Places Edited by colleencourtney c93b920e

River raft through rural Colombia’s ancient rock formations, pristine landscapes, and towering waterfalls.

This U.S. natural reserve is an ancient spiritual place and rock climber’s paradise.

Idaho’s largest, deepest limestone cave is known for its quirky rock formations and bat population.

Star garnets are so rare that you can only find them in two places on Earth—here, you can dig for them.

An ordinary rancher stumbled upon one of the world’s largest collections of Pliocene horse fossils.

The oldest operating hotel in Illinois enjoys a historic (and some say haunted) past.

A taxidermy “mermaid,” vampire-killing kits, and hundreds of other bizarre objects are housed at this quirky museum.

This high-octane event honors Maine’s legacy as the birthplace of logging in the U.S.

Learn about the history and hopeful future of Maine’s nesting birds at this interactive Audubon facility.

George Washington commissioned this centuries-old lighthouse off the coast of Maine.

A far-flung tidal inlet off the coast of Maine produces some of the state’s tastiest oysters.

See the oldest known traditional stone-ground mustard mill at work at this Down East mainstay.

This remote museum highlights the island’s impressive creative legacy.

The fire tower along this steep, scenic hiking trail offers the best views of Maine’s Moosehead Lake.

This once-forgotten African American cultural hub was an important stop on the Underground Railroad.

Step back in time at an outdoor living history museum where New Mexico's cultural traditions come alive.

The railroad turning train travel into a cinematic, highly immersive experience has a fascinating connection to Game of Thrones.

A 40-foot waterfall hidden in a desert oasis.

Fossilized remains tell the story of the region’s past inside this small, unassuming museum.

Once a Catholic mission, this small town tucked between the ocean and the mountains is now a magical spot for art and history lovers.

Tucked away in a secluded canyon, this hidden hot spring’s thermal waters have been soothing soakers for generations.

This bilingual museum explores the more than 300 years of vaquero history.

The owners of this Victorian-era estate say it’s still visited by the spirits of long-gone residents.

For books about travel, whether factual or fictional, the perfect antiquarian does exist.