National Park Travelogue
There is nothing so American as our national parks … the fundamental idea behind the parks … is that the country belongs to the people, that it is in process of making for the enrichment of the lives of all of us.”
~ President Franklin D. Roosevelt; 32nd president of the United States who signed Executive Order 6166, which created the National Park Service we know today
Find Your Favorite National Park
NORTH CASCADES
Category: Northwest Region
State: Washington
The jagged mountains, pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls and dense forests exude life as has existed for centuries. The waters sparkle and it is possible to view rocks at unbelievable depths.
NEW RIVER GORGE
Category: Southeast Region
State: West Virginia
The 3,030 foot long New River Gorge Bridge claims it’s status as “Western Hemisphere’s Longest Arch Bridge.” Historic Thurmond includes abandoned but restored buildings including a post office, bank and […]
MOUNT RAINIER
Category: Northwest Region
State: Washington
The park was named after 14,410 foot Mount Rainier. It is seriously majestic. There are more than 300 lakes, dozens of waterfalls, 25 glaciers and 50 permanent snowfields.
MESA VERDE
Category: West Region
State: Colorado
Stunning, spiritual, magical, impressive, rugged, perplexing, spellbinding – words are not available to describe the awe of standing in this place.
HAWAII VOLCANOES
Category: West Region
State: Hawaii
Standing atop this majestic volcano, fissures and vents hiss and belch while spewing warm steam from the earth’s surface. A slight smell of sulfur can be detected. A visit to […]
CONGAREE
Category: Southeast Region
State: South Carolina
The park is a sanctuary for diverse plant and animal populations. Stands of ancient cypress, pines, oak, elm, persimmon, laurel and sweet gum trees are often covered with Spanish moss […]
GREAT SAND DUNES
Category: West Region
State: Colorado
Glimmering in the sun gigantic white dunes arise. My binoculars focused on small figures with sandboards, sleds and platters in hand preparing for the exhilarating ride down Star Dunes – […]
HALEAKALA
Category: West Region
State: Hawaii
Haleakala is translated “House of the Sun”. The park is located on the beautiful island of Maui and is described as “the quietest place on Earth.” Apparently there is nowhere […]
VOYAGEURS
Category: Midwest Region
State: Minnesota
The calls of loons, the howl of coyotes, a sudden downpour, roasting hotdogs, gorgeous flowers, cold wind, warm hot chocolate, hiking Ellsworth Rock Gardens with abstract rock sculptures, our boat […]
INDIANA DUNES
Category: Midwest Region
State: Indiana
Beaches, beaches and more beaches. This gorgeous park protects and preserves 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. More than just dunes, swamps, prairies, lakes and rivers are found along the […]
CRATER LAKE
Category: Northwest Region
State: Oregon
Crater Lake was formed by the collapse of Mt Mazama volcano about 7,700 years ago. America’s clearest and deepest lake is breathtaking.The Scenic Rim Drive is 33 miles around the […]
ROCKY MOUNTAIN
Category: West Region
State: Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park straddles the continental divide. Simply put, the flow of water drainage is either directed to the Pacific Ocean or the Atlantic Ocean. The scenery is beautiful. […]
WIND CAVE
Category: Midwest Region
State: South Dakota
The cave is a trip into an ethereal landscape of amazing limestone formations. Above ground there are 30 miles of hiking trails, bird-watching and wildlife viewing. Our adventure to this […]
GREAT BASIN
Category: West Region
State: Nevada
The Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and a portion of western Utah. Mountains, creeks, meadows and forests are found in this location. The Bristlecone Pine can live […]
LASSEN VOLCANIC
Category: West Region
State: California
Trees and clouds are reflected in the waters of Manzanita Lake.
EVERGLADES
Category: Southeast Region
State: Florida
Everglades is one of the country’s largest national parks and is recognized as a Wetland of International Importance, International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site.
KINGS CANYON
Category: West Region
State: California
My second trip to Kings Canyon was as impressive as the first. The King’s Canyon Scenic Byway is a 30 mile drive displaying cliffs, deep valleys, towering trees and a […]
GATEWAY ARCH
Category: Midwest Region
State: Missouri
This is the smallest national park in the country – 91 acres. The Gateway Arch was designed by Eero Saarinen to commemorate the important role that St Louis played in […]
CUYAHOGA
Category: Midwest Region
State: Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley is one of the smallest national parks but holds the distinction of helping to create the Clean Water Act (1972), the Environmental Protection Agency (1970) and celebration of […]
BRYCE CANYON
Category: West Region
State: Utah
Hoodoos! The crimson and pink stone spires are incredible and the largest collection of hoodoos in the world. Walking among these giant formations I found my imagination running wild.