Dunsmuir, a mountain town in Northern California, has been recognized by World Atlas as one of the best places to visit in America. The rankings spotlighted the Siskiyou County town for its historic downtown, railroad history, and proximity to natural attractions.
Nestled in a Sacramento River canyon, Dunsmuir retains a scale and charm reminiscent of the 1920s and 1930s, earning it a place on the National Register of Historic Places. The town was once a significant rail center for Union Pacific, with extra steam locomotives often used to assist trains ascending the northern grades. Trains continue to pass through daily, a nod to its past as a railway hub.
The town's location along Interstate 5, north of Redding, also positions it as a gateway to outdoor recreation. World Atlas noted its access to natural sites such as Hedge Creek Falls, where a cave behind the cascade allows visitors to walk behind the water, and Mossbrae Falls. Nearby Castle Crags State Park offers granite spires and forest trails. The Sacramento River itself is a draw for anglers, known for its wild trout population.
Dunsmuir's historic downtown features preserved architecture and local businesses situated near the railroad tracks. The town also claims to have exceptional water, sourced from Mount Shasta's volcanic aquifers, a point of pride for residents.
Several other Northern California towns were also included in the World Atlas list, including Trinidad, Grass Valley, McCloud, and Shelter Cove, many recognized for similar historic and scenic attributes.