Camden State Park, Minnesota

If you want the strongest argument in favor of seasons that we've seen, stop what you're doing and get to Minnesota's Camden State Park! This marsh and prairie land along the Redwood River comes alive in spring with a sprawling blanket of wild flowers, then offers a glistening spring-fed pool during the warmer months. You can also cross-country ski here, but the real magic happens in fall, when a hike up the Dakota Valley trail leads you to a breathtaking lookout onto acres of emerald, ruby, & goldenrod foliage.

Formerly an 1800s boomtown, Camden was allocated for recreation after the railroad failed to put a depot there and commerce vanished. Yes, this gorgeous spot was almost banks & offices—we're the luckiest.