Hopewell Culture National Historical Park – Chillicothe, OH
Mounds of various shapes and enclosures often built in geometric patterns dot the landscape of the Ohio River Valley. These earthen structures were doubtless the work of many human hands. Evidence suggests that Hopewell earthworks were used for a variety of ceremonial and social activities between 200 BC to AD 500. Come learn about these sacred spaces and reflect upon the lives of their builders.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Cleveland and Akron, OH
Though a short distance from the urban environments of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The winding Cuyahoga—the “crooked river” as named by American Indians—gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. The park is a refuge for flora and fauna, gives a sense of times past, and provides recreation and solitude for Ohio’s residents and visitors.
OKLAHOMA
Chickasaw National Recreation Area – Sulphur, OK
The “Peaceful Valley of Rippling Waters” appropriately describes Chickasaw National Recreation Area, known for its many mineral springs, cool water, flora, fauna, and wildlife. Here one’s mind may wander back in time to when the early American Indian came to this area to rest, relax at the water’s edge, and hunt for their food from the abundant wildlife.
Oklahoma City National Memorial – Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City National Memorial honors the victims, survivors, rescuers, and all who were changed forever on April 19, 1995. The outdoor Symbolic Memorial, which consists of the following segments on 3.3 acres, can be visited: The Gates of Time: Monumental twin gates frame the moment of destruction – 9:02 – and mark the formal entrances to the Memorial.
OREGON
Oregon National Historic Trail – Various States, ID,KS,MO,NE,OR,WY
Laurel Hill descent near Mt. Hood Oregon As the harbinger of America’s westward expansion, the Oregon Trail was the pathway to the Pacific for fur traders, gold seekers, missionaries and others. Today, more than 2,000 miles of trail ruts and traces can still be seen in the vast undeveloped western lands – reminders of the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs of early American travelers and settlers.
Oregon Caves National Monument – Cave Junction, OR
“The wondrous marble halls of Oregon,” Joaquin Miller, 1909*. Oregon Caves National Monument offers family focused opportunities to explore a marble cave, visit a National Historic Landmark (the Oregon Caves Chateau), hike trails through ancient forests, and earn a Junior Ranger Badge.
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park – Astoria, OR
The Park is made up of 12 park sites located on a 40-mile stretch of the Pacific coast from Long Beach, WA to Cannon Beach, OR. Visit the sites in any order you wish; we recommend starting at Fort Clatsop or the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment. Both offer rangers, gift shops and exhibits on the region. Fort Clatsop Special Events | Calendar
PENNSYLVANIA
Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site – Philadelphia, PA
“For the most wild, yet most homely narrative which I am about to pen,” so begins Poe’s famous short story “The Black Cat,” written while living in this house with his family. Writer, editor, popular poet and inventor of the detective story, Edgar Allan Poe still thrills readers today. Come imagine Poe’s life on Seventh Street, his only surviving residence in Philadelphia.
Independence National Historical Park – Philadelphia, PA
The old cracked Bell still proclaims Liberty and Independence Hall echoes the words, “We the People.” Explore Franklin’s Philadelphia and learn about the past and America’s continuing struggle to fulfill the Founders’ Declaration that “all men are created equal.”
RHODE ISLAND
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor – The Blackstone Valley, MA,RI
The Blackstone River runs from Worcester, MA to Providence, RI. Its waters powered the Slater Mill in Pawtucket, RI, America’s first successful textile mill. This creative spark began the nation’s transformation from Farm to Factory. Today, the Blackstone River Valley is a special type of National Park – a living landscape containing thousands of natural, cultural and historic treasures.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Congaree National Park – Hopkins, SC
Enter the Redwoods of the east. To walk here is to walk among ancient trees of record size. A storehouse of diversity, the forest includes hundreds of species of plants and animals. Beauty and tranquility reign supreme in the midst of this natural treasure.
Fort Sumter National Monument – Charleston Harbor, SC
Decades of growing strife between North and South erupted in civil war on April 12, 1861, when Confederate artillery opened fire on this Federal fort in Charleston Harbor. Fort Sumter surrendered 34 hours later. Union forces would try for nearly four years to take it back.
SOUTH DAKOTA
Mount Rushmore National Memorial – Keystone, SD
“A monument’s dimensions should be determined by the importance to civilization of the events commemorated. We are not here trying to carve an epic, portray a moonlight scene, or write a sonnet; neither are we dealing with mystery or tragedy, but rather the constructive and dramatic moments or crises in our amazing history.” Gutzon Borglum
Jewel Cave National Monument – Custer, SD
At 138 miles, Jewel Cave is the second longest cave in the world. It is filled with calcite crystals and other wonders that make up the “jewels” of Jewel Cave National Monument. The current length of Jewel Cave is: 138.83 miles. From February 16-19, 2007 explorers spent 4 days underground and discovered 5,384.65 feet of cave passages. Check this site frequently to keep up-to-date!
TENNESSEE
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – the states of, NC,TN
Ridge upon ridge of endless forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America’s most visited national park.
Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area – Murfreesboro, TN
The Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area tells the whole story of the Civil War, emancipation, and Reconstruction. Its focus includes national battlefields as well as historic houses, museums, cemeteries, churches, towns, and neighborhoods significantly associated with the state’s diverse Civil War heritage.
Obed Wild & Scenic River – Wartburg, TN
The Obed Wild and Scenic River looks much the same today as it did when the first white settlers strolled its banks in the late 1700s. While meagerly populated due to poor farming soil, the river was a hospitable fishing and hunting area for trappers and pioneers. Today, the Obed stretches along the Cumberland Plateau and offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.
TEXAS
Big Bend National Park – The big bend of the Rio Grande, TX
Sometimes considered “three parks in one,” Big Bend includes mountain, desert, and river environments. An hour’s drive can take you from the banks of the Rio Grande to a mountain basin nearly a mile high. Here, you can explore one of the last remaining wild corners of the United States, and experience unmatched sights, sounds, and solitude.
Padre Island National Seashore – Corpus Christi, TX
Padre Island National Seashore, encompassing 130,434 acres, is the longest remaining undeveloped stretch of barrier island in the world, and offers a wide variety of flora and fauna as well as recreation. As a unit of the National Park Service, our mission is, as stated in the Federal Organic Act of 1916,: “…to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park – San Antonio, TX
In 1718 Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years, five were located along the San Antonio River. The missions’ purpose? To acculturate and Christianize the native population and make them Spanish citizens. Today, visitors can retrace the footsteps of the mission Indians and friars. And, possibly, meet descendants of those first inhabitants.
UTAH
Arches National Park – Moab, UT
Delicate Arch Arches National Park preserves over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, like the world-famous Delicate Arch, as well as many other unusual rock formations. In some areas, the forces of nature have exposed millions of years of geologic history. The extraordinary features of the park create a landscape of contrasting colors, landforms and textures that is unlike any other in the world.
Dinosaur National Monument – Vernal, Utah & Dinosaur, Colorado, CO,UT
As you explore the craggy hills, discover fragments of a long ago world where the largest land creatures of all time once roamed and died. While the main exhibit wall of dinosaur fossils is closed, some fossils can be seen by hiking 1/2 mile from the Temporary Visitor Center. You can also view rock art and captivating scenery, explore homestead sites, and go whitewater rafting.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument – Rainbow Bridge National Monument, UT
Rainbow Bridge is the world’s largest known natural bridge. The span has undoubtedly inspired people throughout time–from the neighboring American Indian tribes who consider Rainbow Bridge sacred, to the 300,000 people from around the world who visit it each year. Please visit Rainbow Bridge in a spirit that honors and respects the cultures to whom it is sacred.
VERMONT
Appalachian National Scenic Trail – Maine to Georgia,CT,GA,MA,MD,ME,NC,NH,NJ,NY,PA,TN,VA,VT,WV
“The body of the Trail is provided by the lands it traverses, and its soul is in the living stewardship of the volunteers and workers of the Appalachian Trail community.” -from the Appalachian Trail Management Principles, and the A.T. Comprehensive Plan.
Marsh – Billings – Rockefeller National Historical Park – Woodstock, VT
Walk through one of Vermont’s most beautiful landscapes, under the shade of sugar maples and 400-year-old hemlocks, across covered bridges and alongside rambling stone walls. This is a landscape of loss, recovery, and conservation. This is a story of stewardship, of people taking care of places – sharing an enduring connection to land and a sense of hope for the future.
VIRGINIA
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts – Vienna, VA
Musicals, Opera, Jazz, Rock n’ Roll, Country, Dance and other performing arts are an important part of our American culture. At the only National Park dedicated to live performing arts, no matter what your age or taste in shows, you’ll find what you’re looking for onstage at Wolf Trap. A good time to explore the beauty and history of this former Virginia farmstead is October – March.
Great Falls Park – McLean, VA
At Great Falls, the Potomac River builds up speed and force as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through the narrow Mather Gorge. The Patowmack Canal offers a glimpse into the early history of this country. Great Falls Park has many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800 acre park only fifteen miles from the Nation’s Capital.
