From Rebellion to Ba Most of us know what to expect on the Fourth of July — fireworks after sundown, something delicious on the grill, and maybe a small-town parade if you’re lucky. But the road to today’s celebrations started long before paper plates and picnic tables were part of the picture.
Whenever you hear a friend or family member say they’re going to take a road trip to visit some of America’s most beautiful national parks, they usually plan to visit the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, the Great Smoky Mountains, or Yosemite. These national parks consistently attract millions of visitors every year, but they’re far from the only must-see national parks in the country. There are 429 protected national sites within the U.S., and 63 of those have obtained the official “national park” designation in their names. (The other labels are battlefields, historic sites, monuments, recreation areas, etc.) 3 NATIONAL PARKS THAT ARE WORTH THE DETOUR Ditch the Tourist Traps
In 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. Although the actual vote for separation from Britain happened two days earlier, on July 2, the final wording was adopted on the 4th. That date ended up stamped on the document and into the country’s collective memory. John Adams, one of the Declaration’s key architects, predicted future generations would mark the day with “bells, bonfires, and illuminations.” He wasn’t far off.
By the following year, Philadelphia was already celebrating. The first official anniversary featured cannon fire, music, and fireworks — all the more meaningful since the country was still in the thick of its war for survival.
If you want to experience the beauty of America without the crowds, consider visiting these destinations during your next vacation!
After the War of 1812, the Fourth took on new weight as a moment of national pride. Communities organized public readings of the
Channel Islands National Park, California Often referred to as the Galapagos of North America, the Channel Islands are a unique area off the coast of Southern California. While visiting, you can expect to see seals, island foxes, and over 2,000 other plant and animal species, with 145 found nowhere else on Earth. You can reach the mainland visitor center in Ventura by car, but the islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats or private boats. Make reservations in advance.
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Cuyahoga National Park, Ohio If you want a unique experience, visit Cuyahoga National Park. Like many other national parks, you can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and photography while exploring the park’s 33,000 acres. You can admire many of the 1,000 species of plants and animals throughout your exploration, but if you want to get the full experience, hop aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota Exploring a cave might not be your first thought when considering national parks, but Wind Cave is a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s one of the longest and most complex caves in the world and has many unique features, such as frostwork, cave popcorn, and boxwork, creating unique sights with every step. Once you head back outside, a beautiful mixed-grass prairie, home to bison, prairie dogs, and more, will greet you.
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