Categories
Kentucky United States

The Ultra-Cool Historic Lost River Cave in Kentucky

One of the coolest things we did on our trip to Kentucky was take a historic underground boat tour at Lost River Cave.  That’s right…we went on a boat in an underground river!

Located in the city of Bowling Green, Kentucky- about an hour north of Nashville, Tennessee, is a 72-acre park that features a beautiful butterfly garden, nature trails, a boat tour, and much more!

What Makes This Cave Historic?

Lost River Cave was an ancient native hunting ground, a Civil War campground for both the Union and Confederacy, a hideout for the infamous outlaw Jesse James, and a swinging underground 1930s nightclub.  If that isn’t cool, I don’t know what is!

What is There to Do at Lost River Cave?

Take a Cave Boat Tour

Naturally, one of the main attractions at Lost River Cave is an underground boat tour.  The tour begins with a 20-minute guided walk to the mouth of the cave.  You’ll then take a 25-minute boat ride through the cave.

This cave is not for the faint of heart.  There were portions of the tour that we had to crouch down so that we could pass under the ceiling of the cave.

Visit the Butterfly Habitat

The super-cute Charlie Miller Butterfly Habitat is open Memorial Day through Labor Day from sunrise to sunset.  It’s home to several different species of butterflies that are eager to get up close and personal with you!

Take a Hike

Blue Hole Trail-  This two-mile nature trail offers a leisurely hike through the woods.  It will lead you past gorgeous blue holes, limestone bluffs, and a tranquil natural spring.  Along the way, you’ll pass by Civil War-Era powder houses that were used to store dynamite.  

Ridge Top Trail– The Ridge Top Trail is a little less scenic than the Blue Hole Trail.  It passes near a meadow before linking up with the Blue Hole Trail.

Prairie Greenways Trail- If you’re looking for a paved trail, hit up the Prairie Greenways Trail.  It is located above the valley and is perfect for those with strollers.

Mine for Gems

Did you really visit this corner of the country if you didn’t do a bit of gem mining?  Gem mining is hugely popular in Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina.  Kiddos can mine for  Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Pyrite, Amber, or even Horn Coral! Along with the bag of treasure-filled sluice material, children receive a key card which will help them identify their new treasures.

Play at Nature Explore Playscape

Our little free-range wild children LOVED this portion of the park.  The Nature Explore Playscape is a playground that encourages creative play on all-natural elements.  They had so much fun crawling through tunnels, playing hopscotch on tree stumps, and so much more!

Visiting Lost River Cave

 Physical Address:

2818 Nashville Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42101

 
Hours: The hours vary.  Visit the official website to see what the hours are for your visit.

Kentucky Road Trip Ideas

Are you heading to Kentucky soon?   From remarkable caves to historic landmarks, impressive car museums to quirky landmarks, there is so much to see and do in the Blue Grass State!  

Our 8 Totally Fun Things to Add to Your Kentucky Itinerary will help you plan a road trip to remember!  Need additional road trip planning help?  Check out our post: How to Plan a Road Trip the Whole Family with Love!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

For future reference, be sure to save our post on “The Ultra-Cool Historic Lost Cave”.  Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

While we were in the area, we also visited Mammoth Cave National Park, Yogi’s Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave, Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplaces National Historical Park, the National Corvette Museum, and Kentucky Stonehenge.

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

Categories
National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores St. John United States USVI

A Complete List of All 420+ US National Parks (in Alphabetical Order)

I think it’s safe to say that we’re massive National Park fans!  After buying the kids National Park Passports, we made a goal to try to visit every single National Park Site in the US.  That’s a huge goal considering there are 63 National Parks and 424 National Park Sites!  

If you’re keeping track of your visits, like we are, here’s an alphabetical list of every single site!

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site

A

  • Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
  • Acadia National Park
  • Adams National Historical Park
  • African Burial Ground National Monument
  • Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
  • Alagnak Wild River
  • Alibattes Flint Quarries National Monument
  • Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
  • Amistad National Recreation Area
  • Andersonville National Historic Site
  • Andrew Johnson National Historic Site
  • Aniakchak National Monument & Preserve
  • Antietam National Battlefield
  • Appalachian National Scenic Trail
  • Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
  • Appomattox Courthouse National Historical Park
  • Arches National Park
  • Arkansas Post National Memorial
  • Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial
  • Assateague Island National Seashore
  • Aztec Ruins National Monument

B

  • Badlands National Park
  • Bandelier National Monument
  • Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument
  • Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site
  • Bering Land Bridge National Preserve
  • Big Bend National Park
  • Big Cypress National Preserve
  • Big Hole National Battlefield
  • Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
  • Big Thicket National Preserve
  • Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
  • Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument
  • Biscayne National Park
  • Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
  • Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park
  • Blue Ridge Parkway
  • Bluestone National Scenic River
  • Booker T. Washington National Monument
  • Boston National Historical Park
  • Boston African American National Historic Site
  • Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
  • Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield
  • Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park
  • Bryce Canyon National Park
  • Buck Island Reef National Monument
  • Buffalo National River
Congaree National Park

C

  • Cabrillo National Monument
  • Camp Nelson National Monument
  • Canaveral National Seashore
  • Cane River Creole National Historical Park
  • Canyon de Chelly National Monument
  • Canyonlands National Park
  • Cape Cod National Seashore
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore
  • Cape Krusenstern National Monument
  • Cape Lookout National Seashore
  • Capitol Reef National Park
  • Capulin Volcano National Monument
  • Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
  • Carlsbad Caverns National Park
  • Carter G. Woodson National Historic Site
  • Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
  • Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
  • Castle Clinton National Monument
  • Castle Mountains National Monument
  • Catoctin Mountain Park
  • Cedar Breaks National Monument
  • Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park
  • César E. Chavez National Monument
  • Chaco Culture National Historical Park
  • Channel Islands National Park
  • Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument
  • Chamizal National Memorial
  • Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
  • Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
  • Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
  • Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park
  • Chickasaw National Recreation Area
  • Chiricahua National Monument
  • Christiansted National Historic Site
  • City of Rocks National Preserve
  • Clara Barton National Historic Site
  • Colonial National Historical Park
  • Colorado National Monument
  • Congaree National Park
  • Constitution Gardens National Historic Site
  • Coronado National Monument
  • Cowpens National Battlefield
  • Crater Lake National Park
  • Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve
  • Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
  • Cumberland Island National Seashore
  • Curecanti National Recreation Area
  • Cuyahoga Valley National Park

D

  • Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
  • De Soto National Memorial
  • Death Valley National Park
  • Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
  • Denali National Park & Preserve
  • Devils Postpile National Monument
  • Devils Tower National Monument
  • Dinosaur National Monument
  • Dry Tortugas National Park
  • Dwight D. Eisenhower National Memorial

E

The Kids at Ford's Theater

F

  • Federal Hall National Memorial
  • Fire Island National Seashore
  • First Ladies National Historic Site
  • First State National Historical Park
  • Flight 93 National Memorial
  • Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
  • Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site
  • Fort Bowie National Historic Site
  • Fort Caroline National Memorial
  • Fort Davis National Historic Site
  • Fort Donelson National Battlefield
  • Fort Frederica National Monument
  • Fort Laramie National Historic Site
  • Fort Larned National Historic Site
  • Fort Matanzas National Monument
  • Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine
  • Fort Monroe National Monument
  • Fort Necessity National Battlefield
  • Fort Point National Historic Site
  • Fort Pulaski National Monument
  • Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
  • Fort Smith National Historic Site
  • Fort Stanwix National Monument
  • Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
  • Fort Union National Monument
  • Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
  • Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
  • Fort Washington Park
  • Fossil Butte National Monument
  • Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
  • Frederick Law Olmstead National Historic Site
  • Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park
  • Freedom Riders National Monument
  • Friendship Hill National Historic Site

G

  • Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve
  • Gateway National Recreation Area
  • Gateway Arch National Park
  • Gauley River National Recreation Area
  • General Grant National Memorial
  • George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
  • George Washington Birthplace National Monument
  • George Washington Carver National Monument
  • Gettysburg National Military Park
  • Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
  • Glacier National Park
  • Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
  • Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
  • Glen Echo Park
  • Golden Gate National Recreation Area
  • Golden Spike National Historical Park
  • Governors Island National Monument
  • Grand Canyon National Park
  • Grand Portage National Monument
  • Grand Teton National Park
  • Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site
  • Great Basin National Park
  • Great Egg Harbor River
  • Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • Greenbelt Park
  • Guadalupe Mountains National Park
  • Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
  • Gulf Islands National Seashore

H

  • Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
  • Haleakala National Park
  • Hamilton Grange National Memorial
  • Hampton National Historic Site
  • Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
  • Harriet Tubman National Historical Park
  • Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park
  • Harry S. Truman National Historic Site
  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
  • Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
  • Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site
  • Homestead National Historical Park
  • Honouliuli National Monument
  • Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
  • Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
  • Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
  • Hot Springs National Park
  • Hovenweep National Monument
  • Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site

I

  • Independence National Historical Park
  • Indiana Dunes National Park
  • Isle Royale National Park
Jimmy Carter's Boyhood Farm- Jimmy Carter National Historical Park

J

  • James A. Garfield National Historic Site
  • Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve
  • Jewel Cave National Monument
  • Jimmy Carter National Historical Park
  • John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway
  • John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
  • John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site
  • John Muir National Historic Site
  • Johnstown Flood National Memorial
  • Joshua Tree National Park
Korean War Veterans Memorial

K

  • Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
  • Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument
  • Katmai National Park & Preserve
  • Kenai Fjords National Park
  • Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
  • Keweenaw National Historical Park
  • Kings Canyon National Park
  • Kings Mountain National Military Park
  • Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
  • Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
  • Kobuk Valley National Park
  • Korean War Veterans Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial

L

  • Lake Chelan National Recreation Area
  • Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
  • Lake Mead National Recreation Area
  • Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
  • Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area
  • Lassen Volcanic National Park
  • Lava Beds National Monument
  • Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
  • Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
  • Lincoln Home National Historic Site
  • Lincoln Memorial 
  • Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
  • Litter River Canyon National Preserve
  • Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
  • Longfellow House Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site
  • Lowell National Historical Park
  • Lower Delaware National Wild & Scenic River
  • Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
  • Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove on the Potomac
The kids deep inside Mammoth Cave at Mammoth Cave National Park

M

  • Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site
  • Mammoth Cave National Park
  • Manassas National Battlefield Park
  • Manhattan Project National Historical Park
  • Manzanar National Historic Site
  • Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
  • Martin Van Buren National Historic Site
  • Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site
  • Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument
  • Mesa Verde National Park
  • Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument
  • Minidoka National Historic Site
  • Minute Man National Historical Park
  • Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
  • Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
  • Missouri National Recreational River
  • Mojave National Preserve
  • Monocacy National Battlefield
  • Montezuma Castle National Monument
  • Mount Rainier National Park
  • Moores Creek National Battlefield
  • Morristown National Historical Park
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial
  • Muir Woods National Monument

N

  • Natchez National Historical Park
  • Natchez Trace Parkway
  • National Capital Parks
  • National Mall and Memorial Parks
  • National Park of American Samoa 
  • Natural Bridges National Monument
  • Navajo National Monument
  • New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
  • New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park
  • New Philadelphia National Historic Site
  • New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
  • Nez Perce National Historical Park
  • Nicodemus National Historic Site
  • Ninety-Six National Historic Site
  • Niobrara National Scenic River
  • Noatak National Preserve
  • North Cascades National Park
Earth Lodge at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park

O

  • Obed National Wild & Scenic River
  • Ocmulgee National Monument
  • Olympic National Park
  • Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve
  • Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
  • Ozark National Scenic River
Dude...they actually let US inside the White House!

P

  • Padre Island National Seashore
  • Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park
  • Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
  • Pea Ridge National Military Park
  • Pearl Harbor National Memorial
  • Pecos National Historical Park
  • Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site
  • Perry’s Victory International Peace Memorial
  • Petersburg National Battlefield Park
  • Petrified Forest National Park
  • Petroglyph National Monument
  • Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
  • Pinnacles National Park
  • Pipestone National Monument
  • Pipe Spring National Monument
  • Piscataway Park
  • Point Reyes National Seashore
  • Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
  • Poverty Point National Monument
  • President’s Park – White House
  • President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site
  • Prince William Forest Park
  • Pullman National Historical Park
  • Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
  • Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historical Park

R

  • Rainbow Bridge National Monument
  • Reconstruction Era National Monument
  • Redwood National Park
  • Richmond National Battlefield Park
  • Rio Grande National Wild & Scenic River
  • River Raisin National Battlefield Park
  • Rock Creek Park
  • Rocky Mountain National Park
  • Roger Williams National Memorial
  • Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park
  • Ross Lake National Recreation Area
  • Russell Cave National Monument
San Juan National Historic Site

S

  • Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
  • Saint Croix International Historic Site
  • Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
  • Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site
  • Salem Maritime National Historic Site
  • Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
  • Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve
  • San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
  • San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
  • San Juan National Historic Site
  • San Juan Island National Historical Park
  • Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
  • Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
  • Saratoga National Historical Park
  • Saguaro National Park
  • Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
  • Scotts Bluff National Monument
  • Sequoia National Park
  • Shenandoah National Park
  • Shiloh National Military Park
  • Sitka National Historical Park 
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
  • Springfield Armory National Historic Site
  • Statue of Liberty National Monument
  • Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park
  • Steamtown National Historic Site
  • Stones River National Battlefield
  • Stonewall National Monument
  • Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Looking out at Moton Field at the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

T

  • Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial
  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park
  • Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site
  • Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
  • Theodore Roosevelt Island
  • Thomas Cole National Historic Site
  • Thomas Edison National Historical Park
  • Thomas Jefferson Memorial
  • Thomas Stone National Historic Site
  • Timpanogos Cave National Monument
  • Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
  • Tonto National Monument
  • Tule Lake National Monument
  • Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
  • Tumacacori National Historical Park
  • Tupelo National Battlefield
  • Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site
  • Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site
  • Tuzigoot National Monument

U

  • Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
  • Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River
Trunk Bay

V

  • Valles Caldera National Preserve
  • Valley Forge National Historical Park
  • Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site
  • Vicksburg National Military Park
  • Vietnam Veterans Memorial
  • Virgin Islands National Park
  • Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
  • Voyageurs National Park
World War II Memorial

W

  • Waco Mammoth National Monument
  • Walnut Canyon National Monument
  • War in the Pacific National Historical Park
  • Washington Monument
  • Washita Battlefield National Historic Site
  • Weir Farm National Historical Park
  • Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
  • White Sands National Park
  • Whitman Mission National Historic Site
  • William Howard Taft National Historic Site
  • Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
  • Wind Cave National Park
  • Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
  • Women’s Rights National Historical Park
  • World War I Memorial
  • World War II Memorial
  • Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
  • Wright Brothers National Memorial
  • Wupatki National Monument

Y

  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Yosemite National Park
  • Yucca House National Monument
  • Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve   

Z

  • Zion National Park

My count: 36/424

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.

How to Visit the 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

Other National Park Resources

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure Today!

For future reference, be sure to save our post”A Complete List of All 420+ National Parks in Alphabetical Order”!   Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram 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**

Categories
Georgia Georgia State Parks State Parks United States

Providence Canyon State Park: Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon

Nestled in the middle of Georgia’s farmland is a hidden gem known as the “Little Grand Canyon.”  Providence Canyon State Park stands as a reminder of mankind’s impact on our planet.  You see, Providence Canyon isn’t entirely natural…despite being one of The Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia.

This place will straight up make you feel like you’re out on the left coast.  Strolling around the canyon gave me flashbacks of my time in Arizona and Nevada.  It’s hard to believe this place is in Georgia!

How Providence Canyon Was Formed

Most people will tell you that poor farming practices in the 1800s.  Some farmers got a little saw-happy while trying to make the land more farmable and chopped down way too many trees.  The lack of trees made the land super-vulnerable to erosion.   What were once small ravines became massive gullies as deep as 150 feet.  

While it may be true that erosion caused the canyon,  there’s a little more to it than that.  Evidence of these canyons can be found in historical documents dating back to 1836.  So…maybe the ravines weren’t quite as dramatic as they are today, but they definitely existed.

About Providence Canyon State Park

Providence Canyon State Park was established in 1971.  The park covers over 1,100 acres and holds 16 canyons.   The canyons expose a rainbow of soil (red, orange, yellow, white, and even purple!)  that is GORGEOUS!

Visiting Providence Canyon State Park

Providence Canyon State Park can be found in Lumpkin, Georgia, close to the Georgia-Alabama border.

Location: 8930 Canyon Road, Lumpkin, GA 31815

Admission: $5 per vehicle to enter the park.  Cash is preferred.  If you are paying with a card, you’ll need to do so at the Visitor Center.

Opening Hours: From September 15th to April 14th: 7:00 am-6:00 pm. From
April 15th to September 14th: 7:00 am–9:00 pm.  Visitor Center 8:00 am- 5 pm.

Camping: You can camp overnight at Providence Canyon by making a reservation at one of three pioneer or six backcountry campsites. This is a popular option if you are hiking the 7-mile Backcountry Trail.

Hiking at Providence Canyon State Park

Canyon Loop Trail

2.5 miles | Easy to Moderate Hike | White Markers

The Canyon Loop (White Blaze) Trail is the most popular choice as it lets you experience 9 of the canyons from above and below. The walk is a 2.5-mile loop that goes down into the canyon and around the rim.  The terrain is mostly flat with a few inclines.  To see canyons 1-5, you will take a left at the first creek bed.

Backcountry Trail

7 miles | Difficult Hike | Red Markers

This 7-mile loop is quite a challenging hike that takes about 6 hours to complete.  To get to the Backcountry Trail, you’ll take a right after the first creekbed, rather than left or straight.

Our Experience

I have a friend that lives just over an hour away from the canyon, so shot her a text and asked her if she’d like to meet us at Providence Canyon. I had been wanting to visit for a while and wanted to go before it heated up.

We made the drive from Jacksonville, FL to Auburn, AL where we’d be staying with my friend.    On the day of our visit, we got to the park around 9 AM.  The weather was absolutely gorgeous!  When we pulled up to the payment stand, the attendant informed us that he could only take cash.  After some back and forth, he finally told us we could pay at the Visitor’s Center with our card.

The trailhead is located right behind the Visitor’s Center.  The path down to the floor of the canyon was gradual and quite enjoyable.  Once we were at the canyon floor, there was water all over the trail.  We basically had to walk through a creek to get to the canyons.  Luckily, we came prepared to get dirty!  The kids had so much fun splashing in the puddles and weaving in and out of the slot canyons.

We visited canyons 4-5 first and then 1-3.  4-5 were much more scenic.  All in all, it was a wonderful day.  I’m really glad we went just before spring, as I imagine the hike is dreadful in the humid months.

The Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia

  • Amicalola Falls
  • Okefenokee Swamp
  • Providence Canyon
  • Radium Springs
  • Stone Mountain
  • Tallulah Gorge
  • Warm Springs

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.

Distance from Major Cities

  • Atlanta, GA – 148 miles
  • Birmingham, AL – 174 miles
  • Jacksonville, FL – 267 miles
  • Orlando, FL – 359 miles
  • Tampa, FL – 378 miles
  • Nashville, TN – 392 miles
  • Charlotte, NC – 392 miles
  • New Orleans, LA – 420 miles
  • Memphis, TN – 446 miles

Other Georgia State Parks

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure Today!

For future reference, be sure to save our post “Providence Canyon State Park: Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon.”   Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

While we were in the area, we also visited the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, Auburn University, and the Jimmy Carter National Historic Park.

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram 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**

Categories
National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores South Carolina United States

7 Spectacular National Parks in South Carolina

South Carolina is home to seven fabulous parks including one National Park, National Historic Sites, National Military Parks, and more.  The parks preserve sites that are important to American history and spectacular scenery.

National Parks in South Carolina

Charles Pickney National Historic Site

Charles Pickney National Historic Site is located about 6 miles northeast of Charleston, South Carolina. The park preserves Snee Farm, one of the plantation properties belonging to Pickney.  

Pickney was born into a well-off South Carolinian family.  He fought in the Revolutionary War and was captured by the British.  Pickney went on to achieve great success and was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Amenities:  Ranger-led programs, Historical Buildings, Nature Trail
Entrance Fee:  Free
Address: 1254 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
National Park Website for Charles Pickeny NHS

Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park is located near the city of Columbia.  It protects the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States.  It is also home to some of the largest trees on the east coast and synchronous fireflies.

We suggest strolling around on the boardwalk the hovers above the floodplain.  You won’t be disappointed!

Amenities:  Hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, camping, Ranger-led programs
Entrance Fee:  Free
Address: 100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC 29061
National Park Website for Congaree National Park

Cowpens National Battlefield

Cowpens National Battlefield

South Carolina had more Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes than any other American Colony.  The Battle of Cowpens was fought in 1781 and lasted only an hour- but historians say that it completely changed the course of the war.  The Patriots kicked some serious ass and had a huge confidence boost.  This victory led to the British surrender in Yorktown.

Cowpens National Battlefield is located about 15 miles northeast of Spartanburg.  The park has a 3.8-mile auto tour and a 1.2-mile battlefield trail.  

Amenities:  Museum Exhibits, Battlefield Trail, Auto Tour
Entrance Fee:  Free
Address: 4001 Chesnee Hwy, Gaffney, SC 29341
National Park Website for Cowpens National Battlefield

Fort Sumter National Historical Park

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park

Both Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie are located near Charleston.  During the 19th century, Charleston was an extremely wealthy city.  Cotton, rice, and other crops came in and out of its port.

When Abraham Lincoln was elected president and threatened to end slavery, South Carolina pulled out of the Union.  

Union Major Robert Anderson moved his troops from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter.  Confederate forces demanded them to surrender, but Anderson would not back down- despite his lack of supplies and troops.

As a Union supply boat approached Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, Confederate troops opened fire.  This marked the beginning of the deadly Civil War.  

Today, a ferry will whisk you over to Fort Sumter where you can explore the Civil War-Era fort.

Amenities:  Nature Walks, Historic Forts
Entrance Fee:  $10 per adult
Address:

Fort Moultrie, 1214 Middle St, Sullivan’s Island, SC

Fort Sumter Visitor Center Address: 340 Concord Street, Charleston, SC 

National Park Website for Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie

Kings Mountain National Military Park

Kings Mountain National Military Park

Thomas Jefferson once said that the victory of Kings Mountain was “the turn of the tide of success.”  In October of 1780, the Patriots defeated the Loyalists.  

This was one of the first big wins that led to the Patriot’s victory of the British forces during the Revolutionary War.

Amenities:  Hiking
Entrance Fee:  Free
Address: 2300 Park Road, Blacksburg, SC 29702
National Park Website for Kings Mountain National Military Park

Ninety Six National Historic Site

Ninety Six National Historic Site

Before it became the site of a Revolutionary War battle, Ninety Six was once a thriving trading post.  It became a stronghold for Loyalists, who constructed a fort here.

The first land battle outside New England occurred here when the Patriots attacked the fort.  After 28 days of engagement, the forces retreated.

Amenities:  Fishing, Hiking, Monuments
Entrance Fee:  Free
Address: 1103 Hwy 248, Ninety Six, SC 29666
National Park Website for Ninety Six National Historic Site

Reconstruction Era National Historical Park Visitor Center and Museum

Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

As one of the newer National Historic Sites, this is a park in progress.  The 1860s- 1898 are considered the Reconstruction Era.  During this time, the United States was navigating how to integrate millions of freed slaves.  What would that look like in an educational setting?  In the political arena? Etc.? 

Amenities:  Museum
Entrance Fee:  Free
Address: 706 Craven Street, Beaufort, SC 29902
National Park Website for Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

Check Out National Parks in Nearby States

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.

How to Visit the 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

Other National Park Resources

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

For future reference, be sure to save “7 National Parks in South Carolina”  Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram 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**

Categories
Alabama National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States

9 National Parks in Alabama You HAVE to Check Out!

There are nine National Parks in Alabama including National Monuments, Military Parks, etc.  The National Parks in Alabama highlight the beauty of the state and feature impressive historic landmarks focused on the Civil Rights Movement.

In this post, we’ll outline the 9 National Parks in Alabama.

National Parks in Alabama

Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument

The Birmingham Civil Rights Monument tells the story of the Freedom Riders of 1961.  The Freedom Riders were a group of people (both black and white) who banded together to fight segregation.  They tried to use “whites-only” restrooms and lunch counters at bus stations throughout the southern states.  The groups were met with angst from white protestors.

The Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument is a collection of 7 sites important to the Civil Rights Movement. 

These include:

  • A.G. Gaston Motel– HQ to the 1963 desegregation campaign in Birmingham.
  • Kelly Ingram Park- In May of 1963, police and firemen attacked civil rights demonstrators (many of whom were kids) in the streets surrounding this park.  This led to a nationwide public outcry to integrate America’s most segregated city.
  • Sixteenth Street Baptist Church– On September 15, 1963, the KKK (Ku Klux Klan) bombed this church killing four girls.
  • The Masonic Temple Building- This building stood as a symbol of African Americans’ resilience in one of the most racially segregated cities.  The Masonic Temple held offices for black doctors, dentists, attorneys, and activists.
  • St. Paul United Methodist Church- One of the oldest African American churches in the city.  It played a pivotal role in launch integration efforts throughout the south.
  • Birmingham Civil Rights Institute- The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a cultural and education research center that is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.  They outline the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham.
  • Historic Bethel Baptist Church- The epicenter of non-violent desegregation campaigns in Birmingham during the 1950s and 1960s.

Amenities:  Historic site *This is a new park so it is still a work in progress*
Entrance Fee:  Free
Address: 1510 5th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
National Park Website for Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park

Located in the central part of the state, this park preserves the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. In March 1814, General Andrew Jackson (Hey! I know that guy!) attacked the Creek Nation during the Creek War of 1813-1814.  Horseshoe Bend was one of the major engagements of the War of 1812, as well.

More than 500 Creeks lost their lives after Jackson’s attack.

Amenities:  Historic Site
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: 11288 Horseshoe Bend Rd, Daviston, AL 36256
National Park Website for Horseshoe Bend National Military Park

Little River Canyon National Preserve

Little River Canyon National Preserve

Little River Canyon National Preserve encompasses thousands of acres surrounding Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne. 

The park protects the natural wonder known as the “Grand Canyon of the East” (not to be confused with the “Little Grand Canyon” in Georgia).  

From here, you’ll have spectacular mountain views, gorgeous waterfalls, and even an intense whitewater river!

Amenities:  River access, soccer field, playground, hiking, swimming, rock climbing, waterfalls
Entrance Fee: Day Pass $15 per vehicle
Address: 4322 Little River Trail NE,  Fort Payne, AL 35967
National Park Website for Little River Canyon National Preserve

Natchez Trace Parkway

Natchez Trace Parkway

A small portion of the Natchez Trace Parkway cuts through the northwest corner of Alabama.  The parkway roughly follows the “Old Natchez Trace”, a historic corridor used by Native Americans, European settlers, slave traders, soldiers, and even future presidents.

Amenities:  Historic Parkway
Entrance Fee: Free
National Park Website for Natchez Trace Parkway

Russell Cave National Monument

Russell Cave National Monument

The Russell Cave National Monument protects a cave shelter used by Native Americans for more than 10,000 years!  Dating back to 6500 BC, scientists believe that this may be the oldest cave shelter in the entire United States.

A boardwalk leads you into the cave structure where you can see evidence of the excavations done by archaeologists.  

Amenities:  Museum, Nature Trail, Self-Guided Walking Tour
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: 3729 Co Rd 98, Bridgeport, AL 35740
National Park Website for Russell Cave National Monument

Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail

The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail in Alabama memorializes the route taken by protestors during the Voting Rights March from March 21 to March 25, 1965.  The 54-mile route begins at Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Selma and ends in Montgomery.  

Amenities:  Interpretative Central, Historic Route 
Entrance Fee: Free 
National Park Website for Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail

Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site

Now known as Tuskegee University, the Tuskegee Institute educated George Washington Carver and Booker T. Washington and created countless opportunities for African Americans.

The Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site includes the George Washington Carver Museum, the home of Booker T. Washington, and the historic campus.

Amenities:  Museum, Historic Sites
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: 1212 W Montgomery Rd, Tuskegee, AL 36088
National Park Website for Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site

Airplane at Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site preserves the historic airfield where the famed Tuskegee Airmen trained during WWII.  The Tuskegee Airmen were the country’s first African American fighter pilots.

Amenities:  Historic Site
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: 1616 Chappie James Ave, Tuskegee, AL 36083
National Park Website for Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

Check Out National Parks in Nearby States

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.

How to Visit the 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

Other National Park Resources

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

For future reference, be sure to save “9 National Parks in Alabama”  Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram 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**

Categories
Alabama National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States

Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Park- America’s First Black Pilots

The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Park honors the brave black men and women who served or supported the Tuskegee Airmen.  The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of African American pilots (both fighter and bomber) and airmen who fought two wars:  World War II and segregation in America.  Their legacy is honored at Moton Field in Tuskegee, Alabama.

It’s amazing to look out on Moton Airfield and think that just 75 years later people could not fly a plane because of their skin color.   The Tuskegee Airmen helped pave the way for the Civil Rights Movement (in the 1950s and 1960s) and helped us gain our first black president, President Barrack Obama.

America still has a shit ton to do in means of equality, but this site helps to celebrate some of the success we have had.

Looking out at Moton Field at the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

Who Were the Tuskegee Airmen?

The Tuskegee Airmen banded together to form the 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group of the United States Army Armed Forces.  This title also includes the navigators, instructors, mechanics, crew chiefs, cooks, nurses, and other support personnel who backed the pilots.

All of the black military pilots were educated at the Tuskegee Institute (now known as Tuskegee University).  The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American military aviators in the US Armed Forces.

Airplane at Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

What Adversity Did they Face?

During World War II, black Americans were still discriminated against thanks to the Jim Crow Laws.  These laws enforced racial segregation in all public facilities throughout the South.  

When WWII broke out, several black Americans wanted to join the fight but were shot down based on their skin color.  It was thought that African Americans lacked the intelligence needed to become pilots.

In 1939, Congress passed an amendment that delegated funds for the training of African American pilots.  However, with segregation laws still in place, they would need to occupy and support their own military base.

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, a firm believer in civil rights, flew with C. Alfred “Chief” Anderson (one of the Tuskegee Airmen) in 1941.  After a 30-minute flight, she announced, “Well, you can fly all right!”

Mrs. Roosevelt helped secure a loan to build Moton Field, the current site of the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site.

The Tuskegee Airmen overcame segregation and prejudice to become one of the most prestigious pilots during World War II.  

Airplane at Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

Cementing a Legacy: The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

Moton Field was established as a National Historic Site in November of 1998.  Hangar One has been restored and Hangar Two has been re-built to showcase relics from the Red Tails.

We were amazed by how kid-friendly this site was.  The kids were able to touch the airmen’s uniforms and listen to information on telephones.  They crawled into a “cockpit” and pretended to fly and got to pretend to land planes with a light.

It was an excellent place to foster creativity and step into the footsteps of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

Plan Your Visit to the Tuskegee National Historic Site

Physical Address: 

1616 Chappie James Ave.
Tuskegee, AL 36083

Hours:

Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM CST

The park is closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Admission:

Free

Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

The Top 5 Things to do at Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

  • Browse the artifacts in the museum housed in the two airplane hangars at Moton Field.  
  • Participate in the Junior Ranger Program
  • Join in on a Ranger Talk
  • Gaze out from the overlook
  • Check out the 20 interpretive panels outside.  

Things to Know Before Visiting Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

The Best Time to Visit Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

Since most of the exhibits are inside, there isn’t a bad time to visit the park.  We visited in the rain, and it was still pleasant.

The best weather is in spring and fall when temperatures are cooler and there is less humidity.

Entrance Fees

There is no entrance fee to visit this park!

Cell Service

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

Parking

Parking is located near the overlook to Moton Field, located just off the main road.  There is handicapped parking available directly in front of Hanger 2.

Pet Policy

We brought the Adventure Pups with us to the Tuskegee National Historic Site.  Who says pooches can’t appreciate history?  Pets are allowed in the Historic Core and Overlook areas of the park but not inside the buildings.  They must remain on a leash at all times.  And please, clean up after your pets.

Parks Near Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

  • Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site- 4 miles
  • Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail- 39 miles
  • Horseshoe Bend National Military Park- 44 miles
  • Jimmy Carter National Historic Site- 96 miles
  • Andersonville National Historic Site- 104 miles
  • Gulf Islands National Seashore- 217 miles

Distance from Major Cities

  • Atlanta, GA – 124 miles
  • Birmingham, AL – 130 miles
  • Nashville, TN – 320 miles
  • Jacksonville, FL – 334 miles
  • New Orleans, LA – 348 miles
  • Charlotte, NC – 369 miles
  • Memphis, TN – 373 miles
  • Orlando, FL – 426 miles
  • Tampa, FL – 444 miles

Distance from Nearby National Parks

National Park Sites in Alabama

  • Little River Canyon National Preserve
  • Russell Cave National Monument 
  • Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
  • Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site
  • Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site
  • Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument
  • Freedom Riders National Monument
  • Natchez Trace Parkway
  • Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

For future reference, be sure to save our post “Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site: America’s First Black Pilots”!   Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Browse the Ulitmate National Park Bucket List.  Plan your trip around Free National Park Days and learn about The National Park’s Awesome Junior Ranger Program.

While we were in the area, we also visited Auburn University, Providence Canyon State Park, and the Jimmy Carter National Historic Park.

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

Categories
Florida Legoland Orlando United States

Totally Awesome Guide to Legoland Florida Rides

Legoland Florida is one of the best theme parks for little kids and big kids to visit.   There is so much to see and do at the park including thrill rides, chill rides, character meet and greets, and spectacular shows.  It is one of my kiddos favorite theme parks in Florida.

Let’s dive in and take a look at all of the totally awesome Legoland Florida rides!  The Legoland Florida theme park has ten sections each with its own unique Lego theme.

In this post, the rides are organized by thematic section.

Pro-Tip:  Be sure to stop by the infographic at the park entrance so you can see which rides your kid(s) can ride based on their height(s).

Legoland Florida Rides by Section

Fun Town

Fun Town is where you’ll find the first attractions.  A two-level carousel called Grand Carousel and the Wells Fargo Fun Town Theater which features 4D films.

Grand Carousel

Grand Carousel is a double decker slow moving carousel ride that your kids will absolutely love. The ride is outfitted with animal statues and benches.  The second floor tends to fill up pretty quickly.

Pro-Tip:  Save the carousel for last!  Head to the back of the park, instead, to take advantage of shorter lines.  Many visitors are tempted to hit up the carousel first thing since it is the first ride in the park.  

Ride Requirements:  Riders below 48″ must be accompanied by an adult or  a responsible person 14 years or older.

The Grand Carousel Legoland Florida

Heartlake City

Heartlake City opened in 2015 and centers around the Lego Friends series.  It has 1 ride- Mia’s Riding Adventure, a theater, and a heart-shaped fountain with Lego brick instruments.

Mia's Riding Adventure

If your little one is a thrill seeker, you won’t want to miss this one!  Saddle up and join Mia for a riding adventure!  On this spinning ride, you’ll travel forward and backward on a circular platform that sits on a U-shaped track.

Ride Requirements:  Riders must be 48″ or higher.

Duplo Valley

This area was designed with toddlers in mind.  It hosts two rides Duplo Train, and Duplo Tractor, an air-conditioned playground called Duplo Farm, an outdoor playground, and a toddler splash pad.

Duplo Train

A slow moving train coasts along gentle bends on this toddler friendly ride.

Ride Requirements:  Riders below 34″ must be accompanied by an adult.

Duplo Tractor

Cruise around the Duplo farm in this slow moving tractor ride.  The tractor moves along a track going around smooth turns.

This was one of the first Legoland Florida rides that our family enjoyed together.  The boys are obsessed with vehicles these days so it was perfect for them!

Ride Requirements:  Riders below 42″ must be accompanied by an adult or a responsible person 14 years or older.

Duplo Tractor Legoland Florida

Lego Kingdoms

Journey back into medieval times at Lego Kingdoms.  The Dragon is a remodeled roller coaster from the park’s Cypress Garden days.  Here, you’ll also find a toddler friendly ride called The Royal Joust, a small circular rollercoaster called Merlin’s Challenge, and a playground known as The Forestmen’s Hideout.

This was our family’s favorite of all the Legoland Florida rides!

The Dragon

This super awesome (and totally hilarious) indoor/outdoor roller coaster offers a look into the life within the enchanted Legoland castle.  

The Royal Joust

This ride is perfect for little ones.  Mount a Lego horse and travel across medieval Legoland.  

Merlin's Challenge

This was our family’s favorite Legoland Florida ride!  Climb aboard a Lego train and cruise around this fast, spinning circular rollercoaster.  

Land of Adventure

You’ll find a treasure chest of fun in this Ancient Egyptian themed section.  Don’t miss Beetle Bounce, Coastersaurus, Lost Kingdom Adventure, Safari Trek, and Pharaoh’s Revenge- a super fun playground.

Beetle Bounce

The line for the Legoland Florida ride moves super fast!  The Beetle Bounce takes riders on a bouncy flight on an obelisk.  Riders are lifted 15-feet into the air and dropped quickly down.  Our oldest (7) and our youngest (4) loved this ride!

Coastersaurus

Travel through a prehistoric jungle filled with life-sized lego dinosaurs on this classic Legoland Florida ride.  This junior coaster is perfect for kids that aren’t quite tall enough or old enough for the more intense thrill rides.  

Since the coaster is designed for young riders, grown-ups might find the carts a little cramped.

Lost Kingdom Adventure

This is another one of our favorite Legoland Florida rides!  Riders travel back to ancient Egypt in search for treasure on this dark, indoor ride.  As you’re coasting through Egypt, you’re equipped with a laser blaster for protection.  Shoot at targets to see how many points you can acquire!

Safari Trek

Board a slow moving off-road vehicle and travel through the African plains.  See if you can spot giraffes, elephants, lions, and more!

The Lego Movie World

This section is centered around The Lego Movie.  There are three main attractions here including Masters of Flight, a flying theater attraction, Unikitty’s Discodrop, and Battle of Bricksburg a super wet family-fun ride.

Masters of Flight Legoland Florida

Masters of Flight

Climb aboard Emmet’s Triple Decker Couch and magically get transported into the LEGO MOVIE Universe.  You’ll soar to Cloud Cuckoo Land, MIddle Zealand, Pirate’s Cove, and more in this flying theatre.  Be prepared to experience mist, wind and smells on this super fun Legoland Florida ride!

Unikitty's Discodrop

This ride is very similar to Beetle Bounce.  Riders are taken on a bouncy flight that spins around in circles as it bounces you up and down.  

Battle of Bricksburg

You’re almost guaranteed to get wet on this family-fun water ride!  Hope on our boat and coast around the town of Bricksburg defending it against evil Duplo alien invaders.

Lego City

A Lego Mustang at Legoland Florida

Cruise into the heart of Lego City for trunk loads of fun! Kids can act like grown-ups and drive almost every vehicle imaginable!   Here you’ll find Ford Driving School, Ford Jr. Driving School, Flying School, Boating School, and Rescue Academy.

Ford Driving School

Kids 6-13 climb into cars for this “real-life” driving experience.  After navigating around the other absolutely insane drivers, kids receive their official LEGOLAND driver’s license.

Ford Jr. Driving School

This scaled down version of the driving school is for kids 3-5.  They get to cruise around a smaller, less chaotic road course.  At the end of their driving test, they will receive their very own driver’s license.  

Flying School

This ride is perfect for thrill seekers!  Take flight and soar on this iconic Legoland Florida ride.  You’ll twist, turn, and glide through the air on a steel coaster.  

Boating School

This is the quintessential Legoland Florida ride!  Visitors get to captain their very own speedboat.  Using the gas pedal and steering wheel, you’ll be in total control of our boat. 

Kids love this ride!    There are Legoland employees guiding captains so they can safely navigate the water.  The rides duration depends on the rider’s control, but it usually lasts between 4 and 7 minutes.  

There are several boats, however, so the line moves rather quickly.

Rescue Academy

Ring the alarm!  There’s a fire!  It is up to your family to rush to the fire, put it out, and make your way back to the station.  This ride is very hands on. It requires quite a bit of energy, strength, and teamwork to make the firetruck move.  This was our family’s least favorite Legoland Florida ride.

Lego Technic

In this section you’ll find Technicycle, a pedal-powered spinning machine that propels you into the air, The Great Lego Race coaster, and AQUAZONE Wave Racers.

Technicycle

The faster you peddle, the higher your paraglider will travel on this wild and crazy peddle-powered spinning machine.

The Great Lego Race

Lego masters!  Start your engines!  The Great Lego Race puts riders in the center of an action-filled road race on this super thrilling rollercoaster.

AQUAZONE Wave Racers

It wouldn’t be a Legoland Florida ride without a bit of water!  Cruise over the water in your own water craft!  As soon as the racers start moving, you have the ability to control your Wave Racer.  Steering the wave racer can help you avoid blasts of water- otherwise, prepare to get wet!  

Pro-Tip:  There are two different platforms on the Aquazone Wave Ravers, so the line moves faster than you may think.

Imagination Zone

This zone features 2 spaces where kids can get creative!  At Build & Test kids can build race cars and zip lines, and Lego Mindstorms  is an exhibit where they can build robots. At WB Games Zone kids can play video games.  There is one ride, Kid Power Towers, where guests hoist themselves to the top and free-fall to the bottom.

Kid Power Towers

On this unique ride, passengers hoist themselves to the top of a Lego tower for sweeping views of Lake Eloise and the entire park.

Checking Out the Legoland Florida Rides

Many people think Legoland Florida is in Orlando however, it is actually in the town of Winter Haven just southwest of Orlando.  It’s about 36 miles, or an hour away from Disney World.

Address:  1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884

If you’re driving, Legoland Florida is easily accessible via I-4 (via Orlando or I-75 (via Tampa).  

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

For future reference, be sure to save our post “Totally Awesome Guide to Legoland Florida Rides”!   Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

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Categories
National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores South Carolina United States

5 Epic Things to Do at Congaree National Park

For years I’ve driven by Congaree National Park without stopping.  I’m not talking like passing it once or twice, think more like 75 – 100 times. Apparently, we are not alone in this.  Congaree National Park is one of the least visited parks in the United States.

This year, on our annual trek from Florida to North Carolina, I made plans to finally make a pit stop at the park so the dogs could stretch their legs and the kiddos could add another stamp to their National Park passports.  Boy, am I glad we did!  The park is super underrated!

 

What Makes This Place Qualify as a National Park?

Congaree National Park is home to some of the tallest trees in the eastern United States and has the largest stretch of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeast.  Apparently, the trees here are so bomb that they hold championship titles.  The park provides a sanctuary for plants and animals and offers up a research site for scientists.  

The park is also one of the few places in the world where you can see synchronous fireflies.  Between the mid-May and mid-June, the fireflies search for a mate by performing a synchronous flash dance.  This natural phenomenon is so popular that there is a lottery held for tickets each year.  

The area has thousands of years worth of human history.  Prehistoric people once hunted the floodplain of the Congaree River and fished its waters.  These people, known as the Congaree Indians, thrived off of the dense vegetation and plethora of game.

When the Spanish arrived (Hernando DeSoto in the late 1500s and Juan Pardo in the 1600s), they brought along with them smallpox which essentially wiped out the indigenous population.   

Things to Know Before Visiting Congaree National Park

The Best Time to Visit Congaree National Park

The best time to visit Congaree National Park is October through January.  Once the weather cools off, the bugs calm down making the park much more enjoyable.  

Entrance Fees

Hey oh!  Entrance to Congaree National Park is free!  But, if you plan on visiting more National Parks over the course of a year, you may want to look into the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be purchased at most National Parks).  The pass gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more.

Cell Service

Despite the park being close to the city of Columbia, cell service can be spotty in the park.

Grab a Map

If you’re planning on hiking at Congaree, which you totally should, be sure to grab a map.  You can find free maps at the visitor center.

Those Freakin' Bugs, Man

Y’all, the south is known for 2 things Southern Hospitality and our abundance of bugs, particularly the biting kind.  We’re talking mosquitos, fire ants, and another bloodsucker wanting to feast on your blood.  Appealing, huh?

If you’re planning on visiting in the spring or summer, be sure to wear clothing that protects your skin and bathe yourself in insect repellent.  

Lather Up

The sun can be brutal here in the south, even if it’s overcast you can get a sunburn.  Go ahead and lather up with plenty of sunscreen.

Bring Along Plenty of Water

Plan on bringing along plenty of water, especially if you’re hiking.  You can find a water bottle refill station at the Visitor’s Center.

Have Your Pooch Tag Along

Congaree National Park is pet-friendly!  Be sure to keep your pooch on a leash and clean up after them.  There’s a water spigot at the Visitor’s Center where your pup can get a bit of water.  Be sure to check Fido for ticks after your walk.

The 5 Best Things to do at Congaree National Park

5. Bird Watching

Location: Park-wide

Activity Level: Easy

Isn’t weird that once 35 hits you start getting interested in birds?  If you’re 35 years or older, you’ll be happy to know that be totally stoked to learn that Congaree National Park is home to some species of birds that are rarely spotted outside of the park.  

One of these birds is the crested caracara.  These birds are a member of the falcon family.  Unfortunately, one of the lines of their family tree became extinct at the turn of the 20th century.  Since then, the population has steadily decreased in the United States.

4. Float Down Cedar Creek

Location: The Cedar Creek canoeing trail begins at Bannister’s Bridge.

Activity Level: Easy

Did you know that otters are the unofficial mascot of Congaree National Park?  Grab a tube or a canoe and float down the creek.  Simply hop in/on your vessel and let the current whisk you away.  Chances are, you’ll spot an otter.  

There are plenty of canoe and tubing rentals near the park in the summer months.  

3. Enjoy the Nightlife

Location: The Boardwalk Loop & Sims Trail

Activity Level: Easy to Moderate

Believe it or not, thousands of visitors head to Congaree National Park to check out the nightlife.  For the record, I’m not talking about heading out to the bars and clubs. Hell, I’m not even talking about sipping moonshine around the bonfire.  I’m talking about an evening hike.

Hear me out.  Congaree National Park offers nighttime hikes led by park rangers.  These super-experienced guides will point out the park’s owl species.  

Man, you know you’re getting old when you include birds in 2 items on a top 5 list.

2. Stroll the Boardwalk Trail

Location: Visitor’s Center

Activity Level: Easy

One of my favorite things to do at Congaree National Park is to stroll along the Boardwalk Trail.  The 2.6-mile boardwalk provides an easy-peasy walk through the Congaree wilderness.  

For a shorter version of the hike- at the back of the Visitor’s Center, begin your hike by taking a right on the boardwalk.  Follow the boardwalk to the first turn-off.  Head left.  Take a left on Firefly Trail and then a left on Bluff Trail until you circle back to the Visitor’s Center.

The above-mentioned hike is what we did on our visit with the kiddos and pups.  It was perfect for a walk through the woods with littles.

1. Get a Glimpse of the Fireflies

Location: All over the park

Activity Level: Easy

The main attraction at Congaree National Park is its fireflies.  Each night, millions of fireflies glow against the star-filled sky.  

But these aren’t just plain old fireflies…these are synchronized fireflies.  Like something you’d see in the Insect Olympics.  

Where is Congaree National Park located?

The park is conveniently located just outside of the state capital- Columbia.  

The physical address is:

100 National Park Road
Hopkins, SC 29061

The park is open 24 hours a day however the Visitor Center may be closed on major holidays.

Check Park Hours Here

Other Cool Information

Distance From Major Cities

Distance from Nearby National Parks

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park – 204 miles
  • New River Gorge National Park – 327 miles
  • Shenandoah National Park – 382 miles
  • Mammoth Cave National Park – 472 miles
  • Cuyahoga Valley National Park – 600 miles

National Parks Sites in South Carolina

  • Congaree National Park
  • Cowpens National Battlefield
  • Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
  • Kings Mountain National Military Park
  • Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
  • Charles Pickney National Historic Site
  • Ninety-Six National Historic Site
  • Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

FAQ About Congaree National Park

Is Congaree National Park worth visiting?

As one of the least visited parks, Congaree National Park is underappreciated.  I don’t know that I’d go out of my way to visit the park, but if you’re in the area, you should stop by, even if it’s just to do the raised boardwalk trail.

How much time do you need at Congaree National Park?

The great thing about this park is that you can have a great experience in about an hour.  CNP is a small park, so half a day is plenty of time to hike, fish, or go out on the water. 

What is the best time of year to visit?

You should plan your visit for the cooler months.  Spring and fall are great times to visit as the temperatures are the most comfortable and the bugs aren’t an issue.

How much does it cost to get in to Congaree National Park?

There is no admission fee to enter the park.

What animals are in Congaree?

Congaree National Park is home to alligators, snakes, birds, bobcats, deer, armadillos, and turkeys.

How far is Congaree National Park from Columbia?

Columbia, South Carolina is about 24 miles from Congaree.  

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

Save our pin 5 Epic Things to Do at Congaree National Park to help you plan your trip.  While you’re at it, browse the Ulitmate National Park Bucket List.  Plan your trip around Free National Park Days and learn about The National Park’s Awesome Junior Ranger Program.

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Categories
Florida Jacksonville National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States

Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve: 6,000 Years of Human History

We are extremely fortunate to have a National Park right in our backyard!  Just down the road from our house (in Jacksonville, Florida) is the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.

Located in the northeast corner of Florida, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty and rich history of the area. With over 46,000 acres of wetlands, waterways, and forests, the preserve is home to an incredible variety of plant and animal life.

In addition to the natural wonders, the preserve also boasts a rich human history, with numerous archaeological sites and structures dating back thousands of years. Visitors can explore the remains of pre-Columbian villages, colonial-era forts, and more recent structures like the Kingsley Plantation.

Whether you’re looking to hike scenic trails, paddle through pristine waterways, or dive into history, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve has something for everyone. With its unique blend of natural and cultural offerings, this hidden gem is a must-visit destination for any Florida adventurer.

Highlights of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve

Kingsley Plantation from the waterfront.

Kingsley Plantation

Kingsley Plantation is a historic estate located in Jacksonville, Florida. It was owned by Zephaniah Kingsley, a wealthy plantation owner, in the 18th century. The property offers guided tours of the slave quarters, plantation house, and other historical buildings. It’s a great spot for a picnic or nature walk, surrounded by beautiful scenery and wildlife. A visit to Kingsley Plantation is a fascinating and educational experience for history lovers.

Firing Cannons at Fort Caroline National Memorial

Fort Caroline

Fort Caroline  was originally established by French Huguenot colonists in 1564, but the settlement was short-lived and was later destroyed by the Spanish. Today, Fort Caroline is remembered as an important part of Florida’s history and is a popular destination for visitors from all over the world.  From its beautiful location on the banks of the St. Johns River to its rich cultural heritage, Fort Caroline is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Florida’s past. 

It’s an excellent spot for hiking and learning about the early colonists.

Enjoying a picnic on American Beach

American Beach

During the dark days of racial segregation, African Americans were not allowed to visit most of Florida’s beaches.  American Beach was founded in 1935 to provide African Americans with beach access.  

Theodore Roosevelt Area

The Theodore Roosevelt Area is a 600+ acre area covered with hardwood forest, wetlands, and scrub vegetation.

Visitors can enjoy miles of wooded nature trails, ancient piles of oyster mounds, and scenic views.

The Fitzpatrick Ruins at Cedar Point

Cedar Point

Cedar Point is a 400-acre ecological and historic preserve located on the southern tip of Black Hammock Island. The park encompasses thousands of years of human history.  It is a popular spot for boaters, kayakers, paddleboarders, and hiking. 

Things to Know Before Visiting Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve

The Best Time to Visit Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve

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

There is no fee to enjoy this park.

Cell Service

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

Pet Policy

Pets are allowed on all trails and outside areas however, they are not permitted indoors.

Distance from Nearby Cities

  • Orlando, FL – 145 miles
  • Tampa, FL – 225 miles
  • Miami, FL – 355 miles
  • Atlanta, GA – 360 miles
  • Charlotte, NC – 390 miles
  • Birmingham, AL – 505 miles

Distance from Nearby National Parks

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

Save our Pin The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve to help you plan your trip.  While you’re in Jacksonville, we suggest visiting nearby Jacksonville Zoo, Blackrock Beach, Little Talbot Island, and the Museum of Science and History.  You should also check out The Ultimate 3-Day Jacksonville Itinerary or if you want to visit beyond the city, take a peep at Planning an Awesome North Florida Vacation.

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

Post Updated: 3/20/2024

Categories
Kentucky National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States

6 National Parks in Kentucky You Must See!

As far as it National Parks go, the Bluegrass State pretty much has it all!  The National Parks in Kentucky include a national park, 2 national historic parks, a national battlefield, and a national river and recreation area, plus they boast a national historic trail.

National Parks in Kentucky

Deep inside Mammoth Cave

Let’s kick off our list with the world-famous, Mammoth Cave National Park.  Not only is this gem a national park, but it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.    This site features the world’s largest cave system.  To date, more than 425 miles have been mapped and explored! 

Park rangers offer several different types of tours that span from 1 to 6 hours long.  This is an absolute must-see if you find yourself in Kentucky!

If you’re traveling with kids, consider staying at the nearby Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park- Mammoth Cave.

 

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Are you seeking a vacation spot filled with outdoor adventure, cultural significance, and natural beauty? Look no further than Cumberland Gap National Park!

With over 85 miles of hiking trails, there’s certainly no shortage of breathtaking views and challenging treks to be explored.

If you’re interested in history, don’t miss a visit to the Hensley Settlement, where you can immerse yourself in the life and times of early Appalachian settlers.

Fort Donelson National Battlefield

This thousand-acre monument commemorates the first Union victory in the Civil War.  Fort Donelson National Battlefield encompasses two Confederate forts: Donelson and Heiman.  The Union Army overtook both forts in February of 1862 and gained control of the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers.

Trail of Tears National Historic Trail

The Trail of Tears commemorates the forced relocation of indigenous tribes.  Between 1830 and 1850, the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw Muscogee and Seminole people were all moved west of the Mississippi River.  Thousands died during the long, difficult journey.

The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail keeps their story alive as it winds through nine states.  Along the way, signs mark significant landmarks along the trail.  Kentucky is home to 9 of these markers.

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park

The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park is one of our favorite national parks in Kentucky!  It’s actually 2 separate sites: Sinking Spring, where Lincoln was born, and Knob Creek, where his family lived for 5 years when he was young.

The Sinking Spring site is a must-see!  Here, you’ll find the park’s visitor center and the massive memorial building.  The memorial building encases a replica of the log cabin where Lincoln was born.

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area protects 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau.  

Interestingly, this area also encompasses the former site of the Blue Heron coal mining community, which operated from 1937 until 1962.  The community is memorialized with an outdoor museum and recreated buildings. 

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.

How to Visit the 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

Other National Park Resources

National Parks in Nearby States

Kentucky Road Trip Ideas

Are you heading to Kentucky soon?   From remarkable caves to historic landmarks, impressive car museums to quirky landmarks, there is so much to see and do in the Blue Grass State!  

Our 8 Totally Fun Things to Add to Your Kentucky Itinerary will help you plan a road trip to remember!  Need additional road trip planning help?  Check out our post: How to Plan a Road Trip the Whole Family with Love!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

For future reference, be sure to save 6 National Parks in Kentucky.  Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

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

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Post Updated: 3/19/2024

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