Mammoth Cave National Park -...; Kentucky and rsquo

Contact Information:

PO Box 7, Mammoth Cave, KY, 42259

Phone: 270-758-2180

General Information:

Travel, forested hills of Kentucky and you can begin to ask where is the National Park But look labyrinth of underground limestone including Mammoth Cave National Park.

With more than 365 miles from a cave system and mapped five layers, it seems incredible that new caves are still discovered and explored. As a system of the longest caves in the world, the park has much to offer its visitors. Tours are walking, even within the erosion of the limestone land 200-300 meters below the surface.

It can be scary, some will be surrounded by darkness, sometimes getting into tight places in caves. However, caving, or "caving" in Mammoth Cave National Park attracts more than 500,000 men, women and children each year. This is a unique national park, which offers everything that makes our planet.

History:

Curiosity led the first people indigenous America, Mammoth Cave about 4000 years ago. The remains of the old torches, clothing and sandals were found, giving clues to the past. Europeans came to the cave in the late 1790s and the guides led visitors through them there.

Mammoth Cave National Park was as on July 1, 1941. It was organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a World Heritage Site October 27, 1981 and named Reserve Biosphere International founded on 26 September 1990 levels.

A more complete description of the history of Mammoth Cave National Park is also on the official website of the history of the Mammoth Cave are available.

Opening times:

While most of the attractions are underground, visitors can plan a trip for a month. Summers are most do usually from the crowds and so most visitors to choose from.

Instructions:

The nearest airports are in Nashville, TN and Louisville, KY. And Mammoth Cave is almost exactly between the two cities. (Find flights for Nashville and Louisville.)

If you're from the South, exit at Park City and travel northwest. Ky 255. From the North to Exit Cave City and northwest on Ky. 70 in the park.

Fees / Permits:

There is no entry fee for Mammoth Cave National Park. However, they are for sightseeing and camping bed. Tours usually costs about $ 15 per person, and the campground is about $ 20 per site. The prices for the tours and special camps can be found on the website to find and keep interest rates from Mammoth Cave.

Main attractions:

There are many tours to choose from, and reservations are required. Find out what tours are working with their limited time and remember that you can physically handle. Two views are selected for you and present some well-known places.

Historical Tour: Start the tour is in the historic entrance, originally 17,902 pioneers and Indians was discovered thousands of years ago.

Travel along Broadway Avenue subway, which are at a place called Methodist Church, where services were held in 1800. Later, he comes to the amphitheater having regard to the visit of the actor Edwin Booth.

Discover the abyss, the point is 105 meters deep. On the way back to the entrance, pass the poverty Fat Man, a passage that has smoothed and polished by generations of cavers. Then enter the Great Hall of the aid is a large room that can actually stand. Go to see Mammoth Dome extension 192 meters from floor to ceiling and drops of water when a chasm carved. Finally, visit the ruins of Karnak - a group of limestone pillars.

Grand Avenue Tour: This tour is very popular in summer and lasts 4.5 hours. It starts with a bus ride to the entrance Carmichael, a bunker / concrete staircase leads visitors to Cleaveland Avenue - long tunnel chamber by a river. The walls seem to gypsum, seemingly incredible thousand years it takes one cubic centimeter of training. One kilometer from snow ball room where the tour for lunch.

Another River Canyon, Boone Avenue, takes visitors 300 feet below passages that sometimes so close you can touch both walls can simultaneously. The tour ends at Frozen Niagara, a giant stalactite waterfall, including stalactites and stalagmites sparkling.

More travel options, please visit the official website of the Travel Mammoth Cave.

If the groundwater is not your scene offers Mammoth Cave National Park also some attractive above the ground. Here is a short list of things to do:

The Great Forest: Forest Uncut Old Kentucky

Green River Bluffs Overlook stunning views of the green valley of the river

Crossing Pond Sloan: Check noisy frogs this depression in sandstone

Styx Spring: The water from Mammoth Cave arise and flow into the river Verde

Good Springs Church: Founded in 1842, near Maple Spring Group Campground

Accommodation:

There are three campgrounds within the park, all. With a limit of 14 days The office is March to November and includes tents and caravans. Maple Spring campsites group is also open from March to November and only tent sites supply. Houchins Ferry is open all year on a first come, first served. Prices range from $ 12- $ 30 per night.

It is also found in Mammoth Cave Park Hotel has 92 units and chalets. (Prices)

Day; The true origin of the President & # 039

Unnoticed for some, the celebration of the American president. Local newspapers splashed ads for "Presidents Day sales!" And many are getting the day. But have you ever think about this important day of recognition?

History

Presidents Day is to honor (for some) to all US presidents, but most importantly George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. According to the Gregorian calendar "New Style" is more commonly used today was George Washington born on February 22, 1732. However, according to the Julian calendar "old style", which was used in England to 1752, the date of Birth 11 February. Back in the 1790s, Americans were divided - some celebrated his birthday on February 11 and February 22 something.

When Abraham Lincoln was president and helped redesign of our country, believed one must also have a special day of recognition. The difficulty is that Lincoln's birthday fell on 12 February. Prior to 1968, it has two presidential birthday so close together that seem not to disturb anyone. February 22 was a federal holiday in honor of the birthday of George Washington on February 12 was observed observed as a public holiday in honor of the birthday of Abraham Lincoln.

In 1968, things changed when the 90th Congress was determined to create a uniform federal holiday on Monday system. They agreed to three existing public holidays (including Presidents Day) to spend until Monday. The law came in 1971, becoming Presidents Day holiday in the third Monday in February changed. But not all Americans were happy with the new law. There was some concern that Washington had his identity since the third Monday in February never lost on his actual birthday falls. There was also an attempt to change the name of the party "Presidents Day", but the idea did not go anywhere, because some believed that not all presidents deserve special recognition.

Even if Congress had a uniform federal holiday, no single security agreements between countries is domiciled. Some states, such as California, Idaho, Tennessee and Texas decided to retain the title federal holiday and renaming of the national holiday "President's Day". From that moment on, the term "Presidents Day" is has become a marketing phenomenon, advertisers have tried to capitalize on the opportunity for three days or a week of sales.

In 1999, bills were in the House of Representatives (HR 1363) and Senate introduced (S-978) to indicate that that "officially" called the holiday called Presidents Day time with a new name. Both bills died in committee.

Today, President's Day has been well received and celebrated. Some communities still watch the holiday with Washington and Lincoln, and many parks director has reconstructions and parades in his honor. The National Park Service also has a number of historical sites and monuments to honor the lives of the two presidents and other important leaders.

Where Visit

The George Washington Birthplace National Monument VA, is an annual celebration of the anniversary of the day the President and her actual birthday. Visitors can special colonial activities during the day enjoying performed. Mount Vernon (now part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway) also honors George Washington with a weekend birthday celebration and an annual fee of days (the third Monday in February).

Business activities, are to remember the birthday of Abraham Lincoln January wreath at the ceremony 12 Birthplace National Historic Site KY Abraham Lincoln; Lincoln Day celebrated every year on the nearest Sunday, February 12 at the Lincoln Memorial in youth; Birthday and special programs in the historic Lincoln Home National in IL. Each year, special events will be added, so be sure to check schedules before traveling Park.

The National Park Service administers a number of sites that commemorate the other former presidents, including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren, Andrew Johnson, Ulysses Grant, James Garfield, Teddy Roosevelt, William Taft, Herbert Hoover Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. Visit for a fun to visit places like Mount Rushmore inspiration or military parks such as Gettysburg.

Visit Best Minnesota State Parks in Winter

Top choices offer opportunities for winter camping, sailing sledding and skiing.

Wild River State Park

The hotel is located 18 miles depending on the St. Croix River, Wild River State Park 35 has miles of trails for beginners, intermediate and advanced for classic skiing 1.5 miles of trails and 1.5 miles baskets snowshoe trails. A favorite is the River Road, where visitors that winter at St. Croix National Scenic Riverway have the opportunity to see the trumpeter swans. The park offers complete ski rentals and concessions at the Trail Centre. Snowshoes can be rented naturalist at the visitor center over the winter in the park. Comprises offered Natura programs throughout the year in the park, the various activities snowshoeing. Camping and accommodation are nearby hiking trails through the winter. The accommodation overnight camping in tents housed the park, guests booking by calling 1-800-246-2267 connection. Park is 55 kilometers from the Greater Minneapolis / Saint Paul.

Mille Lacs State Park Kathio

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is located near Onamia offers nearly 20 kilometers of pistes for all levels and 19 miles of snowmobile trails. Although the club is allowed anywhere in the Park, 7 km of snowshoe trail is maintained rather for those who follow a designated path. Visitors can bring your own sled or toboggan and enjoy the popular mountain park slide. A tennis center years (with accessible toilets disability), programs, visitor centers and nature offers many options for the adventurous winter. The park also has five cabins heated for winter and winter camps for rent in options available, including electric sites for lovers of rustic outdoors. Kathio planned a candlelight cross-country event Saturday, Feb. 3 06-10 h Park is located 95 miles from the Greater Minneapolis / Saint Paul.

Gooseberry Falls State Park

With more than 40 sets of paths Duluth to Grand Portage, the north shore of Lake Superior is an ideal place for skiing and Minnesota state parks along this route is one of the best choice for winter recreation. Gooseberry Falls State Park, 13 miles north of Two Harbors, is the gateway to the park. Gooseberry Falls has 12 miles of easy to moderate cross-country skiing and 2 miles of snowmobile trails connecting the 146-mile North Shore State Trail. If you like snowshoeing, select the paths Gitchi rubber cases and the fifth with 3 miles from intermediate and advanced skills, or prepare yourself as you explore other areas of the park. The park maintains four kilometers of winter hiking trails that lead a spectacular view of the waterfalls in the park. Open all year, includes the new park visitor center interpretive exhibits, a video of the park and a nature reserve. Snowshoeing and ski tours are from vendors near the park. 70 non-electric park campgrounds are on a year round basis. A ski event of candles and snowshoeing is scheduled for Saturday, February 17 6-8: 30 Clock

Two other recommendations: Located near Minneapolis / Saint Paul, Fort Snelling State Park and William O'Brien State Park in classic and skating trails offer and winter hiking and snowshoeing opportunities. Fort Snelling State Park is located in the heart of the metropolitan area of the Twin Cities and is also popular with skiers in the winter as it is with bikers in the summer. The park has a classic over 10 km of slopes, 6 miles skate trails and 7 miles of trails in the winter. Hikers can find their way around the park, except on groomed trails. A new reception center offers a place for warm winter fire, shopping in unique gift shop, on the design of plates, or visit an interpretive program.

William O'Brien State Park is located just 35 miles from the Twin Cities along the scenic St. Croix Riverway away. The park has 12 kilometers of slopes and classic 11 kilometers of ski-rays. Trails wind through forests and range from mild to severe. Snowshoeing is not allowed anywhere in the park except on groomed trails. Visitors can stop or at one of the naturalist programs throughout the year at the information center and for heating. Winter camping is also an option in this park.

Back to Best of the Best State Parks Winter

Wild river cross-country skiers SP - courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources Minnesota best options offer opportunities for winter storage, carriage driving and sailing.

Wild River State Park

The hotel is located 18 miles depending on the St. Croix River, Wild River State Park 35 has miles of trails for beginners, intermediate and advanced for classic skiing 1.5 miles of trails and 1.5 miles baskets snowshoe trails. A favorite is the River Road, where visitors that winter at St. Croix National Scenic Riverway have the opportunity to see the trumpeter swans. The park offers complete ski rentals and concessions at the Trail Centre. Snowshoes can be rented naturalist at the visitor center over the winter in the park. Comprises offered Natura programs throughout the year in the park, the various activities snowshoeing. Camping and accommodation are nearby hiking trails through the winter. The accommodation overnight camping in tents housed the park, guests booking by calling 1-800-246-2267 connection. Park is 55 kilometers from the Greater Minneapolis / Saint Paul.

Mille Lacs State Park Kathio

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is located near Onamia offers nearly 20 kilometers of pistes for all levels and 19 miles of snowmobile trails. Although the club is allowed anywhere in the Park, 7 km of snowshoe trail is maintained rather for those who follow a designated path. Visitors can bring your own sled or toboggan and enjoy the popular mountain park slide. A tennis center years (with accessible toilets disability), programs, visitor centers and nature offers many options for the adventurous winter. The park also has five cabins heated for winter and winter camps for rent in options available, including electric sites for lovers of rustic outdoors. Kathio planned a candlelight cross-country event Saturday, Feb. 3 06-10 h Park is located 95 miles from the Greater Minneapolis / Saint Paul.

Gooseberry Falls State Park

With more than 40 sets of paths Duluth to Grand Portage, the north shore of Lake Superior is an ideal place for skiing and Minnesota state parks along this route is one of the best choice for winter recreation. Gooseberry Falls State Park, 13 miles north of Two Harbors, is the gateway to the park. Gooseberry Falls has 12 miles of easy to moderate cross-country skiing and 2 miles of snowmobile trails connecting the 146-mile North Shore State Trail. If you like snowshoeing, select the paths Gitchi rubber cases and the fifth with 3 miles from intermediate and advanced skills, or prepare yourself as you explore other areas of the park. The park maintains four kilometers of winter hiking trails that lead a spectacular view of the waterfalls in the park. Open all year, includes the new park visitor center interpretive exhibits, a video of the park and a nature reserve. Snowshoeing and ski tours are from vendors near the park. 70 non-electric park campgrounds are on a year round basis. A ski event of candles and snowshoeing is scheduled for Saturday, February 17 6-8: 30 Clock

Two other recommendations: Located near Minneapolis / Saint Paul, Fort Snelling State Park and William O'Brien State Park in classic and skating trails offer and winter hiking and snowshoeing opportunities. Fort Snelling State Park is located in the heart of the metropolitan area of the Twin Cities and is also popular with skiers in the winter as it is with bikers in the summer. The park has a classic over 10 km of slopes, 6 miles skate trails and 7 miles of trails in the winter. Hikers can find their way around the park, except on groomed trails. A new reception center offers a place for warm winter fire, shopping in unique gift shop, on the design of plates, or visit an interpretive program.

William O'Brien State Park is located just 35 miles from the Twin Cities along the scenic St. Croix Riverway away. The park has 12 kilometers of slopes and classic 11 kilometers of ski-rays. Trails wind through forests and range from mild to severe. Snowshoeing is not allowed anywhere in the park except on groomed trails. Visitors can stop or at one of the naturalist programs throughout the year at the information center and for heating. Winter camping is also an option in this park.

Back to Best of the Best State Parks Winter

To reach the 12 National Parks in Salt Lake get ...

Canyonlands National Park

Distance: 254 miles
Estimated Duration: 4 hours, 59 minutes

In this land of geological wonders, stones, arrows and tables at the heart of the Colorado Plateau characterized by rivers cut through canyons of the Green and Colorado. Petroglyphs are abandoned by the Indians hundreds of years also available. Green and Colorado rivers divide the park into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze and the rivers themselves. Although the neighborhoods have a primitive desert atmosphere, each retains its own character and offers a variety of opportunities for exploration and study of the natural and cultural history.

Directions from Salt Lake City, Utah, Canyonlands National Park, Utah More »

Top National Parks

Although Canada is one of the smallest national parks, has some of the biggest attractions. Whale watching off the coast is certainly memorable. How summit Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak of the park. And while hiking along the rocky coast is attractive, can relax on the sandy beach of Maine as rewarding. Visitors are also encouraged to go outside the walls of the park. Quaint towns full of charm popular seaside, even the grumpy tourists. Spend an afternoon shopping for ice cream or lobster nautical antiques, and end the day with a walk picking fresh blueberries.

Acadia has the list, the size of Western National Parks and mixing in the rest of the east coast.

Route and Phoenix hard time ...

The following table contains information about driving distances and estimated driving time from Phoenix, AZ, selected US National Parks.

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Florida National Parks

Area protects threatened the watershed ecosystem to South Florida and includes abundant subtropical flora and fauna.

Protect interdependent marine ecosystems, including mangrove shore of the Bay community, buttons and subtropical coral reef in the northern United States

To get 24 miles of undeveloped barrier island in the natural beach, marshes, dunes and lagoons habitat for a variety of wildlife, including many species of birds.

The oldest masonry fort in the United States by the Spanish to protect San Agustín, was launched in 1672 the first permanent settlement of Europeans in America

Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto reminded that landed on the southwest coast of Florida in 1539.

The group of seven islands Park Fort Jefferson, the largest fortress of all masonry in the Western Hemisphere, a bird sanctuary and abundant marine life.

The largest subtropical wilderness in the United States includes extensive areas of fresh and salt water, meadows, swamps and mangroves.

Two centuries of French and Spanish colonial rivalry in North America began here with the establishment of a branch of French Huguenots in 1564th

Built in 1740-1742, the Spanish fort was responsible Augustine warning of the approach of the British enemy or another from the south.

Located in Florida and Mississippi, the islands have beaches, historic forts and nature trails.

Estuarine conserves natural resources and historic and prehistoric sites on smaller rivers north Florida Saint Johns Nassau.

Eva; Best parks for New Year's Eve & 8217

While parts of the Skyline Drive and other park services such as room and board closed during the winter months, the interior for a quiet weekend stays open. The search for a peaceful retreat should consider this park as they traveled less in December. In the park there are 196,000 acres of wilderness and backcountry and more than 500 miles of trails to explore. Bring everything you need to survive in the back, need hiking rocky peaks and valleys, lush downstream and you'll find yourseld immersed in the wilderness of Shenandoah. Remember, though, need a permit from the catchment area to camp in the desert, which is not available at the visitor center. If the center is closed when you arrive, you can get by e-mail. Download the permit application and the E-mail: Shenandoah National Park backcountry camping permits, 3655 US Highway 211 East Luray, VA 22835th

Capitol Reef National Park

This paradise red rocks is even more magnificent bright white snow. The winter is cold, but so is just not expect massive snowfall. In fact, the light is typically snow. The park offers excellent opportunities for hiking for hours in solitude. For light hikes or when the soil is too wet or slippery to walk to the Grand Wash Trail Capitol Gorge Pioneer Register and tanks, or along the route of the Fremont River. If you are looking for a great view, do not miss Cassidy Arch Rim Trail and Overlook. If you do not want to stay in a nearby hotel in the backcountry for a comfortable night alone in the desert, excursions. Remember, a permit from the hinterland is necessary to visit the shelter during normal business hours, to get. For great loneliness of New Year's Eve in the interior, plan your night Muley Twist Canyon and in force. If you need an open tent field, one of the loops Camping Fruita is open in winter.

Denali National Park

One night alone in perhaps the most beautiful in the service system enough to give this target Parks National Park New Year Eve reason. But the Aurora Borealis is an even better reason. In winter, the northern lights will light up the night sky winter on Mount McKinley - the highest mountain in North America. It is a poignant and powerful event to witness something that will stay with you for life. Imagine a night in the backcountry for a night of silence, solitude and powerful light show of nature. Permits for overnight trips in Denali National Park and in the information center at the crossroads entrance Riley Creek necessary. If you do not fancy a night in the cold, the park offers a gazebo sphere of influence. At the end of the Denali Park Road, wonder of the lake is a unique enclave called Kantishna. This region is home to Denali Backcountry Lodge, which offers offers forty-two comfortable beds cedar cabins.

Need more ideas? Orval less traveled National Park.

All about Florida & # 039; Everglades National Park s

It might not be known to all, but the Everglades National Park remains one of the most endangered national parks. The Group of South Florida has increased water diversion dams and canals. And this leads to a problem, the aquatic habitats in the park go back because there is not enough water is always in the Everglades.

Visitors are invited to write in Congress and tell them to save the Everglades - especially those who witness the development of the decision. Flights white ibis used to come in large numbers to 90. Today, visitors can see herds of 10 who visit this subtropical wilderness, full of mangroves and remains one of the most beautiful parks.

History:

Unlike other parks, Everglades National Park was established in part of the ecosystem and preserve wildlife habitat. With such a unique mix of tropical and temperate plants and animals Everglades contains over 700 plants and 300 species of birds. There are also home to endangered species such as the manatee, alligator and the Florida Panthers.

World Heritage Site and Biosphere Everglades is a constant crusade to protect the area. Environmentalists call for the purchase of private Everglades wetlands water to increase shares with the neighboring regions.

The park is located in the southern Everglades and the end is in danger. Fifty percent of the original wetlands of South Florida no longer exists. Whole animal populations are vulnerable and poorly exotic herbs are choking change from native plants and habitats. These are in danger of collapse, the warnings of a national park.

Opening times:

Everglades has two main stations to choose from: dry and wet. From mid-December to mid-April, the weather is dry and is the most popular time to visit. Always wet flies are usually keep the tourists away during the rainy season - the rest of the year.

Instructions:

For those outside of Florida, Miami fly in (see prices) or Naples. South Miami, Florida Turnpike Take US 1 in Florida City, then west to Florida. 9336 (Palm Dr). The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is about 50 kilometers from Miami.

If just west of Miami, you can US 41 in Shark Valley Visitor Center.

Naples, east on US 41 in Florida. 29 and south of the city of swamp.

Fees / Permits:

An entrance fee of $ 10 per vehicle per week will be provided to visitors charged. Those walking or cycling in the park will be charged $ 5.

Main attractions:

Tropical trees are a necessity in this swamp and Mahogany Hammock is a habitat for others to see them all. The Everglades is home to timberline tear. Sitting on the floor slightly raised patches that raised by the action of water and lowered to develop throughout the year. Discover Mahogany Hammock Trail to extend the life of mahogany world in the United States.

Contact Information:

400,001 state. Rd 9446, Homestead, FL 33034

Phone: 305-242-7700

A good way to see the park Shark Valley Tram Tours. Tours run two hours along a 15-mile loop in the River of Grass, which offer a great opportunity to see wildlife and learn about the freshwater ecosystem. Reservations are strongly recommended during the dry season and can be made by calling 305-221-8455.

Boat tours are also on the Gulf Coast (call 239-695-2591) and Near Flamingo (call 239-695-3101) is available. The trip explores the mangrove islands Ten Thousand Iceland in the Gulf of Mexico. Tourists can dolphins, manatees, ospreys, pelicans, and to see more.

Shark River is a great place where visitors can definitely see alligators and birds. Want to see the sharks? No, but it's still a wonderful place to see turtles, hawks and vultures place.

Accommodation

Two camps within the park and are for a maximum of 30 days. Flamingo and Long Pine Key are open all year, but note that from November to campsites may be a delay of 10 days. The fee is $ 14 per night. Reservations are from mid-December to April available if the sites first come, first served.

Camping is available for $ 10 per night, $ 2 per person. A permit is required and must be purchased in person.

Outside the park there are many hotels, inns and guesthouses located in Florida City and Homestead. Days Inn and Comfort Inn offer the cheapest room at Knights Inn and Coral Roc Motel features a kitchenette for guests. (Prices)

Interests outside the park

Near Biscayne National Park offers an underwater world of coral reefs and rare fish. It is an ideal destination for families and offers many activities, including boating, snorkeling, diving, and camping.

Distribution of fresh water in the Everglades, Big Cypress National Preserve includes marshes, mangroves, and popular with visitors. 729,000 acres are home to endangered Florida panther, and the black bear. This area is connected to the Everglades and offers tours, fishing, camping, hiking and canoeing.

If you have time for another National Park, about 70 miles west of Key West to the Dry Tortugas National Park is. Seven islands make this park, full of coral reefs and sand. Bird and marine life attracts tourists in search of the interaction of wild animals.

The National Christmas Tree

There are about 25-30000000 Christmas trees sold in the United States each year. But a tree gets the honorary position as a national Christmas tree in our country. Every year there is a tree proudly in front of the White House in Washington, DC, and if the President returns this switch is illuminated with lights. There is a long tradition dating back to 1923, when Calvin Coolidge presidency of the first public celebration of Christmas with the lighting of the National Christmas Tree.

Now, do not think that mixes with the White House Christmas Tree. This tree, also known as the Blue Room Christmas Tree, is the official White House Christmas Tree. However, the National Christmas Tree is omitted and the lighting has become a festival. Every year, people across the country to see visit to Washington, the light beam, and the celebration is now a part of the Christmas Pageant of Peace, which also includes a featured guest artists, costumed entertainers, choirs, gospel volunteers and even an appearance of the first family ,

How did this celebration? Take a journey back in time to see the most important events that have shaped this national celebration.

It started at the Capitol

In 1913 the country gained its first contact with the national spirit of Christmas. President Woodrow Wilson called for a community Christmas tree in the Capitol laid for a lighting ceremony could be seen as a national event. On Christmas Eve, a quantity of 20,000 people gathered to celebrate "A Civic Christmas." Visitors had the US Navy Band, singer and reenaction 1000 Nativity costume. Today, a Christmas tree Capitol always displayed on the grounds of the US Capitol, but not to be confused with the National Christmas Tree are. In contrast, the National Christmas Tree has become a major event in the White House.

The first official Christmas tree in 1923, this "Christmas Tree Association" was created by President Calvin Coolidge lit on Christmas Eve in President's Park, south of the White House, also known as an ellipse. With 2,500 lights in red, white and green, where established, the tree was a gift from Middlebury College in Vermont. Visitors had the tree lighting and Christmas carols by the choir and the Church of the Epiphany US Marine band singing quartet.

The location of the tree moves in the coming years. Ellipse moved in 1923 in Sherman Plaza - near the eastern entrance to the White House - 1924 to 1933, in Lafayette Park from 1934 to 1938, then again on the ellipse, where he remained .ventanilla dropoff

I light

The tree lighting ceremony has always symbolized the news of the country. For example, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the ceremony in 1941 included a surprise appearance by Sir Winston Churchill. The following year war cuts on the tree are kept until 1944 -1942.

In 1954 the tree was lit on its financial statements usual, but something had changed. President Dwight Eisenhower lit the first National Christmas Tree for Peace Parade held on December 17, Christmas Eve. This paved the way for the current lighting ceremonies. Not with December 25th and more tourists can be seen in the light and still be at home for your own family traditions. Was also changed the way of peace, which the tree of National Community Christmas. It has now lined with small Christmas trees decorated by embassies, states and US territories. What was once a single Christmas tree, now a main shaft contains 56 smaller trees - one for each state, territory and the District of Columbia.

Although the remains of trees lit for hours during the holiday season, in 1980, the tree completely illuminated by 417 seconds. Every second, every day to symbolize been imprisoned hostages in Iran.

Five years later - Christmas 1985 - called President George HW Bush Tree lights up briefly refused to support the American hostages in Lebanon and their families in the country. In 2001, the children of the victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, has contributed to the Pentagon, the tree lights.

Keeping up with the national agenda today burn to standard light bulbs, energy-efficient the National Christmas Tree with LEDs replaced decorated, also known as LED. They serve as a retreat from the domestic market as everyone can save energy, to reduce their carbon footprint.

The tree on the right side

Felled trees were delivered to a parade celebrating Peace Before 1973. This year, a 42-foot blue spruce from northern Pennsylvania was supported by the National Arborist zone granted and was a permanent national Christmas tree thought. Unfortunately, the tree began with 1976 died in 1978 at a blue spruce 40 meters high durability Colorado has also been given by an anonymous family in Maryland, serving in the ellipse, the National Christmas Tree transplanted.

Today

The lighting of the National Christmas Tree and Peace Parade takes place every year in the White House. But if you're wondering what this has to do with the national parks, you may be surprised to learn that the White House is actually a unit of the National Park System to be. He was handed over to the National Park Service (US Department of the Interior), August 10, 1933.

You can read about some of the events in this year's parade on the side of peace. For even more information, you can read the history of the National Christmas Tree on the website Travel Washington, DC.

Best National Parks for Christmas

Hiking Grand Canyon never crossed my mind during the winter, but I can speak from experience here - it's amazing. Not only popular almost empty park, hiking trails with only the sound of snow crunching under his boots is one of the best experiences you can have in the park.

Grand Canyon also offers a vacation experience for families with Polar Express. Families can take a train from Williams AZ. the southern edge of the park until the beginning of January and enjoy a scenic drive equipped with chocolate and biscuits. During the trip, the Santa Claus tells the story of "The Night Before Christmas". It's a great way for your kids to see the glory of the Grand Canyon and enjoy the magic of Christmas. It is also a good opportunity to the children to spend the importance of the protection of nature and the preservation of our parks.

Top 10 National Parks to Visit in the Spring

Before taking the high summer temperatures and greens of the national park, the Shenandoah National Park blooms with red maples colors and vibrant wildflowers. No matter where you turn in this vast park, always showing a new color, new sound and a new view.

Shenandoah is very popular in the parks in the world and offers two completely different ways of discovering the earth. While some visitors choose a scenic drive along Skyline Drive, others choose to explore the meadows and forests standing. With each step, visitors can expect a beautiful plant or animal, especially see deer, or listen to the song of migratory birds.

April and May are the tips for lovers of wild flowers, the floors are covered with forests trill. Pink Azaleas bloom in May followed closely by Mountain Laurel in June. If the natural environment is enough to seduce, there are many opportunities for bird watching, hiking, walking, cycling and fishing. In fact, many visitors are surprised by Shenandoah and get no complaints. Each area has its own natural beauty and is almost impossible not to have fun in this adventure Virginia.

When spring makes this park comes to life, visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the country, we have to take.

Photo credit: © Lauren Himiak

Day; The true origin of the President & # 039

Unnoticed for some, the celebration of the American president. Local newspapers splashed ads for "Presidents Day sales!" And many are getting the day. But have you ever think about this important day of recognition?

History

Presidents Day is to honor (for some) to all US presidents, but most importantly George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. According to the Gregorian calendar "New Style" is more commonly used today was George Washington born on February 22, 1732. However, according to the Julian calendar "old style", which was used in England to 1752, the date of Birth 11 February. Back in the 1790s, Americans were divided - some celebrated his birthday on February 11 and February 22 something.

When Abraham Lincoln was president and helped redesign of our country, believed one must also have a special day of recognition. The difficulty is that Lincoln's birthday fell on 12 February. Prior to 1968, it has two presidential birthday so close together that seem not to disturb anyone. February 22 was a federal holiday in honor of the birthday of George Washington on February 12 was observed observed as a public holiday in honor of the birthday of Abraham Lincoln.

In 1968, things changed when the 90th Congress was determined to create a uniform federal holiday on Monday system. They agreed to three existing public holidays (including Presidents Day) to spend until Monday. The law came in 1971, becoming Presidents Day holiday in the third Monday in February changed. But not all Americans were happy with the new law. There was some concern that Washington had his identity since the third Monday in February never lost on his actual birthday falls. There was also an attempt to change the name of the party "Presidents Day", but the idea did not go anywhere, because some believed that not all presidents deserve special recognition.

Even if Congress had a uniform federal holiday, no single security agreements between countries is domiciled. Some states, such as California, Idaho, Tennessee and Texas decided to retain the title federal holiday and renaming of the national holiday "President's Day". From that moment on, the term "Presidents Day" is has become a marketing phenomenon, advertisers have tried to capitalize on the opportunity for three days or a week of sales.

In 1999, bills were in the House of Representatives (HR 1363) and Senate introduced (S-978) to indicate that that "officially" called the holiday called Presidents Day time with a new name. Both bills died in committee.

Today, President's Day has been well received and celebrated. Some communities still watch the holiday with Washington and Lincoln, and many parks director has reconstructions and parades in his honor. The National Park Service also has a number of historical sites and monuments to honor the lives of the two presidents and other important leaders.

Where Visit

The George Washington Birthplace National Monument VA, is an annual celebration of the anniversary of the day the President and her actual birthday. Visitors can special colonial activities during the day enjoying performed. Mount Vernon (now part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway) also honors George Washington with a weekend birthday celebration and an annual fee of days (the third Monday in February).

Business activities, are to remember the birthday of Abraham Lincoln January wreath at the ceremony 12 Birthplace National Historic Site KY Abraham Lincoln; Lincoln Day celebrated every year on the nearest Sunday, February 12 at the Lincoln Memorial in youth; Birthday and special programs in the historic Lincoln Home National in IL. Each year, special events will be added, so be sure to check schedules before traveling Park.

The National Park Service administers a number of sites that commemorate the other former presidents, including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren, Andrew Johnson, Ulysses Grant, James Garfield, Teddy Roosevelt, William Taft, Herbert Hoover Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. Visit for a fun to visit places like Mount Rushmore inspiration or military parks such as Gettysburg.