Nature & Outdoors

This botanical garden in Buffalo, New York, showcase the beauty of nature through differently themed areas, including ones that spotlight native species. 

Formerly a grand country estate, this park in Wheaton, Illinois, offers beautifully manicured gardens and plenty of recreational opportunities.

Spanning nearly 4,300 acres, Rockport State Recreation Area in Alpena, Michigan, offers a glimpse into its past, with opportunities for hiking, kayaking and other adventures.

Via ferrata at NRocks Outdoor Adventures in Circleville, West Virginia (photo courtesy of NRocks Outdoor Adventures)

Embrace the high life — be it navigating the via ferrata route or zip-line course — at this destination near Monongahela National Forest in Circleville, West Virginia,

People biking on Pumpkinvine Nature Trail in Elkhart County, Indiana (photo by Danny Graber)

Ride this trail in Elkhart County, Indiana, during the fall for a flavor of life in these rural communities located within the third-largest Amish settlement in the United States.

Glider at Harris Hill Soaring in Elmira, New York (photo by Michael Goldstein)

For those who want to fly like a bird, this club in Elmira, New York, offers scenic and serence flights on professionally piloted, motorless two-seat gliders.

Person biking on Three Rivers Heritage Trail in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (photo by Carolyn Doyle)

Follow Pittsburgh’s famous waterways along this 35-mile route that provides a fresh perspective on Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

Elk at Gaylord City Elk Park in Gaylord, Michigan (photo courtesy of Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau)

This wildlife park in Gaylord, Michigan, offers three public viewing areas where travelers can catch a glimpse of the community’s city-owned elk herd. 

SkyBridge Michigan at Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls, Michigan (photo courtesy of Boyne Mountain)

With 415 acres of skiing terrain, this resort in Boyne Falls, Michigan, provides a welcoming home base for both autumn excursions and snowy-season adventures. 

Hocking Hills State Park Lodge & Conference Center in Logan, Ohio (photo courtesy of Ohio Department of Natural Resources)

This state park in Hocking County, Ohio, spans over 2,000 acres across seven different sites that showcase some of the area’s most beautiful natural landmarks.