A Winter Travel Bucket List for America’s 250th Birthday

What makes America special isn’t just its long list of achievements, but its landscapes, its history, and its people. This year, America turns 250, and for its semiquincentennial celebration, we want to highlight the places, scenery, and adventures that define the American spirit—that make it truly one of a kind. Winter is often a time when we want to stay cooped up indoors, but across the U.S., there are small towns, national parks, frozen landscapes, cozy cabins, and even winter wonderlands ideal for scenic drives that will warm any traveler's heart. The following are 15 escapes in the U.S. that prove winter truly is one of America’s most magical travel seasons.

1. Truckee, California

Located near Lake Tahoe and set against the Sierra Nevada, Truckee, California, is one of the snowiest towns in the U.S. This town of approximately 17,000 people is a true winter playground, surrounded by multiple world-class ski and snowboarding resorts, exceptional snowshoeing and cross-country skiing hills, and prime snowmobiling. Even if you aren’t into outdoor adventures, Truckee's downtown area is full of locally owned boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. Not to mention, when the mountains and forests surrounding Truckee are covered under a blanket of snow, it's a dreamy winter scene. This is a California town that feels like it’s nestled in the middle of a snow globe.

2. Denali National Park, Alaska

Alaska is typically a destination you'll find on summer travel wishlists, but you should never overlook the winter months in the Last Frontier. Denali National Park, for example, is unlike many other places in the U.S., as there is little daylight and freezing temperatures. However, you’ll find peace, quiet, and pure winter beauty on one of the park’s cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or winter-biking trails. Some roads are open for a gorgeous winter drive, and you don't want to miss viewing the Northern Lights. Winter is the best time to view the Aurora Borealis in Denali National Park, as the long hours of darkness, the park's remote location, and its low light pollution create ideal viewing conditions.

3. Park City, Utah

I have a special place in my heart for Park City, especially during the winter months. For many years, as a young girl, I lived in a small town just outside of this resort town. Today, I still make short trips to Park City for weekend getaways with my husband. And since this town averages up to 300 inches of snow each year, it’s no surprise that it draws more than 600,000 visitors. There are multiple resorts in town that offer skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing for all skill levels. I particularly love walking around the historic Main Street with its darling shops and dining at the many restaurants with award-winning chefs (Riverhorse on Main is a favorite of mine). Park City is also home to Utah Olympic Park, a winter sports park built for the 2002 Winter Olympics. Here, you can take a tour of the facility, or if you have a love of speed, take a winter ride in a bobsled.

4. Jackson, Wyoming

Jackson, Wyoming, checks off all the boxes for the ultimate winter getaway in the U.S. This resort town sits right at the entrance to Grand Teton National Park, where you can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and exceptional wildlife viewing in the winter months. During a visit to this popular winter town, enjoy skiing or snowboarding down Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King Mountain, or Grand Targhee Resort. There’s even dog sledding and sleigh rides through the nearby National Elk Refuge. Walk downtown and visit the restaurants and shops, or go ice skating in the middle of Jackson Town Square. Just a short drive away are Astoria Hot Springs and Granite Hot Springs, both lovely for a winter soak.

5. Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Michigan

Several places in Michigan are perfect for a winter getaway, but one of our favorites is Tahquamenon Falls State Park. This incredible park in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula spans approximately 50,000 acres and comes alive in the summer with multiple campgrounds, hiking trails, and educational opportunities. But in the winter, it’s showstopping Tahquamenon Falls, one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, transforms into ice, snow, and pure winter beauty, creating the ultimate frozen scene. While there are viewpoints for you to easily view the falls, bring a pair of snowshoes and explore the area even more—it’s a perfect winter day trip destination.

6. Dunlap Hollow Cave, Rockbridge, Ohio

If you are like me, you need to fight the winter blues by escaping to someplace cozy, unique, and perfectly charming. In Rockbridge, Ohio, is one of the best and most unique places to stay—the Dunlap Hollow Cave Airbnb. This unique 1,500-square-foot house built into a cave is truly one of a kind, offering luxury yet so comfortable that you’ll never want to leave. The rental sleeps up to six guests, features a large kitchen, rock walls and ceilings, and large windows that let in plenty of natural sunlight. During the day, soak in the outdoor hot tub as snow falls down around you or gaze up at the stars as you let your worries wash away.

7. Whitefish, Montana

Located in northern Montana, just outside of Glacier National Park, is the small town of Whitefish. This beautiful resort town is the type of place where you can enjoy quiet, cozy adventures while snow falls around you, or you can explore the great outdoors. Within town, you’ll find restaurants, breweries, bakeries, and shops where you can warm up. Outdoors, spend time exploring the winter wonderland found within Glacier NP, hit the slopes at Whitefish Mountain Resort, or even enjoy dog sledding and sleigh rides from various companies in town. I recommend visiting Whitefish during the first weekend in February, so you can attend the Whitefish Winter Carnival and participate in activities like the Penguin Plunge, parade, snow sculpture contest, carnival, beer barter, and more.

8. Telluride, Colorado

There are many Colorado towns that could be on this list, but I love to recommend Telluride for a winter getaway. Telluride is not only known for its popular ski resort, but it’s also home to a free 12-minute gondola ride that takes you between Telluride and Mountain Village. This is the only free public transportation system of its kind in the U.S., and is where you can capture gorgeous winter mountain views without any physical effort. Telluride is also a foodies paradise as numerous award-winning chefs reside in town, and you’ll find many one-of-a-kind dining experiences offered here, like dining in heated glass igloos.

9. Hawaii

When you think of cozy winter escapes, you probably think of snow and chilly temperatures. But Hawaii is actually one of our favorite winter destinations. This time of year is prime whale watching as the North Pacific Humpback Whales migrate to the warm waters to breed, raise their calves, and play in the water. The 'Au’au Channel, located between Maui, Moloka'i, and Lāna'i, is actually one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. However, during the winter months, humpback whales are visible from every Hawaiian Island, not just the 'Au’au Channel, and you’ll find dozens of whale-watching tours and bucket-list-worthy hiking trails to give you better views of these magnificent creatures.

10. Saint Paul Winter Carnival, Saint Paul, Minnesota

One of the best winter carnivals and an annual event that attracts more than 250,000 people each year is the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. Since 1886, this Minnesota festival has brought the community together with indoor and outdoor activities, educational opportunities, family events, and so much more. In 2026, the 10-day event features something for everyone, including ice castles, treasure hunts, delicious food, ice carving, winter play days, and fat tire bike rides. Bring your cold-weather gear and sense of play for a few days of pure winter fun.

11. Big Manitou Falls, Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s waterfalls are stunning no matter the time of year, but they are truly breathtaking in the winter when they become large walls of ice. Big Manitou Falls is located in Pattison State Park near Superior and is the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin, at 165 feet. This waterfall truly astounds in the summer, but in winter it transforms into an icy masterpiece. Even better, you don’t have to conquer a long winter hike to see this waterfall in person. It’s just a short walk from the parking area, and overlooks make viewing this wintry scene easy.

12. Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermont, may be known for its gorgeous fall foliage, but it’s just as beautiful when this New England town is covered under a blanket of snow. The mountains, trees, and bridges create a winter wonderland that makes you feel like the star in a real-life Hallmark movie. Of course, to take the wintery romance even further, there’s an outdoor ice skating rink, sleigh rides, dog sledding, pubs and breweries, and the Stowe Winter Carnival, where the community gathers to enjoy professional ice carvings throughout town.

13. Letchworth State Park, New York

Letchworth State Park is known as the Grand Canyon of the East because of its breathtaking canyon in the middle of the park. While a beautiful place to explore any time of the year, it is one of our favorite winter destinations in New York State, particularly for waterfall chasers. Here, you'll find more than 35 waterfalls, and when they freeze, the landscape transforms into a scene of massive icicles and snow. There are 66 miles of hiking trails in this park, and many are available for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter.

14. Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

If you are searching for a beautiful, scenic winter drive, Skyline Drive within Shenandoah National Park must be on your list. This road is open throughout the winter months, but may close temporarily in snowy or icy conditions. During this winter drive, you’ll pass snow-covered forests, gorgeous overlooks, and possibly even wildlife playing in the snow. This time of the year, the park also sees fewer visitors, making it much easier to find peace and quiet in some of Mother Nature’s most remarkable creations.

15. Cozy Cabin with Mountain View, Blue Ridge, Georgia

There is no better way to end a winter day than watching a fiery sunset, while snuggled up in a mountain cabin with your favorite drink in hand. This cozy cabin Airbnb is just a short drive from Blue Ridge, Georgia, and is where you can enjoy the great outdoors and experience pure relaxation. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom vacation rental features a large fireplace where you can snuggle up with your favorite book and blanket, then relax in the hot tub with mountain views and nature’s soundtrack. Never step foot off the property during your stay, or if you are seeking adventure, head into town or experience one of the many nearby outdoor activities.

Winter is magical in the U.S.—it should never be something you dread. Whether you are seeking an outdoor adventure or a relaxing day snuggled up indoors, there are countless places to explore across the U.S. If you are seeking even more inspiration to help you get out and experience what makes America's wonders, we have you covered. This is a year for exploration, landscapes, community, and stories—a year to celebrate what shapes America.

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