Wake up each morning and witness Mother Nature’s greatest masterpieces. View the fabled scenic landscapes, smell the fresh morning dew and hear the bird calls as you sip your morning coffee and awaken for another ‘pinch me I must be dreaming’ day.

Yellowstone National Park

The first national park in the world, Yellowstone is a geothermal wonderland that spans nearly 3,500 square miles across Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. Here, you’ll find erupting geysers like Old Faithful, vibrant hot springs, roaming bison, and deep canyons carved by ancient rivers. Wildlife sightings are abundant, grizzly bears, elk, wolves, and bald eagles all call Yellowstone home.

Staying in Yellowstone

• Old Faithful Inn – An architectural marvel, this historic log-and-stone hotel sits just steps from the legendary geyser it’s named after. Dating back to 1904, the Old Faithful Inn is one of the largest log structures in the world and offers an unforgettable, old-world atmosphere.

• Lake Yellowstone Hotel – This elegant, Colonial Revival-style hotel dates back to 1891 and offers a refined experience on the shores of Yellowstone Lake. Known for its iconic yellow exterior and string quartet evenings in the sunroom, this hotel blends sophistication with scenic beauty.

Grand Teton National Park

Just south of Yellowstone lies Grand Teton National Park, a rugged landscape dominated by the sharp, snow-dusted peaks of the Teton Range. This park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching. The serene beauty of Jackson Lake and the Snake River, set against the dramatic mountains, creates a scene straight out of a painting.

Staying in Grand Teton

• Jackson Lake Lodge – Set within Grand Teton National Park, this mid-century modern lodge boasts floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Tetons. The lodge offers modern comforts with rustic style, making it an ideal base for exploring the park.

Custer State Park and the Black Hills

While not a national park, Custer State Park in South Dakota rivals many federal parks in both beauty and wildlife diversity. Located in the Black Hills, this park offers visitors the chance to drive the famed Needles Highway, visit Sylvan Lake, and spot herds of free-roaming bison and wild burros. Nearby attractions like Mount Rushmore round out a truly memorable itinerary in the Great Plains.

Staying in Custer State Park

• Sylvan Lake Lodge – Perched above the sparkling waters of Sylvan Lake, this cosy lodge is a peaceful retreat after a day spent hiking or wildlife watching. Surrounded by pine forests and granite outcrops, it’s a tranquil escape in the heart of the Black Hills.

Did You Know?

While Yellowstone and Grand Teton draw much of the attention, the American West is also home to a number of lesser-known parks and monuments that offer equally stunning natural experiences with fewer crowds. From the intricate underground passages of Wind Cave National Park to the alien landscapes of Badlands National Park, these hidden gems provide unique geological and ecological wonders. Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota showcases the rugged beauty of the northern Badlands and is a sanctuary for wild horses and prairie wildlife.

Other remarkable sites include the serene Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, which features dramatic canyon views and uncrowded outdoor recreation, and Devils Tower National Monument, a striking volcanic formation revered by Native American tribes.

For more information about the Great American West and how you can plan your visit, click here.