Picture yourself wandering a 250-acre contemplative garden and birding paradise in Lake Wales, Florida on a warm, sunny afternoon. All of a sudden, the clock hits 1 p.m. and the most glorious sound of bells sweeps through the expanse of land. You close your eyes, smelling the sweetness of a nearby orange grove and a hint of wildflowers, and listen to the bells as they float through the air. Sounds pretty magical, right?
As one of the highest points in Florida, Bok Towers Gardens is a hidden gem that offers so much to visitors. Home to one of the world’s finest bell-based instruments, a carillon, guests will be able to listen to the 60-bell show every day at both 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Nicknamed “The Singing Tower” this hidden gem has been around since 1929 and continues to be a place for cultural and spiritual enrichment for all who visit. Whether you’re learning about the history of the garden, grabbing a drink at the cafe, or simply enjoying the natural Florida landscape, this adventure is unparalleled.
One Of The Highest Points In Florida And Home To The World’s Finest Carillons
Bok tower gardens
Nestled along the Oklahoma-Kansas border, the Great Salt Plains State Park is a rare, natural beauty that you won’t find anywhere else. To the naked eye, the barren landscape of the plains might look uninviting, however, this is a one-of-a-kind adventure just waiting to be explored. Truly, there is nowhere else on the entire planet quite like this state park.
The Salt Plains were formed back in prehistoric times when an ocean covered the state of Oklahoma. When the ocean eventually receded what was left was an enormous expanse of salt-covered sand as far as the eye can see. What’s more, is that one of the premier activities, especially for children who visit, is digging for selenite crystals. These extremely fragile crystals can be mined using a small handheld shovel and a delicate hand. Make sure to visit from April through October in order to try your hand at digging for crystals, otherwise the rest of the year, you can enjoy camping, hiking, RV hookups, and so much more. Home to more than 300 bird species and vast natural wonderment, the Great Salt Plains are not to be missed.
An 840-Acre Park Comprised Of Leftover Salt From A Prehistoric Ocean
Great Salt Plains Park
In the heart of the Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest, nature-enthusiasts will find a 270-foot-long bridge that crosses over the tumbling cascades of the Toccoa River. Considered to be the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi River, visitors from all over come to test their bravery by stepping across this suspension bridge. As a popular destination for hikers, kayakers, fishermen, and more, the Toccoa River flows 93 miles northwestward through the Appalachian Mountains. While there are many places to cross the river, nothing beats this one-of-a-kind walkway.
Hikers will find the bridge where the Duncan Ridge National Recreation Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail join. Originally constructed back in the 1970s by the USDA Forest Service, this bridge is still a coveted hidden gem in Georgia. Be warned, this swinging bridge does sway with every step - but you may not even notice the movement of the bridge once you see the forested canopy of trees and the beauty of the surrounding mountains as you cross.
A Suspension Bridge Situated High Above The Cascading Toccoa River
Toccoa Swinging Bridge
22 Hidden Gems To Visit In 2022
From a tunnel formed by lava millions of years ago in Washington to a sprawling, 250-acre garden in the heart of Florida, the United States of America is home to countless hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. And here at OnlyInYourState, we love uncovering and showcasing these one-of-a-kind destinations, inviting readers to explore the gems found in their own backyards — and beyond.
Curated by our expert team of travel writers who live and work across America, these 22 hidden gems top our travel wish list this year. Hiding where you’d least expect to find them are scores of opulent palaces, deserts, cypress wetlands, and so much more just waiting to be discovered.
Let’s explore, shall we?
Big Bend Ranch State Park
A Gargantuan Expanse Of Land Perfect For Any Outdoor Enthusiast
While all of the attention usually goes to Big Bend National Park in Texas, there is another lesser-known park that deserves the same amount of fawning. Big Bend Ranch State Park is the largest state park in Texas, measuring in at 311,000 acres. But it’s not just the vast expanse of desert landscape, the 118 springs, and the second-and-third highest waterfalls in the state that make this place special. It’s also the fact that it’s located right on the Rio Grande which offers up so many more outdoor activities for a truly grand adventure. Visitors can hike, bike, paddle, float, fish, or simply drive through the park enjoying all of the nature and wildlife right outside the window.
For nighttime enthusiasts, Big Bend Ranch State Park has been declared an International Dark Sky Park with some of the darkest skies in the entire country. Set up at a primitive tent site and spend the evening stargazing without the difficulty of light pollution or other sky glow. From sunup to sundown and beyond, Big Bend Ranch State Park is a hidden gem that offers so much right at the base of Texas.
Winnewissa Falls at
the Pipestone National Monument
A Sacred Quarry Filled With Striking Pink Quartzite Cliffs And A Roaring Waterfall
Pipestone National Monument is tucked away in the southwestern corner of Minnesota and is home to sacred quarries full of red Catlinite or “Pipestone.” The striking pink quartzite cliffs have been harvested by Plains Indians for centuries to make ceremonial pipes used in prayers. Many believe that the pipe's smoke carries one's prayer to the Great Spirit. Black Elk, a leader in the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Tribe, famously said “When you pray with this pipe, you pray for and with everything."
Today, the park is officially affiliated with 23 Tribal Nations, and only people of Native ancestry are permitted to quarry at the monument. However, the park is open to all, and pipe makers lead cultural demonstrations at the Upper Midwest Indian Cultural Center in warmer months. Visitors can also purchase pipes, mallets, rattles, and handmade jewelry at the Keepers of the Sacred Tradition of Pipemakers gift shop.
A three-quarter mile hike from the park’s visitor center passes by stunning rock formations formed thousands of years ago, open prairie lands, and a picturesque creek before leading to the roaring Winnewissa Falls. Surrounded by massive boulders, the waterfall cascades 15 feet down a pink rock face into a striking pool below. This storied landscape is a photographer’s dream and the perfect place to reflect on the beauty and power of nature.
Makoshika State Park
Montana’s Most Expansive State Park Holds Keys To The Past
Tucked away in the easternmost part of Montana on the southeast tip of Glendive, sits one of the Treasure State’s finest gems. Makoshika State Park is Montana’s largest state park, spanning 11,538 acres, though due to its remote location, it’s a lengthy trip for most Montanans to make. Those who do make the trip are rewarded with a unique rugged beauty you won’t find anywhere else in the state.
The park is best known for its dinosaur fossil discoveries, which range from Triceratops to T-Rex. After the area’s dino days were long over, the Lakota tribe spent a great deal of time here. In fact, the park is named after the Lakota word for “bad earth” or “bad lands.” These days, Makoshika is best used for exploring, hiking, and learning. You’ll find a visitor center at the park’s entrance with plenty of information and interpretive exhibits for guests of all ages.
Burgdorf Hot Springs
A Rural, Rustic Hot Springs Resort Frozen in Time
Nestled deep in the mountains of Central Idaho sits a rustic, historic resort with several inviting, log-sided mineral springs pools waiting for you to soak your stress away. Burgdorf Hot Springs Resort feels like it’s frozen in time, and it’s the definition of a hidden gem — in fact, in the winter, it can only be reached by snowmobile. Your vehicle will be able to make it there in the summer, but there’s no denying that this place is especially magical surrounded by snow.
Fred Burgdorf was the first to homestead the hot springs in the 1870s, building a log hotel and preparing guests hot meals. To this day, you should prepare to lose contact with the outside world when you visit. There’s no cell service and very little electricity here. While the cabins have stoves, firewoods, beds, and basic furnishings, they do not have electricity or running water, and you’ll have to bring your own bedding and cookware. Still, guests agree that the break from reality is the entire point. All you’ll have to worry about is soaking in the healing waters and breathing in fresh mountain air.
The Ape Caves
Walk Straight Through A 2,000-Year-Old Lava Tube
More than 2,000 years ago, Washington’s Mount Saint Helens erupted, sending lava pouring down the southern flank of the volcano and forming what we now know as the Ape Caves. The formation of Ape Cave marked a strange period in Mount Saint Helens’ history — it’s the only known basaltic eruption of the volcano. Eruptions of this nature are extremely rare in the Cascade Mountain range. These days, the chilly, pitch-black lava tube is open to the public for hiking and exploration, although there are some strict guidelines guests must follow to help protect and preserve it. Touching the cave walls and ceiling is not allowed, as it kills the sacred cave slime the tiny creatures rely on to survive.
As long as you’re respectful and leave no trace, exploring the cave can be an amazing, one-of-a-kind experience. At two miles in length, Ape Cave is the third-longest lava tube in North America and is the longest continuous lava tube in the United States. For an easy, more family-friendly hike, take the ¾ mile one-way lower cave route. If you’re feeling adventurous, the upper route will take you on a climb up an eight-foot rock wall and over some small rock piles.
Red rock park
Towering Red Cliffs Formed During Prehistoric Times
Home to spectacular red cliffs that were formed more than 200 million years ago, Red Rock Park is an amazing natural wonder. In a state that’s known for its dry Western beauty, this park truly encapsulates the wild nature and rich history of the Land of Enchantment. Boasting sweeping vistas of washed-out canyons, towering rock formations, and rugged plant and wildlife, Red Rock Park is an adventure destination that’s worthy of your attention.
Red Rock Park offers a fascinating glimpse into the past civilizations of this incredible landscape. Park visitors can learn about the area’s history at a museum that showcases the lives and culture of the prehistoric Anasazi, as well as the present-day Zuni, Hopi, and Navajo people. Hiking trails like the Pyramid Rock Trail, Church Rock Trail, and the Red Rock Canyon Loop are perfect for exploring the park’s beauty on foot and overnight adventurers can pitch a tent in one of two comfortable campground facilities. An incredible landscape that will capture your attention with its ancient rugged beauty, Red Rock Park is a hidden gem you’ll be glad you sought out.
Sloan Canyon Petroglyph Site
One Of North America’s Largest Petroglyph Sites
A petroglyph site known as the “Sistine Chapel of Native American rock art” can be found within a sprawling, 48,000-acre nature preserve in southern Nevada. Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area is home to extraordinary natural beauty and amazing cultural history. The centerpiece of this remote park is the Sloan Canyon Petroglyph Site, a rugged canyon that’s home to more than 300 rock art panels with at least 1,700 individual design elements. Archaeologists believe the canyon’s rock art spans native cultures from the Archaic to the historic era, which means exploring the canyon provides the unique opportunity to take a walk back through ancient history.
Designated a National Conservation Area in 2002, keeping Sloan Canyon wild is of utmost importance. Only hiking is encouraged, and all vehicles including mountain bikes are prohibited. Visitors who seek out this incredible destination are asked to stay on designated trails and refrain from touching the rock art (oils on the skin damage the petroglyphs.) Exploring Sloan Canyon is a humbling, awe-inspiring experience and it is 100 percent worth taking the extra measures to keep the canyon’s petroglyphs and the story of the people who made them alive.
The Huntington Library,
Art Museum, & Botanical Gardens
Art, History, And Natural Beauty Collide At This Cultural Oasis
History, art, and 120 acres of diverse gardens all come together at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in Southern California. Originally a private estate of the railroad magnate Henry Huntington, the combined museum, research center, and botanical gardens is a must-see cultural destination. Together with his wife Arabella Duval, Huntington amassed a massive collection of books, art, and plants from all over the world during his lifetime. As a result, the Huntington estate has transformed into a one-of-a-kind experience that anybody can appreciate.
At the Huntington, art and literature lovers can spend hours perusing the various art collections and the library that’s home to rare books and manuscripts like the Gutenberg Bible and Shakespeare’s First Folio. Nature lovers can get lost in a dozen specialized gardens, each of which represents a unique environment ranging from the dry Australian Outback to the tropical Jungle or Palm Garden or the absolutely serene Japanese or Chinese Garden. With so much to see, you could easily spend an entire day at the Huntington and still not experience all of the incredible treasures it has to offer.
Emerald cove
A Hidden Cave Filled With Mesmerizing Emerald-Colored Waters
Hiding away as a notch in the canyon wall, Emerald Cove is a stunning natural hideaway near the Arizona-Nevada border. Boasting bright, emerald-colored waters, the small cove is as breathtakingly beautiful as it is unknown. It’s only accessible by water - typically via kayak or canoe - so it requires extra effort to seek this beautiful destination out. However, those who do so are rewarded with the experience of paddling through sparkling blue-green waters while surrounded by canyon walls that tower anywhere between 5,000 to 7,000-feet high above.
A one-of-a-kind natural phenomenon on the Colorado River, kayakers begin their journey at Willow Beach and paddle downstream for just two miles to reach the hidden cave. This takes about a half-day, though adventurers can extend their journey by starting at Hoover Dam instead. This tacks on ten miles to the trip and makes for a multi-day adventure. The stark contrast between the cave’s glittering waters and rugged canyon walls is a photographer’s dream and so worth seeking out to experience for yourself.
Newfane
A Charming, Old-Fashioned New England Town That Showcases Stunning Fall Foliage
Walking through Newfane, Vermont feels like stepping back in time. Visit this charming hamlet town near the Green Mountains when the fall colors start to change and you’re guaranteed to find a scene that will take your breath away. All around the shire town, some of New England’s most impressive fall foliage takes over the view. Dummerston Covered Bridge and Fair Brook Stone Arch Bridge are two of the area’s most famous historical landmarks, and they make for the perfect photography subject.
In town, you’ll find buildings that date back to the 1700s and 1800s. The Newfane Country Store is a must-visit spot where you’ll find old-fashioned candies, gifts, souvenirs, homemade pastries, and cafe fare. The Four Columns Inn is a historic spot where you can stay to complete your experience in this charming and underrated Vermont town. While the best time to visit is in autumn, if you come up here in the summertime, you can enjoy beautiful hiking and other outdoor recreation under the sun.
mytoi japanese garden
A Scenic Place To Stroll On The Quiet Side Of Martha’s Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard may be one of the most popular vacation destinations on the East Coast, but on the eastern side, the small Chappaquiddick Island offers a space where you can find peace and solitude. Mytoi Japanese Garden was established in the 1950s and sprawls for 14 acres in an otherwise sparsely populated space.
The centerpiece of the garden is the pond, surrounded by a gorgeous pine grove. Frogs, turtles, fish, and songbirds call this place home, and you’ll wish that you could, too! Paths around the pond are lined with colorful flowers and unique plants, and there are bridges, arches, and other man-made accents used in the garden’s mindful design. Benches placed throughout Mytoi offer a spot for visitors to sit and contemplate the beauty of the world around them.
Prabhupada's Palace of Gold
An Unexpected Man-Made Wonder Hiding In West Virginia
The appropriately named Palace of Gold is a stunning work of art tucked away in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia, in a town called New Vrindaban. The town is a Hare Krishna community that was founded in 1968, and every year, the Palace brings tens of thousands of visitors to this town with a population that hovers around 300. It was built in the 1970s as a memorial to A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, a leader of the Hare Krishna movement.
It has been called the most beautiful place in the United States, and when it opened, the Kentucky Courier-Journal reported that it was “hard to believe [the Palace exists] on this planet.” The remarkable building was constructed with gold, carved teakwood, marble, and other rare and valuable materials. Perhaps the most impressive fact you’ll learn during your visit is that this entire palace was built by volunteers - many of whom had no prior experience in construction, renovation, or any related field.
Kaaterskill falls
A Wild Forest Home To New York’s Tallest Waterfall
Kaaterskill Falls is New York State’s tallest waterfall, and the surrounding wild forest is a must-visit for any nature lover in the Empire State. This two-tiered cascade tumbles more than 260 feet along Spruce Creek, and it was one of the first tourist attractions in the New World. Today, it’s a popular destination for visitors to the Catskill Mountains.
Nature lovers who choose to visit Kaaterskill Falls can see the waterfall from an accessible observation platform that’s less than a third of a mile from the main Laurel House parking area. More adventurous hikers can make a strenuous descent to the base of the falls, which is a mile-and-a-half round trip. For the more difficult option, hiking shoes are recommended. Be sure to stay on the trail and follow all safety advisories - there have been multiple fatalities due to reckless hikers venturing off-trail, climbing on wet rocks, and crossing Spruce Creek near the brink of the falls.
Desert of maine
Devil's punchbowl
Gaze at Shimmering, Swirling Saltwater Through a Hollow Rock Formation
The Oregon Coast spans over 363 miles, and it’s full of breathtaking natural wonders. However, you won’t find anything quite like Devil’s Punchbowl anywhere else in the state. This alluring, but dangerous, foaming collapsed sea cave has been around for as long as 18 million years. Formed when the pounding waves of the Pacific Ocean caused the ceiling of the cave to collapse, this unique rock formation is now shaped like a huge punchbowl.
You’ll find the Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural area situated between Newport and Depoe Bay. If you’re traveling down Highway 101, you can’t miss it - and you won’t want to. You can easily reach the collapsed cave by taking an easy 0.8-mile out-and-back trail, which takes you straight from the parking lot to the viewing area. From there, you’ll be able to see the waves crashing inside the “punchbowl” formation. This scenic area is also a popular spot for whale watching.
Cache River State Natural Area
Ancient Cypress Trees Found In A Pristine, 15,000-Acre Wetland
In the far southern reaches of Illinois, the Cache River Natural Area is a pristine wetland that time forgot. Stretching nearly 15,000 acres, the natural area has some of the highest quality wetlands in Illinois. The trees here are majestic giants that escaped the axes and saws of early settlers. Some of the park’s cypress trees are more than 1,000 years old – and the bases of these ancient trees can extend more than 40 feet!
The gateway to this special natural area is the Barkhausen-Cache River Wetlands Center. It is home to some fascinating exhibits and artifacts as well as a wildlife viewing area that overlooks the wetlands. You can step into the magic of the park via an accessible 2,600-foot walking path that traces the old bed of Cypress Creek. It’s a quiet and serene place, and if you gaze into the wetlands, you may be treated to sightings of wild mink, beavers, deer, muskrats, and songbirds. The park is also a refuge for more than 100 rare and threatened animal species. Time may have forgotten this place, but it’s well worth experiencing and cherishing.
Welch Spring Hospital Ruins
Watery Ruins With A Fascinating History
When you step past the broken remains of the Welch Spring Hospital, you might forget this was once a spot for healing. An early doctor believed there was medical magic in the cold, clear spring waters found here so he built a hospital for people with ailments like tuberculosis. The enterprise was ultimately a failure and it closed in 1940. Nature has been reclaiming the property ever since and today, it’s a wild and beautiful place that beckons curious explorers.
The ruins are part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri’s largest national park. A short trail from a parking area will take you to a viewing area of the spring. The hike to the hospital ruins is more challenging, but adventurous hikers can get a close look at crumbling stone walls and the site of an old campground. The spring still bubbles and flows and while the spot no longer cares for the sick, it treats visitors to a wild and unique experience.
Lake of the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains
A Wild And Dreamy Sky-High Backcountry Vista
The first time you walk out onto the lookout, you’ll understand why this place is called Lake of the Clouds. Tucked high into the Porcupine Mountains in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Lake of the Clouds is a dreamy spot flanked by ancient mountain peaks. Some days, it’s even obscured by the clouds and fog that drifts and lingers in the old-growth trees surrounding the lake. It’s one of the best natural views in Michigan and some drive hours just for the chance to take in this amazing vista.
Lake of the Clouds is located within the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and it’s gorgeous in any season. It sparkles with ice and snow in the winter, is surrounded by lush forest in the summer, and explodes with color in the fall. A long uphill drive will take you to the lookout and hikers will find miles of backcountry trails to explore, including some that will take you to the water’s edge. However you experience Lake of the Clouds, allow plenty of time to take in this dreamy and unforgettable place.
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Ancient Geology And Modern Irresponsibility Created This Truly Unique Desert
Dubbed “Maine’s Most Famous Natural Phenomenon,” the story of the desert of Maine is one of human impact on the environment. Just outside of Freeport, there are 30 acres of sand plopped right in the middle of the forest. However, it wasn’t trucked in and the forest wasn’t cleared for tourists. Centuries ago, this was fertile farmland and grazing land for sheep. Years of poor farming practices, including overgrazing and not rotating crops, deprived the soil of its nutrients, and now, nothing will grow.
The Desert of Maine is a great spot to visit in the summertime, as it’s open from May through early Fall each year. There’s a campground on site, along with a gift shop and visitor center, which makes a visit a full-day (or full weekend) adventure. Enjoy the nature trails that wind through the forest, visit a house buried by sand, and learn about how our impact on Earth is never quite measurable until decades after we’re gone
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Grayson Lake’s Grotto Falls
A Hidden Cove Waterfall Tucked-Away Among Massive Sandstone Cliffs
A perfect way to spend a free weekend in Kentucky is by visiting the 1,500-acre reservoir known as Grayson Lake. Engineered in 1968, this reservoir has become a premier spot within the state to boat, fish, camp, and enjoy a plethora of outdoor adventures. But what many visitors might not know is that there is a hidden gem located within Grayson Lake that is a secret sanctuary to all who find it.
Grotto Falls - also nicknamed Hidden Cove Waterfall - is a stunning slice of natural wonderment that can only be accessed via kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Tucked-away among the moss-filled cliffs of the surrounding lake, this secret waterfall deserves to be seen in person. Paddlers who stay along the sandstone cliffs can stumble upon this hidden grotto waterfall, transporting themselves to an other-worldly attraction nestled within a most surreal landscape. Between the natural beauty of the area and the intoxicating allure of secret grottos, caves, and waterfalls, this Kentucky gem sure is something special.
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