Visit Astonishing National Natural Landmarks

National Natural Landmarks (NNLs) are natural areas that contain significant examples of the nation's biological and geological features. The 600+ NNLs are designated by the Secretary of the Interior as the best examples of a type of biological community or geological feature. The National Park Service works cooperatively with landowners, managers, and partners to conserve these sites.

Did you know?

There are over 600 National Natural Landmarks varying in size from less than four acres to 900,000! Check out the NNL Directory to see a map of sites.

Since NNLs are relatively unknown compared to more popular park sites, they can sometimes serve as less busy alternatives. However, NNL status does not indicate public ownership and each NNL is managed differently. Some may not be open to the public. So, it's important to know before you go and research the site before your visit.

If you need a starting point, the following are some of our favorite NNLs that are open to the public and have some amazing natural features!

Hidden Gems

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  Oregon

  Fort Rock State Natural Area

  Fort Rock, formed 10–12K years ago, is a tuff ring created by volcanic explosions beneath a lake, later eroded into its crescent shape.

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  Washington

  Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park

  Home to North America's most diverse Miocene petrified wood site with 40+ wood types, plus Ice Age Flood features that shaped the land!

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  Florida

  Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

  Walk the boardwalk to discover a living treasure trove of biodiversity & the largest remaining old-growth bald cypress forest in the South.

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  North Carolina

  Stone Mountain State Park

  Discover a massive granite monadnock with rare, endemic plants—perfect for exploring geology, unique habitats, and scenic views.

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  Texas

  Caverns of Sonora

  Coralloid growths (cave popcorn) & bladed helictites are just some of the rockin’ formations that await visitors to this underground wonder.

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  Arizona

  Barringer Meteor Crater

  What does it look like when a 150-foot-wide iron-nickel space rock (aka meteor) hits Earth? Check out this northern Arizona crater to see!

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  Pennsylvania

  Cook Forest State Park

  Experience the towering pines and hemlock of the Forest Cathedral in this relict, old growth forest in northwestern Pennsylvania.

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  Connecticut

  Dinosaur State Park

  Journey to the early Jurassic and view 200-million-year-old fossil dinosaur footprints right in central Connecticut.

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  Minnesota

  Cedar Creek Natural History Area

  Helen Allison Savanna Preserve - Discover an internationally famous landscape where forests, prairies & wildlife meet.

Learn More!

National Natural Landmarks