For adventurers and world travelers, or those of you who want to give your kids a little education with their vacation, nature has so many riches to offer that it would many human lifetimes to see them all. But in the midst of our travels, it's also fun to occasionally check out the riches that human ingenuity has wrought upon the Earth. Our species may not yet be able to match nature in its wonders, but we can do some amazing things. Here are just a few of the human-built marvels that are worth a visit.
1. Burj Khalifa: The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is still so new that many people are not even aware that we now have a brand new world's tallest skyscraper. In fact, the Burj Khalifa, at 2,717 feet is so tall that it dwarfs the competition. For comparison, the Empire State Building is a mere 1,250 feet, and the Petronas Twin Towers (the previous record-holding skyscrapers) are 1,482 feet. Beyond its height, the building is also stunning in its design, rising like an apparition out of the desert.
2. Millau Viaduct: Opened in 2004, the Millau Viaduct in southern France is a remarkable feat of engineering. The bridge breaks three world records: it's has the highest pylons in the world, the highest bridge tower in the world, and the highest rope bridge deck. The viaduct simultaneously moves drivers quickly through the region while also protecting the surrounding countryside from the heavy traffic that long choked the winding streets. The bridge is nearly two miles long and is 343 meters at its highest point.
3. Hoover Dam: For any American who doubts what this country is capable of, the Hoover Dam, located 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, is an inspiring site. The gigantic structure is 626.3 feet from foundation to crest, and it generates an average of 4 billion kilowatt-hours of power each year-enough to serve around 1.3 million people.
4. Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge: Completed in 1998, the Pearl Bridge, as it's colloquially known, is the longest suspension bridge in the world. Connecting the island of Awaji to the main island of Japan, the bridge is 12,000 feet long, with its central span at 6,532 feet in length.
5. Channel Tunnel: After being spoken of for decades, if not centuries, the Chunnel connecting France and England was finally opened in 1994. It has the longest underwater section of any tunnel in the world, and its multiple sections can handle cars and trains heading in both directions all at the same time.
6. The Ledge at Willis Tower: If you want to be scared out of your wits, head to the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) in Chicago and step out into this five-sided glass box suspended 1,353 feet above the bustling Chicago streets. If you can stand to step out on to the ledge, you'll have access to an incredible 180-degree vista.
7. Grand Canyon Skywalk: Opened in 2007, the Grand Canyon Skywalk was opposed by some due to its imposing presence upon one of our country's greatest natural wonders. However you feel about it, it's an incredible thing to experience, jutting out with its glass bottom 4,000 feet above the Colorado River below. It will make you feel a bit dizzy, but it's worth it.
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