11 Immersive US Sites That Bring America's Past to Life

10. Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico

Chaco Culture National Historical Park protects the monumental ruins of a city that once served as the ceremonial, economic, and administrative heart of ancestral Puebloan society. Massive stone “great houses,” astronomical observatories, and intricate roadways inspire awe at every turn. Park rangers lead walks through these multi-story dwellings, interpreting architectural feats and ancient traditions. At night, the park’s status as an International Dark Sky Park comes alive during stargazing events and astronomy programs held amid ancient walls. The visitor center and museum offer hands-on exhibits about Chacoan engineering and trade. Every footstep echoes with history: Chaco bridges the distant past with the living memory of Southwest indigenous cultures.