New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is one of the country's youngest National Parks. Natural environment, industrial innovation, and the rights of workers all take center stage in this park. And one weekend a year, so does jumping off the bridge.
Step into the rhythmic hum of America’s first planned industrial city—Lowell, Massachusetts. In this episode of The Parks Podcast, host Missy Rentz speaks with Park Ranger Aubrey Brown to uncover the surprising ways Lowell shaped American industry, empowered generations of women, and became a hub for activism and innovation. From textile mills to canal boat tours, boarding houses to bobbins, this episode brings the Industrial Revolution to life with stories that are deeply human and still relevant today.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are home to two of the largest trees in the world. The parks host large conservation efforts and incredible recreation activities.
George Washington Birthplace National Monument is a great spot to explore while visiting the Northern Neck of Virginia. As you walk through the grounds, you are transported to another time and can imagine what life may have been like for George growing up.
Pearl Harbor National Monument honors the lives lost, and those affected, during the attack on December 7, 1941. Planning a trip to Hawaii and Pearl Harbor starts in advance. This episode will help prepare you for your visit.
Biscayne National Park, off the coast of Miami, is 95% water with a rich history in farming, fishing, and conservation.
Biscayne National Park, off the coast of Miami, is 95% water with a rich history in farming, fishing, and conservation.
Recreation.gov is your go to website for planning trips to our nation's public lands. You can book campsites, reserve passes, and learn more about what's going on in the parks.
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site was home to President Hoover in his youth. He reconstructed the space as a way to show American's that anyone can be successful. His home, prairie, blacksmith shop, and more will allow you to walk through history.
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site was home to President Hoover in his youth. He reconstructed the space as a way to show American's that anyone can be successful. His home, prairie, blacksmith shop, and more will allow you to walk through history.
Recreation.gov is your go to website for planning trips to our nation's public lands. You can book campsites, reserve passes, and learn more about what's going on in the parks.
Saguaro National Park boasts a diverse ecosystem where you can experience saguaros in one area and pine trees in another. The rich cultural history is worth celebrating in this episode of The Parks Podcast.
Saguaro National Park boasts a diverse ecosystem where you can experience saguaros in one area and pine trees in another. The rich cultural history is worth celebrating in this episode of The Parks Podcast.
Statue of Liberty National Monument is home to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Learn about the history - starting with the gift from France through the immigration process for so many coming to the United States.
Statue of Liberty National Monument is home to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Learn about the history - starting with the gift from France through the immigration process for so many coming to the United States.
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 [...]
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park brings to life the story of Harriet and the hundreds of slaves she helped to find freedom.
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park brings to life the story of Harriet and the hundreds of slaves she helped to find freedom.
“Val-Kill is where I used to find myself and grow. At Val-Kill I emerged as an individual.” -Eleanor Roosevelt I'm writing this post 2 years after visiting Val-Kill, the cottage known as Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site. It's fun to go back and read journal entries about the visit. It was such a different time. [...]
Bryce Canyon is the 17th National Park and home to hoodoos, a stone formation that creates a beautiful experience in this western park.
Bryce Canyon is the 17th National Park and home to hoodoos, a stone formation that creates a beautiful experience in this western park.
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 [...]
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 [...]
Belle Grove Plantation, part of Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, is decking the halls and getting ready to kick off their holiday programs.
Belle Grove Plantation, part of Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, is decking the halls and getting ready to kick off their holiday programs.
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park was the front line of major battles in the Civil War. Learn the story of the region from Backcountry to Breadbasket to Battlefield and Beyond.
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park was the front line of major battles in the Civil War. Learn the story of the region from Backcountry to Breadbasket to Battlefield and Beyond.
Death Valley National Park is home to the lowest elevation in the United States at Badwater Basin and is the hottest place on earth.
Death Valley National Park is home to the lowest elevation in the United States at Badwater Basin and is the hottest place on earth.
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 [...]
Craters of the Moon National Monument was created from lava flow over the past 15,000 years. Learn how you can experience the unique activities in the park throughout the year.
Craters of the Moon National Monument was created from lava flow over the past 15,000 years. Learn how you can experience the unique activities in the park throughout the year.
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park is located between Washington, DC and Richmond, VA. Learn about four major battles of the civil war and explore the battlefields and historic homes.
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park is located between Washington, DC and Richmond, VA. Learn about four major battles of the civil war and explore the battlefields and historic homes.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is known as the "Green Desert." Learn about the animals, best time of year to plan a visit, and how to navigate a desert hike.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is known as the "Green Desert." Learn about the animals, best time of year to plan a visit, and how to navigate a desert hike.
Park Stats Location: Western Virginia in the Blue Ridge Mountains Park #: 22 Park established: December 26, 1935 President in office: Franklin D. Roosevelt Park size: 198,000 acres Highest elevation: 4,050 ft - Hawksbill Mountain Lowest elevation: 550 ft Visitors: 1,449,300 in 2022 Fun facts: One of the parks that utilized the Civilian Conservation Corps in [...]
Shenandoah National Park is one of the first National Parks on the east coast of the United States. Home to Skyline Drive, and 75 miles from Washington, DC, Shenandoah is a popular spot for weekend warriors and vacations alike.
Shenandoah National Park is one of the first National Parks on the east coast of the United States. Home to Skyline Drive, and 75 miles from Washington, DC, Shenandoah is a popular spot for weekend warriors and vacations alike.
We explore Big Bend National Park, learning it's history and how you can plan your journey to the park.
We explore Big Bend National Park, learning it's history and how you can plan your journey to the park.
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is our first stop for The Parks Podcast. Explore the history and impact of nine children to help spark desegregation, and social change movements.
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is our first stop for The Parks Podcast. Explore the history and impact of nine children to help spark desegregation, and social change movements.
Park Stats Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas Park established: March 4, 1921 Park #: 18th National Park President in office: President Woodrow Wilson Park size: 5000 Acres Visitors: 2.6 million in 2022 Fun facts: The hot springs were believed to have healing properties and was turned into a spa town in 1832 It is the oldest park [...]
Park Stats Location: Little Rock, Arkansas Park established: November 6, 1998 President in office: Bill Clinton Park size: 28 Acres Visitors: 92,108 in 2022 Fun fact: It is the only National Park Sight unit with a functioning high school as its focal point I spent much more time at Little Rock Central High School [...]
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 [...]
National Parks make for an amazing vacation. But making a plan can be very stressful and confusing. There are so many resources available at your fingertips...but where to start. Plan in advance - The Parks are incredibly popular. If you are able, visit during the off-season (for most parks that is before Memorial [...]
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. [...]
