As America celebrates Independence Day and marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, there’s no better time to explore the places where the nation’s story was written. From the streets where revolution took shape to landmarks that honor generations of courage and sacrifice, these historic destinations offer a meaningful way to connect with the people, events, and milestones that helped shape the United States.
Boston
Travelers on the 12 Day Eastern Canada & USA: Toronto to Boston with Acadia National Park tour will enjoy tours through the historic North End neighborhood. Along the way, view sites such as The Old North Church, built in early 1723, and the Paul Revere House. Continue to Boston Commons, the starting point of the Freedom Trail and the oldest public park in the country.
Philadelphia
If you’re putting together a list of cities in America that are full of history, Philadelphia should be near the top! A stroll through the Old City neighborhood will provide insight into the history of America’s founding fathers. During your exploration, view Christ Church where many of the founding fathers worshipped, view Carpenters’ Hall, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Betsy Ross House. While you’re there, visit the Museum of the American Revolution for a deeper look at the birth of the United States of America.
Mackinac Island
Amid the beauty and peace of Michigan’s Mackinac Island lies a hidden gem of American history, Fort Mackinac. This fort was built by the British to guard the Straits during the American Revolution. Stroll the Avenue of Flags and continue to Fort Mackinac, which includes 13 historic buildings as well as exhibits about military training, battles, medical treatments, and family life within the fort.
Charleston
From the American Revolution to the Civil War and beyond, there is plenty of historic significance to be found in Charleston, South Carolina. As you explore the museums, parks, and neighborhoods of this vibrant city known for its Southern hospitality, you’ll encounter centuries-old cobblestone streets, past stately multi-colored homes representing a range of architectural styles from the Revolutionary War period to antebellum mansions.
Pearl Harbor
One of the most well-known historic moments in America’s military history is centered around the attack on Pearl Harbor. Visitors to Hawaii can visit this significant site for themselves. Begin with a visit the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Continue to the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, followed by the USS Arizona Memorial & Museum. Next, drive through the city of Honolulu, including the Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific, the historic Iolani Palace – the only royal palace on American soil – and the statue of King Kamehameha.
History comes to life in a way that books and documentaries simply can’t replicate. Whether you’re walking Boston’s Freedom Trail, standing in the shadow of Independence Hall, exploring a centuries-old fort, or paying tribute at Pearl Harbor, each destination offers a deeper appreciation for America’s remarkable journey. As we commemorate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, consider making your next vacation one that celebrates the places where history happened and create memories that will become part of your own story. What other locations are on your historic travel bucket list?
National flags are more than colorful symbols, they tell the stories of a country’s history, values, and identity. From ancient traditions, cultural beliefs, and national unity, each flag carries a unique meaning that has evolved over time. As countries get ready for the World Cup and the United States preps for Flag Day (6/14/2026), learning about these iconic banners offers travelers a deeper appreciation for the destinations they visit.
The Stars and Stripes: The Flag of the United States
On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed an act establishing an official flag for the new nation. The resolution stated: “Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation”. Today, the flag consists of 13 horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with six white. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies, and the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well; red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.
Eventually on August 3, 1949, President Harry S. Truman officially declared June 14 as Flag Day. To celebrate, many Americans will hang the country’s flag outside of their homes, making sure it’s highly visible above any other flag to show significance.
The Union Jack: A Symbol of Unity
The UK’s flag is commonly known as the Union Jack, originating in 1606 when King James VI of Scotland inherited the English throne. The main components of the flag contain the patron saint flags of England (St. George), and Scotland (St. Andrew). In 1801, the cross of St. Patrick was added to represent Ireland. St. George’s cross is red on a white background and was officially adopted in the 13th century. St. Andrew has a white diagonal cross on a blue background, representing Scotland’s patron saint. St. Patrick’s cross was incorporated into the flag following the 1801 Act of Union between Great Britain and Ireland.
The flag was designed to symbolize the political and historic union of the nation that make up the United Kingdom. Though England, Scotland, and Ireland are featured in the flag’s design, Wales is not. This is because the original version of the flag was created in 1606 and Wales was already annexed and united the Kingdom of England under the Laws in Wales Acts.
The Maple Leaf: Canada’s National Emblem
Canada’s modern flag wasn’t established until 1965. Other versions of the flag existed, but after World War II, Canadians wanted a distinctive flag for the country. The Canadian Red Ensign (Canada’s de facto national from 1892-1965) was recognized for use on government buildings and as a national flag abroad, but many felt it didn’t properly identify the distinctive local culture and traditions. After much public and parliamentary debate, the new Maple Leaf Flag was approved in December 1964. The flag became officially by royal proclamation of February 15, 1965. Many thought the maple leaf was a great choice to be featured on the flag as it had been Canada’s national symbol since 1868. The red color featured is described as a symbol of Canadian sacrifice during World War I.
Japan’s Rising Sun Tradition
Japan’s modern flag originates from the Japanese tradition, where the sun goddess Amaterasu founded Japan in 7th century BC and was an ancestor of the first emperor, Jimmu. The emperor is known as the “Son of the Sun”, and a popular name for Japan is “Land of the Rising Sun”. The first evidence that testifies to use of a sun flag for Japan dates from 1184, but there are oral traditions going back centuries earlier.
The current flag was officially adopted on August 5, 1854, when Japan was starting to open to commerce and diplomatic relations with European countries. The flag’s use was slowly accepted by the general population; the principal use of the flag in its early days was to represent ships and the diplomatic service of Japan abroad.
France and the Spirit of Revolution
Under the ancient regime, France had several flags, and many of its military and naval flags were elaborate and subject to artistic variations. The royal coat of arms, a blue shield with three golden fleurs-de-lis, was the basis for the state flag.
After the French Revolution of 1789, the flag was refocused to have a simple design that expressed the radical changes being introduced into France’s social, political, and economic life. Blue and red were used as they are the traditional colors of Paris, they also were popular among revolutionaries in the city. Then the Bourbon royal white was added. The revolutionaries took inspiration from the horizontally striped, red-white-blue flag of the Netherlands, which appeared in the mid-17th-century. By 1790, three equal vertical stripes, arranged red-white-blue within a frame of the same colors, were added to the white flag of the navy. Four years later, the flag was made the official national flag for the common people, army, and navy. The flag embodied the principles of the revolution, liberty, equality, fraternity, democracy, secularism, and modernization.
Brazil’s Banner of Progress
Brazil’s flag originally dates to the Napoleonic Wars when the Portuguese royal family resided in Brazil. On September 7, 1822, Dom Pedro proclaimed the country’s independence. Brazil’s original flag consisted of a green background with a yellow diamond and the imperial coat of arms in the center, incorporating a star for each of the Brazilian states. The colors of the flag were associated with the verdure of the land and with Brazil’s great mineral wealth.
Brazil’s flag was had numerous modifications made over the years. The modern-day version has been around since May 12, 1992. The 27 stars of the flag now collectively symbolize Brazil’s 26 states and its federal district.
Discovering the Stories Behind the World’s Flags
Every national flag tells a story of struggle, achievement, culture, and identity. From the revolutionary ideals represented by the flags of the United States and France to the ancient traditions reflected in the banners of Japan, these symbols provide a fascinating window into the history of nations around the globe. If interested in visiting any of these countries mentioned, click here to see Gate 1 Travel’s full itinerary. Do you plan on celebrating Flag Day this year? Share this post and let us know!
Travel offers more than sightseeing, it provides an opportunity to connect with history that still has an impact on the modern day. Gate 1’s 12 Day World War I & II Memorials tour combines meaningful historical experiences with the excitement of exploring Europe’s iconic destinations. From powerful memorials, iconic battlefields, and cultural landmarks, this tour allows travelers to gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices of the American military while enjoying an unforgettable trip in Europe.
London’s Imperial War Museum
Gate 1’s 12 Day World War I & II Memorials tour will start in London. Once arrived, travelers will have the opportunity to explore the city. The next day features a London city tour and then a stop at the Imperial War Museum. Begin with a drive through fashionable Kensington with its elegant squares and parks. Pass Harrods store and continue to view Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and the famous Big Ben. Afterward, visit the Imperial War Museum dedicated to the history and human impact of modern warfare. Through powerful exhibitions, personal stories, and immersive displays, the museum examines the First and Second World Wars, as well as more recent conflicts. Highlights include historic aircraft suspended in the central atrium, comprehensive World War galleries, and thought-provoking exhibits that reflect the human experience of war. At the Museum’s World War II gallery, travelers can even see the first piece of wreckage of the USS Arizona (sunk at Pearl Harbor in 1941), ever to be displayed outside of the United States.
The City of Brussels & the Dunkirk Battlefield
After finishing up in London, travelers will head to the city of Brussels via the Eurostar high-speed train. The train will take you through the Channel Tunnel, a 31-mile-long underwater engineering marvel. Once arrived, embark on a tour of Brussels with views of the Atomium, the Royal Palace, the Museum district, and the Palace of Justice. Visit the 17th-century Grand Place, and stroll through the city center to view the famous Manneken Pis fountain. Then, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
The next day, depart Brussels and journey south to the Lens region of France. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Dunkirk battlefields. The Battle of Dunkirk (May 26 -June 4, 1940) was a massive military evacuation during World War II, where over 338,000 Allied troops were rescued from the beaches and harbor of Dunkirk, France. These soldiers were trapped by German forces following the invasion of the Low Countries and France. Travelers will walk along the beaches where hundreds of thousands of soldiers awaited rescue and learn how Operation Dynamo became one of the most remarkable military evacuations in history. Your guide brings the story to life with accounts of the troops, the civilian little ships, and the challenges faced during those days. Explore key landmarks and memorials that honor the bravery of the soldiers and civilians who took part in this event. After lunch on your own, pay tribute at Vimy Ridge, site of the 1917 battle and home to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. Proceed to Fromelles, to see the memorials commemorating the soldiers who fell during the tragic 1916 engagement on the Western Front.
Visit Belgium’s Powerful World War I Memorial Sites
Take a visit to the Tyne Cot Cemetery, the burial ground for those who lost their lives in World War I and the largest cemetery for Commonwealth forces in the world. Originally the cemetery was a small battlefield burial ground, it then was vastly expanded after armistice to hold nearly 12,000 casualties of the First World War. Continue to Flanders Fields Museum, where interactive displays and historical artifacts bring the wider story of World War I to life. This museum provides insight into the daily lives of soldiers, the impact of the war on local communities, and the legacy of remembrance in the region. Afterward, depart for Zonnebeke. Step back in time with a visit to the Passchendaele Museum, devoted to the infamous 1917 Battle of Passchendaele. Through personal stories, artifacts, and detailed exhibits, the museum illustrates the challenges, courage, and sacrifices of the soldiers who fought on these historic battlefields.
Discover the Somme Battlefield & Historic Rouen
Travelers will continue learning about World War I the next day as they visit the historic Somme battlefields. This was on the most significant and devastating campaigns of the First World War. Then, stop at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, where preserved trenches and monuments commemorate the sacrifice of the Newfoundland Regiment in 1916. Continue to the Thiepval Memorial, which bears the names of more than 72,000 soldiers with no known grave. Visit the Pozieres Memorial and British Cemetery, honoring those who fought and fell in the fierce battles for this strategic village, before concluding at the Lochnagar Crater, a vast mine crater created on the first day of the Somme offensive.
Head to Caen and explore Rouen and take a walking tour of the medieval quarter of the city. View the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral that inspired Claude Monet to paint the cathedral series, and the famous Gros Horloge, a 16th century astronomical clock. Walk through the cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered storybook houses and view the courthouse and the Market Square, where Joan of Arc was martyred. Next, tour the Memorial de Caen, committed to the history of World War II and the Battle of Normandy. Through immersive exhibits and personal accounts, the museum traces the causes of conflict, the events of D-Day, and the liberation of France.
Reflect Along the D-Day Normandy Beaches
One of the highlights of this tour is visiting the historic beaches of Normandy. The first stop is at Omaha Beach, one of the most contested landing zones, then continue to Pointe du Hoc, where US Rangers scaled the dramatic cliffs to seize German artillery positions. The tour also includes Juno Beach, where Canadian forces came ashore, before concluding at the solemn American Cemetery, overlooking Omaha Beach. Here, rows of white crosses honor the thousands of American soldiers who gave their lives during the Normandy campaign, a sight that will remain forever in your memory. It’s been confirmed that up to 2,510 American deaths happened on D-Day (June 6). Throughout the entire Normandy Campaign, U.S. forces suffered roughly 29,000 casualties.
End the Journey in Paris
Finally, end your trip in Paris. Arrive in the in the vibrant French capital and check into your hotel. Later in the day, take a cruise along the Seine, offering a relaxing way to admire Paris from the water. Glide past many of the city’s famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Musee d’Orsay, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, while taking in views of historic bridges and riverside architecture.
The next day, your tour guide will take you to numerous key sites connected to World War I and II. View Les Invalides, home to military museums and memorials, and pause at the Arc de Triomphe, where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier commemorates those who gave their lives in World War I. Continue to significant World War II locations, including the Mont Valerien, a principal site of remembrance for members of the French Resistance, and landmarks associated with the Liberation of Paris in 1944.
Who This Tour Is Perfect For
Travelers interested in World War I and World War II history
Those wanting to learn more about the American military overseas
Visitors who enjoy meaningful memorials and historic landmarks
Travelers looking to combine education with sightseeing across Europe
A Journey That Honors History While Exploring Europe
First, let’s start with Maui, the second largest island of the Hawaiian chain. It is also the second youngest of the islands. Maui got its name from a Polynesian demigod. It was created by two volcanoes, Puu Kukui and Haleakala, which constitute east and west peninsulas connected by a 7-mile-wide valley like isthmus that has earned Maui the nickname of the “valley isle”. The island was first settled by Polynesians about 700 CE. A 14th-century Hawaiian chief, Piilani, built the island’s largest stone temple, Piilanihale Heiau and an extensive road system. On Gate 1’s 12 Day Classic Hawaii with Honolulu, Kona, Maui & Kauai tour, travelers will spend their first day on Maui exploring the island on their own. Go for a swim, take a stroll along the beach, or simply enjoy the amenities of your resort. The next, travelers can join the optional full day Road to Hana tour which highlights the best of Maui’s natural beauty.
Kauai is the northernmost and oldest Hawaiian island. It is also the most verdant and scenic islands that Hawaii has to offer. Kauai is a nearly circular island that is dominated by Mount Waialeale, rising to 5,243 feet at the island’s center. On Gate 1’s 12 Day Classic Hawaii with Honolulu, Kona, Maui & Kauai tour, travelers will get to see this beautiful scenery in person. After staying in Maui, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kauai. On arrival, head to Kalapaki Beach for an early dinner. Then, check into your hotel with the rest of the evening at your leisure. The next day, take a guided tour of the island of Kauai which offers you a unique opportunity to explore the island’s famous movie locations. Some of these famous movies consist of Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Avatar, and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Then, begin your last day of the tour with a flat-bottom riverboat for a cruise along the Wailua River. Stop at the Fern Grotto landing and embark on a short nature walk through the rainforest to view Fern Grotto. Next, visit Waimea Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” and admire the views. Following lunch, take a scenic drive to view the Spouting Horn, Poipu, and `Opaeka`a Falls on the way back to the hotel.
Honolulu: Hawaii’s Vibrant City by the Sea
Honolulu is both the capital and principal port of Hawaii, U.S., seat of Honolulu County. A modern city that extends about 10 miles along the southeastern shore of Oahu Island 4 miles inland across a plain into foothills of the Koolau Range. Since the city is the crossroads of trans-Pacific shipping and air routes, this made a great location to be Hawaii’s commercial and industrial center of the state. As of 2025, Honolulu has approximately 344,000 to 350,000 residents. The Honolulu Metro Area reports around 928,000 residents, while the County has a total of 1,000,000 residents.
On Gate 1’s 9 Day Essential Hawaii with Maui tour, travelers will start in Honolulu. The first morning there, take a guided walk through the Waikiki area, including stops at the statue of Duke Kahanamoku, the historic Moana Surf Rider Hotel, and the Surfboard Walk. Along the way, explore the history of surfing and The Beach Boys. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in Honolulu or join the optional tour of Pearl Harbor and Honolulu city. The next day is at your leisure or perhaps join the optional Circle Island tour of Oahu. Learn about Hawaii’s unique culture and history during this 120-mile excursion. Stop at several natural and cultural landmarks of the island, including Waimea Valley, Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, and the Dole Plantation. This beautiful city is a must see when staying in Hawaii, the perfect blend of tropics and an urban environment.
Natural Wonders and Hidden Gems
Hawaii is filled with incredible places that showcase the island’s diverse landscapes. Gate 1’s 9 Day Classic Hawaii with Honolulu, Kona, & Maui tour features numerous natural wonders for travelers to experience. On the Big Island, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers a fascinating look at one of the world’s most active volcanic regions. Once travelers are inside the park, they can view exhibits and hear explanations from park rangers on the environment, history and culture of the park. Continue to Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and stop at Punalu’u Bake Shop to taste their famous sweet bread.
The next day of the tour features a Coffee Farm visit for travelers. Get to learn how coffee is cultivated, roasted and steps taken to obtain top quality Kona Coffee. Conclude the tour with a taste of fresh roasted brew. Kona Coffee is a well-known premium coffee that is grown exclusively on the volcanic slopes of Mauna Loa and Hualalai in Hawaii’s Kona district. Renowned for its smooth, mild, and slightly sweet flavor profile, it is hand-picked at peak ripeness. Due to its rarity, Kona Coffee is often very expensive.
Meaningful Historic and Cultural Sites
Hawaii also offers powerful historical experiences. On Gate 1’s 12 Day Classic Hawaii with Honolulu, Kona, Maui & Kauai tour, travelers will visit the Peral Harbor Visitor Center. Travelers can reflect on one of the most significant events in American history. Then continue to the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, followed by the USS Arizona Memorial & Museum. The USS Arizona Memorial honors those who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor. It remains one of the most visited memorial sites in the country. In the afternoon, take a city tour of Honolulu, including the Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific, historic Iolani Palace, and King Kamehameha’s statue.
The USS Arizona Memorial program is time, weather, and capacity dependent. The US Navy may interrupt boat service to the memorial whenever deemed unsafe. In the event the USS Arizona is not available, and when timing allows, the USS Bowfin will be visited instead.
Discover the Many Sides of Hawaii
From the lush landscapes of Kauai and the beaches of Maui to the vibrant energy of Honolulu and the islands’ hidden games, Hawaii offers an incredible range of experiences. Whether travelers are seeking adventure, history, or relaxation, exploring multiple islands reveals the true diversity and beauty that makes Hawaii one of the world’s most beloved vacation destinations. To see the rest of our Hawaiian itinerary, click here. To see Gate 1’s full USA itinerary, click here.
Denali National Park is named for the highest mountain peak in North America; Denali mountain. This vast park is larger than the state of New Jersey at 6 million square acres and is virtually untouched by human hands. The adventures do not stop at the incredible views here. Camping, hiking, exploring and wildlife viewing are all popular at this park. Keep your eyes open for moose, Dall sheep, caibou and eagles while in Denali.
This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user Colin Odell using the hashtag #gate1travel. This beautiful view was captured in Denali National Park, Alaska on our 12 Day Classic Alaska with 7 Day Cruise trip. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Alaska trips here!
Happy Anniversary to one of the most iconic landmarks in the USA; the Grand Canyon. The park officially became recognized as a national park 100 years ago and we are celebrating with a post dedicated to the history of this geological wonder, with a few fun facts mixed in. It’s time to pack your bags, grab your sun glasses and join us on our journey through the Grand Canyon.
Long before the canyon was a national park, scientists estimate the canyon was formed anywhere from 5-70 million years ago. It is estimated that about 30- 70 million years ago tectonic plates shifted back and forth to create the Colorado Plateau. From there, about 5-6 million years ago, the Colorado River helped shape the canyon over the next millions of years by slowly weathering away the Colorado Plateau. Even today these forces of nature continue to slowly widen and deepen the formation. Even though the formation of the canyon is a young 70 million or so years old, some of the oldest rock in the canyon, like that found in the inner gorge, can be traced back to around 2 billion years ago!
Since its formation, the Grand Canyon has hosted indigenous populations, groups of explorers and many who struggled to explore the land. It is estimated that the first humans passed in and around the Grand Canyon about 12,000 years ago. The first recorded group to inhabit the canyon was the Ancient Pueblas, who lived there an estimated 2,300 years ago. The park has had continuous occupants since that time. The first scientific expedition took place here in 1896 when US Major John Wesley Powell led a passage through the Grand Canyon with a volunteer group of nine men to see if the land could be successfully traversed. This was due to the widely believed theory that the land in the Grand Canyon was uninhabitable. Powell and his men completed the journey successfully and showed that the canyon can be crossed in its entirety. He also coined the name “Grand Canyon” as opposed to its previous names of “Big Canyon” or “Great Canyon.”
From there, the Grand Canyon still had several years and political hurdles until it became a national park. Before his presidency, Benjamin Harrison introduced a bill to attempt to crown the Grand Canyon a national park in the years 1882, 1883 and 1886, all of which were unsuccessful. In 1893, now President Harrison established the area as the Grand Canyon Reserve and in 1893 it was declared a monument. Even after these milestones, the US Senate attempted to elevate the canyon to national park status in both 1910 and 1911 and both attempts were shut down. The Grand Canyon had supporters in very high places and still did not see national park status for 8 more years.
Finally, in 1919, under the administration of President Wilson, the area was delegated as an official national park on February 26. For a place to be considered for designation, it must possess a unique natural, cultural or recreational resource. In the United States, it is maintained by the national government and by act of congress.
The Grand Canyon was finally a protected national park and its popularity skyrocketed and continues to. The area now sees over 5 million visitors a year and is continuously one of the top most visited national parks in the United States. It was the 2nd last year just behind the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee. It is a true piece of Americana and holds a place in the hearts of visitors for a lifetime.
That’s enough of our history lesson, we will now provide you with some fun facts about the Grand Canyon National Park!
The US Bureau of Reclamation
wanted to build a staircase of reservoirs through the canyon in the
late 1960s.
The Grand Canyon Railway was completed in 1901 and now brings over 225.000 passengers to the park each year.
In 2014, a five-day routine flooding of the Grand Canyon was ordered in hopes to improve the environment by delivering sediment to the Grand Canyon. This flooding released enough water in the Grand Canyon to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool every 2.5 seconds. These floods are expected to continue through 2020.
Grand Canyon National Park is larger than the state of Rhode Island at 277 miles in length.
The canyon is 18 miles at its widest point across with it stretching a mere 4 miles at its narrowest.
The rock found at the bottom of the canyon is around 2 billions years old with the rock on top being only 230 million.
The Grand Canyon is not the widest, longest or deepest canyon in the world but it is one of the most popular with around 5 million visitors per year.
Native Americans have been living in and around the canyon for thousands of years, long before Powell started his journey.
It creates its own weather because of the drastically varying elevations. The weather you are experiencing in one part of the park can be completely different from the weather just a few miles away.
There are no dinosaur bones in the Grand Canyon because the rock that makes up the majority of the canyon is about a billion years older than the dinosaurs.
*As a special bonus, we wanted to give a shout out to National Parks week from April 20- April 28! Celebrate National Parks Week by visiting our Celebrating National Parks Week: Facts from our National Parks blog post. Learn more about your national parks and get inspired to see some of these beautiful places for yourself!
George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Thomas Jefferson welcome you to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, South Dakota. One of the most famous landmarks in the United States, this granite sculpture is carved into the Black Hills in west South Dakota. These sculptures are 60 feet long and are visited by about 3 million people a year! Come visit some of the most important people in the history of the United States.
This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @Amy Bubenheim using the hashtag #gate1travel. This historic scene was taken at Mount Rushmore National Park in Keystone, South Dakota. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s National Parks and USA trips here!
August 25, 2016 marks the 100th birthday of the US National Parks Service and we thought we’d celebrate with some National Park Service facts and links to events to help everyone celebrate this historic day.
Did you know?
Over 400 National Parks, monuments and historic sites are managed by the National Park Service
California has the most National Parks with 9 & Alaska has the most parks & sites
Alaska is also home to the largest National Park – Wrangell-St.Elias
The most visited National Park, with over 10.5 million visitors a year is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina & Tennessee
Yellowstone was the first National Park in the world created in 1872
Ways to Celebrate:
Free entrance days – there are a total of 6 remaining Free Entrance Days of the 16 that were offered in 2016 including August 25-28th
Google Arts & Culture has released a collection of videos & 360 degree tours highlighting 5 different parks
The National Park Service is encouraging users to post to social media with the hashtag #findyourpark
Explore the National Parks with Gate 1 Travel on one of our 15 packages that visit US National Parks & Sites!
