From towering skyscrapers and soaring bridges to awe-inspiring observation decks, there’s a sight to behold across every US skyline. This list reveals the tallest man-made structures in every corner of America – excluding radio and television masts.
Click through this gallery to see the tallest man-made construction in your state...
At 745 feet high, the spiked Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) Battle House Tower thrusts towards the sky in Mobile. This 35-floor edifice is made of steel and concrete and was completed in 2007. Its three-story lobby is open to the public and the building itself is connected to the esteemed Battle House Hotel.
It may ‘only’ stand at 296 feet, but the Conoco-Phillips Building is the tallest in The Last Frontier. Opened in 1983 as the headquarters for Alaska’s largest oil producer, this 22-floor office block towers over Anchorage’s other oil company-dominated buildings. While it’s mostly employees-only, the food court is open to the public.
Constructed in the early 20th century, the controversial Hayden Smelter Chimney is the tallest free-standing structure in Arizona. This copper smelter stands at 1,001 feet, and its height was believed to help disperse some of its most harmful emissions (lead, sulfur dioxide). It’s owned by the smelting and refining company Asarco, which has been criticized for not lessening the polluting effects of the smelter.
In downtown Little Rock you’ll find 546-foot-tall Simmons Tower. The largest man-made structure in Arkansas brings together three interlocking vertical tiers to create a modern office block. There’s a 55-foot-high skylighted atrium that leads out onto a plaza lined with retail and restaurant space, although the entire complex is for employee use only.
The towering Wilshire Grand Center stands at an awe-inspiring 1,102 feet, and its spire alone is 90 feet. This modernist skyscraper includes offices and hotel space, while the crown and spine of the building feature an LED lighting system for digital signs and advertisements.
Positioned 956 feet over the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge Bridge is made up of 4,100 steel cables and 1,257 wooden planks. Remembering that as you take in the surrounding beauty certainly makes for an adrenalin rush. It’s also surrounded by plenty of attractions that make use of its vertiginous qualities: the Royal Rush Skycoaster and the Cloudscraper Zip Line both soar 1,200 feet over the river.
City Place I looms 535 feet into the Connecticut sky. A light brown façade and pinprick windows make up the exterior of this modernist structure, while the smaller City Place II building (220 feet) stands directly next to it. The downtown location is close to the wide-open green space of Bushnell Park, from which you can still see the tip of the towering structure.
In the heart of downtown Wilmington lies 1201 North Market Street. This 360-foot-tall office block boasts 23 stories with different-sized ‘stacks’ forming its steel edifice. Passers-by gaze up at the tiny square windows that line each side of the building. Less than a five-minute walk away is Rodney Square, an open plaza that’s popular with lunchtime office workers.
At 868 feet, the mixed-use Panorama Tower stands out among the other skyscrapers in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood. However, at least four buildings currently under construction will be taller when completed, including the Okan Tower, set to finish in 2027, and the Waldorf Astoria Miami, which broke ground in 2022 and will be Florida's first skyscraper to break 1,000 feet.
While it’s not open to the public, it’s still worth taking in the exterior of Atlanta’s Bank of America. This intimidating skyscraper dominates the skyline at 1,023 feet. With a dark-brown façade, it features a pointed tip that lights up a lava-orange color at night.
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A residential skyscraper in Honolulu's seafront downtown, the Central Ala Moana Building is currently Hawaii's tallest at 435 feet. Honolulu is witnessing a rash of new developments, and the building – only completed in 2021 – may not retain the record for long.
Idaho’s Dworshak Dam reaches a whopping height of 717 feet. This straight concrete gravity dam has prevented up to $3 billion in potential flood damages since its opening in 1973, and is the third tallest dam in the US. You’ll find it along the North Fork of the Clearwater River, with the surrounding area home to forest and mountains.
Once known as the Sears tower, Chicago’s Willis Tower was the tallest building in the world until Malaysia’s Petronas Towers were completed in 1996. Today, this steel-frame structure is the third-tallest building in the US in a list otherwise dominated by New York City. It stands at 1,450 feet, and visitors can venture up to the 1,353-foot-high Skydeck to step inside glass boxes that tilt over the city below.
Enjoy panoramic views of Indianapolis’ skyline from the top of the Salesforce Tower. At 811 feet high, its 49 floors are made up of offices, dining spaces, and fitness spaces, plus plenty more. The two spires atop the building have different functions: one serves as a communications antenna, while the other is purely decorative.
In downtown Des Moines stands the 801 Grand, a 630-foot skyscraper with 44 stories. The bulk of the block is made up of office space, although the first three floors are open to the public with dining and retail options. Around 200,000 square feet of stone covers the exterior of the building and gives it its distinctive appearance.
At 325 feet tall, Wichita’s Epic Center has a concrete structure that’s ribbed with steel bars, but its most distinctive aspect is its slanted roof, which resembles a kite. This high-rise dominates the city skyline and encompasses some three acres of land.
This Louisville high-rise packs a punch as the tallest man-made structure in Kentucky. At 549 feet high, 400 West Market is situated at the heart of the Central Business District. This office and retail block spans 34 stories and offers river and city views alike. Its bold, granite exterior contributes to its modern design and it features a Romanesque dome at the top.
The Hancock Whitney Center was the first skyscraper to be constructed in New Orleans' Central Business District – and what an impressive sight it is. Built in 1972, its 51 stories loom to a height of 697 feet and are primarily taken up by office space, although retail outlets occupy the ground floor. Its limestone-clad exterior is dotted with bronze glass windows and fits in well with neighboring tall towers like the historic Hibernia.
Connecting the towns of Prospect and Verona, the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory rises over the Penobscot River. It’s visitor-friendly, with its observatory standing at a height of 420 feet and offering panoramic views of the river, bay, and surrounding countryside. This makes it the highest bridge observatory in the world, while the bridge itself rises 135 feet above the river.
Baltimore’s Transamerica Tower, also known as the Legg Mason Building, stands at a height of 529 feet. The concrete office block towers over surrounding high-rises including the Equitable Bank Center and 36 South Charles. The room-with-a-view vibe continues at nearby Top of the World Observation Point, which stands at 423 feet and overlooks the Inner Harbor, skyline, and beyond.
Also known as the John Hancock Tower, 200 Clarendon Street stands at 790 feet. Its 62 stories make it the tallest building in Boston, in Massachusetts and in all of New England. This glass-covered tower offers panoramic views over Back Bay, Charles River, Cambridge, the Public Gardens, Boston Harbor, and more.
The Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center stands out in its downtown location along the International RiverWalk, with its curtain-wall glass façade shimmering in its full 755-foot height. The 40th-floor fitness center and some of the hotel rooms look towards Canada, which is just on the other side of the Detroit River.
This all-glass structure has more to it than meets the eye. Minneapolis's IDS Center stands at 792 feet – or 910 feet if you include the communications spires. While visitors can’t access the full 57 floors, the multi-leveled Crystal Court at its base includes a tree-lined atrium, shops, and restaurants. This urban park space featured in the 1984 film Purple Rain.
The enormous Beau Rivage Casino Hotel is the tallest man-made structure in Mississippi. At 346 feet, this hotel-casino is also home to a theater, restaurants, and some 1,740 rooms. The concrete structure is positioned by the waterfront (Beau Rivage is French for 'beautiful shore') but, rather uniquely, was built on an anchored barge structure in order to comply with state gaming laws.
Missouri’s Gateway Arch broods by the Mississippi River. At 630 feet in height, it’s not only the tallest man-made structure in the state but also the tallest monument in the entire US, constructed from 43,000 tons of concrete and steel. The best way to see the colossal structure is in a special tourist tram that transports visitors to the top. Riverboat cruises past the arch provide an alternative take on this mighty edifice.
As you can see in this image, the 20-story First Interstate Center complex towers above the otherwise modest Billings skyline. At 272 feet, the building has been Montana's tallest for the best part of four decades, and is primarily used as office space. Its aesthetic reflects its age, with its light-brown coloring and layers of glass.
Nebraska’s First National Bank Tower dominates the Omaha skyline. This modernist skyscraper is 634 feet tall and boasts two interior fountains. Although it’s home to Nebraska’s oldest bank, visitors can still enjoy the 60-foot-high glass-enclosed winter garden in the lobby.
Las Vegas is renowned for its giant hotel-casino resorts, but the STRAT Hotel, Casino and Tower – the tallest freestanding observation tower in the US – is the best way to take in the glittering views. At 1,149 feet, visitors can take in 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Strip, tuck into award-winning food and sip hand-crafted cocktails.
The City Hall Plaza may be the tallest man-made structure in New Hampshire, but it tries its hardest not to stand out too much. At 275 feet tall, this 20-story office block’s brown and white façade allows it to blend in with its surroundings. The brick and granite materials used were taken from the city’s historic Millyard District and reflect the rich architectural history of the area.
Completed in 2018, 99 Hudson Street took over from 30 Hudson Street (also known as the Goldman Sachs Tower) as the tallest man-made structure in New Jersey. Standing at 900 feet tall, this sleek glass skyscraper sits along New Jersey’s Gold Coast and offers luxury condos with views overlooking the Hudson River towards New York. Lucky residents can enjoy more superlative views on the rooftop garden.
The fifth-highest bridge in the US, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge doesn’t disappoint. This car-friendly and pedestrian-friendly bridge stands at 565 feet above the river with small sections that jut out allowing for even better views. For a different angle, head out on a white-water rafting tour along the Rio Grande. It’s also a popular filming location, having featured in movies including Paul and Terminator Salvation.
New York’s One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the entire US. This iconic landmark reaches 1,774 feet high and its base is the same size as that of the Twin Towers that originally stood here.
The shape of the skyscraper alternates between isosceles triangles, an octagon at the center, and a square parapet at the top. Ascend to One World Observatory for awesome views from the highest point in the city, where there’s also a restaurant and bar.
The Bank of America Corporate Center in Charlotte rises to 871 feet. Its modern design features a tier-like structure with a crowned top that lights up at night. Spanning 60 floors, it’s the tallest structure in the Carolinas. Inside, the lobby houses one of the world’s largest frescoes; it was created by artist Ben Long and took one year to complete.
The understated Art Deco State Capitol is North Dakota's tallest man-made structure at 242 feet. It’s pleasant enough to admire outside and in, and visitors can head up to the free observation deck to take in the panoramic views of the surrounding Bismarck-Mandan area.
Located in downtown Cleveland, this slim tower stands at 947 feet and is visible up to 20 miles away. While Key Bank’s headquarters cover most of the space, other office units occupy the rest of the 57 stories. The tower was designed by renowned architect César Pelli and, with its granite façade and metal pyramid and spire, resembles something similar to an Egyptian obelisk.
At 844 feet, Oklahoma's Devon Energy Center stands tall and proud opposite the enchanting Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City. The glass rotunda narrows in length, while at the top multiple triangular forms reflect the sky. There’s also solar shading and night lighting integrated into its smooth façade, which emits a shimmering glow both day and night.
The Wells Fargo Center is the tallest man-made structure in Oregon, beating out the US Bancorp Tower by just 10 feet. Set amid a number of other similar blocks, it towers to 546 feet above the city. Its construction was very controversial, and following its opening in 1973 a public outcry over the tower’s height led to Portland imposing height restrictions on future developments.
At 1,121 feet, the Comcast Technology Center surpassed the neighboring Comcast Center (974 feet) in 2018. It houses office and dining spaces as well as two television studios. The top few floors are occupied by the Four Seasons Philadelphia, so you’ll need to be a guest to soak up the views from the reception, rooms or swimming pool.
It’s Providence’s Industrial National Bank Building (or 111 Westminster Street) that claims the title of the tallest man-made structure in Rhode Island. Its stepped structure earned it the nickname 'the Superman Building' as it looks just like the Daily Planet building in Superman. At 428 feet, its late 1920s Art Deco aesthetic reflects the era in which it was built. This theme continues inside.
South Carolina’s Capitol Center stands at 349 feet and is located in Columbia’s Central Business District. Its distinctive exterior is made up of white panels and dark-tinted glass windows, which create a striped effect, while inside there are snazzy marble floors and ceiling-to-floor glass walls.
One of the smallest man-made structures on this list is the CenturyLink Tower. Still, it's South Dakota's biggest building at a height of 174 feet. This unassuming office block has just 11 stories and boasts a brown façade with dark-tinted wraparound windows. It’s always been named after the company it's housed, so in previous years it's been known as the US West Tower and Qwest Tower.
333 Commerce Street (widely known as the AT&T Building) is nicknamed 'the Batman Building' thanks to its twin spires that resemble the superhero’s pointed mask. Its height reaches 617 feet and while tours are only available on request, inside the striking building is a three-story winter garden atrium. It’s also a short walk from the Cumberland River.
The JPMorgan Chase Tower in Houston is a modern office block just over 1,000 feet high. Once upon a time it had a public access sky lobby offering superlative views of the city, but this closed in 2016 due to high traffic in the surrounding area. It’s still impressive to check out from the outside, though. It's close to the historic Market Square Park and Theater District, and is the tallest five-sided building in the world.
Astra Tower became Utah's tallest building when it topped out at 451 feet in late 2023, overtaking the 422-foot-tall Wells Fargo Center that had held the record for 26 years. The 41-story building is mostly residential, with one, two and three-bedroom apartments served by a large fitness center and a 23rd-floor outdoor pool. The upper floors come with uninterrupted views over the Salt Lake City skyline.
A giant stone obelisk towering over the lush Vermont countryside, the Bennington Battle Monument commemorates the lives lost at the Battle of Bennington – a 1777 engagement that saw local militias defeat British troops charged with taking the Bennington supply depot. Dedicated in 1891 and measuring 306 feet, the monument encases a 417-step interior staircase and is topped with a 10-point star.
Part hotel and part residential block, Virginia’s Marriott-owned Westin Virginia Beach Town Center spans 38 floors. The building’s concrete frame crescendos into a pyramid-like top which illuminates blue at night, and the antenna spire gives the tower a total height of 508 feet. Inside, there’s a luxury theme with heated pools, fitness centers, and a wedding event space.
The Columbia Center in Seattle stands tall at 933 feet. Offering restaurants, retail outlets, and workspaces, the building consists of three interlocking, curved towers that combine to resemble a curtain of glass.
There are plenty of ways to appreciate the vistas with the 40th-floor Sky Lobby conference center and 73rd-floor Sky View Observatory. The 902-foot-high visitor-friendly viewpoint provides unparalleled views over the city, Puget Sound, and the surrounding mountains.
There’s no missing West Virginia’s New River Gorge Bridge. It rises to a height of 876 feet over the New River. It weighs around 40,000 tons, including 21,000 tons of structural steel, 1,700 tons of reinforced steel, and 17,000 cubic yards of concrete.
This registered historic place is celebrated with its very own festival, Bridge Day, on the third Saturday of October each year. Head to the Canyon Rim Visitor Center for incredible views looking towards the bridge.
Over in the eastern end of downtown Milwaukee stands the US Bank Center at 601 feet tall. Around two thirds of its modernist-style structure is made of glass, with some 5,000 windows. There are also skyways which connect to the Lewis Center and Juneau Square North.
Clinching the title of Wyoming's tallest structure by just a couple of feet over the University of Wyoming's White Hall student dormitory, the 148-foot Wyoming Financial Center has seen better days. At just nine stories, it's far from the largest entry on this list and was falling into disrepair when it was bought by the county government in 2024. Rejuvenation now beckons – starting with a plan to replace its roof.