World Heritage Sites are landmarks, areas, or sites of outstanding universal value that are recognized and protected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). These sites are considered to be of exceptional importance to humanity, both in terms of cultural and natural significance.
There are 24 World Heritage Sites in the United States. These sites range from natural wonders like Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon National Park to culturally significant places such as Independence Hall and the Statue of Liberty. These sites have been recognized for their outstanding universal value and are protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
Also see: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the US
Here’s a list of all 24 world heritage sites in the United States.
| Name | Region | Period | UNESCO Data | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mesa Verde National Park | Colorado | 6th to 12th centuries | Link |
| 2 | Yellowstone National Park | Wyoming, Montana, Idaho | Established 1872 | Link |
| 3 | Everglades National Park | Florida | Established 1947 | Link |
| 4 | Grand Canyon National Park | Arizona | Established 1919 | Link |
| 5 | Independence Hall | Pennsylvania | 18th century | Link |
| 6 | Kluane/Wrangell-St. Elias/Glacier Bay/Tatshenshini-Alsek | Alaska, Yukon | Ongoing | Link |
| 7 | Redwood National and State Parks | California | Ongoing | Link |
| 8 | Mammoth Cave National Park | Kentucky | Established 1941 | Link |
| 9 | Olympic National Park | Washington | Established 1938 | Link |
| 10 | Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site | Illinois | 10th-14th centuries | Link |
| 11 | Statue of Liberty | New York | Established 1886 | Link |
| 12 | Yosemite National Park | California | Established 1890 | Link |
| 13 | Chaco Culture | New Mexico | 9th-12th centuries | Link |
| 14 | Hawaii Volcanoes National Park | Hawaii | Ongoing | Link |
| 15 | Monticello and the University of Virginia | Virginia | 18th and 19th centuries | Link |
| 16 | Pueblo de Taos | New Mexico | Ongoing | Link |
| 17 | Carlsbad Caverns National Park | New Mexico | Established 1930 | Link |
| 18 | Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park | Montana, Canada | Ongoing | Link |
| 19 | La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site | Puerto Rico | Established 1521 | Link |
| 20 | Papahānaumokuākea | Hawaii | Ongoing | Link |
| 21 | Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Tennessee, North Carolina | Established 1934 | Link |
| 22 | Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point | Louisiana | 17th century BCE | Link |
| 23 | San Antonio Missions | Texas | 18th century | Link |
| 24 | The 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright | Multiple States | 20th century | Link |
1. Mesa Verde National Park: Mesa Verde National Park preserves ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people. It showcases the unique architectural and cultural heritage of the region from the 6th to the 12th centuries.
2. Yellowstone National Park: Yellowstone is renowned for its geothermal features, including the iconic Old Faithful geyser. It is the first national park in the United States and is home to diverse wildlife, such as grizzly bears, wolves, and herds of bison.
3. Everglades National Park: Everglades National Park is a vast subtropical wilderness protecting one of the largest wetland ecosystems in the world. It is home to a rich variety of plant and animal species, including the endangered Florida panther and the American crocodile.
4. Grand Canyon National Park: Grand Canyon is a breathtaking natural wonder carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. Its immense size and dramatic landscapes attract millions of visitors each year, offering stunning vistas and opportunities for outdoor exploration.
5. Independence Hall: Independence Hall holds great historical significance as the birthplace of the United States. It is where both the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the United States Constitution (1787) were debated and adopted.
6. Kluane/Wrangell-St. Elias/Glacier Bay/Tatshenshini-Alsek: This transboundary site encompasses vast wilderness areas in Alaska (USA) and Yukon (Canada). It showcases a spectacular landscape of glaciers, mountains, and diverse ecosystems, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.
7. Redwood National and State Parks: Redwood National and State Parks: are home to magnificent coastal redwood forests, and some of the tallest and oldest trees on Earth. The park protects a significant portion of these ancient trees, providing a glimpse into the region’s unique and awe-inspiring natural heritage.
8. Mammoth Cave National Park: Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world’s longest-known cave system. It offers visitors the chance to explore underground chambers, and impressive rock formations, and learn about the unique ecosystem that thrives in this subterranean world.
9. Olympic National Park: Olympic National Park is known for its diverse ecosystems ranging from rugged coastlines to temperate rainforests and alpine mountains. The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and scenic drives.
10. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site: Cahokia Mounds are the remnants of an ancient indigenous city that flourished from the 10th to the 14th centuries. The site preserves earthen mounds and other archaeological structures, providing insights into the Mississippian culture and society of that era.
11. Statue of Liberty: Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy. The statue was a gift from France to the United States and has welcomed countless immigrants arriving in America seeking a better life.
12. Yosemite National Park: Yosemite National Park is renowned for its dramatic granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and pristine wilderness. It offers breathtaking landscapes, including Yosemite Valley and iconic landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome.
13. Chaco Culture: Situated in New Mexico, Chaco Culture is an ancient cultural site featuring well-preserved monumental buildings and ceremonial structures. It offers insights into the advanced architecture and astronomy of the ancestral Puebloan people who inhabited the area from the 9th to the 12th centuries.
14. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: This national park showcases the volcanic wonders of the Hawaiian Islands. It is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, offering visitors the opportunity to witness the dynamic geology and unique ecosystems shaped by volcanic activity.
15. Monticello and the University of Virginia: Situated in Virginia, this UNESCO site includes Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, a historic plantation and home of the third U.S. President. It also encompasses the nearby University of Virginia, founded by Jefferson and renowned for its architectural beauty and academic excellence.
16. Pueblo de Taos: Pueblo de Taos is a Native American community that has been continuously inhabited for over a thousand years. It features multi-story adobe buildings, reflecting the distinctive architecture and cultural traditions of the Taos Pueblo people.
17. Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Carlsbad Caverns National Park is famous for its stunning underground cave system. Visitors can explore the massive caverns adorned with intricate stalactite and stalagmite formations, creating a surreal and awe-inspiring experience.
18. Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park: Straddling the border of Montana (USA) and Alberta (Canada), this park encompasses both Glacier National Park (USA) and Waterton Lakes National Park (Canada). It showcases a breathtaking alpine landscape with glaciers, lakes, and diverse wildlife, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in conservation efforts.
19. La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site: This UNESCO site includes La Fortaleza, the oldest executive mansion in the Americas, and the San Juan National Historic Site, which protects the historic city walls and fortifications of San Juan. These landmarks are significant in the history of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean region.
20. Papahānaumokuākea: Papahānaumokuākea is a vast marine national monument and UNESCO site. It preserves one of the most extensive and pristine coral reef ecosystems in the world, along with numerous endangered species and cultural heritage sites.
21. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant forests. It is the most visited national park in the United States and offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities and scenic beauty.
22. Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point: This archaeological site represents an ancient culture that thrived around 3,400 years ago. The earthworks, including large mounds and ridges, showcase the impressive engineering achievements and social complexity of the Poverty Point culture.
23. San Antonio Missions: San Antonio Missions are a group of Spanish colonial missions established in the 18th century. These missions played a significant role in the Spanish colonization of the region and continue to be important cultural and historical landmarks.
24. The 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright: This UNESCO site includes various architectural works designed by the renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. These buildings, located across the United States, represent Wright’s innovative and influential contributions to modern architecture in the 20th century.