30+ Photos That Make Us Thankful to Be American

This article appeared in simplyurbans.com and has been published here with permission.

There are some scenes that are so breathtaking that you can’t help but admire them. You have to take a step back and marvel at how a scene like this could be something that happened to come about at just the right time for you to get the chance to see it. These American sites will make you gasp at their natural beauty or wonder at all the history a site holds.

Lake Superior's Coastline

If we showed you this picture without context, would you know that this is somewhere you can visit without leaving the United States?

Believe it or not, this is an American coastline, and you'll want to go north, not south, to see this pristine water. If you find yourself passing through Michigan, it's worth making a stop at the Lake Superior coastlines. Interestingly, this is a freshwater coastline as well!

Thor's Well

When the tide is just right off the coast of central Oregon, you might just be lucky enough to catch the appearance of this scene, better known as Thor's Well.

While the site is American, the sheer majesty of it brings to mind the powerful Norse god, earning the site its name. If you want to get an up-close look at the formation, you can opt to camp out nearby at Cape Perpetua Scenic Area before taking a tour by boat to see Thor's Well.

The Witch House

The Witch House, once better known as Jonathan Corwin's house, became a staple in Massachusetts after the tragedy of the Salem Witch Trials.

So, what happened here? Jonathan Corwin originally came to own the house in 1675. By 1692, the Witch Trials were in full swing, and Corwin was made an investigator. Since the horrors that his work led to, it didn't take long for the house to be dubbed as haunted.

Yosemite National Park

There are a few places in the United States that don't just appeal to American visitors but it often hosts visitors from all around the world.

After looking at a photo like this, it's hard to say that we can't see why it would draw such massive crowds. As a national park, the area is protected too, allowing the natural beauty of the area to flourish. It's a great spot to get away from the buzz of everyday life and appreciate nature.