So what better time to take advantage of the glorious diversity available to us in these United States? Overseas travel is sublime but can be costly, time consuming, and not always family-friendly. But no worries! There are loads of great options for friends and family vacations right here in our fabulous National Parks. If a long drive to faraway places is not your cup of tea, consider flying and renting a car once you arrive, to enjoy the beauty of these pristine outdoor spaces.
Arches National Park, Utah
More than 2000 unusual red rock formations abound in this 73,000 acre park in southern Utah. Most of our National Parks offer Junior Ranger programs, where Explorer Packs can be checked out for the day. Binoculars, a magnifying glass for close-up discoveries, and an activity guide are included to put your budding naturalist on the right path. This area is a mecca for artists, and a variety of activities are planned throughout the summer to make artists and their art available to visitors. One caveat: this is a popular park, and at peak times can get busy with long lines waiting to enter. Beat the crowds by arriving in the early morning or around dusk. The weather will be cooler, animals will be more active, and the photo ops can be fantastic.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
You’ll think your spaceship just crashed on a planet in a galaxy far, far away when you land at the this incredible National Park. Stretching out over 244,000 acres, rugged scenery, mysterious rocky fissures, and a world-class collection of fossils are on offer here. Ancient mammals such as dinosaur, saber toothed cat, and rhinos once roamed this area. Today this park is home to an abundance of bison and big-horned sheep, to name just a few. Don’t miss the night sky observation program, conducted Friday through Monday evenings.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Imminently accessible, this National Park follows the Cuyahoga River and meanders through cities and towns along the way. Not far from the outskirts of Akron and Cleveland, the park features 33,000 acres of land set aside by President Woodrow Wilson in the summer of 1916. This year, at nearby Blossom Music Festival, the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra will perform to commemorate the centennial birthday of the National Parks. Don’t miss the Canal Exploration Center, to learn all about the Erie Canal, and if you are biking, consider a one-way trip with a return train ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania
The Civil War tore the country apart, and this park is set at the site of the bloodiest battle of them all. Abraham Lincoln’s famous address in 1863 was inspired by this battle. Meticulously preserved, this park is not only gloriously welcoming, but historically accurate, with an expansive visitor’s center and markers throughout the park showing important battlefield events and developments. Back by popular demand this year are the Living History demonstrations, running on weekends from April through late October. Battlefield encampments are authentically re-created, with living history actors available to answer questions about life, tools, tactics and firearms of the day. The Artists in Residence program brings a collection of current artists to stay at the Park, to interact with the public and to inspire young artists in their journey.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
The third most-visited park last year, Rocky Mountain is literally the top of the heap! Stunning mountain views abound, and miles and miles of hiking trails wend and wind through forests, hills and dales. There is a hike for everyone, with over 350 miles of trails through this pristine gem in Colorado. Rocky Mountain can experience extreme weather year-round, so be prepared. Be sure to take in the astronomy programs held on Friday nights, and if hiking is not in your wheelhouse, check out the historic Old Fall River Road. This nine mile dirt pathway will give you the sense of adventure you crave, without leaving your car!
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan
Slumbering peacefully along the shores of mighty Lake Michigan is the 71,000 acres of dunes, forests, trails and beach dedicated as a National Lakeshore. Encompassing a vast array of natural formations, from sandy dunes rising over 400 feet above the great lake, to rivers and streams, inland lakes for canoeing or kayaking, and trails through forests for hiking, there is something for every outdoor adventurer here. The islands of North and South Manitou add another 30,000 miles of freshwater shore to the already abundant water and beach combing opportunities. Visit the local town of Glen Haven to see the Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum, where participants can get the feel of a Coast Guard rescue mission.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Remember that folk song about the Shenandoah Valley? Well, once you arrive at this breathtaking park, you’ll know why the westward-bound settlers were so nostalgic about leaving this place. Framed to the east by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and to the west by the Appalachians, the Shenandoah River cuts a deep swath through forest and rock, creating waterfalls, quiet hollows and restorative picnic areas. Just 75 miles from the manic pace of Washington, DC, this accessible getaway is calling. Special events this summer to celebrate the Centennial include a workshop/seminar on the butterflies of the park in July. In August a class on Advanced Nature Photography is available to park guests. Be sure to sign up early for these events, as they are sure to fill up quickly.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Teddy Roosevelt was awed by this incredible park when he visited it in 1883, and he later claimed his experiences here formed him into the man who would become President. Sprawling over 70,500 acres in western North Dakota, this park’s greatest draw, beyond the incredible scenery, is its plethora of wildlife. Keep a sharp eye out for bison, elk, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep and wild horses. Visit at dusk or dawn for the best chance to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Better yet, camp in the park and experience the wonder of the night sky and the rustling of nature as you gather with friends and family, telling stories, singing songs and making lasting memories.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Our first National Park, Yellowstone is top of the bucket list for naturalists and casual travelers alike. Home to the world’s most famous geyser, Old Faithful, the park features hot springs, mud pots and fumarloes (steam vents in the earth’s crust). The geothermal features of Yellowstone alone number over 10,000. The park is a whopping 2,200,000 acres, encompassing vast stretches of the Rocky Mountains with their accompanying forests, trails, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and wildlife. Plan well in advance for a trip to this park, as it can be crowded during peak summer months. But rest assured there is something for everyone here – from biking, boating, and fishing, to camping and horseback riding. And did we mention the geothermal features?
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