Skip to main content

What’s in a Name?

Ever wondered why there are so many different types of parks in the National Parks system? National Park, National Monument, National Historic Park–what’s the difference? National Park. The term “National Park” was the original name used for the first several tracts of land set aside by Congress to protect primarily scenic wonders from encroaching development. […]

Mount Vernon Trail

Do you like to bike? Then you should try Mount Vernon Trail in Washington, D.C.  Mount Vernon Trail is an 18-mile long trail that extends from George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate to Arlington National Cemetery. It was first opened in 1972 as a multi-use path after biking became popular along the nearby George Washington Parkway. […]

Gettysburg

Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania preserves the site of the largest battle ever fought in North America and the turning point of the U.S. Civil War. The battle involved more than 160,000 troops and marked the end of General Robert E. Lee’s excursion into the North. The park surrounds the small town of Gettysburg, […]