I have always desired to explore new places right here in America, but honestly I didn’t know where to start or how to go about it. Kind of crazy, when I have already gone to 30 countries in the world to see what they have to offer.. but it is true. The US has so many places and things to do, that really I am unsure of just how to go about it.
On a trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee for my Spelunking trip I came upon my solution. As my friends and I explored Chattanooga, to the World’s steepest passenger Train incline, we were recommended to check out Pointe Park for beautiful views of the city. Unfortunately it was rather cloudy and we could hardly see the views, but something awesome came out of the adventure.
It was rather cold, and one of my friends had to use the bathroom. As we waited on her we went into a small information center to stay warm. Lucky for us, there was a very helpful guy behind the desk that gave us information about the war and importance of the park. Then right next to us a gentleman came with a blue book that had “Passport” written on it. He then began to stamp something on the page and scribbled a few words down.
Confused as to why he placed the stamp in his passport, he explained the process. The book is the Passport to the National Parks and Monuments all over the US. I think that is about 400+ parks with stamps that can make this a real awesome adventure. He and his wife usually do trips, and once they get the stamps they write down a few things to remind them of their purpose of the trip or cool things they learned. Of course my eyes brightened and I was already in line with my Passport to the US.
About $10 later, I too was placing my very first stamp in my passport, and writing down a little memory as to why I made it to Point Park (Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park) that day.
I am extremely excited for this new way of traveling through the US, and look forward to sharing more places I go to in order to collect more stamps.
Some quick facts about Passport to Your National Parks
- About $10
- Divided into Regions (North Atlantic, Mid Atlantic, National Capital, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, Rocky Mountains, Western, and Pacific Northwest and Alaska)
- You can also buy stamps/stickers to put into the book
- All locations have a stamp you can place into the book (show in the book)
- Even if you don’t make it to an official park you can still scribble in your own memories
- You can buy your book online or at any of the parks that have a stamp: http://www.eparks.com/store/product/22515/Passport%C2%AE-To-Your-National-Parks/
If you are like me and wanted to explore more in the US, and didn’t know where to start, I think this is PERFECT! If you go to any state, you can look up what cool national parks are around and start your adventure there.
