Category: National Park
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Big Cypress National Preserve-Florida
“Stay right there, I have to get the book,” directs Park Ranger Maggie, at Big Cypress National Preserve. The book is where Park Rangers record the “quote of the day.” I don’t inquire if all National Park sites have a quote of the day book, or just Big Cypress. I am too excited. Entering the…
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Lafayette-History and Cultural Tour
Lafayette, Louisiana, is steeped in history. Growing up and continuing to live in the North East, Tri-State area, I am immersed in the United States’ past. Narratives of the Revolutionary War and the start of the United States, percolate in my brain. This foundation now gives me a thirst, to learn about history beyond my…
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Historic Jamestowne Site-Virginia
When initially planning a Williamsburg, Virginia trip, many people aren’t aware that there are two Jamestown sites, the Historic Jamestowne Site, and the Jamestown Settlement. Often, visitors must choose between one or the other. Fortunately we visit both. The first order of business at Historic Jamestowne, is to stamp our National Park Passport book. The…
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Yorktown Battlefield-Virginia
It’s Yorktown Battlefield day. I play the song Yorktown, from the Hamilton soundtrack, as I get ready fortoday’s adventure. The creative arts fascinate me. How writing, music, acting, and visuals, can makeinformation, that dully washed over you in history class, come alive. I know the musical backwards andforwards, so today, instead of just names and…
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Wall Drug Store and Minuteman Missile National Historic Site-South Dakota
The feeling bubbles up as Wall Drug Store comes into view. Swirling glitter in my stomach, that’s getting more sparkly as it swirls. The glitter rises up into my face, pulling the corners of my mouth into a smile. I’m ready for some “touristy” hijinks. Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Some travel days are filled…
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Badlands National Park and Prairie Homestead-South Dakota
Rays of light beam down on the sign, as we make our way to Badlands National Park. The sign reads, Prairie Homestead. “Can we go, can we go, can we go,” I beg. Prairie Homestead As a kid I was obsessed with all things prairie. Thanks to a Dad with construction skills, I had a prairie style…
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Mount Rushmore-We Didn’t Hate It
As we twist around the roads on the way to Mount Rushmore, I’m flooded with a memory. My family is on a New England road trip. I am a middle school history buff, and am most looking forward to gazing upon Plymouth Rock. I imagine Plymouth Rock to be a massive, inspiring, boulder, that shines…
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Connecting with Elsa- Ellis Island-New York
Elsa watches as her home disappears in the distance. Elsa’s parents are concerned about Germany’s political direction. They decide to send sixteen- year- old Elsa to America, to live with cousins, until things in Germany calm down. A few days into the journey, Elsa is struck with a fever and chills. Although she is on…
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Staying at Denali Dome Home-Bed and Breakfast
It’s breakfast time at Denali Dome Home and we are bummed. Not at the breakfast, it has everything we could want. Not at our stay, as this unique bed and breakfast has been everything we hoped for. We’re bummed because we brought our shiny new National Parks Passport and we want All The Stamps. Unfortunately, during our…