Some of North America's most spectacular train rides exist because miners once needed a way to move valuable ore through seemingly impossible terrain. Railroads carved into mountainsides, crossed deep canyons, and connected isolated settlements to the outside world. Many of those industrial routes have survived as heritage attractions, allowing modern travelers to experience the same remarkable landscapes without the hardships of the mining era.

Discover Cahokia Mounds in Illinois, where a massive Native American city flourished centuries before Columbus. Explore its ancient earthworks, remarkable history, and enduring mysteries.

Some of the most memorable travel experiences are things locals barely think twice about. A morning coffee, a ferry ride to work, or a quick stop at the neighborhood market can become the highlight of someone else's vacation. Travelers spend thousands of dollars chasing experiences that residents simply consider part of their daily routines. Sometimes, the best way to discover a destination is to experience the ordinary things that make life there special.