Established in 1978, Badlands National Park is home to one of the most well-preserved prairie lands in the United States. Miles of grassland carpet eroded sedimentary layers, exposing colorful striations in the hills and buttes as well as magnificent fossil records from millions of years ago. Present-day wildlife is also abundant which includes, but is not limited to, bighorn sheep, coyotes, prairie dogs, and pronghorn antelope. Only a short drive from the Black Hills of South Dakota, it's a must-see place that's easily accessible to other nearby natural attractions and fantastic glimpse into what our great plains used to look like.

Spreading out over a vast high desert landscape east of Cody, Wyoming, the Bighorn Basin is home to a beautiful herd of mustangs known as the McCullough Peaks Mustangs, which are contained in the McCullough Peaks Horse Management Area. The region is a deceptively vast high desert that, upon first glance, appears empty and void of any interesting natural features with only a few pronghorn that can be spotted racing across the open expanses of its landscape. A little exploring however will reveal an enormous, elaborate labyrinth of badlands that rivals even Badlands National Park. The Bighorn Basin badlands stretch from miles and miles from the McCullough Peaks all the way out toward the Bighorn Mountains to the east. Upon seeing such a sight, one wonders why there's not more protection for such a mesmerizing natural feature.

The Bighorn Mountains are an often overshadowed mountain range spanning north to south in north-central Wyoming. They’re an island of biodiversity in the surrounding high desert and provide an endless amount of hiking and outdoor recreation.

Harney Peak and Mount Rushmore are just two spectacles of South Dakota's Black Hills that treat every visitor. Harney Peak is the highest peak in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains and Mount Rushmore is a large rocky cliff where just two people carved in the great faces of four past presidents. Deeper into the Black Hills, massive granite spires shoot out of the ponderosa pine forests, creating striking landscapes from any angle. A drive through the Black Hills provides incredible views from any angle, while a hike along a great trail system offers a more intimate view of such a rich landscape. Custer State Park is home to many fantastic species of wildlife native to the area such as bison, pronghorn, and many more.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park was designated in 2000 and contains some extraordinary natural environments, given its close proximity to urban areas. Combining a mix of historic architecture and quiet natural scenery, it creates a natural oasis in an otherwise crowded region. A popular trail is the Blue Hen Falls Trail, where a 30-foot waterfall pours over a rocky ledge. The trail loosely follows Spring Creek on its way to the falls and allows visitors the option of continuing downstream to find more gems.

Known to the native people as Bear Lodge, Devil's Tower National Monument is the country's first national monument, protected for the unusually massive spire that shoots out of the surrounding forest hundreds of feet into the air. The area is also home to prairie dog towns, deer, and many other animals. While climbing is offered on the tower, many people prefer not to climb it out of respect for the native culture. Many hiking trails are also in the area to wind visitors around the unusual natural feature for all kinds of different views.

Indiana Dunes National Park is comprised of a beautiful 15,000 acres along the shores of Lake Michigan. It's home to a massive variety of trees, plants, and even wildlife and birds. With over 50 miles of trails, it can even entertain eager outdoors enthusiasts. The massive Great Lakes waters of Lake Michigan create a rugged sand dune landscape as they crash upon the shores of the area. This allows visitors to explore the shores of the beach or the forests beyond the shores as well. Though easy to overlook, its easy access to the Interstate system means there's really no reason to pass it up.

Dotted throughout the landscape of Wyoming, natural treasures are hidden along the rural highways and rewards are given to those who seek them out. Southern Wyoming offers fantastic solitude and extraordinary high desert landscapes. Farther north, the Bighorn Mountains offer peace and solitude among a rugged set of mountains.

The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is located in the Flint Hills of eastern Kansas, protecting one of the most vital last remaining growths of tallgrass prairie. The preserve protects only four percent of the tallgrass prairie's historic range, stretching across the Great Plains of the North American continent. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is managed by both the National Park Service and the Nature Conservancy, as well as private land that maintains an interest in preserving the land. Over forty miles of trails can be found within the preserve, winding around the Flint Hills, and offering visitors a chance to see wild bison in their historic range.

A natural treasure of the American Midwest, this historic location is now threatened by oil and gas development. The land is home to mustangs, prairie dogs, bison, and more that graze across open grasslands and dynamic badlands.

Home to the only collection of boxwork in the world, Wind Cave of Wind Cave National Park provides an extraordinary adventure for those who like to venture underground. In addition to the underground labyrinth rich with unusual formations, above ground offers a magnificent sampling of prairie wildlife that features elk, bison, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and much more.