The Ultimate American Quest

A Multi-Year Adventure to Experience America's Spectular Public Lands and Destinations

Sharing America's Treasures

I’m on a mission to visit every National Park, National Forest, National Grassland, National Monument, and National Park Unit. That’s 716 destinations, but that’s not all!

As I travel around the country, I’m always on the lookout for the interesting, unique, quirky, and unexpected to share with you in videos, photos, and stories on my website and social media.

Let’s connect and celebrate America’s vast treasures!

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716 American National Public Treasures to Experience

Offically designated by Congress or a President. Organized into 12 collections on my website and eight on my Google My Maps.

U.S. National Parks

Diverse landscapes, wildlife, and historic sites offering adventure, education, and conservation while preserving America’s natural and cultural heritage.

See The List
Count: 63
A solitary saguaro cactus stands in a desert landscape at sunset. The sky is painted with vibrant orange, pink, and purple hues. Wispy clouds stretch across the horizon, and distant mountains are silhouetted against the colorful sky. The foreground is filled with desert vegetation.

U.S. National Monuments

Historically, culturally, and naturally significant sites preserving landmarks, landscapes, and artifacts for public education, exploration, and conservation.

See The List
Count: 137
Exterior of a historic building with "Monroe" engraved above the entrance. The structure features large rectangular windows, a central double door, and symmetrical design with light-colored stone facade contrasted by darker brick sections. Two lampposts flank the doorway, and bushes adorn the sides.

U.S. National Historic Parks

Significant sites, buildings, and landscapes, showcasing America’s history, culture, and heritage for education, exploration, and remembrance.

See The List
Count: 63
A red wooden stagecoach with a beige canvas top is displayed on green grass near a brown brick building with green shutters. The sky is partly cloudy.

U.S. National Historic Sites

Places of historical, cultural, or architectural significance, offering education, exploration, and insight into America’s rich and diverse heritage and history.

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Count: 86
A small camper trailer hitched to a Jeep is parked in a wooded area, surrounded by the vibrant autumn foliage of the Green Mountain National Forest.

U.S. National Forests

Protected ecosystems, providing wildlife habitat, recreation, and resource use while conserving landscapes for enjoyment and environmental health.

See The List
Count: 154
A grassy field with a sign in the middle advertising the Picket Wire Trail - Dinosaur Tracksite.

U.S. National Grasslands

Protected prairie ecosystems, supporting wildlife, recreation, and resource use while preserving open landscapes for public enjoyment, and environmental health.

See The List
Count: 20
Historic two-story stone house with a red roof, surrounded by trees and tallgrass prairie, accessed by a stone staircase and gate under a clear blue sky, stands as a tribute to the beauty of our national preserve.

U.S. National Preserves & Reserves

Protected natural areas which allow regulated activities like hunting, fishing, and resource use, balancing conservation with sustainable human recreation.

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Count: 23
A serene lake at sunset with a clear sky transitioning from blue to orange. The sun is setting on the horizon, casting reflections on the calm water. The shoreline is lined with rocks and sparse trees with autumn foliage. The distant landscape is dimly visible in silhouette.

U.S. National Recreation Areas

Protected landscapes for outdoor activities like hiking, boating, and camping while balancing conservation with public enjoyment and environmental preservation.

See The List
Count: 40
A trail leading to a rocky area near Dolores Mission and Cemetery.

U.S. National Historic Trails & Scenic Trails

Important routes offering outdoor recreation, cultural exploration, education, and scenic beauty while protecting landscapes, heritage, and historical significance.

See The List
Count: 32
A serene coastal scene featuring a vast expanse of blue water under a partly cloudy sky. Lush green foliage with touches of red frames the foreground, while a distant, tree-covered peninsula extends into the water. The horizon line blends softly with the sky.

U.S. National Rivers, Seashores, Lakeshores, and Wild & Scenic Rivers

Protected waterways and shorelines preserving nature, wildlife, ecosystems, and heritage while offering recreation like boating, fishing, and hiking.

See The List
Count: 27
The image shows a tall stone monument with a viewing platform at the top, set against a clear blue sky. In the foreground, a well-maintained grassy area is crossed by a paved path. Three flags are displayed on poles. Trees border the grassy area, leading to distant water.

U.S. National Memorials, Battlefields & Military Parks

Sites honoring historical events, people, and military sacrifices with accurate stories for reflection and education to foster understanding of America’s past and potential.

See The List
Count: 56
A small trailer and Jeep are parked on the shoulder of a long, empty road in a rural area under a partly cloudy sky.

U.S. National Parkways & Other Designations

Scenic roads and protected areas preserving natural and cultural landscapes, offering recreational opportunities, historic insight, and performing arts.

See The List
Count: 15

See them all in one Bodacious Big-Ass List of U.S. National Treasures. Or check the list of National Treasures I’ve Experienced and Shared.

Shea's Ultimate American Quest Score Card

Near real-time, by-the-numbers tracking of this massive undertaking

National Treasures Experienced and Shared

57

National Treasures To be Experienced and Shared

659

U.S. States and Territories Visited

26

U.S. States and Territories To Be Visited

30

Exploring the Unexpected Videos Produced

4

Rapid Recaps Videos Produced

53

Travel Journal Entries Shared

232

Discovered Treasures Shared

13

U.S. States & Territories Visited

While I’ve traveled to most states before this quest started, only the ones I’ve visited since September 2023 are counted below.

A person wearing glasses and a baseball cap smiles while snapping a selfie at the Arizona border next to an "Arizona: The Grand Canyon State" sign. The backdrop boasts a clear blue sky, sparse trees, and an expansive grassy field.
Arizona
A man with curly hair, glasses, and a gray shirt smiles in front of a Mojave National Preserve sign with a Joshua tree graphic. The sky is partly cloudy and desert landscape with sparse vegetation surrounds the area.
California
A dirt trail leads towards a large, flat-topped rock formation in a grassy plain under a partly cloudy sky in the Pawnee Buttes National Grasslands.
Colorado
A rugged, sunlit rock face looms against a clear blue sky, with a single tree perched at the top. The rock's surface is textured with cracks and crevices. Below, lush greenery and a dirt path lead to the base of the rock, contrasting with the stone's gray tones.
Idaho
At Lynnville Park, a tree-lined pond mirrors the clear blue sky and lush surrounding foliage, creating a serene natural oasis.
Indiana
A person sits on a foldable chair, working on a laptop by a serene lake with autumn foliage. Bare trees and vibrant red and orange leaves surround the area. The clear blue sky reflects on the water, and distant shoreline is visible under the soft late afternoon light.
Kansas
Calm Perrault Lake at dawn with light mist rising from the water, surrounded by dense green forest. A serene campground is nestled nearby, while a sandy shore is visible in the foreground on the right side of the image.
Michigan
Cliffside view overlooking a vast, calm body of water under a blue sky with scattered clouds. Lush green trees and shrubbery cover the cliff, with some reddish berries in the foreground. The clear water reveals submerged rocks near the cliff, creating a picturesque natural scene.
Minnesota
A serene lakeside at sunset, with calm water reflecting the sky's warm hues. Silhouetted trees line the horizon as a public boat ramp quietly awaits adventurers, while foliage frames the foreground.
Missouri
Sunset over a rural landscape with a vivid red sun near the horizon, casting a warm glow. Silhouetted in the foreground are farm buildings and silos surrounded by dark trees. The sky transitions from orange to deep reddish-purple above the horizon, creating a serene atmosphere.
Nebraska
Desert landscape with a clear blue sky, featuring sparse green shrubs on sandy, rocky ground. Dark boulders lie in the midground, and rolling, rugged hills rise in the background. The scene conveys a sense of arid wilderness and distant mountain ranges.
Nevada
A scenic view from a hilltop overlooking a vast landscape with autumn foliage. Trees display vibrant red, orange, and green hues. Two lakes are visible in the middle distance. The horizon is dotted with distant mountains under a clear blue sky. Foreground features sunlit grass and trees.
New Hampshire
Rocky landscape with tan and rugged cliffs under a clear blue sky. Sparse vegetation and trees dot the terrain. Wispy clouds streak across the sky, and mountains are visible in the distant horizon. Sunlight streams in from the upper left corner, creating a bright lens flare.
New Mexico
A skyline view of New York City at dusk, featuring prominent buildings such as the United Nations Headquarters with its lit windows. The Chrysler Building and other skyscrapers are visible under a cloudy sky. The foreground shows the reflective surface of the East River.
New York
A windmill surrounded by greenery stands in a grassy field within the Sheyenne National Grasslands under a partially cloudy sky.
North Dakota
A tall stone monument towers against a clear blue sky, surrounded by green grass. Three flags on poles flutter nearby. Trees border the scene, and a concrete path leads through the park. A bench sits to the left, with a view of water and distant land in the background.
Ohio
A peaceful lakeside scene at sunset, featuring a solitary camping chair on a grassy bank. Calm water reflects the cloudy sky. Trees with autumn leaves line the far shore, and dry grass surrounds the area, creating a serene, tranquil atmosphere.
Oklahoma
A river winds through a lush, green landscape with rolling hills and scattered trees under a cloudy sky. A road runs along the river, curving with the terrain. The scene conveys a sense of tranquility and natural beauty, with soft light highlighting the greenery.
Oregon
A serene lake reflects a dense line of green pine trees and a single vibrant red tree. The clear blue sky above is mirrored in the calm water, creating a symmetrical landscape. The distant forest edge hints at autumn with touches of color.
Pennsylvania
A series of waterfalls cascading over rocky ledges with greenery and a bridge in the background under a lightly clouded sky at Falls Park in Sioux Falls, SD.
South Dakota
A large arrow sculpture is angled, pointing into the ground on a grassy, dry field, marking the site of the Battle of Sweetwater Creek. The arrow, with red and white fletching and a silver shaft, stands near a rock and a historical marker. In the background, a wire fence stretches under a clear blue sky.
Texas
Temples-of-the-Sun-and-Moon2
Utah
A serene river flows through a rocky bed, lined with autumn trees displaying red, orange, and green leaves. A small house is visible in the background nestled among the hills. The sky is partly cloudy with patches of blue, and rolling hills provide a scenic backdrop.
Vermont
A wide river curves through a green valley under a cloudy sky. Grassy plants in the foreground transition to rolling hills covered with grass and patches of rocky terrain. The sky is filled with dramatic, gray clouds, hinting at an impending storm.
Washington
Lake view framed by lush green and brown foliage. A white boat with a red roof floats on the calm water, reflecting trees along the shoreline. Background features a wooded hill under a clear sky. The scene conveys tranquility and natural beauty.
West Virginia
Vast landscape with rugged terrain and sparse vegetation under a clear blue sky. The foreground features dense green shrubs and grasses, while the background shows rolling hills with stratified rock layers, creating a contrast with the bright sky. Distant mountains meet the horizon.
Wyoming

U.S. States & Territories Queued To Be Visited

Alabama
Alaska
Arkansas
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Illinois
Iowa
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Mississippi
Montana
New Jersey
North Carolina
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Virginia
Wisconsin
District of Columbia
American Samoa
Guam
Northern Mariana Islands
Puerto Rico
U.S. Virgin Islands

A Sample of Treasures Discovered Along the Way

As I travel, I love poking around in little towns, meandering down back streets and alleys, and driving the back roads to discover hidden gems.

Front view of the Plainview Klowndoll Museum, a white building with red accents, decorated with colorful clown illustrations and balloons. A sign offers free admission.
Plainview Klowndoll Museum
This is one of the funniest and craziest places I've visited, with a collection of over 8,000 clowns. It is definitely an unexpected treat in Nebraska.
Read Journal Entry ➔
View of a small waterfall and calm river framed by the underside of a concrete bridge. Sunlight reflects on the water, surrounded by rocks and lush green trees. The scene is peaceful and natural, with blue sky and shadows creating contrast under the bridge.
Cottonwood Falls and Chase County Courthouse
A sweet little town along the Flint Hills Scenic Byway features an iconic limestone courthouse that would fit perfectly well along any European city street.
Read Journal Entry ➔
A white wolf lies on lush green grass, facing the camera with its mouth slightly open, in a woodland area. Surrounded by trees and rocks, this serene scene echoes the natural beauty celebrated at the International Wolf Center. A portion of another animal is visible in the foreground.
International Wolf Center
One of the things I had to do while I was in Ely, Minnesota, was visit the wolves. These majestic creatures have always captivated me, and it was mesmerizing being so close to them.
Read Journal Entry ➔
The interior of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church features vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows. Wooden pews face an ornate altar adorned with religious symbols. Warm lighting illuminates the space, highlighting intricate architectural details and decorative elements.
Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church
After a few productive days at the Kreher RV park, I knew that my first stop would be the Catholic Church near the RV park that I had passed as I came into town.
Read Journal Entry ➔
The historic Old County Courthouse in Ontonagon is a charming red brick building with green vines climbing its walls, surrounded by lush trees and grass. A stone monument with a plaque stands on the right. The scene is peaceful and verdant, with a cloudy sky visible through the leaves.
Ontonagon Old County Courthouse
As I headed to the Lakeshore Park from the Ontonagon Lighthouse, I drove past this old brick building covered with Ivy and had to stop to explore and take some photographs.
Read Journal Entry ➔
Large dark rocks with ancient petroglyphs, showing animal and abstract designs, rest on a rocky, grassy hillside in the Tonopah desert. Sparse shrubs and cacti are scattered across the slope under a cloudy sky.
Petroglyphs Near Tonopah
Hike from a campsite to find the petroglyphs marked on Google Maps. Ended up finding a few and had some fun just wandering around.
Read Journal Entry ➔
A stretch of grassy Kansas Plains leads to the tall, rugged Monument Rocks under a clear blue sky.
Monument Rocks AKA Chalk Pyramids
Rising like a castle on the middle of the Kansas Plains, Monument Rocks stood out in the plains as a much needed confirmation for those on the Smoky Hills Trail in the 1800s
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A small stone castle with two round towers and a bright red entrance stands proudly like a museum nestled among tall trees in Minnesota. The foreground features a cracked asphalt parking lot with a wheelchair accessible space, benches flanking the entrance, and several trash bins to the right.
Minnesota Mining Museum
There is so much to learn about mining in the United States, and this was an excellent place to start, especially with all of the big heavy equipment they had to explore.
Read Journal Entry ➔
A vast grassy hill under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds. The landscape features a gently sloping hill with sparse green vegetation. In the distance, the Father Juan Padilla Monument stands at the crest of the hill, surrounded by expansive open space.
Father Juan Padilla Monument
One of the most isolated, unknown, and lonely monuments I visited that commemorates one of the early missionaries to the Americas.
Read Journal Entry ➔
A centennial monument captures a group of horses and riders in motion, set on grassy terrain near a small pond. The dynamic scene unfolds under a cloudy sky, with scattered clouds overhead. Pathways lined with sparse autumnal trees enhance the naturalistic setting, reminiscent of the historic Land Run.
Centennial Land Run Monument
While in Oklahoma City, I had to check out this massive monument. I'd heard about it and wanted to experience it as there are very few sculptures anywhere near its size.
Read Journal Entry ➔
Judy Garland's Childhood Home. A charming white two-story house with a front balcony and small yard, nestled under a partly cloudy sky.
Judy Garland Museum
Years ago, I visited Dorthy's House and The Wizard of Oz museum in Liberal, Kansas, and it only seemed right to swing into the main character's childhood home.
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A small, rundown schoolhouse sits isolated in a grassy field under a partly cloudy sky, with a few trees and an old utility pole nearby.
HWY 283 and Union School District No. 1
Driving on HWY 283 offered a few interesting places to stop and take some pictures of an abandoned schoolhouse, an old stone shed, and a roadside memorial for Chris.
Read Journal Entry ➔
View All The Discovered Treasures