Old Trail Town and Miniature Village. Go
HideCrested Butte ColoradoRemote Mountain Town, Great Outdoors.2 . Just strolling the streets of downtown Crested Butte will give you a sense of the historic mining town it once was. Make sure to stop in at the Heritage Museum and the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. Go
HideEstes Park ColoradoEuropean Style at the Gateway to the Rockies.8 . Stroll the halls of the Stanley Hotel. Discover the strange collection at the Baldpate Inn Key Museum. Save some time for the MacGregor Ranch in Rocky Mountain National Park. Go
HideFlagstaff ArizonaGateway to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.6 . Spend a few hours at the Museum of Northern Arizona, explore the Elden Pueblo Ruins, and stroll through Riordan Mansion State Historic Park. Go
HideGlacier National ParkVast Mountain Valleys, Glacial Lakes, Epic Hikes, and Historic Lodges.4 . Start off with a visit to the Glacier Natural History Museum and Bookstore. If you have time, the Miracle of America Museum is a quirky side trip and the Conrad Mansion Museum holds some interesting artifacts and stories. Go
HideGrand Canyon National ParkVast, deep and awe-inspiring, from above and within.North of the Grand Canyon, Montezuma Castle National Monument is a must-see cliff dwelling. Also stop by Casa Grande Ruins or take a ride on the historic Grand Canyon Railway. Go
HideGrand Teton National ParkMountain Paradise with Hidden Gems around every Corner. Start your vacation at the Craig Thomas Discovery Center in the park. Historic park sites like the Cunningham Cabin and Mormon Row are definitely worth a visit. In Jackson, take the family to the National Museum of Wildlife Art and the Jackson Hole Histor Go
HideJackson Hole WyomingAdventure Capitol of the Rockies for Skiers, Families, and Cowboys.5 . Stop by the Jackson Hole History Museum, right near town square, and then make your way north to the National Museum of Wildlife Art, which has a fantastic kid's corner and views overlooking the Elk Refuge. Go
HideLake TahoeBeautiful lake. A dozen ski resorts. Active community. Lively nightlife.The Vikingsholm Castle and Watson Cabin are two nearby historic sites that are worth checking out. Go
HideLeavenworth WashingtonA taste of Germany in the heart of the Cascades.7 . Swing by the Apple Visitor Center for a taste of Washington's delicious fruit. If you have kids, a visit to the Nutcracker Museum might entertain them for a little bit. Go
HideMammoth CaliforniaHigh Alpine Lakes and Mountains in the Eastern Sierras.9 . Take a scenic drive to Bodie Ghost Town and take a step back in time. If you're a skier, make sure to check out the Mammoth Ski Museum and to see a little natural geological history in person, set some time aside for the Devils Postpile National Monument. Go
HideMcCall IdahoLakeside Recreation, a great Weekend Getaway.4 . After you swing into the Central Idaho History Museum, head to the historic town of Roseberry and then hop on the Thunder Mountain Train and take a step back in time. Go
HideMissoula Montana3 . Check out Fort Missoula, St. Mary's Mission, the Missoula Art Museum, the Daly Museum and the Museum of Mountain Flying. Go
HideMoab Utah3 . Some of the most interesting attractions in the area are ancient cliff dwellings and rock art sites. Don't miss Newspaper Rock, Mesa Verde National Park, or the Mule Canyon Ruins. Go
HideMount Hood OregonA huge mountain bordering a huge river. Something for every season and every visitor.4 . To get a taste for Hood River history, take a scenic ride aboard the Mount Hood Train and make sure to explore the interior of the Timberline Lodge. Go
HideOlympic National ParkSecluded rainforest, rocky Pacific beaches, hidden glaciers and snow capped peaks.10 . The many lighthouses that line the coast are always picture worthy. Make some time for a stop at the Makah Cultural Center as well. Go
HidePark City UtahLuxury Ski Destination with Lively Annual Festivals.Stroll through historic downtown Park City and then head to the Alf Engen Ski Museum. If you have time, take a ride on the historic Heber Valley Railroad. Go
HidePrescott ArizonaLively downtown with many outdoor opportunities.7 . Start with a tour of downtown and maybe a few stops along Whiskey Row. Also not to be missed is the nearby Montezuma Castle. Go
HideRed Lodge MontanaSmall western town near Beartooth Pass and the great outdoors. 5 . The historic district of downtown Red Lodge can easily entertain for an afternoon or evening. Go
HideRocky Mountain National ParkLush Valleys, Jagged Peaks, High Alpine Wilderness.The Estes Park History Museum is a must-see for any visitor, but take some time to wander the historic halls of the Stanley Hotel as well. Go
HideSan Juan IslandsKiller Whales, Quaint Villages with Ocean Vistas Only Accessible by Boat or Plane4 . Check out the sites of the American and English Camps for a little history and then stop by the Whale Museum with the kids. Go
HideSedona ArizonaA spiritual oasis in the heart of the northern Arizona desert.10 . Nearby ruins like Montezuma's Castle, Honanki, and Palatki are great destinations for day trips. Go
HideSteamboat Springs ColoradoFamily Friendly Western Hospitality.1 . Stroll through historic downtown Steamboat Springs and make some time for either the Depot Art Center or the Tread of Pioneers Museum Go
HideSun Valley IdahoChic downtown, family friendly skiing, nearby hiking, biking and fishing.Spend an afternoon at the Ketchum Sun Valley Heritage & Ski Museum. Go
HideTelluride ColoradoRemote Mountains and Historic Charm.3 . Downtown Telluride has many interesting historic buildings and can easily keep you busy for a full day. For a fun day trip, take the Silverton Durango Train. Go
HideVail ColoradoCharming European Village and World Renowned Skiing.2 . The Colorado Ski Museum makes for an interesting couple of hours. Go
HideWest Yellowstone MontanaYellowstone Basecamp and Snowmobiling Mecca.4 . Take a day trip to the historic Virginia City or explore the Railroad Ranch in Harriman State Park. Go
HideWhitefish MontanaFlathead Lake and an Outdoorsy Lifestyle in Far North Montana.7 . A few museums are located right in town. On a rainy day check out the Flathead Indian Museum and the Miracle of America Museum. Go
HideWinter Park ColoradoWide open spaces for all outdoor recreation.There are a number of old mines near Winter Park but we also suggest taking a ride on the Georgetown Loop Train. Go
HideYellowstone National ParkView Wildlife and Geysers in America's 1st National Park.4 . There are a number of visitor centers in Yellowstone. The new Old Faithful Education Center should be on the top of your list and the Canyon Visitor Center has a number of interesting exhibits as well. Go
HideYosemite National ParkMassive granite walls, stunning waterfalls, endless trails.Make some time for history in Yosemite by visiting the Yosemite Chapel, the Yosemite Museum & Indian Village, the historic Ahwahnee Hotel, and Park Cemetery or take a step back in time on the Yosemite Mountain Train in Sugar Pine. Go
HideZion National ParkMassive canyons, brilliant red rock, lush oases. 9 . The Zion Human History Museum is located right in the park. Spend a hot afternoon in this air conditioned museum. Go
B.J.'s little secret:The Grand Canyon is the quintessential landmark for natural history in North America. The astounding geological and early human past sings from every bend in the Canyon.More on Museums & History in Grand Canyon National Park >>Top Pick: Grand Canyon National Park
Dan suggests:Sedona is within easy range of several historic sites, like Palatki/Honanki Ruins, V-Bar-V petroglyphs, Tuzigoot National Monument, and Montezuma Castle, with ancient cliff dwellings perched high above a lush river valley.More on Museums & History in Sedona Arizona >>Top Pick: Sedona Arizona
Dan's been there:Sedona is near newer historic areas like Fort Verde and the mining town of Jerome, Arizona. Be sure to visit the excellent new Red Rock Visitor Center just south of Oak Creek Village, and the Sedona Heritage Museum.More on Museums & History in Sedona Arizona >>Top Pick: Sedona Arizona
Lisa gives props:Stop by Montezuma's Castle on the way for an amazing view of Arizona history.More on Museums & History in Sedona Arizona >>Top Pick: Sedona Arizona
Dan gives props:Interesting historic sites on Lake Tahoe include Vikingsholm Castle and Thunderbird Lodge. Reno, Carson City, and historic Virginia City offer a variety of California history, with a focus the Gold Rush era of the Old West.More on Museums & History in Lake Tahoe >>Top Pick: Lake Tahoe
B.J. gives props:The historic downtown of Telluride, including a Colorado museum, is one of the most beautiful towns in all of the West.More on Museums & History in Telluride Colorado >>Top Pick: Telluride Colorado
Drew suggests:Great mining history!More on Museums & History in Aspen Colorado >>Top Pick: Aspen Colorado
Dan's tidbit:Any trip to Acadia will involve visiting Bar Harbor or other Mount Desert Island towns. Old ports, historic points, museums await travelers on Maine's coastline. Bar Harbor, Belfast, Camden, and Rockport are our favorites.More on Museums & History in Acadia National Park >>Top Pick: Acadia National Park
Lauryn's been there:The Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary is open dawn to dusk year round and is free. If you are a bird lover - this is your place. The owls are my favorite - they are amazing animals. More on Museums & History in Acadia National Park >>Top Pick: Acadia National Park
Dan knows:The IMAX and Grizzly/Wolf Center are a nice touch. The roof of the town library makes for some wild skiing!More on Museums & History in West Yellowstone Montana >>Top Pick: West Yellowstone Montana
Dan's little secret:The Oregon Trail route, Lewis and Clark explorations, the Hayden Expedition into Yellowstone, and dinosaur fossils ... all in Bozeman's outstanding Museum of the Rockies. Tip: visit Virginia City gold mining town!More on Museums & History in Bozeman Montana >>Top Pick: Bozeman Montana
Lisa gives props:The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is very well done. The animals here have been saved and it doesn't make you feel like you are at an amusement park. The IMAX is also pretty cool too.More on Museums & History in West Yellowstone Montana >>Top Pick: West Yellowstone Montana
Carli wants you to know:The Imax theater, the West Yellowstone Visitors Center and Grizzly and Wolf Center are great nearby Montana museums. Always interesting.More on Museums & History in West Yellowstone Montana >>Top Pick: West Yellowstone Montana
Carli knows:Downtown Bozeman claims a lot of history and historic places so that area alone makes this a good choice for learning about Montana history.More on Museums & History in Bozeman Montana >>Top Pick: Bozeman Montana
Mike's good word:Since the Bozeman Trail was created as an off-chute from the pioneering Oregon Trail, lots of early settlement history exists in Bozeman. The Museum of the Rockies and the National Computer Museum are great too!More on Museums & History in Bozeman Montana >>Top Pick: Bozeman Montana
Dan crushed it:The Columbia River Gorge features many Oregon museums and historic points. Portland isn't far away if you need more. Check out the dams and head up Mount Hood for a peak at the historic Timberline Lodge!More on Museums & History in Mount Hood Oregon >>Top Pick: Mount Hood Oregon
Alyson's little secret:Where the west was first won by the likes of Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickok, et al. Deadwood capitalizes on this history in every lodging property, restaurant, and casino. Great museums and historic sites throughout.More on Museums & History in Black Hills South Dakota >>Top Pick: Black Hills South Dakota
Dan suggests:Perhaps the strongest appeal of the Black Hills is its rich western history. Old mining towns like Deadwood, museums and memorials such as Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. We really enjoyed the old fish hatchery in Spearfish.More on Museums & History in Black Hills South Dakota >>Top Pick: Black Hills South Dakota
Carli gives props:Tons' of historic sites in the Black Hills. Visit Mount Rushmore, as well as nearby caves, gold mines, and ghost towns.More on Museums & History in Black Hills South Dakota >>Top Pick: Black Hills South Dakota
Carli crushed it:Coupled with the areas surrounding Park City, this is one of the top historical sites. It is filled with mining, art, Mormon, railroad, and ski history of Utah.More on Museums & History in Park City Utah >>Top Pick: Park City Utah
Drew suggests:Much of Utah's storied past happened in Zion National Park!More on Museums & History in Zion National Park >>Top Pick: Zion National Park
Dan wants you to go:From Native American cultural attractions like the Makah Center, to historic lighthouses, maritime and wildlife museums, the Olympic Peninsula offers up a wealth of diverse historical and geographical perspectives.More on Museums & History in Olympic National Park >>Top Pick: Olympic National Park
Carli's tip:It is historical in itself as one of the first national parks in history. Everywhere you turn is a piece of history. Try the visitors centers too!!More on Museums & History in Yellowstone National Park >>Top Pick: Yellowstone National Park
Carli gives props:More on Museums & History in Grand Teton National Park >>Top Pick: Grand Teton National Park
Carli's tidbit:The historical museum, the Wildlife Art Museum, and art galleries: art is no small feat here.More on Museums & History in Jackson Hole Wyoming >>Top Pick: Jackson Hole Wyoming
Alyson suggests:Mormon Row at Dornan's.More on Museums & History in Grand Teton National Park >>Top Pick: Grand Teton National Park
Alyson's good word:The Buffalo Bill Historical Center makes me feel like I get a true understanding of the American History of the West. It is an absolutely amazing and cool way to spend a day!More on Museums & History in Cody Wyoming >>Top Pick: Cody Wyoming
Lisa's been there:The Jackson Hole History Museum is worth a visit but you'll also find a number of older buildings around town and in Grand Teton National Park.More on Museums & History in Jackson Hole Wyoming >>Top Pick: Jackson Hole Wyoming
Chris's good word:The National Museum of Wildlife Art is an acclaimed Wyoming museum and the unique architecture makes it worth the visit alone.More on Museums & History in Jackson Hole Wyoming >>Top Pick: Jackson Hole Wyoming
Chris suggests:The Wyoming museums that make up the Buffalo Bill Historical Center are immense, and are a great resource to discovering the story of the West. You don't have to be a history buff to enjoy this museum.More on Museums & History in Cody Wyoming >>Top Pick: Cody Wyoming
Dan's little secret:The legacy of William "Buffalo Bill" Cody lives on in the outstanding Buffalo Bill Historical Center. Learn about the area's natural history, native American culture, and western art. Check out the firearms museum as well.More on Museums & History in Cody Wyoming >>Top Pick: Cody Wyoming
