Custer State Park

After its founder’s assassination ■ (Joseph Smith Jr. in June 1844) and facing harassment by their neighbors, the Church of Latter-Day Saints knew it needed to move its headquarters from Nauvoo [Illinois]. With several factions competing for the Church’s control, the faithful debated possible destinations, including Oregon, Vancouver Island, Texas, and México’s Alta California province. In February 1846, with Apostle Orson Pratt’s backing, Samuel Brannan (1819–1889) led 238 stalwarts and set sail

bad easing my disappointment. Okay, Upper Falls has its perks. A discussion began regarding to continue our adventure higher up the mountain. Posted on the trail at Upper Falls was a sign that read you have reached the Upper Falls of Wallace Falls State Park. Feeling a craving to continue, and with neither one of us having previously hiked beyond this location on either of our separate itineraries, we stepped into the unknown. The trail beyond the sign appeared noticeably less traveled and not as easy

this trip. I went to Redwood National Park and I experienced a true, American national treasure I left Monday, August 22 because I wanted to witness the gorgeous leaves the redwoods produce before the dawn of autumn. The ride took two days and I arrived on a Friday. California's northern coast is quite far from Illinois, and I wanted to make my way up there by car so I can store the variety of items that I definitely will make good use of in the park. Although, if I was to travel by air

Happy Valley Happy Sally Sally A Wainwright was born in 1963 in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire England. Sally was brought up in Sowerby Bridge, Yorkshire after she was born. Daughter of Harry and Dorothy Wainwright and sister of Diane Hilton. She is married to Austin-Sherlow Johnson with two children and now lives in the Cotswolds. As Sally grew up her home was not a happy household. In fact, Sally said “I don’t think my parent ever got [along]. I suppose I grew up in a house with quite a tense atmosphere”

This seemingly odd-named state park is named after the virgin tropical forest that is the main attraction of Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park. This state park is home to over 1000 lignum vitae trees. These amazing trees are truly a spectacle to see. They feature distinctive deep-blue flowers every spring and have branches that cris-cross each other. Their wood is some of the densest on earth, weighing in at 80 pounds per cubic foot. The vegetation here used to be more prevalent in the Upper Keys

include the water-carved wonders of the red rocks of Sedona and the water sports of the Verde River with its feeder creeks, springs and streams. Following are some of my personal favorites in the neighborhood. Dead Horse Ranch State Park Located in old Cottonwood, this large park adjoins the Verde River. Your stay could include wild-life watching, fishing, events marking historical significance, with many water sports and hiking trails. Exciting bicycling trails exist as well. Frequent events are held

Gettysburg National Military Park has gone through many phases throughout its history; one thing that has not changed and that is the importance of remembrance of the soldiers and their sacrifices. The changes that occurred through the decades at Gettysburg National Battlefield mirror the social climate in the United States. In the year of 1895, Gettysburg went from being a privately-owned property to becoming a Military Park. Many things would change from the Military Park though once the 1930’s

mountain and embark on another climb. However, attending Grand Valley State University in Michigan, there are very few opportunities to climb and hike anything comparable to Mount Rainier. Therefore, I was beyond eager when I was given the opportunity to voyage up another mountain in Big Bend National Park located in Texas, whilst visiting my parents on one of my college breaks. Upon journeying up Emory Peak in Big Bend National Park, Texas, my nineteen-year-old self was anxiously determined to successfully

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park rests on 400 acres protected land. Occupying the southern third of the island of Key Biscayne, this natural respite for birds and people alike falls just south of Miami Beach. This park was rightly named for The Miami News editor who fought to protect the land and preserve the Key in its natural state. Along the east side of the park, one and a quarter miles of sandy beachfront boasts open views of the Atlantic Ocean. This beautiful area offers visitors access

across the central plains like deafening crashes of thunder. The rich green grass was slowly turning red with blood, as Native Americans and the United states army were waging war at the battle of the Little Big Horn. Many people know that the Native Americans were victorious over the United states army, which was under the command of General George Custer, but few people know that Custer’s long journey to the Little Big Horn started in the heart of North Dakota, at Fort Abraham Lincoln. Today this beautiful