1. Alaska is the westernmost, easternmost, and northernmost state
Alaska is often thought of as being in the far northwest, but it stretches all the way across the globe’s time zones. Its Aleutian Islands cross the 180-degree meridian, making Alaska not just the northernmost but also the easternmost state! Talk about being in multiple places at once.
2. Crater Lake was formed by a collapsed volcano
Crater Lake in Oregon is the deepest lake in the U.S. and was formed by the collapse of a massive volcano, Mount Mazama, thousands of years ago. The lake’s stunning blue water is fed by rain and snowmelt, and it’s surrounded by cliffs of volcanic rock, giving it a surreal, isolated beauty.
3. The Mississippi River has “Pillars of Hercules”
The “Pillars of Hercules” are a set of giant rock formations on the Mississippi River near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. These striking natural features stand like guardians at the river’s edge, adding mystery and grandeur to the already impressive river.
4. Death Valley is the driest place in North America
Death Valley, located in California, holds the record for the hottest and driest place in North America. Some areas here receive less than 2 inches of rain per year, and the valley holds the highest air temperature ever recorded in the U.S., a blistering 134°F (56.7°C) in 1913.
5. The Everglades are a slow-moving river
The Everglades in Florida are often referred to as a swamp, but in reality, they are a slow-moving river. Flowing from Lake Okeechobee toward Florida Bay, the Everglades’ water moves at a crawl—only about a quarter of an inch per second—giving it a unique, swampy feel while technically being a vast, shallow river.
6. The Mississippi River’s “Big Muddy”
The Mississippi River, one of the longest rivers in North America, gets its iconic brown color from the sediment it carries. Known as the “Big Muddy,” this river picks up soil and debris from across a huge portion of the U.S., making it appear muddy for much of its journey. The sheer volume of this sediment is one reason the river’s path changes over time.
7. The Badlands have unique erosion formations
The Badlands National Park in South Dakota is famous for its dramatically eroded landscape. The area’s unique, sharp ridges, steep valleys, and spires were formed over millions of years of wind and water erosion. The result is a breathtaking, almost alien-looking terrain that doesn’t resemble anything else in the U.S.
8. The Great Sand Dunes have the tallest dunes in North America
In Colorado, the Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. Some dunes rise over 700 feet tall! These towering, ever-shifting mountains of sand are the result of centuries of wind erosion and are a stunning contrast to the surrounding forested mountains.
9. The Blue Hole is a massive underwater sinkhole
Located in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, the Blue Hole is a rare natural sinkhole that’s a popular diving destination. The hole is over 80 feet deep, with crystal-clear water, and it maintains a consistent temperature of 64°F year-round. It’s a surreal spot to explore underwater, with an eerie, bright blue hue that makes it look almost otherworldly.
10. Yellowstone’s Grand Prismatic Spring is a rainbow of colors
The Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park is not only the largest hot spring in the U.S. but also one of the most colorful natural wonders. The vivid blue, green, and orange colors in the spring are caused by the different types of bacteria that thrive in the varying temperatures of the water. It’s a jaw-dropping sight to behold.
11. The Finger Lakes are the result of glaciers
The Finger Lakes in New York State were carved out by glaciers thousands of years ago. These long, narrow lakes resemble fingers reaching across the state and are an example of glacial erosion. The stunning landscapes around the lakes include waterfalls, cliffs, and vineyards, making the region a popular tourist destination.
12. The Mojave Desert has a “Nocturnal Oasis”
The Mojave Desert is known for its extreme heat, but at night, it’s home to an unexpected phenomenon: nocturnal oases. These spots of cooler air, often near underground water sources, provide surprising pockets of life and comfort to the desert’s night-dwelling creatures.
13. The Great Basin is a massive “drainage divide”
The Great Basin, covering much of Nevada and parts of Utah, is an enormous area where water flows to nowhere. Unlike most areas where rivers drain into oceans or seas, water in the Great Basin either evaporates or sinks into the ground, making it one of the few regions on Earth where no water reaches an ocean.
14. The shortest river in the U.S. is in Montana
The Roe River in Montana holds the record for the shortest river in the U.S., measuring only 201 feet long. It flows between Giant Springs and the Missouri River, offering a brief but unique natural phenomenon.
15. The Sierra Nevada Mountains are an ancient uplift
The Sierra Nevada Mountains in California are a massive, ancient uplift that rises dramatically from the surrounding land. The range, famous for its rugged peaks and alpine lakes, was formed by tectonic forces and is still slowly rising today. It’s a testament to the ongoing power of Earth’s shifting plates.
16. The Appalachian Mountains are getting older
Most mountain ranges grow taller over time, but the Appalachian Mountains, which stretch from Alabama to Canada, are actually getting lower. These ancient mountains are over 480 million years old and have been worn down by erosion, giving them their distinctive rolling, rounded peaks.
These natural oddities show how the U.S. is full of stunning, unusual landscapes that make the country’s geography truly one-of-a-kind!
