Happy 4th of July to all my American neighbours!
The American Revolution and its aftermath is an intensely fascinating part of history and the country that was built from it has become just as interesting to the modern world.
The US is home to dozens of national parks and covers just about every type of landscape there is. Someday I’d like to visit every single national park and historic site in the states and experience it coast to coast. My favourite part about America isn’t the cities or the crazy politics, it’s the parks, the spectacular beauty of nature and history within the borders of the USA. Something that I love about nature is that it’s a connecting point. People standing there in awe of the natural beauty are likely standing in the place where people hundreds and thousands of years ago also stood there with the same awe. That’s one of the reasons why I enjoy historic sites so much, it yanks history out of the past and lets you be a part of it, even in a small way.
I love the hiking, the people, the photo opportunities, the historical sites, the food and even the gift shops. There are more National Parks than there are States so you’re never too far from one.
Denali National Park, Alaska and Arches National Park, Utah. Arches might be my favorite national park that I’ve been to. I’ve been multiple times and it’s always gorgeous, though much easier to appreciate in springtime temperatures over the height of summer. I haven’t been far enough north to visit Denali, but it’s on my bucket list.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado. I know a lot of people who’ve been to Great Smoky Mountains and love it, even our park ranger guide in Arches said it was his favorite, so I’ll definitely have to visit. Mesa Verde is a really interesting park, full of history and the amazing Cliff Palace that is a definite must see!
Sequoia National Park, California and Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The sequoia trees have fascinated me for years, but I have yet to see one in person. Yellowstone I saw when I was young and don’t remember too much besides Old Faithful. Yellowstone is the first National Park in the States and has been at the top of a lot of travel lists for obvious reasons.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park isn’t actually a National Park, but it is spectacular. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and the wonderful guided tour by local Navajo. Great way to experience some culture with the excellent view.
There are countless amazing places to explore, histories to uncover and experiences to be had. Go out there and enjoy! Share your favorite spot in the USA with me 🙂
Happy Independence Day!
-Erin