List of World Heritage Sites in the United States
List of World Heritage Sites in the United States: A World Heritage Site is a specific landmark or area vested with legal protection from an international convention. UNESCO designates the World Heritage Sites based on many factors including the cultural, historical, scientific, or other forms of significance of that landmark or area. The United States showcases its rich cultural and natural heritage through the World Heritage Sites. These sites represent a diverse set of landscapes and historical significance that contribute to the global recognition of the United States’ cultural and natural treasures.
In this article, we will discuss the list of World Heritage Sites in the United States of America, with their location, year, and description.
Table of Content
- List of World Heritage Sites in the United States
- World Heritage Sites in the United States of America
- 1. Mesa Verde National Park
- 2. Yellowstone National Park
- 3. Everglades National Park
- 4. Grand Canyon National Park
- 5. Independence Hall
- 6. Redwood National and State Parks
- 7. Mammoth Cave National Park
- 8. Olympic National Park
- 9. Statue of Liberty
- Other Major World Heritage Sites in the United States – National Parks
List of World Heritage Sites in the United States
The United States Of America is the home of a total of 25 of the 1,121 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the World. Each of them has their specifications and characteristics. Here are those 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites as mentioned below.
List of World Heritage Sites in the United States |
||
---|---|---|
World Heritage Site |
Location |
Year Inscribed |
Mesa Verde National Park |
Colorado |
1978 |
Yellowstone National Park |
Wyoming, Montana, Idaho |
1978 |
Everglades National Park |
Florida |
1979 |
Grand Canyon National Park |
Arizona |
1979 |
Independence Hall |
Pennsylvania |
1979 |
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek (It Is Shared with Canada also) |
Alaska |
1979 |
Redwood National and State Parks |
California |
1980 |
Mammoth Cave National Park |
Kentucky |
1981 |
Olympic National Park |
Washington |
1981 |
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site |
Illinois |
1982 |
Statue of Liberty |
New York |
1984 |
Yosemite National Park |
California |
1984 |
Chaco Culture National Historical Park |
New Mexico |
1987 |
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park |
Hawaii |
1987 |
Monticello and the University of Virginia |
Virginia |
1987 |
Taos Pueblo |
New Mexico |
1992 |
Carlsbad Caverns National Park |
New Mexico |
1995 |
Waterton Glacier International Peace Park (It Is Shared with Canada Also) |
Montana |
1995 |
Papahānaumokuākea |
Hawaii |
2010 |
Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point |
Louisiana |
2014 |
San Antonio Missions |
Texas |
2015 |
Frank Lloyd Wright Buildings |
Various locations across the U.S.A |
2019 |
Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
North Carolina, Tennessee |
1983 |
Pueblo de Taos |
New Mexico |
1992 |
World Heritage Sites in the United States of America
The United States has 25 World Heritage Sites, including places like Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point, Frank Lloyd Wright Buildings, Yellowstone National Park, and Independence Hall. These sites represent America’s rich history and natural beauty in front of the World. Let us discuss this in detail some of them.
1. Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park is located in the southwestern corner of Colorado, USA. It showcases the rich cultural heritage of the ancestral Pueblo people. The park covers over 52,000 acres of rugged terrain with some beautiful cliffs and canyons. It is renowned for its well-preserved iconic Cliff Palace, which is one of the largest and most visited cliff dwellings in North America.
World Heritage Site Name |
Mesa Verde National Park |
---|---|
Location |
Southwestern Colorado, USA |
Established |
June 29, 1906 |
Area |
Over 52,000 acres |
Elevation |
7,000 to 8,572 feet |
Visitor Center |
Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum |
Main Attractions |
Cliff Palace, Balcony House, Spruce Tree House |
UNESCO World Heritage Site |
Yes |
Park Access |
By car via US Highway 160 |
Climate |
Semi-arid, with cold winters and warm summers |
Activities |
Hiking, ranger-led tours, photography, wildlife viewing |
Notable Features |
Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and petroglyphs. |
Nearby Cities |
Cortez, Colorado; Durango, Colorado |
2. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is shared across three states including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. It covers an area of around 3,468 square miles. The park is famous for its different geothermal features. Yellowstone houses a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, elk, and various bird species.
World Heritage Site Name |
Yellowstone National Park |
---|---|
Location |
Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, USA |
Area |
Around 3,468 square miles |
Elevation |
Ranges from 5,282 feet to 11,358 feet |
Visitor Center |
Old Faithful Visitor Education Center, Canyon Visitor Education Center, etc. |
Main Attractions |
Old Faithful Geyser, Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley, etc. |
UNESCO World Heritage Site |
Yes |
Park Access |
North Entrance, Northeast Entrance, East Entrance, South Entrance, West Entrance |
Climate |
Varied climate with cold winters and mild summers |
Activities |
Hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, fishing, boating, ranger-led programs, geothermal feature exploration, photography |
Notable Features |
Largest supervolcano on the continent and diverse wildlife |
Nearby Cities |
West Yellowstone, Montana; Gardiner, Montana; Cody, etc. |
3. Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park covers the 1.5 million acres of diverse ecosystems, including marshes, mangrove forests, and coastal prairies. It is the home to over 350 species of birds that makes it a paradise for birdwatchers and ornithologists. The park is the largest remaining subtropical wild areas in the United States.
World Heritage Site Name |
Everglades National Park |
---|---|
Location |
Southern Florida, USA |
Area |
1.5 million acres |
Elevation |
Generally near the sea level |
Visitor Center |
Multiple visitor centers |
Main Attractions |
Wildlife watching, kayaking, hiking, airboat tours, fishing |
UNESCO World Heritage Site |
Yes |
Park Access |
US Highway 41 and the Homestead Extension of Florida’s Turnpike |
Climate |
Tropical climate |
Activities |
Birdwatching, camping, boating, ranger-led programs, tram tours |
Notable Features |
Unique ecosystem and freshwater sloughs |
Nearby Cities |
Miami, Naples, Homestead |
4. Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park spread over 1.2 million acres in northwestern Arizona. It is a vast area with so many natural wonder. It is one of the world’s most iconic geological formations. The Grand Canyon is present here that is carved by the Colorado River.
World Heritage Site Name |
Grand Canyon National Park |
---|---|
Location |
Arizona, United States |
Area |
Over 1.2 million acres |
Elevation |
South Rim: 7,000 feet and North Rim: 8,000 feet |
Visitor Center |
Grand Canyon Visitor Center and North Rim Visitor Center |
Main Attractions |
Grand Canyon viewpoints and Colorado River |
UNESCO World Heritage Site |
Yes |
Park Access |
South Rim: Open year-round and North Rim: Open mid-May through mid-October |
Climate |
Varies by season |
Activities |
Hiking, sightseeing, rafting and camping |
Notable Features |
Grand Canyon and Diverse ecosystems |
Nearby Cities |
Flagstaff, Williams, Sedona |
5. Independence Hall
Independence Hall is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building was completed in 1753. It served as the meeting place for the Second Continental Congress during the American Revolution. It is constructed with Georgian architecture by featuring a red brick facade with white trim and a bell tower.
World Heritage Site Name |
Independence Hall |
---|---|
Location |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
Visitor Center |
Yes |
Main Attractions |
Independence Hall, Liberty Bell Center, National Constitution Center |
UNESCO World Heritage Site |
Yes |
Activities |
Guided tours, historical reenactments, educational programs |
Notable Features |
Birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution |
Nearby Cities |
Philadelphia, Camden, Wilmington |
6. Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks are the vast area of protected land. It also includes the northern California coast into it. It is known for its towering ancient redwood trees. The parks feature a diverse range of ecosystems.
World Heritage Site Name |
Redwood National and State Parks |
---|---|
Location |
Northern California, United States |
Area |
Approx. 138,999 acres |
Elevation |
Sea level to over 2,000 feet |
Visitor Center |
Multiple |
Main Attractions |
Giant sequoia and coast redwood trees, scenic drives, hiking trails and wildlife |
UNESCO World Heritage Site |
Designated as part of the “Redwood National and State Parks” |
Park Access |
Open year-round |
Climate |
Temperate rainforest climate |
Activities |
Hiking, camping, picnicking and wildlife viewing |
Notable Features |
Tallest trees on Earth, diverse ecosystem and old-growth forests |
Nearby Cities |
Crescent City, Eureka, Arcata |
7. Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park is exactly located in the south-central Kentucky. It is over 400 miles of passageways that makes it the longest cave system in the world. The cave system have a diverse geological formations like stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers.
World Heritage Site Name |
Mammoth Cave National Park |
---|---|
Location |
Kentucky, United States |
Area |
Approximately 52,830 acres |
Elevation |
Ranges from 456 to 1,048 feet |
Visitor Center |
Mammoth Cave Visitor Center |
Main Attractions |
Mammoth Cave, Frozen Niagara and Historic Entrance Tour |
UNESCO World Heritage Site |
Yes |
Park Access |
Open year-round |
Climate |
Temperate |
Activities |
Cave tours, hiking, camping and wildlife observation |
Notable Features |
World’s longest known cave system |
Nearby Cities |
Cave City, Bowling Green and Louisville |
8. Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is particularly located in the state of Washington, US. It has nearly one million acres of diverse landscape into it. It is famous for its three distinct ecosystems, including rugged coastline, temperate rainforest, and alpine peaks.
World Heritage Site Name |
Olympic National Park |
---|---|
Location |
Washington, USA |
Area |
922,650 acres |
Elevation |
Range from sea level to 7,980 feet at Mount Olympus |
Visitor Center |
Multiple visitor centers |
Main Attractions |
Mount Olympus, Hoh Rainforest, Hurricane Ridge, Ruby Beach and Lake Crescent |
UNESCO World Heritage Site |
Yes |
Park Access |
Multiple entrances |
Climate |
Varied |
Activities |
Hiking, camping, wildlife viewing and fishing |
Notable Features |
Temperate rainforest, subalpine forest, and rugged coastline |
Nearby Cities |
Port Angeles, Forks, Port Townsend |
9. Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is exactly located on the Liberty Island in Harbor of New York city. It was a gift of France to remember the centennial of American independence. It was designed by the famous French sculptor Monsieur Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. It is made of copper and stands at 305 feet tall from the ground to the tip of the torch.
World Heritage Site Name |
Statue of Liberty |
---|---|
Location |
Liberty Island, New York Harbor, New York City, New York, United States |
Area |
Approximately 12 acres |
Elevation |
Base: About 15 feet above sea level. Visitor Center Liberty Island Museum |
Main Attractions |
Statue of Liberty, Liberty Island Museum, Pedestal Observation Deck and Crown Access |
UNESCO World Heritage Site |
Yes |
Park Access |
Managed by the National Park Service |
Climate |
Temperate |
Activities |
Statue and museum tours, observation deck visits, ranger-led programs |
Notable Features |
Iconic symbol of freedom and democracy, gift from France to the United States, designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi |
Nearby Cities |
New York City |
Other Major World Heritage Sites in the United States – National Parks
Here are some other National Parks those are considered as Major World Heritage Sites in the United States as mentioned below.
National Park | Location | Notable Features |
---|---|---|
Carlsbad Caves National Park | New Mexico, USA | Deep and big cave system; famous for bats |
Everglades National Park | Florida, USA | Biggest tropical wild area in the US; recognized by UNESCO as very important |
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Hawaii, USA | Keeps the stories of Hawaiian volcanoes and culture alive; volcanoes are considered very special |
Redwood National and State Parks | California, USA | Home to very tall redwood trees; considered very important by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site |
Mammoth Cave National Park | Kentucky, USA | Longest cave system known in the world with over 392 miles of caves |
Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park | Montana (USA) and Alberta (Canada) | Combination of Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park; recognized by UNESCO as very important |
Chaco Culture National Historical Park | New Mexico, USA | Ruins of Chaco Canyon, an old center of Native American culture from long ago; also very important to UNESCO |
Grand Canyon National Park | Arizona, USA | Very big canyon; shows lots of Earth’s history through different layers |
Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Tennessee and North Carolina, USA | Lots of animals and plants; great place to see black bears |
Conclusion – World Heritage Sites in the United States
The United States Of America is the home of a total of 25 of the 1,121 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the World. A World Heritage Site is a specific landmark or particular area that is vested with legal protection from an international convention. In this article, we have discussed the World Heritage Sites in the United States with there location and inscribed year.
FAQs on World Heritage Sites in the United States
How many World Heritage Sites are in the United States?
Currently there are 25 World Heritage Sites within the United States.
What was the first US World Heritage City?
Philadelphia was the first US World Heritage City.
How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are in Central America?
There are 18 NESCO World Heritage Sites are in Central America.
Which two countries have the largest number of World Heritage Sites?
Italy is the country with the most sites; followed by China with 57, then France and Germany with 52 each.
Which country is the largest UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Italy is the largest UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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