Park Visitor

Savor nature’s beauty and immerse yourself in Colorado’s exciting outdoors as you travel through the Pikes Peak region. Enjoy incredible views while hiking, reel in a rainbow trout, and explore the impressive Collegiate Peaks Range.

DAY ONE: Head west from Colorado Springs on US Highway 24 for 25 miles to the small mountain town of Divide. Here, turn south on Highway 67 for six miles until you end Mueller State Park, which contains the perfect venue for a morning horseback or mountain bike ride. Catch a glimpse of the abundant wildlife as you explore the 50-plus miles of trails throughout the park. Then hop back into the car and head back to Hwy 24, continuing west to Eleven Mile State Park and Reservoir. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, this is the perfect place for a midday picnic while listening to the peaceful sound of water lapping on the shore. The park’s nine campgrounds offer a variety of camping facilities to stay overnight. Dress warmly, however. Even in warm summers the nights can get cool at this altitude.

DAY TWO: Wake up to birds singing and a bright sun at Eleven Mile State Park’s 8,500 feet of elevation and then continue west 45 miles on Hwy 24 to the small mountain town of Collegiate Peaks (Mt. Harvard, Mt. Oxford, Mt. Yale, Mt. Princeton, and Mt. Buena Vista. Here you can enjoy the magnificent 14,000 Columbia) or explore the canyons and river scenery of Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area while enjoying this unique Western town. Then spend the afternoon recreating in Colorado’s river country. The area boasts some of the best whitewater boating in the country along this 150-mile stretch of water. The area offers something for everyone—from large rapids to calmer stretches of water. Then jump in the car and either continue on Hwy 24 to the ski town of Vail and home along Interstate 70, or backtrack east to Colorado Springs.

From the Civil War through the Cold War, Delaware has provided defense for our nation's coast. Defense posts such as Fort Delaware and Fort Miles have protected the Delaware Bay and River from our nation's enemies. This weekend road trip tours these historic gems.

DAY ONE: On an island in the Delaware River stands Fort Delaware State Park, a Civil War-era prison with armaments that protected the river from enemy ships. Today, Fort Delaware is the site of award-winning living history. Pea Patch Island itself is home to a large heronry. Paranormal Investigations are featured every fall. Begin your day with a ferry trip from Delaware City to the island. Costumed re-enactors and artillery demonstrations will transport you to 1864. See the fort and barracks that were once home to more than 20,000 prisoners, soldiers and civilians.

DAY TWO: Head south to Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes and find a coastal defense site at Fort Miles. The guns of Fort Miles protected the Delaware Bay during World War II. Concrete bunkers that housed huge guns are now sites for tours led by costumed interpreters. Look across the water and imagine the German submarine that surrendered at Fort Miles during World War II. See the fire control towers that stand along the coast where soldiers were stationed to help aim the massive guns, and learn about the underground listening stations that monitored these waters through the Cold War.

BONUS TIP: For another unique experience, head down Route 1 to the Indian River Life-Saving Station. The station was built in 1876 to respond to shipwrecks along the coastlines of the United States. Costumed re-enactors retell the story of the brave surfmen of the Life-Saving Service. Next door, the gift shop sells unique nautical items and souvenirs.

Tours of historic homes provide a look at the struggles and successes of past generations. Visit a working century farm and the homestead of a famous author. Gainesville features many places for lodging and restaurants.

DAY ONE: Dudley Farm Historic State Park is an authentic working farm demonstrating the evolution of Florida farming from the 1850s to the mid- 1940s. The homestead consists of 18 buildings, including an 1880s kitchen outbuilding, a general store and a functional cane syrup complex. Park staff in period clothing perform daily chores. This park is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday - Sunday (it is closed Monday and Tuesday).

DAY TWO: Pulitizer-prize winning author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings lived in her cracker-style home and farm in Cross Creek for 25 years. Walk back in time to the 1930s where the author lived, worked and wrote her novel, The Yearling. Designated a National Historic Landmark, her homestead Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, has been restored and preserved. Picnic facilities and a playground are nearby. Tours available October - July, Thursday-Sunday.

BONUS TIP: Go to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in Micanopy for camping overnight. Explore the Visitor Center's exhibits and audio-visual program on the great Alachua Savanna and climb the observation tower for a look at the prairie.

Sample Native American history, explore nature, tour museums, and enjoy a little heart-pumping adventure on this fun two-day road trip. It's an easy drive from Atlanta and surrounding suburbs!

Idaho is not only a place for adventure, but it's a state full of rich mining history that is still visible today. This road trip will give you a glimpse of what the area was like during the mining boom and it will provide plenty of opportunity to explore outdoors and relax with the whole family.

DAY ONE: Eastern Idaho's Land of the Yankee Fork State Park is a great park to visit to learn about Idaho's frontier mining history. The Interpretive Center offers exhibits, a gold panning station, audiovisual programs, children's programs and friendly personnel to provide information on local mining history. Don't forget to take a tour of Bayhorse, one of Idaho's famous ghost towns and OHV trailheads. More information is available at the visitor center.

DAY TWO: Massacre Rocks State Park: About 3.5 hours south by car (take US 93 south to US 26 to I-86W), Massacre Rocks State Park is also full of history and beauty. Trail emigrants referred to the area as "Devil's Gate" for its ruggedness, but today travelers use terms like beautiful, serene, and restful to describe the park. The park is rich in Oregon Trail, geological, and natural histories. Pioneers used this area, specifically what is now referred to as Register Rock, as a travelers rest. Today, it makes a great picnic stop.

BONUS TIPS: Take a tour around the ghost towns of Bayhorse, Bonanza and Custer, the Custer Motorway or the Challis Bison Kill Site. This area is well-known for OHV opportunities, hiking, fishing, hunting, whitewater rafting on the world-famous Salmon River or backpacking in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area. In winter, Stanley offers snowmobiling.

You don't have to drive far to enjoy a diverse, relaxing, fun slice of Maryland. This 2-park adventure only involves about an hour of driving, but includes a lot of adventure as you climb a tall lighthouse and gaze across a covered bridge, hike, bike, camp and swim!

DAY ONE: Start your journey at Elk Neck, where 2,188 acres of sandy beaches, marshlands, and heavily wooded bluffs overlook the North East River, the Elk River and the Chesapeake Bay. Swim in the Bay, launch a canoe, or hike out to Turkey Point Lighthouse, the landmark of this park. There you can stand on a 100-foot bluff and look out over the Bay and see for miles. On Saturdays and Sundays (April - November between 10am and 4pm) you can climb up to the top of the 35-foot-tall lighthouse and learn more about its history.

DAY TWO: About 40 minutes north of Elk Neck State Park via MD-272 and MD-213 is Fair Hill NRMA where your adventure continues. Bordered by Pennsylvania to the north and less than one half mile west of Delaware, Fair Hill is known for its pristine fields, woodlands and natural beauty. Don't miss the Covered Bridge, a great historic landmark and picnic spot. It was constructed in 1860 for the Cecil County Commissioners, at a cost of $1,165. This area also offers fishing, hiking, biking, and equestrian use trails.

There's so much to see in the U.P.! This circle tour highlights some of the most beautiful parks in Michigan and gives you a complete sampling of everything the Upper Peninsula has to offer. Have fun!

DAY ONE: Straits State Park is the ideal starting point for your journey around the Upper Peninsula. Go for a hike, or have a picnic by the water with views of the Mackinac Bridge. From there, head west toward Palms Book State Park, where you can take a trip on the Kitch-iti-kipi raft. The raft allows visitors to see underwater springs that gush more than 10,000 gallons of water per minute. You can camp nearby at Indian Lake State Park, where cabins and a campground are available. Or, head back to Straits State Park for a night by the bridge.

DAY TWO: Next, head further west toward Bond Falls Scenic Site. Bond Falls is created as the middle branch of the Ontonagon river tumbles over a thick belt of fractured rock, dividing it into numerous small cascades. Just north of here, you can also view Agate Falls. Next, head east and stop at Laughing White Fish Falls and Wagner Falls scenic sites. Both sites offer short hiking trails and scenic observation decks that allow you to view the cascades up-close.

BONUS TIPS: If you have time, make a special stop at Van Riper State Park to see moose, or Muskallonge State Park for agates on the Lake Superior beach. You can also stay overnight at Brimley State Park and take time to visit the famous Soo Locks. Several of the historic towns in the U.P. offer dining and lodging options as well.

With state parks across the state, it's easy to plan a great weekend without a lot of windshield time. Experience a taste of southern Missouri during a two-day trip to Roaring River State Park and nearby Table Rock State Park.

DAY ONE: You can spend the night in Roaring River State Park's campground, in a rustic 1930s cabin built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, or in a modern motel room in the Emory Melton Inn and Conference Center. Wake up your first morning with the sun coming over the surrounding rugged and forested hills. After a hearty breakfast at the park's restaurant, you are ready to try your hand at some of the best rainbow trout fishing in Missouri. Be sure to allow enough time in your day to visit the nature center, take a hike onatrailorcooloffwithadipinthe swimming pool.

DAY TWO: After a relaxing night at Roaring River State Park, take the scenic drive through the hills to nearby Table Rock State Park. The opportunities for water recreation on Table Rock Lake are bountiful. Check out the full-service marina for the experience of para-sailing over the lake, zooming across the lake on a personal watercraft, or exploring under the water after a SCUBA lesson. Enjoy the sunset on a 50-foot catamaran cruise around the lake. Spend your last night in the park's spacious campground and celebrate with a meal under the stars.

BONUS TIPS: After exploring Table Rock Lake, on and under the water, check it out from a trail along the lakeshore. The 2.2-mile Shoreline Trail has an asphalt surface so it accommodates foot traffic, motorized wheelchairs, bicycles, skateboards and scooters. It can be accessed from Table Rock State Park, the Showboat Branson Belle and the Dewey Short Visitor Center.

Start outside San Antonio by visiting Government Canyon State Natural Area. Spend the morning hiking through live oak savannahs, old-growth Ashe juniper trees and some Spanish moss overhangs for a relaxing start to the day. Then take Interstate 10 north to Fredricksburg where you can picnic at Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historical Site on the banks of the Pedernales River, across from the former President’s ranch. But hurry, ll want to make it to the Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area by dusk to catch the nightly ritual of bats exiting the cave looking for insects to eat (May-October). Cap your long day with a short drive to stay the night in one of 46 campsites at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Don’t worry, the next day is all about lollygagging and relaxing—if you want—but we recommend climbing to the top of the pink granite dome here.

Also starting near San Antonio, this trip’s first stop is at Guadalupe River State Park and Honey Creek State Natural Area (the latter only open by reserved, guided tours) to see some of the most scenic areas in all of central Texas. Fish, hike or just enjoy the serenity of the Guadalupe River before heading north to McKinney Falls State Park to set up camp at one of 84 campsites, many with water and electricity inside Austin city limits. Here you’ll find more than seven miles of trails suitable for hiking, biking, or milling around with the family, but you’ll want to do that on your second full day here. After setting up camp, head into downtown Austin for a tour of the state’s capital before snagging a spot along the Congress Avenue bridge to view the nightly flight of the bats before heading back to camp.

Dinosaur sightings abound when you explore in and around the city of Vernal. Driving into town, you’ll see a cute, pink dinosaur welcoming you to this 2-day adventure. Just down the street, you can explore Utah Field House, Red Fleet and Steinaker state parks.

DAY ONE: Within an 80-mile radius of Vernal, evidence of the entire Earth’s history is visible, and at its center is the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum. Children can dig for fossils and walk through a prehistoric jungle inside. Outside, explore the Dinosaur Garden, a prehistoric zoo of 14 full- size dinosaur replicas. Stand in the shadow of 20-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex, or go head-to-head with a horned Triceratops, six-ton Stegosaurus, or winged Pteranodon.

DAY TWO: Red Fleet State Park is a short drive north from downtown Vernal. The park is named for its red rocks jutting up from the landscape, which appear like a fleet of ships. Enjoy an easy hike to the dinosaur trackway. Paleontologists say these tracks are 200 million years old and the three-toed dinosaurs that left them walked on two legs. The best viewing times are early morning or late afternoon, as the tracks are somewhat difficult to see when the sun is directly overhead.

BONUS TIPS: Don’t miss the pink and green dinosaurs along Main Street in Vernal. If you have time, make your way to Steinaker State Park, 7 miles north of Vernal, just off Utah Highway 191. Sandy beaches, swimming, boating and waterskiing top the list of activities at Steinaker. There’s year- round fishing too!

Enjoy both recreation and history while touring Virginia State Parks. It’s an affordable and fun experience you won’t want to miss. Use the following details and suggestions to guide your road trip.

DAYS ONE & TWO: Bear Creek Lake State Park: Located in the heart of Cumberland County this is the perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors will enjoy the picturesque 40-acre lake complete with boat launch, fishing pier, boat rentals and swimming beach. The park offers 6 miles of hiking trails and access to biking and horseback riding on adjacent State Forest land. Well-appointed cabins and lodge are furnished with all the comforts of home, or enjoy getting back to basics around the campfire for the night with the family.

DAY THREE: High Bridge Trail State Park: Nearby, in downtown Farmville, are trailheads for the 30-mile multi-use High Bridge Trail that runs through three counties and five towns in Central Virginia. The trail’s centerpiece is the majestic High Bridge. Once opened, it will be more than 2,400 feet long and 160 feet above the Appomattox River. The bridge was built in 1853 and a major battle took place when Confederate forces burned four spans of High Bridge, but failed to destroy the lower wagon bridge and Federal forces were able to continue pursuit of Lee’s army north of the Appomattox River.

IN THE KNOW PIT STOPS: Follow the Civil War Trail’s Lee’s Retreat driving tour following the course of critical action on roads that were used April 2–9, 1865. Short-range radio messages at more than 26 waysides along the way explain the activity. Five of these stops on Lee’s Retreat are at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park in Amelia County. This historical park was the scene of the last major battle of the American Civil War.

DAY ONE: Twenty-three miles from the Montana State Line is Sheridan, home of the Trail End State Historic Site and the Kendrick Mansion. John B. Kendrick came to Wyoming a penniless, uneducated and orphan cowboy, and later became governor of Wyoming and a U.S. Senator. The Trail End Mansion was his home. Another 23 miles south on I-90 leads to Exit 44 and Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site. Near the fort is the Fetterman Battlefield, the site where Capt. William J. Fetterman and 80 soldiers were ambushed by hundreds of Lakota and Cheyenne warriors.

DAY TWO: State Line is Sheridan, home of the Trail End State Historic Site and the Kendrick Mansion. John B. Kendrick came to Wyoming a penniless, uneducated and orphan cowboy, and later became governor of Wyoming and a U.S. Senator. The Trail End Mansion was his home. Another 23 miles south on I-90 leads to Exit 44 and Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site. Near the fort is the Fetterman Battlefield, the site where Capt. William J. Fetterman and 80 soldiers were ambushed by hundreds of Lakota and Cheyenne warriors. Day Two West of Buffalo and north of Ten Sleep is the Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site. This site features a variety of petroglyphs and pictographs dating back tens of thousands of years. The site, which has been determined to be a crossroads for prehistoric peoples also offers great camping and picnicking for the modern day traveler. Traveling back to I-90 and towards the South Dakota State Line is Keyhole State Park. Drop a line in Keyhole Reservoir or camp at the sites many campsites. Either way Keyhole State Park offers a quiet, relaxing experience.