On our state-by-state adventure, we love visiting quaint national park sites that allow us to enjoy magnificent locations without the crowds. While the popular national parks around the country are certainly worth visiting, there are many national park sites that fly under the radar. And although we haven’t yet explored them all, we’ve been to more than 100 NPS sites, giving us some insight into the variety and scope of what’s out there. This list offers options that appeal to nature lovers and history buffs alike. So no matter your interests, we think these are some quaint national park sites not to miss when you’re out adventuring around the states.
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Location: Harrison, Nebraska
Price: Free
A small site that’s about 30 miles from the nearest gas station or restaurant, Agate Fossil Beds is a unique location packed with information. In the visitor center, you’ll get to see tons of fossils found on site. These fossils date back to the Miocene Epoch, a warmer period in which more mammals roamed the Earth. After you watch the short video, take the easy hike up Fossil Hill where you can still see lots of fossils if you look closely, just remember to leave them where you find them for others to enjoy.
When you finish hiking to the top of the hill, turn around and make your way to the other hike in this quaint national monument. This one offers a look at some interesting spiral fossil formations made by a beaver-like mammal, called Paleocastor, that lived in the area during the Miocene Epoch. You shouldn’t need more than a day to see everything at this site, but it’s sure to be a memorable experience.
Big Thicket National Preserve
Location: Kountze, Texas
Price: Free
Texas is a massive state with several distinct regions, making it an impressive place to explore. The Big Thicket National Preserve is often overlooked because of the other popular national park sites in the state— Big Bend and Padre Island. Palo Duro Canyon State Park is another location that may draw your attention away from Big Thicket, but I assure you that the diverse ecosystem that makes up this quaint national preserve won’t disappoint. In fact, the site offers a glimpse into nine different ecosystems that all converge in this very spot.
With several units and over 40 miles of hiking trails, you may want to spend a few days in the area to really get a sense of everything it offers. You can also get out on the water in a canoe or kayak to truly experience this place. One of our favorite parts of our adventure to Big Thicket National Preserve was taking the ranger-led bog hike to see four of the five types of carnivorous plants that grow in North America.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Location: Sulphur, Oklahoma
Price: Free
Once part of Platt National Park, Chickasaw National Recreation Area came into existence when Platt National Park joined with Arbuckle Recreation Area to form what is today the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. The Travertine Nature Center serves as the park’s visitor center and is one of the only visitor centers in the NPS system to house live animals. Check out the native reptiles, amphibians, and fish that call this area of Oklahoma home. The building is also unique because it’s built over the water and features the architectural styling of the famous designer Frank Lloyd Wright.
A visit to this park in spring or fall could have you here with little or no other visitors. Little Niagara is a popular swimming hole and a beautiful spot to sit and relax near the water’s edge. Hike the trail to the natural springs, where you’re likely to encounter birds and other wildlife that also enjoy the peace and serenity of the area. You can also take a walk around the bison range to get a glimpse of these impressive beasts.
Congaree National Park
Location: Hopkins, South Carolina
Price: Free
Congaree National Park is among the least visited sites within the NPS system, making it a sweet spot to explore to get away from the crowds. It features several miles of boardwalk trails that make hiking easy for families with young kids, but you can also explore other trails that take you through canopies of bald cypress and Tupelo trees. Kayak or canoe the waterways in the park for a look at even less explored locations.
While you’re here, you may see wildlife such as snakes, turtles, frogs, and alligators, so be on the lookout. Birds also love this South Carolina national park, making it ideal for nature lovers who want to get away from it all. You can visit the park anytime, but be aware that frequent flooding can cause trails to close without notice. Regardless of any closures, though, this is a magical place you definitely don’t want to miss.
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Location: Arco, Idaho
Price: $20/private vehicle
Did you know you can visit the surface of the moon without ever leaving Earth? Well, that’s what it feels like when you enter Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in Idaho. The landscape is covered in lava flows and cinder cones as far as the eye can see. The view makes you feel like you’ve left this planet and discovered a new one. During your visit, you can catch the video in the visitor center that discusses how the lava flows were formed, then hit the trails to explore old lava tubes and climb a mountain of cinder ash that’s actually easier said than done.
Most of the hikes in Craters of the Moon are relatively short, but some require a bit of a climb for the best views. This park is pretty remote, so make sure you plan ahead for your trip by bringing food, water, and anything else you might need.
Fort Wahington Park
Location: Fort Washington, Maryland
Price: Free
Picturesque scenery and an interesting history await you at Fort Washington Park on the Potomac River. This 200-year-old site offers the opportunity to explore a historic fort, which has seen many changes during its long life. Stop in at the visitor center to watch the film that provides details about the site’s past, then make your way through the massive arch entryway into Fort Washinton’s courtyard. Make sure to climb the steps on the right to see the location of the old gun emplacements and get a terrific view of the Potomac River.
This site is close to Washington, D.C., making it a great stop if you’re in the nation’s capital. And because it’s off the beaten path, it’s also a nice place to go to get away from the large crowds that flock to the more well-known sites of the city. If you’re lucky, you can schedule your visit on a day when they shoot off the cannon to make this an even more memorable experience.
Navajo National Monument
Location: Shonto, Arizona
Price: Free
Most people are familiar with Mesa Verde National Park, but if you’re looking for a quaint national park site with similar features but fewer tourists, consider visiting Navajo National Monument in Arizona. Unlike the cave-dwelling tours at Mesa Verde, you can join a free ranger-led tour to the Betatakin site at Navajo National Monument. This tour takes you down into the canyon where you’ll see ancient dwellings that date back to 1300 A.D. For the truly adventurous, you can also sign up for an overnight tour that takes you further into the canyon to see the Keet Seel dwelling.
Another cool attraction of this park is that it offers free primitive camping on a first-come, first-served basis. The scenery throughout the park is unique and interesting, with abundant desert flora and fauna that offer a beauty of its own. As you explore this culturally historic site, you can almost feel the spirits of those who once occupied it.
New River Gorge National Park
Location: Glen Jean, West Virginia
Price: Free
From majestic views to thrilling whitewater rafting opportunities, you can’t go wrong with a trip to New River Gorge National Park. During the summer months, rafting on the river is a popular activity I highly recommend. However, you can also find spots to enjoy nature without crowds throughout the park. Sandstone Falls offers an accessible hike that ends in a stunning cascade of water that flows over ever-changing sandstone, which means the falls provide something new every time you visit.
Take a scenic drive along the New River, one of the oldest rivers on the continent, and you’re sure to be impressed. Several stops and pullouts let you get out to enjoy the view. There are a couple of visitor centers and other sites to explore as well where you can learn more about the area’s history and discover how its past influences its present.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Location: Ajo, Arizona
Price: $25/private vehicle
The only place you can see Organ Pipe Cactus in the United States is at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. These special cacti require a specific climate to grow, so you won’t find them outside of Mexico or this particular area of southern Arizona. You’ll definitely see a variety of desert plants while traversing this quaint national park site, but getting a chance to see the Organ Pipe Cactus is a special experience. This park has many trails that range from easy to strenuous, giving you plenty of options.
As you explore, the diverse plant life and geology will amaze you. Whether it’s the colors in the rocks or the blooming flowers, you won’t know where to point your camera next. Camp in the park or look for a primitive spot just outside of it to give yourself a few days to see the national monument fully.
Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
Location: Kawaihae, Hawaii (on the Big Island)
Price: Free
If you get to Hawaii’s biggest island, don’t miss your chance to visit Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. Here, you can learn about the island’s history and culture. It’s truly an eye-opening experience you won’t soon forget. Not only is this site right on the water, but it’s also home to a temple built for the king who unified the Hawaiian Islands. The story of how and why the Heiau was built is revealed in the video at the visitor center, which you watch outdoors with a breathtaking ocean view.
In the visitor center, you can see replicas of tools and weapons from the time of Kamehameha. Walk along the paved trail to get a closer view of the Heiau, and imagine the challenges the builders faced while constructing this impressive structure over 700 years ago.
Tips for Exploring Quaint National Park Sites
Here are some helpful tips you can use if you plan on exploring these quaint national park sites:
- Check the park’s website so you’re aware of any special circumstances or closures that could impact your trip.
- Practice the leave no trace principle to ensure everyone can enjoy these locations in the future.
- Bring everything you need with you, as many of these park sites are remote with little or no services.
- Don’t rely on your cell phone for directions or internet access, which can be limited in many national parks.
- Take your time and try to stop by the visitor center to get information and ideas on where to go and what to do during your visit.
Visit These Must-See Quaint National Park Sites
If you’re like us, you probably want to find places that offer a unique experience without the overcrowding. The quaint national park sites on this list are some great alternatives to the more popular national parks across America. We think these places offer everything you could want when looking for an off-the-beaten-path location with beautiful sights and educational opportunities for people of all ages and interests. Let us know if you’ve been to any of these parks or have questions about them.
