1

Earthquakes

As if the incredible altitude and extreme temperatures weren't enough, Mount McKinley faces another challenge: earthquakes. Due to tectonic plate activity, this type of natural disaster is common in the area, with an estimated 600 earthquakes of varying strength occurring there each year.

2

Always dressed in white

The summit of Mount McKinley is always painted white. Even during the warmer months, when grass and plants flourish in the surrounding park, the mountain's upper half remains permanently covered in snow and massive ice formations.

3

Life thrives

It's not just snow around Mt. McKinley. In the area, you'll find about 160 bird species, 39 types of mammals, 14 kinds of fish, and even one species of amphibian. That's a surprising amount of life for such a cold region.

4

Super frog

If you're curious about this unique amphibian, here's the answer: it's the wood frog, a tiny species that can survive even the harshest winters. How? By almost freezing its entire body. While the frog's cells don't actually freeze, the fluids between them do. Its heart and lungs stop working until spring returns.

5

Millions of years ago

There was a time when giant reptiles roamed what is now the Mount McKinley area. In 2005, the first dinosaur footprints were discovered in the area, followed by fossil remains. The region was once home to three-toed theropods (carnivorous dinosaurs similar to Velociraptors) and winged pterosaurs that soared through the skies above.

6

Harsh weather

If you're a fan of summer, Mount McKinley might not be the best choice for you, as it's famous for its extreme cold. Temperatures at the summit can drop as low as -75.5°F, with wind chills plunging to -118.1°F.

7

Not an easy task

Climbing McKinley is not for everyone. In fact, it's considered extremely difficult and dangerous due to the harsh weather conditions. On average, only about half of those who attempt the climb succeed.

8

Alone

Mount McKinley is lonely. While that may sound sad, it actually means it's one of the most topographically isolated peaks on Earth. In other words, it's far from any other mountain of similar height, which makes it even more striking and impressive.

9

The first

In 1913, Mount McKinley was successfully climbed for the first time. Walter Harper, a native Alaskan, is credited with the honor of being the first person in history to reach the summit of North America’s tallest peak. He was followed by his teammates: Harry Karstens, Hudson Stuck, and Robert Tatum.

10

America's "Big 5"

When it comes to mammals, Mount McKinley and its surrounding park are home to what's known as the "Big Five." These are the most powerful mammals in the region: moose, caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, and wolves.

1

Duct tape

Image: Lucas van Oort

One of the most useful things to have around is, without a doubt, duct tape. This product can help fix an endless number of everyday problems in virtually any environment.

This adhesive tape was invented during World War II by a division of Johnson & Johnson called Revolite. It was initially used to seal ammunition cases because of its water-resistant properties.

2

GPS

Image: henry perks

The GPS technology we all use daily on our smartphones to navigate from point A to point B was originally developed by the U.S. military. It was designed to track the position of military units and help them find their way efficiently across any terrain —much like how we use it today for civilian purposes.

3

Internet

Image: Glenn Carstens-Peters

Few technologies have become such a big part of our lives in just a couple of decades as the Internet. Its origins trace back to the 1970s, when the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) created an interconnected network linking military centers to enable resource sharing.

The connection of commercial networks and enterprises by the early 1990s, along with the advent of the World Wide Web, marked the beginning of the transition to the modern Internet.

4

Walkie-talkie

Image: garrett parker

From children’s toys to invaluable communication devices used in critical situations, walkie-talkies are a common fixture in modern life. Their development during World War II has been variously credited to Donald Hings, radio engineer Alfred J. Gross, Henryk Magnuski, and engineering teams at Motorola.

Initially used by infantry, similar designs were created for field artillery and tank units. After the war, walkie-talkies spread to public safety and eventually commercial use.

5

Microwave oven

Image: Erik Mclean

Believe it or not, microwave cooking was accidentally discovered during a military-related project just after World War II.

In 1946, Percy Spencer, a scientist working on a magnetron at Raytheon, noticed that a peanut cluster candy bar in his pocket had melted from the magnetron’s microwave radiation. Curious to experiment further, he brought in some kernels of corn and made the first-ever microwave popcorn—leading to the invention of the microwave oven.

6

Super glue

Image: Scott Sanker

In 1942, a research chemist working for a defense contractor was developing a high-precision targeting sight for weapons. Although the project didn’t produce the expected results, the resulting product was incredibly sticky , leading to the creation of the now-famous Super Glue.

7

Aviator sunglasses

Image: Griffin Wooldridge

Aviator sunglasses were developed in the 1930s as a lighter alternative to the bulky goggles worn by pilots during the early years of aviation. Those goggles were heavy, uncomfortable to wear, and prone to fogging up mid-flight.

Colonel John Macready of the U.S. Army Air Corps helped develop the first set of aviator sunglasses, which became known as Ray-Bans—named for their purpose: banning the sun’s rays from a pilot’s eyes.

8

Packaged salad mixes

Image: Nathenia Landers

The bags of packaged salad mixes found at any local supermarket use "modified atmosphere packaging" to delay ripening and spoilage.

This technology was developed in the 1960s through a collaboration between Whirlpool Corp. and the U.S. Navy to send fresh lettuce and celery to troops in Vietnam .

9

Bug spray

Image: Wolfgang Hasselmann

The active ingredient in most insect repellents, known as DEET, was developed by the U.S. Army in 1946 for use by military personnel operating in insect-infested areas . The product’s success led to its commercial release.

10

Disposable sanitary pads

Image: Annika Gordon

During World War I, Kimberly-Clark invented Cellucotton, a wood pulp–based material designed to be more absorbent and cost-effective for use in bandages.

After the war, the company discovered that Army nurses had repurposed Cellucotton as sanitary napkins , which inspired the creation of Kotex—the first disposable sanitary pads.

11

Frozen juice concentrate

Image: Fotografía de Alimentos

In 1942, USDA scientists developed frozen concentrated orange juice during World War II to help provide soldiers with sufficient Vitamin C . Although it was never distributed to the military, the product was later introduced to consumers by Minute Maid.

12

WD-40

Image: Daniel Campbell

WD-40, now a common household product, was originally developed in 1953 to prevent rust and corrosion on the outer shell of the Atlas missile . Created by the Rocket Chemical Company, the name WD-40 stands for "water displacement," with the "40" representing the number of attempts it took to perfect the formula.

1

Waterpark Capital of the World, Wisconsin Dells

Image: Kenny Eliason

Waterparks are a funny thing. Adults go there almost exclusively to take their kids, but end up enjoying themselves, sometimes even more than the younger ones. Self-proclaimed as the " Waterpark Capital of the World ," Wisconsin Dells offers fun and adventure for kids and the aforementioned kids at heart.

Its multiple resorts include Noah’s Ark, the largest outdoor waterpark in the world, The Wilderness Resort, which has the largest indoor-outdoor combination, Bigfoot Ziplining, The Original Wisconsin Ducks, Devil’s Lake State Park, boat tours, spas, golf courses, casinos and much more.

2

City of Big Shoulders, Chicago

Image: Sawyer Bengtson

The Windy City needs no introduction but no Midwestern treasures list would be complete without mentioning it. As the Midwest's largest metropolitan area, Chicago is a popular option for a weekend getaway. It houses numerous parks, including ones with lakefront beaches, or iconic sculptures like "The Bean."

Its incredible architecture is best viewed from the water during a river cruise or while boating on Lake Michigan. Its virtually i nfinite food options , ranging from Greek to Mexican to Polish, and its world-class museums , make for a must-visit.

3

Museum City, Kansas City

Image: gilber franco

Sitting on the state line between Missouri and Kansas, the City of Fountains has a vast assembly of museums ready to be discovered by visitors from all over the world.

From local landmarks like the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, boasting an impressive collection of over 34,000 pieces and 5,000 years , the National WWI Museum and Memorial, The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, to the newly renovated Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, this city has it all.

4

Ozarks Lake, Missouri

Image: K. Mitch Hodge

Long before the TV series of the same name, the Ozarks was a region famous for its natural beauties, entertainment opportunities, and multiple cuisine options. This expansive reservoir with more than 1,100 miles of shoreline has spots like Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Bridal Cave, and various restaurants and resorts.

And if the water activities are not your thing, you can visit the links at one of several golf courses or enjoy a day of wine tasting on the Lake of the Ozarks Wine Trail.

5

Wining and dining, Traverse City

Image: Pablo Merchán Montes

Traverse City may be famous for its slices of pie and tart cherries, which can be found at farm stands across the Up North region through late summer. But it has much more to offer its visitors.

Acres of wineries and orchards all along the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas' rolling hills are complimented by the Lake Michigan scenery and the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. And, when the summer season is over, the Traverse City area also boasts enviable skiing terrain, fat-tire bike trails, and snowmobile routes , making it an attractive destination for winter recreation.

6

Hiking paradise, Duluth

Image: Tom Gainor

This Minnesotan city located on the shores of Lake Superior is an ideal spot for a weekend getaway. Visitors of the Canal Park area can bike or walk along the Lakeway , a nearly 8-mile path that follows the shoreline, take pictures of the Aerial Lift Bridge , and explore local art galleries .

Travelers can also tour all 39 rooms at Glensheen, a historic estate built in the early 1900s, or book a first-class ticket in a domed train car on the North Shore Scenic Railroad. And, when hunger strikes, Duluth boasts a generous selection of lakeside eateries and breweries.

7

Family trip favorite, Omaha

Image: Andrew Seaman

Whether you are into history, nature, arts, or the food scene, Omaha has it all. And, with attractions like the Omaha Children's Museum and the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium , this city is a great choice for a family trip.

The Durham Museum is a great place for history buffs, the Lauritzen Gardens Botanical Center has an impressive collection of plants flowers, and trees, and its noteworthy restaurants and bars attract culinary visitors from around the world.

8

Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

Image: Frank Thiemonge

The amazing Black Hills National Forest can be found at the western edge of South Dakota, where a small mountain range is surrounded by 1.2 million acres of protected wilderness, making it a haven for outdoor activities.

Visitors of the Black Hills can hike, bike, ride horses, rock climb, and visit the Mount Rushmore National Memorial , which features giant mountainside busts of four American presidents.

9

Small-town charm, Mackinac Island

Image: leah hetteberg

If you are looking for a holiday destination with no cars or chain hotels and, instead, horse-drawn carriages and bed and breakfast accommodations in family-owned hotels , Mackinac Island might be the place you are looking for. Located between Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas, this Lake Huron island beckons to visitors who want to relax and unwind.

Mackinac Island State Park occupies most of the island, providing visitors with countless opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding , and a variety of eateries serving everything from American classics to its famous fudge.

10

Prince’s legendary Paisley Park Studios, Minneapolis

Image: DJ Johnson

The former home and recording studio of the "Purple Rain" composer is located outside of Minneapolis in Chanhassen, Minnesota. Prince built Paisley Park back in 1987 and lived here until he died in 2016.

His Royal Badness himself requested that his home be open to the public after his death and now fans can tour the complex and see the studio where he recorded some of his biggest hits and the soundstage where he rehearsed for tours.