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
Our Stay in New Salem North Dakota August 2026 Hiking the Edge of the North Country Trail After an easy hour-long drive north to Lake Sakakawea State Park in Pick City, ND, we parked near the entrance and visitor center. The center was closed, but we used a QR code posted on the door to
Our Stay in New Salem, North Dakota Read More »
Remnants, Replicas, and Catlin’s Legacy Along the Knife River North Dakota August 2026 Exploring Knife River Indian Villages After spending about two hours in and around Lake Sakakawea State Park, we drove over to Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site. We began in the Visitor Center museum, taking in its impressive collection of Native
Exploring Knife River Indian Villages NHS Read More »
The North Country Trail’s Western Terminus at Lake Sakakawea North Dakota August 2026 Hiking the Edge of the North Country Trail After an easy hour-long drive north to Lake Sakakawea State Park in Pick City, ND, we parked near the entrance and visitor center. The center was closed, but we used a QR code posted
The North Country Trail’s Western Terminus at Lake Sakakawea Read More »
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Colorado July 2021 Walk Outside Canyons Of The Ancients Visitor Center & Museum July 2, 2021 1.11 mi 0:27:09 hrs 79 °F xx Lowry Ruins National Historical Landmark Walk July 2, 2021 0.57 mi 16:21 min 83 °F xx Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Hike July 2, 2021
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Read More »
Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor New York June 2025 xx June 6, 2025 1.03 mi 0:26:22 hrs 66 °F xx
Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Read More »
Grand Canyon National Park Arizona May 2021 Grand Canyon – Pipe Creek Vista – Yaki Point May 19, 2021 3.90 mi 1:12:38 hrs 76 °F Grand Canyon – Parking to Rim Trail May 19, 2021 1.70 mi 0:34:39 hrs 77 °F Grand Canyon – Hermits Nest to Monument Creek Vista May 19, 2021 3.10 mi
Grand Canyon National Park Read More »
The Legacy of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Illinois April 2026 A Story That Shouldn’t Be Forgotten April 19, 2026 Temple Church 38 °F Imagine your 14-year-old son visits family, is accused of whistling at a woman, and is subsequently tortured and murdered by racists. This was the reality for Mamie Till-Mobley in 1955. Her
The Legacy of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Read More »
Indiana Dunes NP – Day 2 Indiana June 2024 First the Pin, Then the Trails June 22, 2025 0.32 mi 10:30 min 82 °F The first thing we did on our return visit was go straight ahead to the visitor center to buy an Indiana Dunes Nation pin. Today, there wasn’t a long line, the
Indiana Dunes NP – Day 2 Read More »
Just Scratching the Surface of the New Jersey Pinelands New Jersey November 2025 New Jersey Pinelands, The Essential Three The New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve (also known as the New Jersey Pine Barrens) is a 1.1-million-acre protected region in southern New Jersey. It was established in 1978 as America’s first National Reserve, containing forests, wetlands,
Just Scratching the Surface of the New Jersey Pinelands Read More »
Fall at the Springfield Armory NHS, MA Connecticut October 2025 Springfield Armory NHS, from Arsenal to Academia Just over the border in Springfield, Massachusetts, we visited the Springfield Armory National Historic Site. Even though the museum and visitor center were closed, it was still possible to stroll around the site. Not really a problem, since
Fall at the Springfield Armory NHS, MA Read More »
