The United States boasts many scenic national parks, monuments, and forests. They can be visited with the “America The Beautiful” Year Pass. It is THE reason my hubby and I explore the United States. After we visited America’s (and the world’s) first national park since 1872, Yellowstone, Wyoming, in 2008, we became hooked on the experience!
We visited 28* national parks fifteen years later (2023). Each park has its unique character, energy, and vibe. For me, It is a spiritual experience to wander through the wilderness.
“Between every two pine trees, there is a door leading to a new way of life. Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine into trees.”
— John Muir, Scottish-American naturalist
2008 – Yellowstone National Park, WY Badlands National Park, WY, Mount Rushmore National Monument, SD
The Captivating Charm of Weir Farm Connecticut April – May 2025 The Captivating Charm of Weir Farm Even though it was a rainy day, we visited Weir Farm, Wilton, CT, one of Connecticut’s two National Historic Sites. The visitor center wasn’t open, but luckily, there were brochures from the National Park Service with information and maps […]
The Captivating Charm of Weir Farm Read More »
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site Pennsylvania April 2025 Stepping Back in Time at Hopewell Furnace We visited a charming, lesser-known National Park Service (NPS) gem. As a living history museum featuring 19th-century buildings, structures, and appliances, Hopewell Furnace allowed us to travel back in time and enjoy a fascinating glimpse into America’s early iron industry.
Stepping Back in Time at Hopewell Furnace Read More »
Valley Forge National Historic Park Pennsylvania April 2025 A Glimpse of Valley Forge April 19, 2025 5.41 mi 2:05:56 hrs 77 °F Even before we started, we knew we would only see a small part of Valley Forge National Historical Park. This site is enormous, spanning 3,500 acres and featuring 35 miles of trails. Due
Valley Forge National Historic Park Read More »
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park Ohio April 2025 Mysteries of the Mound City Group We visited Mound City Group in Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, since 2023. Mound City Group is a restored Hopewell earthwork complex containing 25 mounds of varying sizes enclosed by a low, earthen wall. The Hopewell
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park Read More »
Round Spring, Ozark National Scenic Riverways Our Stay in Ellington, MO A Day at Round Spring We ended our visit to the Missouri Ozark Mountains with a visit to Round Spring, part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Though not technically a state park anymore, it began as one of Missouri’s first state parks. A
Round Spring, Ozark NSR Read More »
Big Spring, Ozark National Scenic Riverways Our Stay in Ellington, MO Big Spring, a Natural Wonder! Big Spring is a giant spring with cool, 58°F water constantly bubbling from the base of a bluff. While the exact depth is unclear, it’s undeniably massive. Big Spring is Missouri’s largest Spring and a candidate for the third-largest
Big Spring, Ozark NSR Read More »
Hiking the Ozark National Scenic Riverways Our Stay in Ellington, MO Cicadas, Springs, and Serenity So we landed in Ellington, Missouri. It’s beautiful here, but not exactly quiet! Millions of cicadas emerged. They do this periodically, every 13 or 17 years, depending on the species. This is a fascinating natural phenomenon to experience, especially since
Hiking the The Blue Spring Trail, Ozark NSR Read More »
Hot Springs National Park – Day 2 Our Stay in Hot Springs, AR Mountain Views and Natural Wonders in Hot Springs National Park Our hike began at the Hot Springs National Park West Mountain sign. We started with the Mountain Top Trail, and this invigorating climb tested my calves while going up. However, this leg-stretching
Hot Springs National Park- Day 2 Read More »
Hot Springs National Park – Day 1 Our Stay in Hot Springs, AR Bathhouse Row – A Walk Through Time Hot Springs National Park was quite surprising! Unlike most national parks that focus on preserving natural landscapes, Hot Springs protects a collection of historic bathhouses along Central Avenue in downtown Hot Springs. This Bathhouse Row
Hot Springs National Park- Day 1 Read More »
Learning America’s History Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park Texas April 2024 A Pivotal Moment in America’s History The Palo Alto Battlefield, now a National Historic Park, memorializes the site of a pivotal moment in US history. On May 8, 1846, US and Mexican troops fought on the Palo Alto prairie. This Mexican-American War battle
Palo Alto Battlefield NHP Read More »
