Pompeys Pillar is a great stop along I-94 filled with great history and stunning views of the eastern Montana plains. The Pillar is a unique break in the rims that stretch along the Yellowstone River. And is known for having the signature of William Clark, of the Lewis & Clark expedition, etched into the stone. When [...]
I thought I knew a lot about the story of Harriet Tubman, but what I was taught was the tip of the iceberg. I'm so grateful for this park, and a place to go to learn more about her story, struggles, and major impact that she made on this country. The headquarters location is home to a Visitor Center [...]
Val-Kill cottage in Hyde Park, New York—Eleanor Roosevelt's personal refuge and the place she called her own. What to expect and stop at FDR Home next door.
I've dusted off journals to share more details about parks and attractions that I visited during my year-long sabbatical. In September 2020, I traveled from New York City north to Hyde Park, New York. It was challenging to be in New York City during Covid. When I caved and bought a car, it provided me with the freedom to [...]
Park Stats Park Location: Death Valley, California Park #: 53 Park established: October 31, 1994 (designated as a National Monument in 1933) President in office: President Bill Clinton Park size: 3.4 million acres Highest elevation: 11,049 feet (Telescope Peak Summit) Lowest elevation: -282 feet (Badwater Basin) Visitors: 1,128,862 in 2022 Fun facts: 5th Largest National Park [...]
Park Stats Park established: May 2, 1924 (National Monument) President in office: Calvin Coolidge Park size: 750,000 acres Highest elevation: 7729 ft (foothills of the Pioneer Mountains) Visitors: 237,774 in 2022 Fun facts: 16.2 miles of hiking trails Nocturnal animals include packrats, skunks, foxes, bobcats, mountain lions, bats, owls and more Some animals that are only [...]
Shenandoah National Park along the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia — seasonal guide, best hikes for every level, what to pack, and why you should get off Skyline Drive and onto the trails.
Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas — Bathhouse Row, the healing springs you can drink from, hiking trails, and why this is the most unusual park in the country. Everything you need to plan your visit.
Little Rock Central High School NHS — the only national park with a functioning school. The bus bench, the window exhibit, and why visiting while school is in session changes everything.
Grand Canyon National Park Park established: February 26, 1919 President in office: Woodrow Wilson Park number: 15th I visited in early March, long before the busy season. The benefit of this timing was I arrived before spring break trips and before the summer busy season. The risk is winter weather. I stayed at Mather [...]
I am so lucky to have gotten to visit Yellowstone quite a bit over the years. During my 2021 adventures, I used Big Sky, MT as my home base. It's about an hour from the West Yellowstone entrance. During the off-season I would pop into the park for a few hours. It afforded me the opportunity to see the [...]
Park Stats Park established: October 31, 1941 President in office: Franklin D. Roosevelt Mount Rushmore is a must-see as you drive through South Dakota. The view is really impressive. Turn off I-90 at Rapid City. If you need gas, a place to stay, or some food, this is your best option. Follow signs [...]
Bryce Canyon was one of my first stops. I was headed to the Grand Canyon and decided to make a pit stop for a few hours. It was early spring and snow dusted some of the park. It was beautiful! I drove to the furthest point and spent a few hours visiting the overlooks. It wasn't very [...]
Devils Tower was one of the first stops on my trip. I took the detour off of I-90 with my fingers crossed that it was even open. I lucked out. Right off of the parking lot is a visitors center and toilets. While the visitors center was closed, they still had a stand for stamping your National Parks Passport. [...]
