Best of America

The backbone of American greatness is the contribution of each individual. From innovative and heroic people to compelling ideas and stories, Reader's Digest celebrates the best.

See other topics in Issues and Ideas

What Makes America Great?

Big hearts, bright ideas, real heroes. Check out our picks for the best of the bunch and honor the home of the brave.

Heroes

Being an American
A Nation of Helpers
Join Our Discussion
Upload a photo
Why You Love Being an American--in 6 Words
Tell Us What You Love Most

The Return of the American Prairie

On thousands of acres in eastern Montana, the great American prairie is coming back—nurtured by a determined group of citizens.

Our Great National Parks

From Yellowstone to Yosemite, Zion to Shenandoah, our national parks were founded on one principle: They belong to all of us. Award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns explores the parks' hidden history.

4 Ways of Looking at Flags

Star-spangled symbols, from anonymous art in Mississippi to a digital exhibit at Ellis Island.

How to Finish a Basement: Framing and Insulating
How to frame a basement and install insulation.
50 Funniest Jokes
Laugh more, live longer with the funniest jokes ever.
27 Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Surround your perfect turkey with these irresistible sides.
6 Delicious Christmas Cookie Recipes
Bake a batch of any of these easy to follow recipes or just drool over the stunning Christmas cookie pictures.
How To Install a Bow Window
How to frame a rough window opening, install a new window, trim out the interior and exterior around a new window, plus all of the finishing touches.

ResourcesFrom our Advertisers

The Latest in Best of America
See All
18 People, Places and Things We Love About America
From amazing people and rich history to fabulous foodstuff and one-of-a-kind parades, check out some of what makes our country great.
210 Reasons to Love Our Country
What makes America great? Discover our country's strength, spirit and goodness through these amazing individuals.
310 Great Photos of Our National Parks and Their Founders
In The National Parks: America's Best Idea, Ken Burns explores our country's spectacular natural wonders. Check out some striking images of the parks and their founders and then get the award-winning filmmaker's take on the parks' history and meaning.
4How 7 People Found Hope and Refuge in America
They fled in the dark, hid in black holes, and ran from bullets. Seven remarkable men and women tell how Nazis, Pol Pot, and the monsters of Darfur could not keep them from freedom.
5Best of America: He Delivers to the Blind
In his spare time, this former FedEx pilot helps distribute cures for blindness around the globe.
6Best of America: She Gave at the Deli
When customer Dan Heins casually mentioned that he needed a kidney, Nancy Volk volunteered one of hers.
7Best of America: The Flag Ladies of Freeport, Maine
These patriotic women make supporting our troops a weekly mission.
8Best Guided Tour
A father and son take a special trip to visit rare wildlife.
9Best of America Complete List
RD's Annual Best of America List: People, places, foods, inventions and gotta-have-its from the past four years.

From Our Bloggers
Exit Strategies Equal Freedom
Lorrie Moore's A Gate at the Stairs: Book of the Day
More Ways to Connect

Best of America

The backbone of American greatness is the contribution of each individual. From innovative and heroic people to compelling ideas and stories, Reader's Digest celebrates the best.

See other topics in Issues and Ideas

What Makes America Great?

Reader's Digest Around the World