National Natural Landmarks

Illustrating America's Natural Heritage

Sites are designated as national natural landmarks in recognition of specific biological communities, geological landforms or processes, or paleontological resources. The outstanding resources at these sites tell the geological and ecological story of America. To draw attention to and spur learning and appreciation of America’s natural heritage, this page provides an introduction to some of the different natural features that can be found across the country. Newly created artwork pieces portray and celebrate the beauty and diversity of each of these natural features.

graphic of bird on rocks

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for their tundra ecosystems.

Graphic drawing of antelope in yellow grass

Plateaus and Mesas

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for their plateaus and mesas.

Graphic art of white rabbit in snow with evergreen trees and sunset

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for their boreal ecosystems.

Graphic art of frog and lily pads in pond with trees in backgroud.

Lakes and Ponds

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for their lake and pond ecosystems.

Graphic art of beetle on sand dune

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for their eolian ecosystems.

Graphic art of fish underwater in stream

Rivers and Streams

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for their rivers and stream.

Graphic art of fox in forest

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for their forest ecosystems.

Graphic art of dinosaurs walking and leaving footprints

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for their fossil resources.

graphic drawing of underwater crab and egret standing in shallow water with grass in background

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for their estuaries.

graphic of pitcher plants and dragonfly

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for bog ecosystems.

manatee and fish underwater

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for springs and spring ecosystems.

Three otters swimming with glacier and snow covered mountain in background

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for glacial landscapes and features.

Graphic of birds on sandy beach with tall grass

Explore some national natural landmarks with seashore landscapes and features.

Graphic of bear with flowers and mountain in background

Explore some national natural landmarks with mountain landscapes and features.

artwork of a lizard on a rock with a desert backdrop

Explore some national natural landmarks with desert landscapes and features.

artwork of a bluebird on the ground with a volcano in the background

Explore some National Natural Landmarks with volcanic landscapes and features.

artwork of a moose in a pool of water at the bottom of a waterfall

Explore some National Natural Landmarks with waterfalls.

artwork of 2 silhouetted people wearing headlamps inside a cave

Explore some National Natural Landmarks with caves.

artwork of a turtle on a log in a swamp

Explore some National Natural Landmarks with swamps.

artwork of a prairie dog standing upright on a mound with a sunset in the background

Explore some National Natural Landmarks with prairie landscapes and features.

Last updated: July 25, 2024

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