1

Mississippi Goddam, Nina Simone

Image: Alano Oliveira

Nina Simone was an outspoken soul, and her 1963 song, "Mississippi Goddam," is considered by many to be her first song about civil rights. The tune was written as a response to the murder of civil rights activist Medgar Evers , as well as other tragedies that involved the movement during the volatile and ever-changing social dynamics of the decade.

As time went on, Nina Simone continued to send a message through her music, specifically regarding activism and social injustice issues.

2

The Times They Are a-Changin', Bob Dylan

Image: Chris Boland

Never one to keep his mouth shut when it came to topics that he found worth communicating, Bob Dylan wrote this song about the changing tide in America , where young people were voicing their displeasure on issues such as war and racism.

The song is considered one of the greatest of all time. It's also one of the most covered—thanks to the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez, and Tracy Chapman.

3

Fortunate Son, Creedence Clearwater Revival

Image: Austin Prock

Anti-Vietnam songs were a staple of 1960s and '70s culture. However, this Creedence Clearwater Revival hit stands out as one of the more mainstream songs that continues to be heard today.

The tune enjoyed prominence in movies like Forrest Gump and has been covered countless times by such bands as Dropkick Murphys.

4

Give Peace a Chance, Plastic Ono Band

Image: Erin Song

One of the most popular anti-war songs of all time, which always makes an appearance in the event of conflict, is "Give Peace A Chance."

While this timeless classic was recorded by the Plastic Ono Band, the writing credit is actually shared between John Lennon and Paul McCartney, marking the beginning of a post-Beatles world.

5

Get Up, Stand Up, The Wailers

Image: Bill Fairs

Bob Marley wrote this classic track in collaboration with his bandmate Peter Tosh. The song was reportedly inspired by Marley’s tour in Haiti . He was taken aback by the country's high level of poverty, as well as the class system.

It has since become a long-time favorite of the band and a staple of Marley's live shows during his lifetime.

6

Ronnie, Talk To Russia, Prince

Image: DJ Johnson

Prince had many hits but this one was not among them. In fact, we can safely assume that The Purple One wrote this song for the express purpose of communicating his political feelings in the most direct possible way. And, being Prince, that had to be done through a song.

"Ronnie, Talk To Russia" is, as the name implies quite obviously**, a straight shout-out to former president Ronald Reagan**. It addresses America's relationship with Russia and the heightened tensions of the time due to the nuclear threat.

7

Born in the U.S.A., Bruce Springsteen

Image: Jose Antonio Gallego Vázquez

Having just mentioned the case of an artist who used music to speak to Ronald Reagan, we now turn to one who was very upset when Reagan spoke about him. The reason for this conflict originated from what may be the most misunderstood and seemingly patriotic song in music history.

"Born In The U.S.A." is a Bruce Springsteen classic that sounds very anthemic but is, in fact -yet another- anti-Vietnam tune.

8

Peace Sells, Megadeth

Image: Juan Di Nella

Megadeth’s frontman Dave Mustaine has never been one to shy away from political commentary, and this song is, perhaps, the most famous example. "Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying" packs his thoughts on government corruption, failing foreign policy, and more , with catchy riffs and an infectious bass line.

The song’s direct and provocative lyrics resonated with many listeners and became a defining anthem of the thrash metal genre.

9

Fight The Power, Public Enemy

Image: Nicholas Green

It is hard to think of a more straightforward political message in a song title than "Fight The Power" released as a single in 1989. Public Enemy was all about the message, and taking down the establishment, big government, and abuse of authority were usually central themes.

The song is one of the group's most famous and influential tracks, and gained additional prominence when it was featured in Spike Lee's film Do the Right Thing.

10

Killing in the Name, Rage Against the Machine

Image: Jordy

Another highly political band, Rage Against The Machine, created this song, which is fitting for the current political and social climate. Police brutality and systemic racism are at the forefront of the message , delivered with massive guitar hooks and aggressive vocals.

Most of RATM’s catalog delves into these kinds of themes with varying success but this song was a hit when it first came out and still remains a fan favorite.

1

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Located about 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most isolated national parks in the country , accessible only by ferry or seaplane. About 99% of the park is water. Its main landmark is Fort Jefferson, a massive unfinished 19th-century coastal fort built with more than 16 million bricks.

Visitors often go for a day trip, but camping is available for those looking for an overnight experience. The park also offers snorkeling, swimming, and birdwatching.

2

White Sands National Park, New Mexico

White Sands National Park protects the world’s largest gypsum dune field, covering about 275 square miles in southern New Mexico. Here is the difference between gypsum and typical sand: the former does not absorb heat the same way, so the dunes remain relatively cool underfoot, even in hot weather.

The park is known for activities like dune sledding, hiking marked trails , and scenic drives through the shifting landscape. While its distance from major cities means it stays less crowded than others, the park is still easily accessible by car.

3

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Big Bend National Park covers more than 800,000 acres along the Rio Grande, which forms the natural border between the United States and Mexico. It’s one of the least visited national parks of its size, largely because of its remote location in southwest Texas.

Those who visit come for the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, hikes into Santa Elena Canyon, and some of the best stargazing in the country. The Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, spanning over 15,000 square miles, is the world’s largest certified "Dark Sky," an area where light pollution is regulated to preserve wildlife, aid astronomical research, and allow visitors to enjoy a stunning night sky.

4

Pinnacles National Park, California

This national park might be one of the newest —it was designated in 2013—, but that doesn’t mean that its unique rock formations are recent. They were created by an ancient volcanic field that has shifted over millions of years.

The park is best known for its talus caves, one of the few places where you might spot the endangered California condor in the wild. Located about 80 miles southeast of San Jose, it’s relatively accessible but still far less crowded than parks like Yosemite .

5

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

This island sits on Lake Superior and is one of the least visited national parks in the United States, receiving only a small fraction of the visitors seen at major parks. It’s only accessible by ferry or seaplane, and has no roads or cars.

This makes it an ideal destination for hikers, backpackers, and kayakers. Keep in mind, though, that the park is only open from mid-April through October due to harsh winter conditions.

6

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Mammoth Cave National Park protects more than 400 miles of mapped underground passages . That makes it the longest cave system in the world —and scientists believe there are hundreds of miles left to be discovered.

Guided tours are available, ranging from easy walking routes to more physically demanding crawls. Even above ground, the park offers hiking, biking, and canoeing along the Green River.

7

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Voyageurs National Park is named after French-Canadian fur traders who once traveled these waterways. It is made up of nearly 40% water, with a network of interconnected lakes along the Canadian border. That means you can explore it by boat, kayak, or canoe.

Its isolation and lack of light pollution also make it ideal to enjoy gorgeous night skies —to gaze at the stars, the Milky Way, or even the Northern Lights.

8

North Cascades National Park, Washington

North Cascades National Park is one of the most glaciated areas in the contiguous US, with around 300 glaciers. Located about a three-hour drive from Seattle, it remains one of the least visited national parks, largely because it lacks the easy roadside viewpoints found in places like Yellowstone.

Its highlights include Diablo Lake and the Cascade Pass trail. Summer and early fall offer the best access, as many roads and trails are closed by snow in winter.

9

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Reserve, Alaska

Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve spans about 13.2 million acres. That means it’s larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Switzerland combined . The park includes some of North America’s tallest peaks, massive glaciers, and historic mining sites like the Kennecott Copper Mine. Most travelers can explore it via small aircraft, guided tours, or long-distance hiking trips.

10

Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

Petrified Forest National Park is known for its large deposits of petrified wood, trees that lived over 200 million years ago and have since turned to stone. The park also includes sections of the Painted Desert, with layered rock formations in shades of red, purple, and orange . It can be easily explored by car, with a scenic drive connecting major viewpoints and short trails.

1

American Gothic (1930) - Grant Wood

One of the most internationally recognized American paintings is undoubtedly "American Gothic" by Grant Wood. With a blend of realism and subtle humor, the artist captured the spirit of rural America during the Great Depression. According to legend, Wood was inspired when he saw a Gothic-style house in Iowa and wondered who would live in that house.

2

Nighthawks (1942) - Edward Hopper

There are probably very few people in the world who haven't seen an image of Edward Hopper's iconic " Nighthawks ," referenced so often that it has become a part of pop culture. Although painted during WWII, this work captures something timeless and still relevant today: the loneliness of night in a bustling city.

3

Whistler's Mother (1871) - James McNeill Whistler

A painting that marked a turning point in the art world is "Arrangement in Grey and Black No.1" by James McNeill Whistler, better known as "Whistler's Mother." This work transformed portraiture by embracing a sober, harmonious, and minimalist composition that prioritized conveying emotion over intricate detail. The calm expressed in the painting has been widely praised by critics and art scholars alike.

4

The Gross Clinic (1875) - Thomas Eakins

Painted in 1875, "The Gross Clinic" by Thomas Eakins is a masterful realist work that revolutionized art through its dramatic use of light and shadow to portray the stark reality of surgery at the time. It's said that, when first exhibited, it shocked viewers so much that it was moved from the art section to the medical displays area of the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia.

5

Christina's World (1948) - Andrew Wyeth

"Christina's World" (1948) by Andrew Wyeth is a world-renowned realist painting celebrated for its beauty and depth. Inspired by his neighbor, Christina Olson, who suffered from a degenerative disease that restricted her mobility, the artist created a powerful image that has impacted for decades. The painting's influence also reached Hollywood, appearing in an iconic scene featuring Mélanie Laurent as Shosanna in Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds (2009).

6

No. 5, 1948 (1948) - Jackson Pollock

"No. 5, 1948" by Jackson Pollock perfectly defines Abstract Expressionism. As a pioneer of drip painting, Pollock broke away from traditional techniques and norms, revolutionizing not only how art was created but also how it was perceived and interpreted. In 2006, "No. 5, 1948" sold for around $140 million, making it one of the most expensive paintings at that time.

7

Campbell's Soup Cans (1962) - Andy Warhol

When talking about pop culture, "Campbell's Soup Cans" (1962) by Andy Warhol is an essential reference. Even those unfamiliar with art recognize this work, as Warhol broke through the barriers of the academy to reach a broader audience. By transforming everyday objects into symbols of art, this iconic piece made a strong critique of mass production and consumerism.

8

Portrait of George Washington (1796) - Gilbert Stuart

Gilbert Stuart created what is perhaps the most famous portrait of George Washington. Painted in 1796, this work helped define the image of the first US president throughout history. Although Stuart never completed the painting during his lifetime, it became the basis for many other depictions of Washington, including the image on the $1 bill.

9

Freedom from Want (1943) - Norman Rockwell

You've probably come across this painting more than once. Inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1941 speech on fundamental human rights, Norman Rockwell created his Four Freedoms series. Among the four paintings, "Freedom from Want" (1943) stands out as an icon of American values from the time of its debut to this day.

10

No. 61 (Rust and Blue) (1953) - Mark Rothko

Color Field painting wouldn't be what it is today without the groundbreaking work of American artist Mark Rothko, who, along with Barnett Newman and Clyfford Still, helped pioneer the movement. Rothko insisted that his paintings should be displayed and observed in dim lighting, as his use of color fields aims to evoke deep emotional responses in viewers.