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Don't know what to do while visiting Big Bend National Park? Here are some of our favorite things to do.
Don't know what to do while visiting Big Bend National Park? Here are some of our favorite things to do.
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34°4'45.61"N, 116°2'11.8"W
Joshua Tree
California
Joshua Tree NP is unique because of the quantity of Joshua Trees there, but don't miss the Cholla Cactus and the impressive rocks and vistas, too.
38°40'26.11"N, 78°19'0.02"W
Shenandoah
Virginia
Find out what what SNP's forest is facing, how they're handling it, what role you might be playing, and how you can help from SNP Botanist of 27 years
35°3'56.3"N, 109°46'55.5"W
Petrified Forest
Arizona
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona has fossilized trees that had fallen and started becoming petrified BEFORE T-Rex walked the Earth!
Carl Sandburg is probably best known as a poet, but he was also a journalist, biographer and historian. He won three Pulitzer Prizes, two for his poetry and one for his biography of Abraham Lincoln. In 1945, he and his family moved to Connemara, a farm near Hendersonville, North Carolina. Originally from the Midwest, Sandburg found that his farm provided the peace and solitude he needed for his writing. It also had more than 30 acres of pastureland, which was perfect for the goats that he kept. Sandburg was particularly fond of the Nubian goats, which he used to provide milk for his family. He even wrote a book about them, titled "The American Goat." Today, Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site preserves Connemara and allows visitors to learn more about this renowned writer.
Go to park pageThe World War I Memorial honors the more than four million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War I. More than 116,000 Americans were killed in action during the war. The principal feature of the memorial is an 80-foot-long relief sculpture by sculptor Paul Manship entitled "Spirit of America." The sculpture depicts a winged figure representing victory carrying a laurel wreath and a shield with symbols representing liberty, justice, and friendship. Inscriptions on the memorial include quotes from President Woodrow Wilson and General John J. Pershing as well as a list of American engagements during World War I.
Go to park pageHarpers Ferry National Historical Park is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers in West Virginia. The park includes the historic center of Harpers Ferry, which was a key 19th-century industrial area. The museum at the park contains the most visited historic site in West Virginia, John Brown's Fort. The fort was used by Brown during the Civil War as a base of operations for his raid on the nearby Armory. The fort has been restored and is open to the public for tours. The views from Harpers Ferry are also stunning, making it a perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch or go for a hike. Whether you're interested in history or just looking for a beautiful place to spend the day, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is definitely worth a visit.
Go to park pageMojave National Preserve is a special place, and not just if you like Joshua Trees. It's the third largest unit of the National Park System in the lower 48, and the largest National Preserve. The preserve was created within the Pacific West Region of the National Park Service to protect and manage a unique and diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. The Mojave Desert is a harsh and beautiful place, and the preserve encompasses some of its most iconic features, including the Kelso Dunes, the Marl Mountains and the Cima Dome, as well as volcanic formations such as Hole-in-the-Wall and the Cinder Cone Lava Beds. The preserve is also home to an abundance of plants and animals, including many that are rare or endangered. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in the preserve, from hiking and camping to bird watching and stargazing.
Go to park pageThe North Country National Scenic Trail spans approximately 4,800 miles, making it one of the longest continuous footpaths in the United States. Stretching from Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota to Crown Point in New York, the trail traverses diverse landscapes, including forests, lakes, and prairies. Hikers experience the beauty of eight states, passing through scenic vistas and charming communities. The trail offers a unique opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Lake Superior Region, Adirondacks, Ohio River Valley, and North Dakota plains.
Go to park pageBiscayne National Park is a maritime wonderland, and its reefs and islands are only accessible by boat. The Biscayne Bay Lagoon is home to dolphins, turtles and pelicans, and the underwater Maritime Heritage Trail links dive sites, most of them shipwrecks. The Boca Chita Lighthouse on Boca Chita Key offers coastal views, and the Biscayne National Park Ranger Station is the perfect place to get your bearings before setting out into this aquatic paradise.
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