Michigan
Place |
Hashtag |
# of Posts |
Lake Michigan |
2,413,977 |
|
Lake Superior |
940,421 |
|
Lake Erie |
820,724 |
Michigan’s eponymous Great Lake is so big that you’re spoilt for choice with vacation spots surrounding it. Pristine Oval Beach is a highly-recommended one for special events, beautiful beaches, and plenty of campgrounds and hotels; while South Haven is a quieter nature preserve complete with forests, parks, and hiking trails. Get the best of all worlds with a visit to Lake Michigan.
Michigan’s second most Insta-popular Great Lake, Lake Superior is another fabulous destination for those craving adventure. Hike up to Upper Tahquamenon Falls, hire a cabin, spot some moose at Isle Royale National Park, and of course take a boat tour of the lake for a vacation you’ll never forget.
Finally, Michigan’s third Great Lake vacation recommendation is Lake Erie, where you can take a boat and visit dozens of smaller islands peppered throughout the water. See the sights from horseback, bicycle, or on foot through hiking trails too! There are even wineries and breweries dotted along the way where you can stop for a refreshment 🍷
Minnesota
Place |
Hashtag |
# of Posts |
Lake Superior |
940,421 |
|
Lake of the Isles |
24,073 |
|
Superior National Forest |
13,147 |
Lake Superior from the north shores of Minnesota features beautiful forest lodges to stay at, the Superior Hiking Trail, Gooseberry Falls waterfall, and the hundred-year-old Split Rock Lighthouse. Many rental lodges come with outdoor pools and hot tubs with magnificent lake views. What more could you want from a lakeside retreat?
Most people picture summer lakeside vacations, but a trip to Lake of the Isles may be even better in the winter. This lake freezes over and transforms into a natural hockey and ice skating rink, and also hosts a famous New Year's Eve party complete with hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows ❄️
Stargazers don’t want to miss a trip to Minnesota’s Superior National Forest. Seen here in @douglasjonesphotography’s beautiful photo, you can see the Milky Way in all her glory reflected in the river at night. Pitch a tent, bring your camera, and you can do the same!
Mississippi
Place |
Hashtag |
# of Posts |
Mississippi River |
506,325 |
|
Natchez Trace Parkway |
11,005 |
|
Gulf Islands National Seashore |
9,332 |
The winding Mississippi River is one of the largest and most famous waterways in the world, beginning at Minnesota’s Lake Itasca and ending in the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, there are waterfalls, overlooks, historic towns including #Vicksburg, and much more.
Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile drive through three states, roughly following the “Old Natchez Trace” historic corridor traveled by American Indians, settlers, soldiers, and more. Mississippi is the middle state along the way between Alabama and Tennessee, with beautiful reservoir views and plenty of natural sights following the trail.
Flowing over 150 miles from Mississippi to Florida, the national seashore offers views and excursions out to barrier islands across crystal blue waters. At the MS end, you can camp at Davis Bayou Campground, enjoy white-sand beaches, check out the local wildlife, and partake in watersports activities.
Missouri
Place |
Hashtag |
# of Posts |
Lake of the Ozarks |
246,491 |
|
Table Rock Lake |
94,005 |
|
Mark Twain National Forest |
9,053 |
In the summer, the Lake of the Ozarks is teeming with tourists, so if you love a buzzing atmosphere, this is the destination for you. If you prefer a winter wonderland vibe, get down and rent a cabin in the colder months and overlook the frozen lake ☕
Check out the amazing views from the Blue Ridge Mountains in Table Rock State Park, captured here by @vanzeppelinaerial. If you prefer to stay at sea level (we don’t blame you!), Table Rock Lake has a shoreline stretching nearly 800 miles, so you’re spoilt for choice for beaches!
Whether you love to paddle, pedal, or just take a hike, the Mark Twain National Forest has something for all. Motorbiking through the trails is a highlight, as is the lovely St. Francis River if you want a peaceful moment.
Montana
Place |
Hashtag |
# of Posts |
Yellowstone National Park |
927,012 |
|
Glacier National Park |
834,270 |
|
Flathead Lake |
113,644 |
Yellowstone features some of the most incredible natural sights on the planet, such as geysers, hot springs, and valleys filled with bison. While most of the park is in Wyoming, you can enter through Montana from the park’s North Entrance.
As of 2015, Glacier National Park contained 26 of its namesake glaciers — but since then, many have shrunk so much that some may not be considered glaciers any longer. Get down to the park to see these stunning natural sights before they disappear, and remember to do your daily part to protect the environment 🏔️
Amazingly, you can see the Northern Lights from Montana, as seen in the striking pic above by @k.marksthespot! Head down to Polson to see this natural wonder reflected in Flathead Lake in the winter months when the K-Index is high.
Nebraska
Place |
Hashtag |
# of Posts |
Scotts Bluff |
15,538 |
|
Lake McConaughy |
12,094 |
|
Lewis and Clark Lake |
1,493 |
Scotts Bluff National Monument is a rock formation that serves as a landmark for traveling Native Americans to this day. Visitors can hike or drive up the scenic Summit Road for breathtaking views from the top.
Ever heard of wakesurfing? Allow @theoutdoorswoman to introduce you! Watersports fans will love a break at Lake McConaughy, while people who prefer to camp and chill out can watch from the shoreline with a picnic or from a lakeside restaurant 🍝
If rocky shorelines are your thing, Lewis and Clark Lake is the perfect destination for some exploring. Its craggy banks with a view over calm water will clear your head and help you appreciate nature in all its glory.
Nevada
Place |
Hashtag |
# of Posts |
Lake Tahoe |
2,601,234 |
|
Death Valley National Park |
263,702 |
|
Lake Mead |
223,006 |
Take a dip in stunning clear blue pools at North Lake Tahoe in Nevada, like @angelaliggs. Surrounded by a rocky shore and tall trees, it’s absolutely stunning in the summer. With plenty of nearby resorts, you’ll have a tough choice deciding where to stay.
While Death Valley is the hottest and driest of the USA’s national parks, it’s still teeming with wildlife. Rare rainstorms bring beautiful crops of wildflowers, and freshwater oases contain fish and hydration for animals like Desert Bighorn Sheep and Jackrabbits.
Lake Mead is peppered with tiny islands to explore. Las Vegas Bay and South Cove are beautiful spots to pitch a tent and spend a few days in the great outdoors 🌵
New Hampshire
Place |
Hashtag |
# of Posts |
Lake Winnipesaukee |
130,726 |
|
White Mountain National Forest |
35,102 |
|
Squam Lake |
24,667 |
Lake Winnipesaukee is a treasure trove vacation destination. It features museums, cruises, and even castles — four in fact! Alongside boating, hiking trails and camping, there are various resorts and hotels to stay at. Don’t miss a ride on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Train for beautiful views along the lake!
Alpine peaks, dense woods, and bubbling mountain streams fill White Mountain National Forest. Experience serenity like never before with your choice of countless scenic trails, where you’re more than likely to spot some roaming deer 🦌
No need to own a yacht — hop on a boat tour at Squam Lake to see all the sights! There are over 30 islands peeking out of the lake, which you can see up close by getting in the water. The shore is lined with places to eat, stay and explore, so we highly recommend you get down there for a picturesque trip to the East Coast.
New Jersey
Place |
Hashtag |
# of Posts |
Lake Hopatcong |
48,888 |
|
Greenwood Lake |
27,562 |
|
Deep Cut Gardens |
7,001 |
Boating, sailing and kayaking are the main draws of stunning Lake Hopatcong in Landing, NJ. Plenty of public beaches, marinas and places to stay draw throngs of tourists to the lake each year.
Could there be any more relaxing retreat than hiring a cottage by a lake? Fire up the grill on the lawn, go paddleboarding, stay up into the small hours toasting s’mores… Those dreams can be a reality at Greenwood Lake!
Find streams, rose beds, a seed exchange, lily ponds, koi ponds, greenhouses and more at New Jersey’s Deep Cut Gardens. A perfect day out for the budding gardener, this place will have you exercising your green thumbs when you get back home 🌷
New Mexico
Place |
Hashtag |
# of Posts |
Gila National Forest |
19,053 |
|
White Sands National Park |
16,206 |
|
Santa Fe National Forest |
12,022 |
A natural gem of New Mexico is undoubtedly Gila National Forest. Best explored in the summer, enjoy days’ worth of hiking trails, camping excursions, and some of the best stargazing in the US 🌌
The clue is in the name… you’ll find some seriously white sand at White Sands National Park, perfectly illustrated by @keepgoingplaces’ awesome picture! To get some incredible white dune pics of your own, there’s only one place to go.
You’ll not only find trees in this national forest. Meadows, snow capped peaks, and a dormant volcano also lies in wait for you there! In the summer, expect hot temperatures — you may want to plan a hike along a lake trail to cool off — or plan a fun trip at the downhill ski resorts in the winter.
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