There are so many extraordinary places to see in the Northeast, so making a list of just the top 8 was pretty difficult. We wanted to provide a great starting point for your travel plans the next time you find yourself within the northeastern United States. This list includes everything from national parks, to educational ventures, to fun little tourist destinations!
1. Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is located in Maine and consists of woody hikes, rocky beaches, and stunning views of the foliage and the Atlantic Ocean. The campgrounds in the park are known to be some of the best, and one of them is even mentioned in our article about the best campgrounds in the Northeast: Schoodic Woods Campground. According to the National Park Service website, some of the most highly suggested activities to take part in at Acadia include hiking, biking, birdwatching, swimming, boating, and visiting historic sites.
2. Salem Witch Museum
Almost everyone is familiar with the famous Salem Witch story, but what many don’t know is that there is a museum dedicated to the event. The Salem Witch Museum is located in Salem, Massachusetts. The museum displays life-size sets of the occurrences and trials in 1692 and also dives into the evolution of witches and the term witch itself. Tickets are available to purchase online at https://salemwitchmuseum.com/.
3. Appalachian National Scenic Trail
This trail is 2,180 miles long and is the longest hiking-only trail in the world. It winds through 14 different states starting in Maine and ending in Georgia. It ventures through the wooded Appalachian Mountains and allows hikers to travel on foot through the mountain range. Some may find it fun to make a day trip out of the trial and see how far they can get before calling it quits. Others may take on the challenge and travel the trail from beginning to end!
4. Niagara Falls State Park
This location is a classic landmark that is high on many people’s landmark bucket lists. Niagara Falls is a state park in New York that includes not only amazing views, but also interactive exhibits, hikes, and dinner options. The expansive waterfalls are split between the US and Canada border and provide a breathtaking water view!
5. The Mark Twain House and Museum
This museum is located in Hartford, Connecticut, and is the famous author’s actual home during his time in Hartford. The home has been restored to its original state and now exhibits tours and educational experiences for visitors. The home is only presented through guided tours and tickets sell out so it is suggested to buy tickets before arriving. For more information, head over to the website: https://marktwainhouse.org/.
6. Metropolitan Museum of Art
Otherwise known as “The Met”, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the Americas. It displays various art depictions and art experiences. The exhibits are always rotating in and out, so look ahead to see if the ones being presented tickle your fancy. There are options for memberships or just daily passes. In addition to passing through the various exhibits, you can also take a scheduled tour or an audio guide.
7. Valley Forge National Historical Park
Found in Pennsylvania, this historic park is the site of the Continental Army camp during the winter of 1777-1778. There are various tours and landmarks to stop at to learn more about the momentous events that took place on the site. There are no entrance fees and it is open year-round to anyone that wishes to visit. There are buildings, statues, and other landmarks that are on display from the actual wartime.
8. Kent Falls State Park
Kent Falls is found in Connecticut and is a cascading series of waterfalls. The waterfalls can be hiked around and admired from close up. The spring itself is called Falls Brook which combines into to Housatonic River after an exciting journey down the mountains terrain. There is a parking fee when driving to the location, so keep that in mind if you decide to make a visit. For more information, visit the website: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Kent-Falls-State-Park
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