Illinois
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Journeybound Hot Take As a family, we were thrilled to discover that we had touched the same handrail that Abraham Lincoln himself once used in his own home. The beauty of the house, with its tall ceilings, intricate wallpaper, and gorgeous wood furnishings, was truly awe-inspiring. It was an incredible experience to visit such a unique historic site, where an entire street is dedicated to preserving this important piece of American history.
Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
Trail of Tears National Historic Trail
Indiana
Journeybound Hot Take As we approached the enormous monument, we couldn't help but feel awestruck by its impressive size and breathtaking grandeur. Inside there is a stunning collection of extra-large paintings that vividly depicted significant moments from history. It's hard to believe that this monument is the largest of its kind on any battlefield in the entire United States! Situated along the serene banks of the Wabash River, the monument was further enhanced by a picturesque boardwalk lined with beautiful statues.
Journeybound Hot Take With so many beaches and miles of sand, there's no doubt that a trip to this location will be filled with fun. However, among all the activities we did, we found the local zoo and Michigan City's shops to be the most enjoyable. Unfortunately, when we visited, the weather was unbearably hot and humid, making our experience less pleasant. Perhaps on a cooler day, we would have been able to appreciate this park more.
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Journeybound Hot Take This place definitely shows you how it made Abraham Lincoln a good, hard working man. Growing up in a log cabin and working hard on the farm, along with the untimely death of his mother, undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping him into the great president that we know him as today. We like to imagine ourselves in the shoes of the people who lived in these places and to experience the reality of their struggles and triumphs firsthand.
Iowa
Journeybound Hot Take We have gained a wealth of knowledge about Indigenous people through historical sites. Visiting these sites are some of our favorites. Effigy, in particular, provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the purpose behind their mounds. These structures were imbued with spiritual significance, and as you walk the trails, you can feel that.
Journeybound Hot Take Exploring historic buildings is an enjoyable and enriching experience, and presidential sites usually have a lot of them. After a few hours of driving, the grounds provide an excellent opportunity to stretch your legs. Herbert Hoover, who grew up as a Quaker, provides a unique insight into their way of life, and exploring his history a fascinating way to understand how he became the 31st president of the United States.
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
Kansas
Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site
California National Historic Trail
Fort Larned National Historic Site
Fort Scott National Historic Site
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Nicodemus National Historic Site
Oregon National Historic Trail
Pony Express National Historic Trail
Santa Fe National Historic Trail
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Michigan
Keweenaw National Historical Park
North Country National Scenic Trail
Journeybound Hot Take Whether it's hiking up the dunes, savoring a cup of coffee at a cozy local shop, or taking a tour of sunken ships. With all the hidden treasures it has to offer in this park, I feel privileged to call Michigan our home state. Northern Michigan truly exudes a sense of magic and wonder. Pictured Rocks, with its stunning scenery on the lake, is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking places you could ever see on any lake shore.
Journeybound Hot Take Michigan's Battlefield Park came as a surprise to us, but we were blown away by the visitor center, which may very well be one of the finest we've ever encountered – and that's saying something, considering we've visited some of the largest national parks out there. The center does an outstanding job of immersing you in the events of the War of 1812.
Journeybound Hot Take With so many wonderful lake towns in Michigan, it's hard to go wrong – but Sleeping Bear Dunes is truly a standout, offering a wealth of fascinating activities for visitors. From lighthouses and boat tours to nearby islands, to scenic hiking trails and enlightening insights into the native peoples who once called this area home, there's something for everyone here. And if you're feeling adventurous, be sure to tackle the Dune Climb – it's an unforgettable experience, with countless others joining you to savor the stunning views and soft, sandy terrain. Just be sure to avoid the hot days, if you can!
Missouri
California National Historic Trail
Journeybound Hot Take If you're planning to visit, be sure to grab your tickets in advance, to ensure entry. Once you arrive, you'll quickly see why St. Louis is such a beloved city – it's brimming with family-friendly attractions that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. The Children's Museum and the free zoo (yes, it's free!) are absolute must-sees, in addition to the iconic Arch itself. For those seeking a bit of history and education, the museum inside the Arch is a fascinating experience – just make sure you wear comfortable shoes, as it's larger than you might expect!
George Washington Carver National Monument
Harry S Truman National Historic Site
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Oregon National Historic Trail
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Pony Express National Historic Trail
Ste Genevieve National Historical Park
Santa Fe National Historic Trail
Trail of Tears National Historic Trail
Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
Nebraska
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
California National Historic Trail
Homestead National Monument of America
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Missouri National Recreational River
Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
Niobrara National Scenic River
Oregon National Historic Trail
Pony Express National Historic Trail
Journeybound Hot Take Unfortunately, we arrived too late in the day to be able to do their scenic drive, which was a bit of a letdown. But, the visitor center museum was great and our children were thrilled to earn another junior ranger badge. Even after the museum closed, we were able to stroll around the grounds, taking in the sights of covered wagons to explore and Scotts Bluff looming in the background.
North Dakota
Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Journeybound Hot Take During our visit, we had the opportunity to take a guided tour of the earth lodge, and the rangers were outstanding in their ability to bring the space to life and share some truly fascinating facts with our children. For example, we learned that buffalo hooves were often used as doorbells. There are also remnants of earth lodges to explore on a hike to the Knife River, where we were awed by the rich history of this major Indian trade market, which brought together tribes from all over the region.
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
North Country National Scenic Trail
Journeybound Hot Take This not so hidden gem is underappreciated and overlooked by many. From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the abundance of wildlife that surrounded us. We saw more animals in this park than in all the other parks we've visited combined, including wild horses, longhorns grazing, and buffalo roaming free in the fields. As we explored the park, we couldn't help but think of Teddy Roosevelt and the tragedies he endured, and how this place must have been a source of healing and solace for him. It's a powerful reminder of the restorative power of that nature holds.
Ohio
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument
Journeybound Hot Take What sets this park apart from most national parks is its focus on history and heritage, rather than just nature preservation. As we wandered around the dog friendly park, we were struck by the abundance of historic sites and buildings that offered a fascinating glimpse into the past. The incredible hiking trails, particularly The Ledges, which was an absolute must-do. Their visitor center also has some delicious local ice cream, which was the perfect treat after a day of exploring.
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
First Ladies National Historic Site
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
Journeybound Hot Take Without a doubt, this presidential house is one of the most breathtaking and stunning homes we've ever seen. Unfortunately, we weren't able to tour the interior this time around - advance tickets were required - but we still had a fantastic time exploring the dog-friendly grounds and taking part in the BARK ranger program. There were plenty of other buildings to check out, including his library (which doubled as his campaign office). And the front porch of his house? That was where he gave his campaign speech that drew a whopping 17,000 people!
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial
WIlliam Howard Taft National Historic Site
South Dakota
Journeybound Hot Take Our family's first visit to a national park was a life-changing experience, and we couldn't have picked a better park to begin with. Our hiking experience at Door Trail made us entranced. We explored it during the day and returned to catch the mesmerizing sunset. We even attempted to stay late enough to glimpse the Milky Way, but our little ones were tuckered out by then. I'll never forget our first hike through the park either, surrounded by the scent of juniper pines. It was a moment of pure joy, and it's what ignited our love for the great outdoors.
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
Missouri National Recreational River
Journeybound Hot Take Despite hearing negative opinions, we took a chance and visited this monument, and we loved it! As we walked through the rows of flags to get closer to the monument, saw the sheer magnitude and artistry of the monument it is a testament to the incredible skill of its creators. One of the highlights of our trip was definitely the walk that led us to different viewpoints of the monument, providing view points worth photographing.
Journeybound Hot Take As we approached the Visitor Center, a vast herd of majestic buffalo, leisurely grazing and lounging about, accompanied by more than a lot of prairie dogs. Wind Cave National Park, our second family cave exploration, is unlike any other cave we've seen, Wind Cave boasts exquisite boxwork formations that are truly one-of-a-kind. And with its proximity to other natural wonders like Custer and Needles Highway, it's an absolute must-visit on any trip to the area.