Tag: NATIONAL PARK

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Caribbean Cruise Travel National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores St. John United States USVI

How to get to Trunk Bay Without a Ship Excursion

Trunk Bay

Think you have to book an excursion to get to one of the most stunning beaches in the world?  Think again!  In this post we’ll outline how to get to Trunk Bay Without a Ship Excursion!

Trunk Bay is arguably one of the most recognized beaches in the world.  Trunk Bay, and nearby Magens Bay, have consistently ranked as some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet.  The beach is located on the northwestern side of the picturesque island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands.  

Trunk Bay got its name for the leatherback turtle, which locals call trunks.  Formally known as Trunkscildpatt, these massive turtles can be as large as 9 feet and weigh over 2,000 pounds.  The bay is home to a 0.30-mile crescent of powdery sand and a famed snorkeling trail.

If you’re considering visiting St. John from St. Thomas, it is easy to get to Trunk Bay without a ship excursion and is totally worth the trip!

Trunk Bay is sheer paradise!  Picture lush green velvety hillsides bordered by vibrant blue waters and sugary white beaches.  Sound like heaven?  That’s because it is!  Luckily, getting to the beach is relatively easy, even without booking an excursion.  

Trunk Bay- For the History Buffs

Archeologists have found remnants of a settlement that dates back to 700 AD.  These people, known as the Tainos, grew yucca, fished, gathered fruit, and created pottery, tools, and weapons.  It appears the Tainos lived in the area until 900 AD, and left rather quickly- as evidenced by cooking pots still filled with food.

Centuries later, Denmark staked a claim on the island of St. John. Remnants of the Danish sugar cane plantations can be found dotting the island.

   Laurence S. Rockefeller, of the famed Rockefeller family, fell in love with the marvelous picturesque beach, the warm, calm, turquoise waters, and the rolling green hills.  He purchased more than 5,000 acres of land on the island and donated it to create what is now known as the Virgin Islands National Park.  Today, the park covers nearly 2/3 of the island and includes Trunk Bay.

 

How Do I Get to Trunk Bay?

Every single cruise line offers excursions to Trunk Bay. They typically give you about 2 hours at this beach, although some may offer a little bit more time on the sand. If you are booking an excursion, try to book the earliest one possible. The beach can be crowded, especially when there are multiple ships in port.  

How Do I Get to Trunk Bay on My Own?

If you’d rather strike it out on your own, it is easy to get to Trunk Bay on your own.  All major cruise lines dock in either Charlotte Amalie or Crown Bay.  Whether you book an excursion through the cruise line, or decide to get to Trunk Bay on your own, you’ll end up having to take the Red Hook Ferry.  

In order to get to Trunk Bay on your own, you’ll want to try to be one of the first groups off of the ship.  Once you’re off the ship, find the taxi stand and hail a cab to the Red Hook Ferry- easily accessible from cruise terminals.

The ferry departs Red Hook at 6:30am, 7:30am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am, and 12:00pm.  The return ferry from Cruz Bay to Red Hook departs at 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm, 5:00pm, and 6:00pm.  Be sure to account for travel time from Red Hook back to the ship when selecting your departure time.  You’ll also want to leave a cushion just in case the line to get back onto the ship is long (spoiler alert: it probably will be).  The ferry takes about 20 minutes to get from Red Hook to Cruz Bay.

Once your on the island of St. John, you’ll be in an area known as Cruz Bay.  Grab a taxi and ask them to take you to Trunk Bay, which is about 3 miles away.  Most drivers will pull over at scenic lookouts so that you can snap some photos of the island.  

The bay is located within Virgin Islands National Park.  Admission to the park itself is free, however if you want to visit Trunk Bay, you’ll need to purchase the Trunk Bay Day Pass which is $5 per adult ($2.50 for senior citizens).   If you have the America the Beautiful National Park Pass, admission is free.

Based on our experience, it’s actually cheaper to get to St. John on your own- we were able to visit for about 1/3 of the cost when we did it on our own vs. when we did it with an excursion.  We also got to spend more time at the beach.

Once You're at Trunk Bay....

The highlight of Trunk Bay is the 225-yard-long  Underwater Trail.   This snorkeling trail is completely underwater and follows along the reef system.  Here, you can try your hand at underwater photography and snorkeling.  There are rental facilities at the beach/park that offer snorkel equipment rentals. 

If snorkeling is not your jam, you can also bask in the tropical sun on the sugary sand beach.  The rental shop has chairs that you can rent for the day.  Other activities include hiking trails, exploring the ruins of historic sugar plantations and St. John’s Danish colonial past.

What we love most is the fact that Trunk Bay is totally kid-friendly!  The calm waters, rental options, and outdoor activities make it a great spot for families to spend the day.  

There are limited concessions on the beach.  There is a snack bar, showers, and restrooms.  The snack bar is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.  

You can rent masks, snorkels, and fins from the Beach Bum Snorkel Rental (the same building as the snack shack).  The gear must be retuned by 3:00.

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Florida National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores UNESCO World Heritage Site United States

Everglades National Park- Voted One of the Best National Parks in the USA

Everglades National Park has consistently been ranked as one of the top national parks.  It is one of the prime locations for wildlife viewing- after all, where else can you see alligators, crocodiles, dolphins, manatees, turtles, birds, and fish?  There’s more to do at the Everglades National Park than just scope out the awesome wildlife, it’s also a great place to hike, paddle, camp, and take a boat tour.

The Everglades is a true American treasure!  So much so that it is also a World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. 

One of the most exhilarating ways to experience the park is on the water.  The swamp is full of narrow mangrove tunnels making parts of the Everglades impossible to explore unless you’re in a kayak.  

If you’re feeling slightly less adventurous, you can also book a boat tour.

The park is massive and there are no public transportation options.  You’ll definitely want to make sure you have access to a vehicle.  Since the park is so large, it is hard to see all of it in one day so if you’re limited to just one day, you’ll have to pick and choose what you want to do.  It is smart to plan your day based on the park entrance you’re closest to.  Everglades City is to the west, Homestead is to the south, and Miami is to the northeast.  

What is there to do at Everglades National Park?

There is no shortage of adventure in this 2,400 square mile park!  Popular activities include:

  • Hiking
  • Biking (rentals are available)
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Tram tours

Park Highlights

  • Shark Valley –  This section is prime gator country.  You’re pretty much guaranteed to see alligators, turtles, snakes, and birds here.  There is a 15-mile paved loop trail where you can walk, bike, or take a tram tour. There is a 45-foot observation tower that you don’t want to miss.  Bike rentals are available at the Shark Valley Visitor Center.  (Accessible via the Shark Valley Visitor Center).
  • Snake Bight Trail- This 1.6 mile (one way) trail follows a canal through a tropical hardwood hammock.  The boardwalk is great for bird watching.  (Accessible via the Flamingo Visitor Center).
  • Long Pine Key Trails-  Hike or bike a system of 22 miles of trails.  (Accessible via the Ernest Coe Visitor Center).
  • Flamingo Marina- Here you can rent canoes, kayaks, or bicycles.  You can also book a boat tour or enjoy a hike.  (Accessible via Flamingo Visitor Center).  

Camping in the Everglades

There are two drive-in campgrounds accessible from the Homestead entrance of the park.  Long Pine Key and Flamingo Campground both accommodate tents and RVs.   Flamingo Campground accepts reservations for some sites during the winter months.  Long Pine Key is first-come, first-served.  

The Flamingo Campground offers eco-tents for a glamping experience.  Availability is limited so be sure to book these well in advance, especially during peak season.

Primitive camping is available throughout the park and requires a permit.  

Airboat Tours

One of the best ways to experience the Everglades National Park is by booking an airboat tour.  You definitely won’t regret it!  There are three authorized airboat businesses that offer tours inside Everglades National Park.  These tours take you deep into the Everglades for an up-close and personal visit with the wildlife.  The expert guides know exactly where specific animals (such as alligators) tend to hang out.  

When is the Best Time to Visit?

November to May is the best time to visit.  Not only does the humidity dip down a little bit, but the mosquito population also drops.  Since it is dry season, the animals tend to gather around water holes making them easier to see.  

The “Wet Season” is from June to October.  Afternoon thunderstorms are basically an everyday occurrence due to the high humidity.  Temperatures skyrocket to 100 and mosquitos, yellow flies, and other biting bugs are prevalent.  

Visiting the Everglades National Park

The park is so massive that it has several different entrances.  Shark Valley Visitor Center and Gulf Coast Visitor Center are located on the north end of the park.  Ernest Coe Visitor Center and Flamingo Visitor Center can be found on the south end.  

The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle and is good for 7 consecutive days.  Other fees:  $15/cyclist, $25/motorcycle

How to Visit the Park For Free

Although some National Park sites are free, some of them require a fee to enter.    This fee ranges from $5 per vehicle to $35 per vehicle whereas some charge up to $20 a person. 

The National Parks offer Free National Park Days where you can access the park for free!  Learn more about these days.

If you have a fourth-grader, you can get an annual pass that grants you access to all of the parks for free!  Every year, starting on September 1st, all fourth-grade students are eligible for an Every Kid Outdoors Pass. The pass grants free access to the entire family!   Fill out the form at www.everykidoutdoors.gov

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Florida National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores St. Augustine United States

The Iconic Castillo de San Marcos- The Crown Jewel of St. Augustine

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Imagine a stone fort capable of completely absorbing cannon balls. No, this isn’t the space age, this fort was actually constructed hundreds of years ago! Castillo de San Marcos is the crown jewel of the historic city of St. Augustine. Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States.  The historic district is filled with charming shops, top-notch eateries, and, of course, historic landmarks.  At the center of all of this is Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.

The fort is probably the most famous attraction in the city of St. Augustine.  The fort was constructed over 400 years ago (in 1672), and it is in remarkable condition.  It stood the test of time and managed to overcome battles, hurricanes…and tourists!

Castillo de San Marcos is right on the waterfront and offers breathtaking views. When I went to school at nearby Flagler College, I would frequently spend hours sitting at the fort studying for my exams.  It’s one of my favorite places to spend time in the Ancient City. 

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

History of Castillo de San Marcos

St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by the Spanish conquistador, Pedro Menendez de Aviles.  Nearly 100 years later, construction began on the fort.  Coquina stones for the fort were gathered from present day Anastasia State Park.  Castillo de San Marcos is one of the only two fortifications in the world built out of this semi-rare form of limestone.  The other coquina fortification is Fort Matanzas, found about 14 miles south.

Typically, when a cannonball hits an object it create a significant amount of damage.  This unique stone has the ability to absorb mechanical stress causing it to essentially swallow the cannonball!

When Britain gained control of Florida in 1763, St. Augustine became the capital of the British East Florida and the fort was renamed Fort St. Mark.  Twenty years later, the territory was transferred back to the Spanish and the fort’s original name was restored.

Not only was the fort used as a stronghold during the 1600s and 1700s, it was also used as an army base (for the US) named Fort Marion  in the 1800s.  The fort became a National Monument in 1924.  It saw 251 of continuous military possession before it was deactivated in 1933.  In 1942, Congress reenacted the fort’s original name, Castillo de San Marcos.

The fort saw its fair share of dark days.  For starters, some slave labor was used to construct the stone fort.  In addition, the fort was attacked several times, and was besieged twiced.  The fort was also used as a military prison to imprison Native Americans (including the famous war chief Osceola).

Visiting Castillo de San Marcos

The history of the fort is fascinating!  Even if you’re not a fan of history or forts, you’ll enjoy visiting Castillo de San Marcos. It is definitely one of those places that the whole family will enjoy!  

The chambers on the lower level of the fort are filled with artifacts, interactive displays, and other relics.  You may even run into a living history character!

On the upper part of the port, there are cannons galore!  You’ll also find plenty of benches so that you can kick back and enjoy the beauty of St. Augustine.  Keep your eyes out for manatees, egrets, and osprey!

Address:  11 South Castillo Drive
St. Augustine, FL

Visiting Hours:  The fort is open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.   Castillo de San Marcos is open from 9:00-5:00.  

Admission:  $15 per person for visitors 16 and older.  Ages 16 and under are free.

Things to Know Before Visiting Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

The Best Time to Visit Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

The best time to visit is in the winter or spring when the weather is cooler and the bugs aren’t nearly as bad.

Entrance Fees

Entrance for adults is $15 per person.  Children 15 and under are free.

Cell Service

We had great cell service during our visit to the park.

Parking

There is a pay-to-park lot directly in front of Castillo de San Marcos.  You may also be able to find street parking.  

Pet Policy

Pets are not allowed inside the fort of Castillo de San Marcos.  Pets must be kept on a leash at all times on the outside sections of the park.

Distance from Major Cities

  • Jacksonville, FL – 60 miles
  • Orlando, FL – 90 miles
  • Tampa, FL – 180 miles
  • Miami, FL – 320 miles
  • Atlanta, GA – 420 miles
  • Charlotte, NC – 440 miles
  • Birmingham, AL – 500 miles

Distance from Nearby National Parks

What is There to do Around the Fort?

We suggest starting your day off at the fort and then crossing the street to visit the Spanish Colonial Quarter.

There are plenty of other great shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars in the Spanish Colonial Quarter.  The historic quarter is also dotted with other historic structures like the Oldest School House and the Old City Gates.  We suggest spending some time popping in and out of the businesses that line the historic quarter.

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Post Updated: 3/20/2024

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National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States

9 National Parks Requiring Reservations in 2024

Did you know that some national parks requiring reservations?  With more and more people embarking on the Great American Road Trip, the National Park System is moving towards requiring reservations for some of the most popular parks during peak season.  These reservations help to limit the number of people that enter the parks.  

Information About National Parks Requiring Reservations

In 2022, the National Park Service piloted a reservation system that allows for a larger number of reservations per day.  By offering timed tickets, they are able to allow most visitors into the park each day.  The reservations are based on approximately 90% of the park’s parking capacity.  It helps to spread out usage throughout the park and better use all of the parking areas.  

National Parks Requiring Reservations in 2024

Acadia National Park

From May 24 to October 22 a reservation will be needed to drive the Cadillac Summit Road. This popular drive  leads to Cadillac Mountain.

More Information

Arches National Park

Between April 1 and  October 31 Arches National Park will require a $2 timed entry ticket, in addition to a photo ID, and park entrance fee, to enter the park.

The timed tickets will have a staggered release.

Glacier National Park

From May 24 to September 8 visitors will be required to book a vehicle reservation to enter the Going to the Sun Road at the West, Camas, and St. Mary entrances. A separate ticket is also needed to enter the Polebridge Ranger Station at the North Fork area.

More Information

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

As of 2023, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has required that visitors purchase a daily, weekly, or annual parking tag if they plan on parking anywhere in the park for more than 15 minutes.

Haleakala National Park

Visitors entering the park between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. will need to book a vehicle reservation.  Individuals may book one vehicle reservation every 3 days for the sunrise viewing.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Between May 24 and October 20, a timed entry ticket will be needed to enter Rocky Mountain National. There are 2 different tickets available. Bear Lake Road, and Park Access without Bear Lake Road Access from 9am to 3pm.

 

Shenandoah National Park

During the time frame of March 1 and November 30 reservations will be needed to explore the Old Rag area, for hikes on the Saddle, Ridge, and Ridge Access trails.

More Information

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is bringing back their “Peak Hours Plus” reservation system in the spring, summer, and fall from 5 am to 4 PM.  Reservations will be required on weekends from April 13 to June 30 and from August 17 to October 27.

Reservations are required 7 days a week from July 1 to August 16.

Reservations must be purchased online at Recreation.gov or using the Recreation.gov mobile app. Reservations will not be sold at the park. 

More Information

Zion National Park

In 2024, Zion will be continuing their lottery permit program to hike Angels Landing.  The lottery opens 2 months prior to your potential hike.

A next day lottery is also available for hopeful last-minute hikers.  These slots are released at 12:01 AM MT and close at 3 PM MT.  Winners will be emailed at 4:01 PM MT.

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Updated:  1/7/2024

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National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States Washington DC

The Impressive Lincoln Memorial: 10 Things You Didn’t Know

The Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial was built to honor the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.  The memorial is located on the western end of the National Mall in Washington, DC.  Each year, more than seven million people visit the Lincoln Memorial.  The structure is one of the most recognizable memorials in the world, and is known for being a beacon of hope and inspiration. 

Although plans for the memorial began shortly after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, the monument took more than 50 years for it to be constructed and open to the public.  Construction was slowed by World War I and the memorial didn’t open until 1922.

The memorial is modeled after the Parthenon, a Greek Doric temple.  Architect Henry Bacon stated, “a memorial to the man who defended the democracy should be modeled after a structure from the birthplace of democracy.”  Other symbols in the monument represent the union, peace, justice, freedom, and other ideals important to Lincoln.

 The Lincoln Memorial has been the backdrop for many key points in American history.  Martin Luther King, Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech took place on the monuments steps.   The memorial was also the site of the Inaugural Celebration for America’s first black President of the United States, Barack Obama.

The monument is maintained by the National Park Service.  It was one of the first monuments to be included in the National Register of Historic Places.

10 Things You Didn't Know About the Lincoln Memorial

  • John Russell Pope originally planned for the Lincoln Memorial to modeled after the Egyptian pyramids, rather than the Greek temple style we see today.  He also proposed a traditional Mayan temple or a Mesopotamian ziggurat made up of 8 layers, each one smaller than the next, with Lincoln on top.  
  • Lincoln’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln, attended the dedication.   He was Lincoln’s only surviving son and was 78 years old at the time.
  • Although Lincoln was known as the Great Emancipator, the dedication ceremony was segregated.   
  • The Reflection Pool is actually part of the Lincoln Memorial.  The pool, tucked between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, is formally known as the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. 
  • The 36 columns that make up the memorial symbolize the 36 states that were in the Union during Lincoln’s lifetime.  
  • Even the building materials are symbolic.  The materials were brought in from Colorado, Indiana, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia to help portray the unity of the nation.   
  • The memorial includes two of Lincoln’s most famous speeches.  Both the Gettysburg Address and the second Inaugural Address are engraved into the wall on either side of Lincoln’s statue.  
  • There are also two murals inside that commemorate Lincoln’s ideals and core principles.  The murals depict freedom, liberty, immorality, justice, law, unity, fraternity, and charity.
  • An inscription etched into the steps of the Lincoln Memorial marks where Martin Luther King, Jr. stood to give his I Have a Dream speech.
  • Lincoln was interested in furthering the study of sign language.  He signed the charter for Gallaudet University, a school for the deaf, to be constructed.  A nod to this can be seen on the massive sculpture of Lincoln inside of the memorial.  His hands seem to be signing the letters A and L.

Visiting the Lincoln Memorial

The memorial is open 24 hours, 365 days a year.  

Physical Address:
2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW
Washington, DC 20002

Nearest Metro Stations:
Foggy Bottom (23rd St.& I St.NW) & Smithsonian (12th St. & Independence Ave.)

What is there to do Nearby?

The Lincoln Memorial is located in the heart of historical row known as the National Mall.    Nearby you’ll find:

  • Vietnam Veterans Memorial
  • Vietnam Women’s Memorial
  • Korean War Veterans Memorial
  • Constitution Gardens
  • World War II Memorial
  • Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial 
  • Washington Monument
  • Smithsonian Museums
  • US Botanic Gardens
  • United States Capitol
  • The White House

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National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores New York United States

Women’s Rights National Historical Park- Paving the Way for Equality

Did you know that the Women’s Suffrage Movement lasted nearly 100 years?  The movement fought for women to have the right to vote in the United States.   It wasn’t until August 18, 1920 that the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, granting women this right.  The Women’s Rights National Historical Park encapsulates many locations that were pivotal in this campaign.

In 1848, a group of abolitionist activists gathered in Seneca Falls New York to converse about Women’s Rights.  They planned a two-day convention to amplify their cause.  This convention would end up changing the course of women’s history in the United States.

In the election of 1920, more than 8 million women made their way to the polls to vote for the very first time.  Unfortunately, the founders of the movement did not live long enough to cast their first vote.  Still, we honor them at the Women’s Rights National Historical Park.

Women’s Rights National Historical Park

The Women’s Rights National Historical Park was established in 1980 in Seneca Falls, New York. The park consists of four properties that were important to the Women’s Suffrage Movement. These buildings include the Wesleyan Methodist Church, the Elizabeth Cady Stanton House, the M’Clintock House, and the Richard Hunt House.

The homes that are part of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park served as meeting grounds for the drafting of the Declaration of Sentiments and other important historical documents.  The Declaration of Sentiments was modeled after the Declaration of Independence and was the backbone for the Women’s Suffrage Movement that lasted until 1920.  

The Visitor's Center

The Visitor Center houses a massive, stunning life-size bronze sculpture of twenty men and women that attended the first Women’s Rights Convention.  The statue, The First Wave, includes the figures of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Richard and Jane Hunt, James and Lucretia Mott,  Thomas and Mary Ann M’Clintock, Martha Wright, and Frederick Douglass.

The two-day convention took place on July 19 and 20 in 1848 with more than 300 people in attendance.  Many of the attendees signed a “Declaration of Sentiments” which declared that “all men and women are created equal.”

Wesleyan Methodist Church

Wesleyan Methodist Church is part of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park complex.  It was constructed in 1843 and was the site of the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention, the first Women’s Rights Convention.   It was here that about 300 people came together to hear Elizabeth Cady Stanton demand the right for women to vote.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton Houes

This historic home, located at 32 Washington Street, was the home of suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton from 1847 to 1862.  The home is now a museum and a cornerstone for the Women’s Rights National Historical Park.

The oldest portion of the home, the south wing, dates back to before 1830.  The north wing was added around 1840.  Henry and Elizabeth Cady Stanton eventually moved in 1847.  

Elizabeth Cady Stanton was an American writer and activist who led the Women’s Rights Movement.  She was the primary force behind the Seneca Falls Convention and the primary author of the Declaration of Sentiments.  She was also active in abolitionism.

She met Susan B. Anthony, another key social reformer and activist, in 1851.  The women formed a decades-long partnership that was a key to the development of the Women’s Rights Movement.  The women then went on to form the American Equal Rights Association which campaigned for equal rights for people of color and women.

The home was acquired by the National Park Service in 1982 and became part of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park.

M'Clintock House

This historic two-story, Federal style home was home to the Quaker pharmacist Thomas M’Clintock and his wife Mary Ann.  The home was used as a meeting space to write the Declaration of Sentiments, resolutions, and speeches for the Women’s Rights Convention.  Today, the home stands as an important part of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park.  

Mary Ann M’Clintock and her husband, Thomas, were active in anti-slave movements in Philadelphia.  Mary Ann was one of the founding members of the Philadelphia Female Ani-Slavery Society where she became close to abolitionist Lucretia Mott.  

Richard Hunt House

The Hunt House is located in the nearby town of Waterloo.  This stately home was the residence of the Hunt family.   This home is where Jane Hunt, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Martha Coffin Wright, and Mary Ann M’Clintock planned the First Women’s Rights Convention.

Jane Clothier Hunt was an American Quaker that believed in social reform and equal rights.  Mr. and Mrs. Hunt’s home is thought to have served as a station in the Underground Railroad.  

Votes For Women History Trail

The Votes For Women History Trail was created in 2009.  The trail is a drivable route that links sights throughout upstate New York that were important to the Women’s Suffrage Movement. 

Sites on the trail include:

  • Susan B. Anthon House (Rochester)
  • Mount Hope Cemetery (Rochester)
  • Antoinette Louisa Brown Blackwell Childhood Home (Henrietta)
  • M’Clintock House (Waterloo)
  • Women’s Rights National Historical Park

Fun Fact:  The term womxn has been in print since the 1970s as an alternative to the word “woman” or “women”.  The term was created to avoid perceived sexism in the standard spelling- which contains the word “man” or “men”.

Visiting Women's Rights National Historical Park

Physical Address: 136 Fall Street, Seneca Falls, NY

The Women’s Rights National Historical Park is open daily with reduced programming during the winter months.  The site is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.  

All sites and events are free.

Fun Fact:  Harriet Tubman played a role in the Women’s Suffrage Movement.  She traveled to New York, Boston, and DC to speak out in favor of women’s votings rights. She is buried in the nearby Fort Hill Cemetery and there is a National Historical Park nearby in her honor.

What is there to do Nearby?

  • Harriet Tubman National Historical Park
  • Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park
  • Chimney Bluffs State Park
  • Cayuga Lake Wine Trail
  • Fort Stanwix National Monument
  • Robert H. Treman State Park

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National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States Washington DC

Ford’s Theatre: Where Lincoln’s Remarkable Legacy Lives On

Ford's Theatre- the site the the Lincoln assassination

Ford’s Theatre is the scene of one of the most tragic events in American history; the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.  This National Historic Site is composed of four parts:  the Museum, the Theatre (where Lincoln was shot), the Petersen House (where Lincoln died), the museum, and the Aftermath Exhibits.  These sites have exhibits that tell the story of Lincoln’s presidency, his assassination, and the legacy Lincoln left.

History of Ford's Theatre

Ford’s Theatre was originally the home of the First Baptist Church of Washington.  John T. Ford bought the building after the congregation built a new church.  Ford renovated the space into the theatre which he called “Ford’s Athenaeum”.  

The site is most known for being the location of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.  Following the death of Lincoln, the US Government paid Ford $88,000 for the theatre.  The building was taken over by the US military.  The War Department used the first floor to store records, the Library of the Surgeon General’s Office was on the second floor, and the Army Medical Museum was housed on the third floor.  

In 1893, the front section of the building collapsed killing 22 people and injuring another 68.  The building was repaired and became the Record and Pension Office.  

On Lincoln’s 123rd birthday, February 12, 1932, the building was transferred over to the National Park Service.  The National Park Service has worked tirelessly to restore the theatre and create a memorial to the nation’s 16th president.  

The Kids at Ford's Theater

Lincoln's Assassination

On the evening of April 14, 1865, just 5 days after General Lee’s surrender in the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln visited Ford’s Theatre to watch the play, Our American Cousin.

The play starred a famous actor, John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer.  Booth was desperate to aid the dying Confederacy so he devised a plan to kidnap the President, Vice President, and Secretary of State.  The plan later evolved into murdering these heads of state.

Since Booth was such a notable actor, he had free access to the entire theatre- including the Presidential Box.  During the performance, John Wilkes Booth, snuck into the Presidential Box and shot Lincoln in the head.  Afterwards, he dropped his Deringer pistol and leapt from the balcony on to the stage before fleeing the theatre.

The.44 caliber pistol, used to assassinate one of the nation’s most beloved presidents, is on display in the museum.

Ford's Theatre Today

This National Historic Site is composed of four parts:  the Museum, Ford’s Theatre (where Lincoln was shot), the Petersen House (where Lincoln died), the museum, and the Aftermath Exhibits.  Both the theatre and the Petersen House are National Historic sites.  We suggest visiting all four of the locations below to get the full-experience.  Together, these 4 locations chronicle the story of Lincoln from when he swore in as President to the days after his death.  

The Museum

The museum features an impressive collection that follows Abraham Lincoln from the beginning of his presidency to his assassination.  Through historical relics, visitors learn about his life in the White House, his role in the Civil War and his meetings with the abolitionist, Frederick Douglass.  

The museum also introduces visitors to John Wilkes Booth. The exhibit explores Booth’s relationship with Lincoln, the root of his hatred toward the 16th president, and the group of people who conspired to decimate the US government.

The museum tour is self-guided.  A visit to the museum takes about 30 minutes.

The Historic Ford's Theatre

The historic theatre is the scene of one of the most tragic events in American history; the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.  The theatre looks very much like it did on that fateful evening.  The President’s Box adorns an American flag and a portrait of President George Washington, just as it did in 1865.  

The interior of the President’s Box is closed to the public to protect it from damage.

The theatre tour is self guided.  A visit to the theatre takes about 30 minutes.  There is a ranger on-site to answer any questions you may have.

The Petersen House

After Lincoln was shot, he was carried out of the theatre to the boarding house across the street. A crowd of people gathered outside as the doctor worked to save Lincoln’s life. Lincoln was surrounded by his wife, Mary, and several government officials.

The doctor gave hourly updates on the president’s condition.  His final update came at 7:22 a.m. on April 15, 1865; the nation’s 16th president had died.

The Aftermath Exhibits

This was my favorite part of the museum complex.  The Aftermath Exhibits transport you to a Washington street the morning after Lincoln’s assassination.  The exhibits tell the story of the crowds that gather to mourn the president, the funeral train back to Springfield, Illinois, and the 12-day hunt for John Wilkes Booth.  The exhibit also covers John Wilkes Booth’s capture in Virginia, his trial, and the fate of Booth and his conspirators.

Naturally, the exhibits also cover the impact of Lincoln’s life and death on the American people.  

Pro-Tip:  If you are visiting during the summer months, be sure to pack plenty of water.  Summers in DC are extremely hot (and this is coming from a Florida girl) and you can easily get dehydrated.  You may need to wait in line to access these sites and there is very little shade.

If you’re pressed for time, we suggest visiting the Historic Theatre and the Aftermath Museum.  

If you have a little more time, we suggest taking the Metro to the Smithsonian Station and walking west down the National Mall to the Lincoln Memorial.

Visiting Ford's Theatre

Address: 
511 10th St. NW
Washington, DC 20004

Metro Stops:  Metro Center and Gallery Place/Chinatown

Parking: There is a parking garage located directly next to the theatre.

What is There to do Nearby?

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Categories
National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States

Free National Park Days for 2024

Yosemite National Park

Is there anything more American than paying a visit to one of the U.S. National Parks?  Spending the day (or more!) at a National Park is an inexpensive family-friendly vacation.   Many parks charge between $5 and $35 per vehicle to explore these national treasures. 

What’s better than cheap?  How about free!  Each year, the park system hosts Free National Park Days where they waive the entrance fees on select days throughout the year.  These free National Park Days typically fall around MLK Day, Junior Ranger Day, and more.  

It is important to mention that the free National Park Days just grant free admission to the parks.  You will still need to pay additional fees for camping, boating, tours, etc.

Tips for Making a trip the National Parks even MORE Affordable

Grand Canyon National Park
  • Car pool! (Entrance fees are per vehicle, not per person)
  • Pack a lunch
  • Camp

How Many National Parks Are There?

 You would think that this was an easy question to answer…however, it’s a bit complicated.  A quick Google search will turn up two answers:  63 and 423.  That’s a huge difference, so where’s the confusion?

 

Dry Tortugas National Park

Technically both answers are correct.  There are 63 National Parks. The other 360 sites are all maintained by the National Park System however, they fall into different categories such as monuments, historical parks and national historic sites, national battlefields, national waterways, memorials, parkways, preserves, recreation areas, reserves, trails, and even an international historic site.

The National Park System includes a total of 423 national park sites (including national monuments, battlefields, preserves, seashores, etc). 

Yosemite National Park

Free National Park Days- 2024

Birth of Martin Luther King, Jr.- January 15, 2024

First Day of National Park Week- April 20, 2024

Juneteenth National Independence Day- June 19, 2024

Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act- August 4, 2024

National Public Lands Day- September 28, 2024

Veterans Day- November 11, 2024

National Parks are PERFECT for Families

National Parks are the perfect destination for families.  Let’s put it this way:  it would cost our family over $500 just to step foot in a Disney World park (based off of the current Florida resident rate).  It would cost us over $100 to purchase movie tickets (and you know those jokers are going to want popcorn and candy).  In comparison, you can get your kids off the couch and exploring the great outdoors for between $5 and $35 (per vehicle) depending on the park. 

Trust me, exposing your children to these American treasures is totally worth it!  Many of the national parks have short hiking trails that are perfect for kids.  It’s a great way to introduce them to different landscapes, and to experience wildlife.

Our kids have been to several National Parks (or National Park Sites) and have loved each and every one of them.  They enjoy the freedom of being able to run around in the wide open spaces and explore the natural world (or historical site!) around them. 

So far they’ve been to Fort Caroline National Memorial, Fort Frederica National Monument, Cumberland Island National Seashore, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, and  Kingsley Plantation (part of the Timucuan Historic Preserve).  

We have plans to visit Yellowstone, Grand Tetons National Park, and Glacier National Park in the near future!

The Best National Parks for Families

  • Grand Canyon
  • Bryce Canyon
  • Death Valley (in the winter/spring)
  • Arches
  • Carlsbad Caverns
  • Yellowstone
  • Glacier
  • Olympic
  • Everglades
  • Great Sand Dunes
Yellowstone National Park

Parks to Avoid on Free Days

 Many families have opted for the Great American Road Trip for their family vacation causing National Park visits have soared during the pandemic. Visits are even higher on free days.  If you’re planning on taking advantage for the free National park Days, you may want to avoid the most visited parks to avoid overcrowding and long lines.

The most popular National Parks are:

  • Great Smoky Mountains
  • Yellowstone
  • Zion
  • Rocky Mountain
  • Grand Teton
  • Grand Canyon
  • Cuyahoga Valley
  • Acadia
  • Olympic
  • Joshua Tree

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Updated: 1/7/24

Categories
Georgia National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park- 17,000 Years Worth of Remarkable History

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park

The Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park are essentially a massive 2,000-acre time capsule that contains 17,000 years worth of human history.  This park, which could potentially be America’s newest National Park, is located in the hills of Macon, Georgia.

Currently, this park is classified as a national historic park.  The Ocmulgee Mounds are home to one of the National Park Service’s largest archaeological collections.  The site includes thousands of ancient artifacts dating back to the last Ice Age.  

The park is most-known for being the home to artificial mounds, constructed out of dirt and clay, between 900 and 1100.  These mounds were part of Native American villages and once served as platforms for temples, homes, and public buildings.  The grandest of these mounds is a 55-foot-tall Great Temple Mound.  It is here that the natives could watch over their village to keep it safe from potential harm.  There are steps leading to the top of the mound.  You’ll definitely want to make the climb to the top for sweeping views of the park, the hillside, and the Macon skyline.

Earth Lodge at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park

The Ocmulgee Mounds

This park may look like a series of naturally occurring rolling green hills, but in actuality these mounds stand as a testament to the hardworking Native Americans that once called this place their home.  Many different Indigenous cultures have occupied this land for thousands of years.  The first wave of people came here 17,000 years ago hunting Ice Age Animals.  Around 900 CE, the Mississippians constructed mounds for their leaders.  

Once of our favorite park experiences was exploring the Earth Lodge.  The lodge is a reconstructed council chamber that would have been used by the Mississippian culture.  The recreation contains the original clay floor that dates back to 1015.

 

Model of the interior of the Earth Lodge at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park.

The ancient complex contains seven different mounds of varying sizes.  They include; Cornfield Mound, Southeast Mound, Mound X, McDougal Mound, Great Temple Mound Complex and the Funeral Mound.

Evidence of a five-sided structure known as the “Trading Post” was also discovered on the site in 1936.  It was believed that this was built in the late 1690s and served as a trading location for the English and the Creek nation.

Unfortunately, portions of the mounds were destroyed when the railroad was put in.  Much of the park remains unexcavated, it will be interesting to see what is uncovered in the future.  For now, relics that have been uncovered on the site are available for viewing in the museum located in the Visitors Center.

National Historic Park vs National Park

National Historic Parks typically contain a site of historical significance and preserve areas with deep American history.   National Parks are the crown-jewels of the National Park System.  They are generally large, natural spaces that sometimes include historic assets.   

Considering the park preserves 17,000 years of human history, the site definitely has deep roots in American history across 2,000 protected acres, the park could very well meet the qualifications for becoming a National Park.  The park could potentially expand to protect 50,000+ acres of land.

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park Sign

The park could also provide river access.  The Class I  Ocmulgee River Water Trail spans 200 miles.  This would be an excellent spot for paddling.

The twelve mile Ocmulgee Heritage Trail is already underway.  The biking and hiking trail connects Macon’s historic attractions, including the mounds and the Otis Redding Bridge.

Visiting the Ocmulgee Mounds

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park grounds and walking trails are open from 8:00 to 5:00 pm daily.

The Visitor Center and Earth Lodge are open from 9:00 am-5:00 pm daily.

The park is located in Macon, Georgia.

What is there to do nearby?

  • Tubman Museum

  • Museum of Arts and Sciences

  • Ocmulgee Heritage Trail
  • The Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big House
  • The Hay House
  • The Cannonball House

There is another set of mounds in Cartersville known as the Etowah Indian Mounds.

Inside the Earth Lodge

What Should I Take With Me?

When you’re hiking, please remember to leave no trace! This means to pack out everything that you pack in and if you see trash, pick it up.

Backpack– to store all of your belongings
Dry Bag– to keep your electronics and wallet safe, in case of rain (or kayaking)
Trail GPS– the Garmin Oregon handled GPS works offline. You can view maps, waypoints, tracks, and trails even if you don’t have a signal.
First-Aid Kit– this ultralight, watertight medical kit is a must if you’re hitting the trails!
Sunscreen- yes, you can get sunburned in the forest.
Insect Repellant
Water Bottle– Always pack more water than you think you’ll need!
Snacks


Hammock– I honestly pack a hammock on most hiking trips. Psh, I even bring them along with me when we go on cruises. There are plenty of spots in the forest to put up a hammock and chill out for a bit.

If you’re traveling with your pup, like we often do, be sure to bring along their leash, poop bags, a water dish (this one is collapsible), extra water, food, and snacks.

The Earth Lodge at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park

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Categories
National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States

The National Park’s Awesome Junior Ranger Program

Have you heard about the Junior Ranger program? The U.S. National Parks love hosting young visitors. National Parks are a great place for your child to discover nature, learn about the environment, and test their physical limitations. The National Park Service’s Junior Ranger Program is a great opportunity for kids to have fun while enjoying the great outdoors.

Our kids absolutely love checking out local, state, and national parks. They are pros at exploring historic sites, hiking, and investigating nature. As they examine leaves, walk trails, climb rocks, skip stones, and learn about important events in history, they can earn badges.

As a teacher, I know that kids can learn just as much (if not more!) outside of the classroom as they can inside of one.  We encourage our kids to get out and explore and learn what they are capable of.  Exploring National Park’s is a great way to learn about US history, natural history, geography, biology, and more.

The Junior Ranger badge program gives the kids a sense of purpose while they’re at the park. While they are there, they have little tasks that they can complete to earn a badge. It helps them get to know the park a bit more intimately and see and experience things they may not have otherwise. 

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

How do We Sign up for Junior Rangers?

Signing up to be a Junior Ranger couldn’t be any easier!  Simply visit the information desk at any visitor center and the park ranger on duty will tell you all about this fun program!  You’ll be given a free booklet that serves as a guide for your child to use as they make their way around the park.

The program is open to kids from ages 5 to 13.  

Pro-Tip:  While you’re meeting with the ranger, ask them to mark the family-friendly hiking trails on your map.

How to Earn a Junior Ranger Badge

Your first stop to a National Park should always be to the visitor center.  This is where you’ll pick up a booklet that gives information about the park.  Each park has different requirements for earning a Junior Ranger badge.  These might range from completing a short hike, picking up trash, watching a short informational film, or in most cases, attending an educational program.

Children can use their booklet to learn about unique features of the park and to review the list of activities they can complete to receive a badge.

Once they’ve completed the required activities, turn the booklet back into the park ranger at the visitor center.  Most rangers do a great job reviewing what the kids learned during the day.

Lastly, the kids raise their hands and recite the Junior Ranger Pledge:

As a Junior Ranger, I promise to teach others about what I learned today, explore other parks and historic sites, and help preserve and protect these places so future generations can enjoy them.

After stating the pledge, each kid gets a collective badge (or patch) and a certificate.   

Denali National Park

Earning National Park Junior Ranger Badges Online

Did you know there’s an online version of the National Park Junior Ranger program?  You can download and print digital booklets that you can complete at home.  This is totally free!  Some of the booklets can even be sent in to the park to get a badge- however, you’ll sometimes just get an online “badge”.

Learn more at  https://www.nps.gov/kids/junior-rangers.htm

How to Visit National Parks for Free

Although some National Park sites are free, some of them require a fee to enter.    This fee ranges from $5 per vehicle to $35 per vehicle whereas some charge up to $20 a person. 

The National Parks offer Free National Park Days where you can access the park for free!  Learn more about these days.

If you have a fourth-grader, you can get an annual pass that grants you access to all of the parks for free!  Every year, starting on September 1st, all fourth-grade students are eligible for an Every Kid Outdoors Pass. The pass grants free access to the entire family!   Fill out the form at www.everykidoutdoors.gov

 

What Should I Take With Me?

When you’re hiking, please remember to leave no trace! This means to pack out everything that you pack in and if you see trash, pick it up.

Backpack– to store all of your belongings
Dry Bag– to keep your electronics and wallet safe, in case of rain (or kayaking)
Trail GPS– the Garmin Oregon handled GPS works offline. You can view maps, waypoints, tracks, and trails even if you don’t have a signal.
First-Aid Kit– this ultralight, watertight medical kit is a must if you’re hitting the trails!
Sunscreen- yes, you can get sunburned in the forest.
Insect Repellant
Water Bottle– Always pack more water than you think you’ll need!
Snacks


Hammock– I honestly pack a hammock on most hiking trips. Psh, I even bring them along with me when we go on cruises. There are plenty of spots in the forest to put up a hammock and chill out for a bit.

If you’re traveling with your pup, like we often do, be sure to bring along their leash, poop bags, a water dish (this one is collapsible), extra water, food, and snacks.

I can’t wait to get out there and explore more National Parks with our littles.  It’ll be so much fun to watch the collect Junior Ranger badges from all of the parks we visit from sea to shining sea!  There are so many places that I cannot wait to explore with them.  It makes me anxious to start planning road trips right this very minute!

Do you have a favorite National Park?  I’d love to hear about it!  Drop your favorite park in the comments below and tell us why you love it so much!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

**This post contains affiliate links. This means that I receive a small commission from your purchase at no extra cost to you**

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