- Matador Network
- Posts
- 10 Unique State Park Adventures to Have in 2026 and Beyond
10 Unique State Park Adventures to Have in 2026 and Beyond
Every park on this list is every bit as exciting as a national park.
Suzie Dundas
October 25th, 2025
10 Unique State Park Adventures to Have in 2026 and Beyond
Here at Matador Network, our editorial team is a big fan of national parks. We've covered the politics of wolf reintroduction in Yellowstone, talked to the locals working to preserve New River Gorge, and posted up in one of Alaska's most remote national park towns.
But let's not forget about the equally important sibling of national parks: state parks. There are more than 6,700 state parks across the US, and for many residents and visitors, they're far more accessible than their federal counterparts. Fortunately, they can be just as breathtaking. Don't believe us? Just check out places like Mono Lake in California, or Utah's Snow Canyon State Park.
So today, we're celebrating 10 of the most unique state parks in the US that we recommend visiting in 2026. Every park on this list is every bit as exciting as a national park — especially if you like dinosaurs, gemstones, or kayaking on glacial-blue water between giant icebergs.
See you out there,
Suzie Dundas, commissioning editor
📍 P I N N E D
5 Places You Need to Go in Peru
Photo: PROMPERU
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PERU
Beyond Machupicchu, there’s so much more to explore in Peru, spanning snowcapped mountains, lush jungles, and rugged coastlines. Discover five unique regions filled with new adventures, breathtaking scenery, and opportunities to connect with Peru’s culture.
T O - D O
Outdoor Edition
 VoteChoose the destinations you think should win in each award category, and you could win a $50 REI gift card. |  HikeThe “World’s Most Dangerous Footpath” in Spain is now completely safe to explore, and still every bit as thrilling. |
 StayEscape to an Appalachian A-frame tucked in North Carolina’s mountains for your next cozy getaway. |  DoGo glacier kayaking in the Cascade Mountains this winter for a surreal paddle between towering ice formations. |
G U I D E
World Cup Tickets
Here’s what you need to know about when tickets will be available, how to buy them, what they’ll cost, and what your options are if they sell out.
S H O P
Hiking Gear for Dogs
Everything you need for epic outdoor adventures with your dog, from trail harnesses to lightweight hiking packs.
S T A Y
Inside Omni PGA Frisco
North of Dallas, in the fast-growing city of Frisco (AKA “Sports City USA”), the Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa anchors a 660-acre campus that the PGA of America now calls home.
Travel Well
The Matador Editorial Team
Reply