ecotourism

Lake surrounded by mountains and trees (© Ray Bulson/Alamy)

The United States also has rainforests

From Puerto Rico to Alaska, there are a number of rainforests located within the United States. Learn more about them here.
South Dakota Badlands at night with rising moon (© Daniel Regner/Getty Images)

America’s Midwest has vast natural beauty

Beyond the rolling farmlands and growing metropolises, America’s heartland is home to some of the nation’s most beautiful natural wonders.
Map of United States with illustrations of tourist attractions (Shutterstock)

Where are the most famous U.S. national parks? [quiz]

How well do you know some of America's famed national parks? Take this quiz and find out. You can share your results with others.
Passengers on deck watching as cruise ship sails into clear bay surrounded by mountains (Shutterstock)

Alaska’s wilderness lures visitors from around the globe

Tourists from around the world are increasingly traveling to Alaska, and it’s easy to see why: to experience nature in its wildest majesty.
Erupting volcano at night (© Vladimir Voychuk/2017 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year)

Enjoy these 15 stunning nature pictures

Check out some of the amazing nature photos submitted by photographers for National Geographic's 2017 Nature Photographer of the Year contest.
Illuminated bridge over reflective water against a skyline (© Joe Mamer Photography/Alamy Stock Photo)

Visit Minnesota, a heartland state with an international vibe

Minnesota, a Midwestern state known for its hospitality, is full of lakes. It's also cosmopolitan and multicultural, embracing many ethnicities.
People canoeing on water near small island (© Paul Chesley/National Geographic Creative)

Minnesota: A diverse state of 10,000 lakes

Minnesota offers fun for everyone: hiking, water sports and beautiful scenery. See some photos of the state, from out in the wild to the heart of the city.
Hikers crossing over rocks on Appalachian Trail (© Gregory Rec/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images)

The Appalachian Trail, beloved by hikers, turns 80

The 3,500-kilometer Appalachian Trail calls more than 3 million hikers to the woods every year and has inspired scenic trails in other countries.
Clouds floating in the sky above a wide expanse of prairie land (Dennis Lingohr/APR)

A new kind of park emerges on the prairie

American Prairie Reserve, a public-private partnership, is bringing back buffalo, birds and big, open sky to the Montana prairie.