1

Denali

Image: Barth Bailey

We’ll start with what many believe to be Alaska’s crown jewel. Formerly known as Mount McKinley, Denali is the highest peak in North America, with a summit elevation of 20,310 feet above sea level. Its height is matched only by its magnificence—a snow-covered wonder adorning the Alaskan skyline.

The name "Denali" comes from the Koyukon Athabaskans, who are native to the region. They referred to the mountain as Dinale or Denali, which is believed to be a Koyukon word meaning "high" or "tall." Over the years, many mountaineers have attempted to reach the peak, with the first successful ascent dating back to 1913.

2

Chugach State Park

Image: Paxson Woelber

East of the city of Anchorage lies Chugach State Park , a 495,204-acre state park that houses the stunning Chugach Mountains. However, this park is more than just a scenic landscape; it plays a crucial role in ensuring that the residents of Anchorage have access to safe drinking water.

Chugach State Park is also home to Eklutna Lake, which offers numerous recreational opportunities, including fishing, camping, and hiking. The park supports a diverse array of wildlife, including moose and bears.

3

Kayak Island

Image: Ty Fiero

In 1826, Lt. Sarychev of the Russian Navy noticed the peculiar shape of a certain island located in the Gulf of Alaska. Because it resembled a specific type of boat, Sarychev named the island Kayak Island , unaware that he was christening one of Alaska’s most stunning destinations.

Kayak Island is considered historically significant since it was the first place where a non-native set foot in Alaska. Notably, the island was visited by the famed explorer Captain James Cook in 1778. During this visit, Captain Cook left an empty bottle at the base of a prominent tree. Inside the bottle was a message and two pieces of silver gifted to him by the English crown.

4

Kodiak Island

Image: Brent Jones

Next, we have Kodiak Island , the second-largest island in the United States. Over two-thirds of the island is occupied by the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, which protects a diverse range of wildlife, including the Kodiak bear, Roosevelt elk, and Sitka black-tailed deer.

While no entry is allowed to the refuge, the island still has plenty to offer visitors. For example, you can experience the island’s beauty at the Buskin River State Recreation Site, which features camping, fishing, and scenic beaches.

5

Kenai Fjords National Park

Image: Kedar Gadge

Fjords are a truly unique natural wonder that can only be found in a few places in the world, and Alaska is home to one of the most beautiful of its kind. Located on the Kenai Peninsula, west of the town of Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park is a breathtaking expanse of glaciers, islands, and wildlife.

With a total area of 669,984 acres, Kenai Fjords is relatively small—approximately 90% the size of Yosemite. Regardless, of what this park lacks in size, it more than makes up for in accessibility, diversity, and, above all, natural beauty. It is home to the Harding Icefield, one of the largest ice fields in the United States, as well as an impressive variety of wildlife, including black bears, sea otters, and killer whales.

6

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

Image: Grace Simoneau

As the largest American state by landmass, it seems only fitting that Alaska is home to the largest national park in the United States. Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve encompasses the Wrangell Mountains and a significant portion of the Saint Elias Mountains, including Mount Saint Elias, the second-highest peak in both the United States and Canada.

Besides many species of animals like the grizzly bear and the timber wolf, this park is home to Mount Wrangell and Mount Churchill—two of the largest volcanoes in the region. Not only that, the abandoned buildings of a former copper mining operation within the park have been designated a National Historic Landmark district.

7

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Image: Joseph Corl

Don’t be surprised by the number of stunning glaciers that made it onto this list—after all, these natural wonders are Alaska’s pride and joy. With that in mind, here’s the first entry in our selection of beautiful glaciers you should definitely visit: Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

The park houses 7 glaciers in the park, out of which the Margerie Glacier is probably the most famous. This iconic glacier attracts thousands of tourists each year, with nearly 80% arriving via cruise ships. Not only that, the park also offers several other outdoor activities like kayaking, camping, fishing, and bird-watching.

8

Hubbard Glacier

Image: Mick Kirchman

Located within the previously mentioned Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Hubbard Glacier undoubtedly deserves its own spotlight. This stunning glacier can be found right on the border between Alaska and Canada, with part of it extending into Kluane National Park and Reserve in Yukon.

Hubbard Glacier is primarily visited by tour and cruise ships since it can’t be reached by land. Regardless, experiencing the beauty of this natural wonder requires nothing more than gazing upon its majestic presence.

9

Worthington Glacier

Image: Grace Simoneau

Worthington Glacier holds the distinction of being one of the few US glaciers that can be easily accessed via a paved highway. Located approximately 30 miles east of the city of Valdez, this glacier is truly a sight to behold.

Covering 5,774 acres, this breathtaking glacier was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1968. If you’re planning a visit, consider stopping at the Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site, a comfortable state roadside park that offers a stunning view of the glacier.

1

Childhood and privileged upbringing

Jacqueline Lee Bouvier was born on July 28, 1929, in Southampton, New York, into a wealthy New York family. Her father, John Bouvier, was a successful stockbroker, while her mother, Janet, encouraged her daughters to develop an appreciation for culture, languages, and the arts. Young Jackie also became an accomplished horsewoman and won several national equestrian championships as a child.

Her parents divorced when she was 10, and her mother later married businessman Hugh Auchincloss. Jackie split her time between high-society Manhattan and the Auchincloss family's homes, including a large estate in Virginia. She was exposed to travel, art, history, and high society from an early age, all interests that stayed with her.

2

Studying in France

France became an important part of Jackie's life while she was still a college student. In 1949, during her junior year at Vassar College, she studied abroad in Paris . She lived with a French family and immersed herself in the French language, history, and culture.

The year in France stayed with Jackie long after she returned home. She ultimately graduated from George Washington University in 1951, but her love of French and European culture never faded. As First Lady, that interest showed in her appreciation for historic art, architecture, and design.

3

Working as a newspaper photographer

Before becoming a Kennedy, Jackie had a job that put her directly in the middle of Washington life. In 1951, she joined the Washington Times-Herald as an "Inquiring Camera Girl," traveling around the city with a camera and interviewing people she encountered for her column.

Her assignments brought her into contact with politicians, celebrities and ordinary Washington residents . She covered events including Dwight D. Eisenhower's inauguration and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The job gave Jackie valuable experience in journalism, photography and public life before she ever entered the White House.

4

Meeting John F. Kennedy

Jackie met John F. Kennedy in Washington in 1952 through mutual friends. Hailing from a prominent Massachusetts family, Kennedy was a young congressman at the time and was preparing to run for the U.S. Senate, while 23-year-old Jackie was working at the Washington Times-Herald.

The two quickly became a couple, and Kennedy proposed in June 1953. They were young, well-connected, and soon became one of Washington's most talked-about couples. By marrying Kennedy, Jackie was stepping into a political world that would soon make her one of the most recognizable women in America.

5

The 1953 wedding

On September 12, 1953, Jacqueline Bouvier and John F. Kennedy were married at St. Mary's Church in Newport, Rhode Island. More than 1,200 guests attended the reception at Hammersmith Farm, the estate of Jackie's stepfather, Hugh Auchincloss. The wedding received extensive attention from the press and society pages.

Marriage also brought Jackie into a more demanding political world. While Kennedy continued his career in Washington, she supported him through his recovery from serious back problems. During this period, she encouraged him to work on a book about senators who had demonstrated political courage . Profiles in Courage was published in 1956 and won the Pulitzer Prize in 1957.

6

Life as a political wife

As Kennedy's political ambitions grew, so did Jackie's public role. During his 1960 presidential campaign, she became a visible supporter, although her pregnancy (with second child John F. Kennedy Jr.) prevented her from traveling extensively. Instead, she answered campaign letters, gave interviews, filmed TV ads, and wrote a syndicated newspaper column called "Campaign Wife."

Jackie understood that a candidate's family could shape public perception. At the same time, she was protective of her private life and wanted to shield her children from excessive attention. Finding that balance between public expectations and family privacy would remain a recurring theme throughout her life.

7

Becoming First Lady

On January 20, 1961, John F. Kennedy became the 35th president of the United States, making 31-year-old Jacqueline Kennedy one of the youngest First Ladies in American history. Her arrival brought a youthful, sophisticated, and distinctly cultural presence to the White House.

She quickly made clear that she wanted the presidential residence to reflect its history. Jackie was particularly interested in American furniture, paintings, architecture, and decorative arts. At the same time, she was raising two very young children: Caroline was 3, while John Jr. was just over 2 months old when Kennedy took office. She wanted the White House to feel like a home for her family as well as the president's official residence.

8

The White House restoration

One of Jackie's most significant projects as First Lady was the restoration of the White House. She was concerned that historic furniture and objects had been removed over the years and wanted the building to better reflect its past.

She brought in experts and helped establish a Fine Arts Committee and the position of White House curator. Jackie also encouraged the return of historically significant furniture and decorative objects. Her efforts helped change the way the White House was viewed , from simply the president's residence to an important, living piece of American history.

9

The televised White House tour

On February 14, 1962, millions of Americans were invited inside the White House through a televised tour hosted by Jackie. In the broadcast, she walked viewers through the restored rooms, explaining the history behind the furniture, paintings, and decorative objects.

The program was watched by an estimated 56 million people and earned Jackie an honorary Emmy Award. It was an extraordinary TV moment for the time, allowing Americans to see parts of the White House that were normally inaccessible. Just as importantly, Jackie used the broadcast to explain why preserving the building's history mattered.

10

JFK's assassination

November 22, 1963, changed Jackie's life forever. She was sitting beside her husband in the presidential motorcade in Dallas when he was assassinated. At just 34 years old, she suddenly became a widow and a single mother while the entire country, if not the world, watched.

Jackie remained closely involved in the funeral arrangements, including the decision to hold a funeral procession modeled partly on Abraham Lincoln's. Her composure during those days became one of the most enduring images of the tragedy. In the years afterward, she also contributed to efforts to preserve Kennedy's papers, records and legacy, including the creation of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston.

11

Marriage to Aristotle Onassis

Five years after Kennedy's assassination, Jackie married Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis on October 20, 1968. The wedding took place on the private Greek island of Skorpios and generated enormous international attention.

The marriage gave Jackie and her children a life away from the intense political spotlight surrounding the Kennedy family. Onassis died in 1975, leaving Jackie widowed for a second time at age 46. By then, however, she was preparing to build a new professional identity beyond her husbands.

12

Her career as an editor and preservationist

Jackie entered the publishing world after her years in the White House, first working as an editor at Viking Press and later joining Doubleday in 1978. She worked with authors and manuscripts and developed a genuine career in publishing rather than simply appearing in the industry because of her famous name.

Her passion for preservation continued as well. In 1975, she became involved in efforts to protect historic buildings in New York, most famously campaigning to save Grand Central Terminal from demolition. That work reflected an interest that had begun with the White House restoration years earlier: preserving the architecture and history of places that might otherwise be lost. She died in her sleep in New York on May 19, 1994, at the age of 64, from complications of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

1

Harry Calahan - "Dirty Harry"

Image: Nejc Soklič

We’ll begin with one of the hardest cops on this list (and that’s saying a lot). Clint Eastwood’s career is filled with awards and recognition for his remarkable acting and filmmaking skills. Still, we can all agree that he will always be remembered for his no-nonsense, tough-as-nails portrayal of Inspector "Dirty" Harry Callahan.

Although Eastwood has played Callahan in five different films, his first appearance in the 1971 film "Dirty Harry" is perhaps the most memorable. After all, we can all remember that calm yet intimidating demeanor and iconic catchphrase, "Do you feel lucky, punk?"

2

John McClane - "Die Hard"

Image: Matt The Artist

We are not going to get into the timeless debate of whether "Die Hard" is a Christmas film, mostly because, whether this film gets you in the holiday spirit or not, no one can deny that Detective John McClane is a grade-A, certified tough cop.

Perhaps Bruce Willis’ most memorable performance, McClane has found himself in his fair share of dangerous situations throughout five films. However, perhaps the first "Die Hard" movie showcases this detective’s incredible antics : Trapped inside the unbreachable Nakatomi Tower, McClane makes it his job to deal with a small army of robbers by himself.

3

Lennie Briscoe - "Law and Order"

Image: Tingey Injury Law Firm

With over a thousand episodes and more than ten different series, it’s fairly easy to forget a character or two from the iconic "Law and Order" franchise. However, no true fan of this fantastic series will ever be able to forget Detective Lennie Briscoe, wonderfully portrayed by Jerry Orbach.

Starting in season 3, Briscoe was a seasoned and relatable detective focused on solving crimes in New York City. While Orbach sadly passed away in 2004, his legacy will forever live on whenever Detective Lennie Briscoe solves a case.

4

Frank Columbo - "Columbo"

Image: Volodymyr Hryshchenko

Actor Peter Falk’s devotion to Lieutenant Frank Columbo drove him to portray this legendary detective for over 40 years. Few TV characters are as instantly recognizable as Columbo, whether through his beige raincoat, cigar, and iconic catchphrase, "Just one more thing".

Frank Columbo truly cemented himself as one of the quintessential TV cops , allowing countless other characters to be born. Should you ever find yourself in the Hungarian city of Budapest, look for a bronze statue of Columbo, alongside his faithful basset hound simply named "Dog".

5

Jim Malone - The Untouchables

Image: Jennie Clavel

Sean Connery’s portrayal of Irish-American veteran cop Jim Malone earned him a well-deserved Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor . And, to be perfectly honest, Brian De Palma’s 1987 film "The Untouchables" would not be the same without Malone’s dry humor and detective skills.

Set in 1930s Chicago, "The Untouchables" describes the crusade embarked on by Prohibition agent Elliot Ness against legendary mobster Al Capone. The first addition to Ness’ team of "Untouchables", Malone contributes his expertise and strong moral compass to take down this crime kingpin.

6

Frank Bullit - "Bullitt"

Image: Jan-Philipp Thiele

There’s a reason why legendary actor Steve McQueen was known as "The King of Cool" : His charisma and unflinching determination truly earned him a place in film history. In that sense, his portrayal of San Francisco police detective Frank Bullitt helped build his legacy as one of Hollywood’s coolest actors.

In "Bullit", McQueen’s character pursues a group of mobsters guilty of killing a witness he was assigned to protect. And when we say "pursue", we say it in the most literal of meanings: This movie features one of the best chase scenes ever recorded, with Bullitt relentlessly driving his now-iconic green Ford Mustang.

7

Martin Riggs and Murtaugh - Lethal Weapon

Image: Will Porada

We know we might be cheating by including two characters in one entry, but we simply couldn’t separate this iconic crime-fighting duo . Mel Gibson and Danny Glover played this odd couple of detectives in four different films (with a fifth one in development), forever cementing themselves as the essential "buddy cop" two-man army.

Perhaps what’s more appealing about these characters is how opposite they seem to be : Riggs (portrayed by Gibson) is a young, reckless loose cannon, while Murtaugh is an older, more experienced detective. However different their methods might be, detectives Murtaugh and Riggs are truly a force to be reckoned with.

8

Sam Spade - "The Maltese Falcon"

Image: Michelle Ding

It’s no secret that Humphrey Boggart is considered royalty by the acting world. Among his many acting credits, private detective Sam Spade is credited with breathing new life into the detective genre. To this day, Boggart’s portrayal of Spade in "The Maltese Falcon" is considered the biggest influence on the archetypical private detective character.

Based on Dashiell Hammett’s novel of the same name, "The Maltese Falcon" features Spade’s misadventures with three untrustworthy adventurers seeking a valuable falcon statue . This detective’s dry wit and moral ambiguity are part of what makes Boggart’s performance so unforgettable.

9

Thomas Magnum - "Magnum, P.I."

Image: Philippe Bout

Up until now, we have focused on gritty detectives, characters with a slightly dark side and tormented by some aspects of their busy lives. So, why don’t we take a breather and focus on a lighter detective, a charming and witty investigator driving a red Ferrari around the sunny streets of Hawaii? Meet Thomas Magnum (full name Thomas Sullivan Magnum IV), Tom Selleck’s iconic character from "Magnum P.I."

Many consider "Magnum P.I." to be the ultimate 80s show and, while that title might go to the final entry of this article, there’s no denying that this adventurous detective has become an essential pop culture icon.

10

Sonny Crocket & Rico Tubbs - "Miami Vice"

Image: Ussama Azam

Speaking of the 80s, how could we reference this wonderful decade without talking about the most stylish detective duo in history? "Miami Vice" introduced the world to the crime-fighting adventures of James "Sonny" Crockett and Ricardo "Rico" Tubbs, two undercover detectives hellbent on battling Miami’s seedy underbelly.

Legend has it that, during a brainstorming session, a producer simply wrote "MTV Cops" on a memo, without knowing that this piece of paper would be the jumping point of one of the most iconic shows in history. Don Johnson’s portrayal of Detective Crockett is particularly remembered for its impact on 80s culture.