Oh Snap! 6 Offbeat U.S. Places for that Perfect Instagram Photo Javier Peinado April 6, 2023 Photography The United States has always been a place of hidden gems, just waiting to be discovered by those hungry for adventure. In the same week, you can climb the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains and dip your toes in the turquoise waters of the Florida Keys. It’s this sheer diversity of ecosystems that leaves countless breathtaking sites pretty much ignored by the general public. The following locations represent some of the most picturesque, but underappreciated, places in the country. Not too far off the beaten path, these spots are ideal for people hoping to wow their family and friends online while exploring the less tourist-heavy corners of the United States. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words. These incredibly Insta-worthy destinations may even earn you a bunch of new followers. Starved Rock, Illinois Starved Rock is Illinois’ hidden woodland gem. Located outside of Oglesby, this 2,600-acre state park is famous for its canyons and waterfalls. Wildcat Canyon remains a favorite for most visitors, being home to Starved Rock’s largest waterfall. Two viewing stations at the top of the canyon offer the best places for photography, but you can also hike to the canyon floor for up-close shots of the structure’s distinctive rock formations and streambed. Other trails and hikes in the park also offer chances for great pics of the native flora and fauna. The path to Eagle Cliff Overlook is especially popular and offers the chance to take snaps of eagles, herons, and other waterfowls. Glacier National Park, Montana At over one million acres, Glacier National Park is one of the largest national parks in the United States, and features great geographic and biological diversity. Whether you’re looking to impress your IG followers with exquisite shots of a the local fauna or breathtaking views from a high mountain peak, Glacier National Park offers some of the best photography spots in the United States. Of the many places to kick back and take a few snaps, Logan Pass has the distinct advantage of being fully accessible by car. Standing at an elevation of 6,600 feet, this location enables great shots of Reynolds and Clements Mountains. During the summer months, endless fields of wildflowers rest in the shadow of these two behemoths, painting the scenery in vibrant purple and yellow shades. Not far from Logan Pass rests Hidden Lake, a true gem in the wilderness where visitors are treated to enchanting vistas of alpine meadows and easy shots of bighorn sheep. The Neon Museum, Las Vegas Neon Museum by Jeremy Thompson licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 The Las Vegas Strip is world-famous for its vibrant neon signs, which are properly recognized and celebrated by the Neon Museum Las Vegas. Here you will find hundreds of signs from the 1930s to the modern era, preserved not only as an important part of the history if Sin City, but also amazing pieces of art in their own right. One of the most sought-after stops for amateur and professional photographers alike is the museum’s North Gallery, with signs from the famed Hard Rock Café and the iconic Stardust Casino among exhibits from dozens of Las Vegas landmarks. The Neon Museum brings these signs to life, allowing anyone headed to Las Vegas to witness what the city was like in the time of Elvis and Frank Sinatra. Try to visit at night, if you can! You may also like: Think Vegas is Nothing But Casinos? This Quiz Will Change Your Mind! Horseshoe Bend, Arizona Instagrammers hoping to show off all the vibrant colors of the natural world need look no further than Horseshoe Bend. This awe-inspiring location, nestled in a horseshoe-shaped curve in the meandering flow of the Colorado River, requires an easy hike of just over half a mile. While the site offers amazing photography opportunities throughout the day, savvy travelers suggest waiting until dusk for the perfect shot. In the moments preceding twilight, the bend is bathed in a golden glow, creating an amazing contrast between the turquoise waters of the Colorado and the surrounding orange rock formations. Not enough for you? Try to visit nearby Antelope Canyon and Glen Canyon Dam for more incredible photos. The Color Tunnel, Alabama Birmingham’s Color Tunnel is proof of how the simplest ideas can change entire neighborhoods. Officially entitled LightRails, The Color Tunnel was devised by artist Bill FitzGibbons as a light sculpture. FitzGibbons turned a once dank and dangerous underpass into one of the most picturesque spots in Birmingham. This piece is run by a computer program that allows for over 16 million unique combinations of color and speed, ensuring that the Color Tunnel will be different every time you visit. Like most light displays, the Color Tunnel is best photographed during the evening and night hours, when you can gain a better appreciation of its vivid use of color. Eureka Springs, Arkansas Tucked away in the Ozark Mountains is beautiful Eureka Springs, one of the quirkiest towns in the Southern United States. Founded in 1880 as a spa resort, Eureka Springs offers plenty of places for visitors hoping to enjoy the day and take a few cool snaps in one of the most welcoming communities in the country. The most well-known spot to take an Instagram-worthy picture here is a staircase on North Main Street that is painted to resemble a rainbow-bedecked waterfall on a mountain. The town also offers countless other opportunities for great photographs thanks to its beautiful Victorian architecture, crystal clear waters, and several amazing caves. Do you have a favorite Instagram spot that you’d like to share? Tell us about it in the comments below!
