Badlands National Park is a popular stop for people visiting Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills of South Dakota. Our family enjoyed exploring the park, although the 100-degree temperature that day made it less enjoyable. However, we were able to hike the trails in the east end of Badlands National Park. Here’s a rundown on…
I’ve enjoyed many visits to hike Kolob Canyon in Utah’s Zion National Park. It’s easily accessible along I-15, offers some great hikes for the whole family, and offers beautiful views of Utah’s landscape. But Kolob Canyon isn’t as popular as the Scenic Drive of Zion National Park. It doesn’t have the reputation that hikes like…
People from around the world come to explore Crater Lake National Park. But if that’s your only stop, you’re missing out on some majestic waterfalls. Three beautiful waterfalls in Oregon are a short hike from the main road that goes through the town of Prospect. Here’s a rundown on the short hikes to explore the…
It’s hard to find your balance at the Cosmos Mystery Area near Rapid City, South Dakota. You can feel the weight of gravity pulling you this way and that. The tour through the cabin definitely plays tricks with your mind. While that description may steer you away from wanting to visit, it’s that mystery that…
I’ve done bits and pieces of Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 throughout my life. But it wasn’t until this summer that we made a day trip out of driving the full length of this famous and beautiful highway. It would take more than a single day to explore all of the stops along the way, but…
Many people know Yellowstone National Park was the first designated national park. But did you know Wyoming also has the first official national monument? Devil’s Tower in northeast Wyoming holds that honor. We, like many other travelers, explored the national monument on our way to Mount Rushmore. Here are a few tips to help you…
The Black Hills gold rush started in 1874. Two years later, thousands flocked to Deadwood, South Dakota, to search for gold. The Broken Boot Gold Mine was opened in 1878, functioned as a mine until 1918, and today tourists can take a gold mine tour to see it for themselves. Our tour guide was wonderful…
When I told people my wife and I were driving the Oregon coast, many people and online forums recommended the Sea Lion Caves. We were mixed about stopping there, but decided to give it a chance. We waited in line, paid our admission fee and began to explore the area. If you or your kids…
The National Presidential Wax Museum in Keystone, South Dakota, is a great stop to learn about America’s presidents. We stopped by during our visit to Mount Rushmore and were able to learn a little more about the role each president played in America’s history. If you’re looking for a great spot to stop and learn,…
Road trips are great. Especially when you stop in small towns with amazing museums. Gillette, Wyoming, is one of those towns. The Frontier Relics and Auto Museum was enjoyed by the parents and kids as we made our way across Wyoming to Mount Rushmore (via Devil’s Tower). Step back in time with a visit to…
