Steamtown National Historic Site

Trains, trains, trains!! If you love trains and railroads this is the site for you. The Steamtown National Historic Site is the National Park Service site dedicated to trains and the history of railroading in the US. Steamtown NHS occupies about 40 acres of the Scranton, PA railroad yard. The large collection of cars contains locomotives, freight cars and passenger cars all available to explore. The museum has a collection of artifacts and presents the history of steam railroads in the country. During the summer season there is the opportunity to ride on a steam train and go on passenger rail journeys off site.

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The museum has some antique cars and displays recalling the life in an old train station.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

During summer weekends the rangers and volunteers have plenty of activities for the little ones.

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Statue of Liberty National Monument

The Statue of Liberty National Monument in New York harbor is probably the most iconic representation of American ideals. For many it was the first site new immigrants saw as they made there way to their new lives in the United States. Dedicated in 1886 and named a national monument in 1924 it a must visit for anyone going to NYC.

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

In this era of demonizing other cultures and religions that we live in today it is important to remember the credo that made the country what it is today, inclusion and diversity.

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To get to the statue you must grab a ferry run by Statue Cruises either at Liberty State Park in New Jersey or Battery Park on the southern tip of Manhattan in New York City. My suggestion is to go to the Jersey side of the river both for ease of access and good shoreline views of the statue. A quick ferry ride can get you to Manhattan for additional sightseeing without the hassle of city traffic.

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Be sure to make a stop at Ellis Island when you book your transport it adds valued context to the statue experience.

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When you arrive at Liberty Island there will be restrooms and snack bars available at the point of debarkation and the statue is a short walk to the right. You will need to make reservations for the pedestal and crown if you want to go up into the statue. There is heavy security and you will have to check any backpack or other bag into the provided lockers. After waiting in line a certain amount of people will be allowed to enter and there are staircases and a small elevator available. The elevator is small and crowded and unless you have a disability I suggest you take the stairs. I am not in great shape but I had little difficulty. The balcony on the pedestal is jam packed with people and the view of the skyline is no better than from ground level. If you want to have an “I did that” experience by all means go up.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

A must see for any tourist to New York.

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

The Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore Harbor commemorates the battle during the War of 1812 where Francis Scott Key composed the lyrics for the song that would become the US National Anthem. In the times we now live in it is important to understand the history of the anthem and the man who wrote it. Unfortunately Baltimore harbor is not the most attractive outside of the monument with modern industry lining much of the shoreline.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

The visitor center is a must see in this park. Be sure to catch the moving presentation and unveiling of the flag flying proudly over the old fort.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

An interesting exhibit is the different renditions of the anthem by various artists.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

From the visitor center walk up to the fort and explore the battlements and grounds surrounding the main fortification.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

If you time your visit right (look for exact times on park website) you will be able to witness the flag raising.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

Then be sure to check back into the visitor center after completing your Junior Ranger activities.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

This was the first of many Junior Ranger badges for Alex.

Weir Farm National Historic Site

Weir Farm National Historic Site in Connecticut is a small NPS site commemorating the fusion of art and nature. The site preserves the home of American impressionist J. Alden Weir. Take a walk around the grounds and view Weir Pond you may catch an artist painting the scene.

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In addition to the house and grounds there is an adjacent 110 acre network of trails called the Weir Preserve. If you have young children be sure to do the junior ranger program. The activities for the badge include a scavenger hunt through the grounds, great fun.

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Art is a big part of the park and not only are there artists in residence but there are art supplies available so you can try your hand at your own artistic endeavors.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

Shenandoah National Park

The formation of eastern National Parks was very different than their western counterparts. In the east parks were cobbled together from many disparate sources to form one cohesive whole. This makes it all the more remarkable that Shenandoah National Park has 40% of the present park classified as wilderness.

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The park is long and thin with the Shenandoah Valley on the eastern boundary. This is a great place to visit as well with the wealth of historic sites in the area. Numerous Civil War battlefields are within an easy drive from the park. Running along the crest of the mountains north to south in the park is the Skyline Drive, a scenic paved road offering spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

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New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

As you make your way along the drive especially if you can plan on an early morning or evening trip be sure to keep your eyes open for wildlife. You may see a turkey vulture calmly sitting in a tree,

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A family of bears on the side of the road,

Shennandoah / Google Photos

or a fleeting glimpse of a dear as he scampers away.

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The Appalachian Trail also runs along the park and there are many trail heads where you can hike part of the trail. I will certainly never be an AT Thru-hiker but I can say that I have hiked at least a portion of the AT in every state with the exception of Georgia.
There are many other methods to enjoy the park besides hiking or driving such as by horse:

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There are two visitor centers where you can get your passport to the National Parks stamped; The Dickey Ridge Visitor Center at milepost 5.6 on Skyline Drive and the Harry F. Byrd, Sr. Visitor Center at milepost 51. There are exhibits and orientation films available and helpful rangers are at both centers to aid your exploration of the park.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

Bring a picnic lunch there are seven picnic areas at mileposts; 4.6, 24.1, 36.7, 51.2, 57.5, 62.8 and 83.7 on Skyline Drive. The park can be crowded in the height of the summer season but remember that you will drop 99% of the tourists if you get 1 mile into the back-country. By all means take a trip along Skyline Drive but be sure to get out and enjoy other aspects of the park as well.