🔥 Trending Exploring the 7 Wonders of America

The concept of "7 Wonders of America" can refer to different lists, often distinguishing between natural and man-made marvels. While there isn't one single, universally agreed-upon official list for the entire United States, several prominent organizations and publications have compiled their own selections.

National Geographic's 7 Natural Wonders of America

National Geographic, in collaboration with Good Morning America, revealed its list of "Seven Natural Wonders of America" as part of a multiplatform broadcast ¹⁶. This list focuses exclusively on breathtaking natural formations across the country.

The list includes:

• Grand Canyon, Arizona: A massive chasm carved by the Colorado River, renowned for its immense scale and vibrant, layered rock formations ¹.
• Redwood National and State Parks, California: Home to the world's tallest trees, these parks preserve ancient redwood forests ¹.
• Everglades, Florida: A vast subtropical wetland ecosystem, unique for its diverse wildlife and slow-moving "river of grass" ¹.
• Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho: The world's first national park, famous for its geothermal features like geysers and hot springs, alongside diverse wildlife ¹.
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii: Features two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, offering dramatic volcanic landscapes ¹.
• Niagara Falls, New York: A group of three massive waterfalls on the border between the United States and Canada, known for their immense power and beauty ¹.
• Great Salt Lake, Utah: The largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere and the largest natural lake in the U.S. outside of the Great Lakes ¹.

Other Notable Selections and Perspectives

Beyond National Geographic's list, other sources offer their own interpretations, sometimes including man-made structures or a mix of both.

Britannica's Selection

Encyclopedia Britannica also features a list of "7 Wonders of America" focusing on natural beauty ²:

• Grand Canyon: (Also on National Geographic's list) ².
• Yosemite Valley: Known for its dramatic granite cliffs, giant sequoia groves, and waterfalls ².
• Yellowstone National Park: (Also on National Geographic's list) ².
• Niagara Falls: (Also on National Geographic's list) ².
• Denali (Mount McKinley): North America's highest peak, located in Alaska ².
• Mammoth Cave: The world's longest known cave system, located in Kentucky ².
• Great Smoky Mountains: A mountain range along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, famous for its biodiversity and mist-shrouded peaks ².

Blending Natural and Man-Made Wonders

Some lists, like those found on Only In Your State or Touropia, combine natural marvels with significant man-made achievements ³⁴. For example, Only In Your State includes the Grand Canyon and Hubbard Glacier alongside man-made wonders ³. Touropia also highlights a mix of iconic landmarks and natural sites ⁴.

Another perspective, offered by sevenwonders.org, focuses entirely on man-made structures when discussing the "7 Wonders of the United States." Their list includes:

• Disney (likely referring to Disney World or Disneyland) ⁷.
• Gateway Arch, Missouri ⁷.
• Library of Congress, Washington D.C. ⁷.
• One World Trade Center, New York ⁷.
• Along with other significant architectural and cultural sites ⁷.

It's important to note that the selection criteria can vary greatly, leading to different lists depending on whether the focus is purely natural, man-made, or a combination, and the specific organization making the selection.