It’s been 250 years since the founding of The United States. Well… more precisely, it’s been 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed and delivered to the English Crown. It would be another 12 years before the US Constitution was ratified and the United States as we understand it today started. Since we’ve been counting the milestones from 76, though, we should probably continue doing so and 250 is a big one. To celebrate the occasion appropriately, I think it’s best to spend some time at one of the US National Parks.
The US National Park system is likely one of the best ideas that the country ever gave to the world and is certainly one of the most popular. Before the United States designated Yellowstone as the first US National Park, no other country had ever dabbled in the idea of such a place. Preserving the land and the resources in it for the benefit and enjoyment of the people was a revolutionary concept. Today, that idea has spread around the world and nations on every continent act to protect natural and historic spaces for people to enjoy.
The US National Parks.
That’s why it seems to fitting to spend this 250th milestone celebrating, what I think, to be one of the best ideas ever conceived and go to one of the US National Parks. However, I am a travel writer and this wouldn’t be a very interesting article if I just told you to go to a place like Gettysburg. Not that you shouldn’t go to Gettysburg, you should, because it’s worthwhile history to experience, but almost everyone knows about that place. Instead, I want to tell you about less prominent National Parks, Memorials, Lakeshores, Sites, and Monuments that many people don’t even know exist.
This is a two-part article and together they will cover sites across the country starting from the east coast and moving west.
George Washington Carver National Monument – Missouri
George Washington Carver National Monument near Diamond Missouri stands out for several reasons. First, it preserves the childhood home of one of the most influential Americans in US history. Second, it is the first National Monument dedicated to an African American. All other previous Monuments had also been dedicated to Presidents, so it was also the first in that regard.
The life of George Washington Carver is extremely interesting, diverse, and influential. While many people think of him tied to peanuts, because of his book on peanut uses, he did groundbreaking work in the areas of soil depletion, food preservation, and crop development. It’s easy to get lost in his biography, but I’ll save that for when you visit.
George Washington Carver National Monument – Missouri (NPS Photo)
While the National Monument itself is relatively small, there are a number of interesting things you can do there. There are guided tours and hikes around the area, exploring the life of Carver. Additionally, there is a classroom modeled after the ones where Carver himself taught, and they even do educational programing there. Finally, there are always events being held here, so make sure to check out the calendar before you visit!
If you’re traveling in the area, there are several sites worth checking out as well, including Grand Falls, Fort Scott National Historic Site, and several mining and mineral museums. All of which are worth a look.
Big Bend National Park – Texas
Texas boasts numerous impressive parks and monuments, but nothing shows the real beauty of Texas like Big Bend National Park. As a National Park, it’s all about nature in Big Bend, so hiking, canoeing, camping, stargazing, and more are a must when visiting.
With that said, some specific reasons to come to Big Bend over some of the other amazing places we’ve been through already. It has unique views and geology, in fact it’s sometimes called a geologist’s paradise and a geologist’s nightmare because of its stunning, but often confusing geology. Ancient seas, volcanoes, faults, and folds have led to a variety of bizarre structures, like giant boulders suspended on pillars, fossil beds of ammonites, and gorgeous banding in the stone highlighted by the desert sun.
Big Bend National Park – Texas (NPS Photo)
Another reason to come to Big Bend is for the birding. We’ve mentioned birding before, but not many places do it like Big Bend. With the waters of the river and its prime location on many migratory paths, Big Bend is sacred ground for birders, hosting 56 species living year-round, and over 450 species known to come through the park, if you have interest in birds, this is a must-visit location. Guides and birding hotspots are provided by NPS, and some rare and beautiful birds hide in and among its rocks.
White Sands National Park – New Mexico
White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico, completely surrounded by the White Sands Missile Range. But don’t worry, it’s completely safe to visit! In fact, over a half million people visit each year, and is the most visited NPS site in New Mexico.
This park has a huge array of things going for it, geology, nature, modern history, and ancient history all rolled into one! First of all, this area boasts the largest gypsum dunefield in the world, with dunes reaching 60 feet. These are rare because gypsum usually dissolves with water, but the dry climate has let it develop here.
White Sands National Park – New Mexico (NPS Photo)
Because it’s been well developed, there are a lot of ways to enjoy nature here, from hiking, bicycling, driving, and even horseback riding. People will even ride sleds down the sides of the dunes, in designated areas of course, and don’t worry if you forgot to bring your sled to New Mexico, they sell them at the park.
Finally, one of the biggest reasons to check out this park is its historical impact. While the site is not accessible to the public, White Sands has human footprints preserved in its arid climate from back when this area was a large lake. Dating techniques done by the US Geological Survey have dated these footprints to 23,000 years old, which has caused some controversy, as the common wisdom before now put human arrival in North America at 16,000 years or less. More research is being done, but it’s amazing to imagine walking in the same place that people over 20,000 years ago did.
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument – New Mexico
While the Gila Cliff Dwellings are becoming more well known, I think that this amazing site deserves even more recognition than it currently has. Located in New Mexico near Silver City, this ancient site is perched up in five caves, comprising 46 different rooms, so far. The site is said to have been occupied during the 1200s-1400s, in the surrounding area there are additional ruins as well as evidence of hunting, fishing, and agriculture.
There is a museum associated with the site which has exhibitions of Apache and Mogollon artifacts from the region. There are other ruins nearby, some of which you can also visit. In addition, the region hosts natural hot springs, which have brought resorts and other activities into the area.
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument – New Mexico (NPS Photo)
In addition to learning about the ruins through guided tours, there are other activities to enjoy in the area. It’s a well-known bird-watching site, as part of the Southwestern New Mexico Birding Trail. Additionally, it is known for its stargazing opportunities with chances to see meteor showers and auroras. The surrounding area also has a great variety of hiking opportunities to take in the beautiful desert landscape.
While you’re soaking in the history, there are also a few natural hot springs that you can soak in. The Lightfeather and Jordan hot springs are in the park, and are what are called “Sweet springs” not because they are filled with corn syrup, but because they lack salt and sulfur, meaning you don’t have that eggy smell.
Hovenweep National Monument – Utah and Colorado
Tucked amongst some of the most famous National Parks, like Arches, Canyon Lands, and Natural Bridges site the Hovenweep National Monument. This relatively unassuming monument on the border of Utah and Colorado holds a wide array of history to it.
At this location, there are sites of ancient human habitation sites, including stone ruins of these villages. Inhabited from 8,000 BCE to 200 AD, and then again by the Puebloan cultures in the region until 1400. There are at least six separate periods of human life that have been discovered at this site so far. A variety of stone ruins dot the landscape, offering you a glimpse into North America’s ancient past. In addition, the location has given us insight into the development of agricultural staples like corn, squash, and cotton amongst others, that were grown in terraced fields.
Hovenweep National Monument – Utah and Colorado (NPS Photo)
Exploring this monument and its environment is a must-see if you are visiting any of the nearby big-name parks. And if you’re willing to stay up late, Hovenweep is also a destination for stargazers, with up to 15,000 stars visible every night. In fact, this site was added to the International Dark-Sky Association, helping to keep the night sky visible for everyone going forward.
Dinosaur National Monument – Utah
Like Hovenweep, Dinosaur National Monument sits in Colorado and Utah, unlike Hovenweep, it has a very different type of history hidden in and among its surfaces. Created at the famous “Dinosaur Quarry”, this region boasts hundreds of paleontological fossils sites, particularly of sauropods, Allosaurus, and Deinonychus, the dinosaur that the Jurassic Park’s Velociraptor was directly based on.
This monument boasts a unique experience unlike almost anywhere else in the world. With over 200,000 acres of land with hundreds of sites that have produced holotypes, or prime examples, of different species. You can see the dinosaur bones emerging from the rock face as you traverse this gorgeous landscape.
Dinosaur National Monument – Utah (NPS Photo)
If dinosaur bones in their “natural habitat” aren’t enough of a draw for you, there are also petroglyphs and pictographs carved into the stone along various trails and sites throughout the monument. River rafting also presents a unique way to experience this location. While guides and programs for children to learn more about this monument provide different ways to experience it.
Montezuma Castle National Monument – Arizona
Montezuma Castle is named after the famous Aztec emperor but, in reality, it has no ties to Montezuma, the Aztecs, and it isn’t even a castle. While it’s an impressive stone cliff structure, which overlooks the beautiful landscape around it, the site was abandoned before Montezuma was born. However, Europeans named it Montezuma Castle, and it stuck.
The big draw of this monument is the cliff structure itself, and a park service runs regular events and tours which go over everything we know about the people who built and lived at this striking location. There’s even a virtual tour that you can take on the National Park Service website, but nothing compares to the real thing.
Montezuma Castle National Monument – Arizona (NPS Photo)
There are more structures located at the nearby Montezuma Well, with sites ranging back to at least 11,000 BCE. This oasis in the middle of the desert hosts not only ancient sites, but also wildlife that flock to the water. Birds, reptiles, and more can be found in and around the area. At the bottom of the well, there is a unique feature where the bottom is comprised of free-flowing sand that creates a false bottom.
If you are in the area, a variety of other archeological and petroglyph sites are nearby, in addition to historic For Verde and famous National Parks like the Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest.
Crater Lake National Park – Oregon
Crater Lake National Park typifies what makes a National Park a National Park. Natural Beauty. The whole idea of the parks was to preserve the wonder and beauty of the United States for generations to come. Crater Lake, the 5th oldest National Park, is a prime example of that. While tending to remain a little less well known than its cousins Yosemite and Yellowstone, it has no shortage of beauty.
Nestled in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon, this lake is one of picturesque beauty, owing to its highly unusual geology. Mount Mazama, much like Mount St Helens, underwent a cataclysmic eruption almost 7,700 years ago. As a result, a colossal caldera was formed, which filled in with water to create the lake we see today.
Crater Lake National Park – Oregon (NPS Photo)
Visiting this park, the biggest draw is the landscape itself and enjoying the nature that fills this land. Birding, hiking, fishing, camping, educational programing, overlooks, and more are all available. For something a little more structured, there are trolley and boat tours offered here to give more background from the park rangers themselves. If you’re a little less adventurous, or just like the AC in the car, there is also a Rim Drive that offers a variety of scenic views. Rim Village offers a variety of experiences as well, with events, and even Crater Lake Lodge where you can stay for the duration of your trip.
San Juan Island National Historic Park – Washington
San Juan Island might sound like a tropical paradise off the coast of Mexico, but this historic park sits on an island near Vancouver and Seattle in the much colder Haro Strait. With a weird history and natural beauty, it makes for a unique place to visit.
For birders, a wide variety of unique birds can be found. Meanwhile the park is famous for foxes and whales, predominantly orcas, humpback, and grey whales which can be seen off the coast. One of the prairies on the island is also home to the only known population of Island Marble Butterfly, which was believed to be extinct for 90 years before it was found living here in 1998.
San Juan Island National Historic Park – Washington (NPS Photo)
However, I mentioned a weird history, and in 1859, the US and England nearly started a war here with a spiraling military buildup on the island stemming from territorial claims and a dispute involving potatoes and a shot pig. While the so-called “Pig War” never came to actual blows, hundreds of soldiers and warships were involved. You can visit the sites of both the US and UK military camps that took part in the dispute.
As an island, you need to plan ahead to visit, but San Juan Island has a number of options for getting there, including ferries, airplanes, and seaplanes. Horseback riding, weddings, and all sorts of nature activities remain popular here, in addition to searching for wildlife and learning about the Island’s unique history.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park – Alaska
This historic park is a liiiiiitle further away than some of the places that have been listed, but if your Alaskan cruise stops off in Skagway, you’ve been there. There are a lot of parts to the Klondike Gold Rush Historic Park, many of which I covered in my series on Alaska, but there are other parts that are a little less common.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park – Alaska (NPS Photo)
One of the most interesting ones is the Chilkoot National Historic Trail, which is a 33-mile trail that made up part of the route that the gold rush prospectors would take from Dyea to Lake Bennett before continuing to the gold fields. Originally a trade route used by the indigenous population trading coastal goods with inland tribes, it became heavily used during the Klondike Gold Rush. Seemingly endless lines of prospectors walking the paths left signs of their passing and the tent cities that they built. As such, it’s sometimes nicknamed “the World’s longest museum” because of the historical remnants left along the trail.
If you can’t, or just don’t feel like, partaking in a 33-mile hike up a mountain into Canada, the Skagway historic district and Dyea Townsite boast a variety of museums, sites, and exhibits that you can take in.
Assorted Parks – Hawai’i
If you’re traveling to Hawaii, you are likely thinking of lush greenery, deep blue oceans, and volcanoes. Well, the National Park Service has offerings for you to really get to know all of these. Because the islands can be a little difficult to get around, we’re going to look at a number of national sites on the big island of Hawaii, which are all in close proximity to one another, but give you a great overview of everything you think of when it comes to Hawaii.
Volcanoes National Park – Hawai’i (NPS Photo)
Most famous is Volcanoes National Park, which hosts Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two extremely active volcanoes. This is one of the few places in the world where you can get a first-hand look at active lava erupting from the surface as whole new land is created right before your eyes. All sorts of educational programs on geology and Hawaiian traditions are represented at Volcanoes.
Along the western coast is the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, which follows ancient Hawaiian sites right along the oceanside. Along this trail, you can visit Pu’ukohola Heiau, which was the seat of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Kaloko-Honokohau, a settlement from before recorded history, and Pu’uhonua o Honaunau which hosts some of the most important traditional sites on all the islands.
Muir Woods National Monument – California
If you really want to see the Redwoods but are just to cool to hang out with the gaggle of tourists flocking to Redwoods National Park, then perhaps you should go to Muir Woods National Monument. This much smaller site hosts hiking, education, and Muir beach, a popular location for tourists and locals alike.
Muir Woods National Monument – California (NPS Photo)
If you’re a fan of the National Parks, and I hope by this point you are, you might have heard the name Muir before. This National Monument was named after John Muir, known as the “Father of the National Parks”. Through his relentless lobbying of the US Government and the public, via the Sierra Club, he helped found the entire National Park system which has been the groundwork for every one of these sites.
While the Muir Woods National Monument is relatively small compared to some of these locations, as someone who now might understand the real breadth of this system, it might be a fitting homage to the man that made it all happen by visiting the National Monument that bears his name.
