Virginia Camping Quick Facts

Uniquely Virginia: Site of the surrender that ended the American Revolution
Must-See: Monticello, historic home of Thomas Jefferson
Most Unusual: The wild ponies on Assateague Island
Highest Point: Mt. Rogers, 5,729 feet
Food to Try: Brunswick Stew

What to Do in Virginia:

1 Visit Yorktown the city where Cornwallis surrendered and ended the American Revolution

2 Explore Assateague and Chincoteague Islands

3 Take a ghost tour in Richmond

4 Hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains

5 Learn about Virginia's geology while exploring the Luray Caverns

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Off The Beaten Path | Virginia

The Commonwealth of Virginia is a beautiful state on the Atlantic Coast. Visitors can enjoy history, outdoor adventure, romantic getaways and much more. The Chesapeake Bay and the Blue Ridge Mountains shape the state and create habitat for the wide range of plants and animals in the state, and create an amazing place to enjoy adventure and excitement.

Chincoteague and Assateague Islands
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island located in Virginia and Maryland, is a bird watchers paradise. It was established in 1943 as a refuge for birds, primarily snow geese, but it is home to many species of birds and wildlife and is also home to the famous Chincoteague Ponies. Chincoteague Island is a beautiful resort spot. In addition to being close to the wildlife refuge, the island has many of its own charms. Visitors can enjoy their vacation exploring the beaches, marshes and forests of the wildlife refuge or exploring the local shops on Chincoteague Island. Scenic Chincoteague has many opportunities to hike, bike and boat, you can also go crabbing or claming. The town also offers pony rides on real Chincoteague Ponies.

Monticello, Charlottesville
Located on a mountaintop outside of Charlottesville, Monticello is an amazing place to learn about the history of our nation. Monticello was the home built by Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. Visitors can now take tours of the personal home of one of the countries greatest historical figures. Tours include the first floor of the home, located on the 5000 acre estate, as well as tours that focus on different aspects of the plantation's history. Monticello is the only historic house in the United States on the United Nations' World Heritage List.

Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is 105 miles long, and it stretches from Front Royal to Waynesboro-Charlottesville. The Skyline Drive, the scenic drive through the park, is a fabulous way to enjoy the beautiful park. Shenandoah's visitor centers have plenty of fascinating exhibits, and the park has plenty of hiking opportunities. There are over 500 miles of trails, and much of the parks 196000 acres are open to back-country camping, nature viewing and more. Old Rag Mountain is also in Shenandoah National park, which happens to be a very popular, challenging and dangerous hike, great for the more adventurous hikers.

Warm Springs, Bath County
Warm Springs is a great location in Virginia to enjoy some relaxation. Visitors can find the very nice mineral waters in the village of Warm Springs on the western part of the state. The mineral waters are great for relaxation and are said to have healing qualities. The mineral waters can be enjoyed at the 19th century bathhouses. When visitors are not spending time at the bathhouses they can enjoy the delights of the village itself, including antiques, art galleries, crafts, the Bath County Historical Society Museum, live music and much more.

Tangier Island
Located in Chesapeake Bay, the tiny island of Tangier is an excellent spot to enjoy some of Virginia's history. Visitors to the island can tour an bike or by Tangier taxis, which are golf carts used to tour the island. Some locals give tours of the island, which is a great way for visitors to learn about the island's history and present and enjoy the accent unique to the island. Visitors can also take nature tours which allows locals to explore crab pots and crab farms of the islands community.

Fredericksburg
This town is filled with significant Civil War battlefields. Visitors can go to Chatham, which is the only house in America that was visited by both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Chatham is widely known for the role it played during the Civil War, when it was both a headquarters for the Union Army and a hospital. Visitors to Fredericksburg can visit four battlefields at the Fredericksburg/Sportsylvania National Military Park, which includes Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and The Wilderness and Sportsylvania Court House.

Staunton
Theater lovers will enjoy a visit to Staunton. The replica of Shakespeare's 17th century indoor theater, called Blackfriars Playhouse is an excellent location to enjoy the works of Shakespeare. Stauton is an old railroad town  and the birthplace of President Woodrow Wilson.

Virginia | Fun and Funky Things to Do

Virginia is a beautiful state, and it has many great attractions. Some of these attractions are very unique. If you are looking to enjoy some quirky and fun attractions during your trip to Virginia, here are a few great destinations to consider.

Drug Enforcement Administration Museum, Arlington
Located on the ground floor of the DEA headquarters. The museum contains a wide range of drug related artifacts, these artifacts represent all different time periods. Throughout the museum there are exhibits that illustrate different periods in time and culture. The DEA has much more that could be in a museum, however, many of these artifacts and photos are too shocking to be presented in a museum that gets such a wide range of visitors.

Dinosaur Kingdom, Natural Bridge
The Dinosaur Kingdom share its location with Professor Cline's Haunted Monster Museum. Visitors to Dinosaur Kingdom, will see the life-sized, hand crafted, fiberglass dinosaurs. Along the path through Dinosaur Kingdom, the large dinosaurs in combat with Union soldiers during the Civil War. Visitors to Dinosaur Kingdom can learn all about the story that brings together Dinosaurs and Civil War soldiers.

George Washington Masonic National Memorial, Alexandria
This memorial is a unique commemoration for both George Washington and the Freemasons. The ten story memorial was built by the Freemasons, and was built to resemble the Ancient 7 Wonders lighthouse at Alexandria, Egypt. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is also museum, with replicas and artifacts from important American leaders and Freemasons.

Shenandoah Caverns
These interesting caverns are a great way to explore the underground and see the amazing formations. These caverns actually have elevator service into the caverns. Along the one-mile long trail there are all sorts of crystalline formations and large rooms.

Natural Bridge
The Natural Bridge in Virginia is a truly amazing sight. It is a naturally formed rock bridge. This bridge has a long history for America. It is included in Native American tradition, as well as involvement in the history of founding fathers like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Visitors to the Natural Bridge can also visit the Natural Bridge Caverns. These caverns descend 34 stories into the ground, and have some amazing features such as the Colossal Dome, a dome shaped natural feature.

Washington Quick Facts

Uniquely Washington: Geoducks, Orca Whales, Mt. Rainier
Must-See: Snoqualmie Falls
Most Unusual: Mt. St. Helens, sight of the 1980 eruption
Highest Point: Mt. Rainier, 14,410 feet
Food to Try: Clam Chowder and salmon from the Seattle Waterfront

What to Do in Washington

1 Ride the ferry boats

2 Hike in the rain forest

3 See a banana slug

4 Feast on seafood

5 Go whale watching

6 Sleep under the stars

7 Hike through a pine forest

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Off The Beaten Path | Washington

Washington State is a great destination throughout the year. In the northwest region the weather is mild even during the winter, although there is quite a lot of rain. Summertime in Washington is amazingly beautiful with the warm sun and green plants. Visitors to Washington will find that although the eastern and western parts of the state are very different, there are all sorts of fun things to do on both sides of the mountains. Throughout the state visitors will find plenty of recreation, delightful towns, stunning island vistas and even ferry rides. Here are just a few of the state's amazing destinations in no particular order.

Leavenworth
The little town of Leavenworth lies at the base of the Cascade Mountains. Leavenworth is an especially fun destination in Washington because the entire town has adopted a Bavarian Theme. Visitors to Leavenworth can enjoy the Bavarian homes, shops and even restaurants. Leavenworth is also a great destination for year-round recreation. The town is near to Lake Wenatchee, the Wenatchee National Forest and much more. It is a great rock-climbing spot, visitors can also try some ag-tourism to learn about the areas agriculture including berry farms and orchards. Leavenworth is also a great winter destination, the town has Bavarian themed holiday celebrations, and it is a great spot for cross-country skiing as well as many more winter activities. Visitors to Leavenworth may also want to take the short trip to nearby Cashmere, for a tour of the famous Aplets & Cotlets Factory and Country Store, where visitors can enjoy some of Washington's unique candy.

San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands are an ideal northwest Washington vacation getaway. They are remote and filled with Washington's natural beauty. Located in the Salish Sea between Vancouver, BC and Seattle, there are over 700 islands, and less than 200 have names. Visitors will find that access to the islands is limited to ferry, private boat or plane, and only four of the islands are accessible by ferry. These four islands are Shaw Island, Lopez Island, Orcas Island and San Juan Island. Each of these four islands has unique character as well as unique geography. On the islands visitors can enjoy the extensive shoreline, wildlife and plenty of recreation. Visitors can enjoy biking, boating, camping and more. Each of these main islands also has a small town with unique shops, museums, local farms and the delightful local farmers markets. Whale watching is also a great activity that visitors to the island can enjoy.

Mount St. Helens
On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted, sending ash all the way into eastern Washington and beyond. The eruption and a large earthquake caused the north face of the mountain to collapse and creating a devastation pyroclastic mud flow. The eruption lasted for nine hours. After the eruption, in 1982 the President and Congress created the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, which set aside 11,000 acres for research, education and recreation, and the environment was left to respond to the eruption naturally. Today visitors to the mountain can climb the mountain with a permit. Those visitors that climb the mountain can see the lava dome that was building, but which now appears to have stopped. Visitors to Mount St. Helens that want to climb the mountain should always check mountain conditions and warnings before going up as it is still an active volcano. Other features of the mountain include the Johnson Ridge Observatory, the Silver Lake Visitor Center and the Coldwater Lake Recreation Area, all of which are great places to learn about the history of the mountain, and seeing how the environment has responded to the eruption.

Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island is located in the Puget Sound, just an easy 35 minute ferry ride from Seattle. A day trip to Bainbridge is a great way to enjoy the culture of the Puget Sound while getting away from the city. Visitors first have to take the ferry ride from Seattle to the Island. Riding the ferry is a fun way to see great vistas of Bainbridge Island and Seattle, you may even be lucky enough to see some whales on the ridge during certain times of the year. Visitors to Bainbridge Island do not have to drive their car, as the main town of Winslow is a very short walk from the ferry. Winslow is full of cute shops and plenty of local arts and culture. Visitors to Bainbridge Island will also find some excellent dining options. If you decide to drive on the ferry there are many more fun things to do on the Island. During the summer there are many nice beaches that visitors can have picnics and swim in the cold water. Bainbridge also has some very nice parks worth visiting including Fort Ward State Park on the south end of the island and Battle Point State Park, which has a nice walk and duck ponds.

Methow Valley
The Methow Valley is a particularly stunning part of the North Cascades and it is a great destination for recreation. The Methow Valley extends from the town of Mazama to the town of Pateros, with Twisp and Winthrop inbetween. Visitors to the Methow Valley will find that Lake Chelan, the Okanogan National Forest and the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area are nearby. At the northern end of the valley is the town of Mazama which is just 30 miles from the Canadian border. Pateros is located at the southern end of the valley and is nestled in a curve of the Columbia River. Visitors will find all sorts of recreation and fun throughout the area. In Chelan visitors can try some great Washington wines. One of the longest cross-country  ski trails in the world passes through Mazama, Cross-country skiers will love this 120 mile trail. Twisp, located at the confluence of the the Twisp and Methow Rivers is a great spot to enjoy some river rafting. The area is also a good spot to enjoy wilderness trips, golfing, hot air ballooning, hiking, biking, camping, nature watching, rock climbing, a variety of water sports and even winter sports.

Dry Falls State Park
As you may have guessed from the name, the Dry Falls no longer carry water. In fact, these amazing falls are the remnant of what was once the largest waterfall know to have existed on Earth. Visitors to the Dry Falls will see the 3.5 miles of sheer cliffs that drop 400 feet, which is a little over twice the drop of Niagara Falls. The Dry Falls were created by the collapse of one of the ice dams that held back the waters of the Glacial Lake Missoula. The flood that followed eventually created the Dry Falls. Visitors to Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park can learn all about the geological process that created these amazing falls at the Interpretive Center located in Sun Lake State Park in Coulee City. At the foot of the Dry Falls visitors will find over 73,000 feet of freshwater shoreline. Visitors to this area might also want to stop and enjoy some of the areas many lakes, as well as the Grand Coulee Dam and Coulee City.

Dungeness Spit
The Dungeness Spit is the longest natural sand spit in the country, the spit extends five miles into the Strait of Juan de Fuca and it grows about 15 feet each year. The Dungeness Spit  is located just north of the town of Sequim and it is encompassed in the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge has over 200 species of birds as well as many species of marine animals. The refuge is over 600 acres and is open daily from dawn to dusk, but access is limited to horseback or foot. Visitors may wan to take the hike out to see the New Dungeness Lighthouse, the lighthouse is located near the tip of Sandy Hook and has a great little museum. Also near the spit is the Dungeness Recreation Area, which has over 200 acres of shoreline which is a great destination for all types of marine recreation. Visitors to this area won't want to miss a stop in Sequim. This town has a great downtown area, and be sure not to miss breakfast or lunch at the amazing Oak Table Cafe. The Olympic Game Farm is also a great destination. Visitors will find a wide variety of animals during their drive through the farm, including zebras, bears, elk, buffalo and much more.

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Washington | Fun and Funky Things to Do

Washington is a beautiful state, filled with natural wonders and interesting activities. If you happen to be a visitor to Washington and are looking for some places and attractions to visit that are a little out of the ordinary, here are a few ideas.

Wild Horse Monument
This delightful sculpture collection is located on the east side of the Columbia River near the town of Vantage in Central Washington. The large sculptures were made by local artist David Govedare. Drivers on Interstate 90 can see the large silhouettes on the hill above. If there is enough time, drivers should stop to see the sculptures up close. When exploring the monument, visitors can see that the sculptures are made from welded steel plates and that no two of the sculptures are alike.

Fremont Troll
Visitors to Seattle should take the time to to explore this amazing sculpture located under the Aurora Bridge. The Fremont Troll peers to the south from underneath the bridge. Visitors to Seattle have been enjoying the unique sculpture since 1990. The head and shoulders of the troll stand 18 feet tall. Visitors and residents alike love to climb onto the troll to pose for unique Seattle photos.

Grand Coulee Dam Laser Light Show
The Grand Coulee Dam features a laser light show daily. Visitors can best see the free light show from the parking lot. The laser light show is displayed on the face of dam, with the water cascading down. Throughout the show there are fun laser light formations, with music and the show is narrated by the Columbia River brought to life.

Ye Olde Curiosity Shop
Located on the downtown Seattle waterfront, the Ye Olde Curiosity Shop is a must see destination for all visitors to Seattle. The shop is filled to the brim with amazing and quirky curios. These curios are displayed throughout the store, some even hang from the ceiling. Visitors come away from the shop with unique souvenirs of Seattle. Be sure to keep an eye out for the shop's resident Mummies.

Mima Mounds Natural Area
In the south Puget Sound, visitors to Washington can stop and visit one of the country's natural  curiosities. Each mound is six to eight feet tall, these mounds are spread across the over 600 acres of the preserve. Visitors to the Mima Mounds Natural Area can walk along the interpretive trail to really see the repetitive pattern of the mounds. There is also an observation deck where visitors can see the mounds from above. There are many theories about the origins of the mounds.

West Virginia Quick Facts

Uniquely West Virginia: Hatfield - McCoy Trail System
Must-See: Civil War Discovery Trail
Most Unusual: Indian burial grounds at Moundsville
Highest Point: Spruce Knob, 4,863 feet
Food to Try: Apple butter

What to Do in West Virginia

1 Go rafting on the New River

2 Explore the indian burial grounds found in the state

3 Enjoy fresh apples at the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival

4 Take a scenic historic train excursion

5 Learn about West Virginia history at Harpers Ferry

Off The Beaten Path, West Virginia

West Virginia is an amazing state. Filled with the beauty of nature, a variety of wildlife, history and much more. Visitors to the state will find all sorts of attractions and destinations to explore. Some of these points of interest my be tourist heavy and some may be a little more off the beaten path. Here are a few worthy destinations in the great state of West Virginia.

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Visitors to this state park will have a glimpse into a time when steam locomotives were an essential part of West Virginia's industry. Much of the park is preserved as it was during the time period when steam locomotives were the main form of transportation for industry. Visitors have an opportunity to explore the park and learn about the history of steam locomotives. In addition, the park offers an excursion on the historic Cass Scenic Railroad.

Coal Heritage Museum
Located in Madison, West Virginia, this museum is a great way to learn about one of the regions important industries. Coal mining played an important role in the state. The museum has a wide range of exhibits about coal mining and the lives of West Virginia coal miners. These exhibits include mining tools, photographs, oral histories and much more, all telling the stories of coal miners throughout West Virginia.

Grave Creek Mound Archeology Complex
Within this complex visitors can see the burial mounds built by the Adena culture. The Adena people were one of the original cultures inhabiting the region that is now West Virginia. The mounds were built over many years from around 250 to 150 B.C. The Grave Creek Mound Archeology Complex also has a great museum with exhibits and displays about the burial mounds and their construction as well as the Adena culture as a whole.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
This delightful park and community is located at the point of convergence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Visitors to the park can explore the exhibits and museums in the historic community. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park also has trails to hike, including part of the Appalachian Trail. Another interesting feature of the park are the battlefields that visitors can learn about and enjoy exploring.

New River Gorge National River
The New River is one of this continents oldest rivers, and over 70,000 acres of land around this national river are protected and preserved for visitors to enjoy. The river passes through deep canyons and its power can be seen in the powerful white waters on the river. Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking, biking, climbing, whitewater rafting and more. Throughout this park there are historic sites, many opportunities to enjoy wildlife viewing and birding. Visitors can also visit a variety of points of interest within the park, including Sandstone Falls, the largest waterfall on the river, and the scenic overlooks in the Grandview area.

West Virginia Wildflower Pilgrimage
Starting at Blackwater Falls State Park, this event is a great way to enjoy all beauty spring in West Virginia has to offer. The state park acts as a launching point to explore the wildflowers and natural beauty in the surrounding area. Held annually, visitors can see a wide variety of wildflowers, wildlife, birds and the natural features of the region.

Snowshoe Mountains
For visitors looking to recreate at any time throughout the year the Snowshoe Mountains are a great option. In the winter it is a great spot to enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Winter visitors will enjoy the 60 trails and slopes and four terrain parks on the mountain. However, this destination is also great for spring, summer and fall recreating. Visitors will also find excellent biking, golfing and more.

Fun and Funky, West Virginia

West Virginia is a fascinating state for visitors and residents. Those travelers that enjoy the more fun and often funky destinations in the places they visit should keep an eye out for these excellent attractions.

Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
One of the major pieces of West Virginia history is coal mining. Visitors to the town of Beckley can learn all about coal mining at a real coal mine. Although no longer in use as a coal mine, visitors can take tour tour with a veteran coal miner as a guide into the different underground areas of the mine. Visitors can also stop at the coal museum, the fudgery and more.

Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum
This fantastic museum is an excellent destination for both adults and children. The museum, located in Wheeling has an amazing collection of toys and trains from many generations. Visitors will find a scale model of downtown Wheeling, as well as some fun train layouts.

Lost World Caverns
Located outside of Lewisburg, travelers that are interested in caves should stop and take a self guided tour of the Lost World Caverns. This attraction has a half mile loop, which takes visitors past a variety of amazing formations. In addition, visitors can stop at the museum, which has a fantastic collection of fossil replicas and more.

West Virginia State Farm Museum
The West Virginia State Farm Museum is an ideal destination to learn all about the farming history of the state. Many historical buildings have been moved to the museum to preserve their part in West Virginia history and for visitors to explore. The museum features a Blacksmith Ship, a schoolhouse, log cabins, a Carpenter Shop and much more. In addition the museum has a large collection of artifacts that tell the story of This part of West Virginia history.

World's Largest Teapot
Chester, West Virginia is home to the largest teapot. Those travelers that seek to see the largest things throughout the country should be sure to stop to see this example. While in Chester make sure to stop and get a postcard featuring the gigantic teapot.

Wisconsin Quick Facts

Wisconsin at a Glance

Uniquely Wisconsin: Wisconsin Dairy Farms, Wisconsin is the dairy capital of the United States
Must See: The House on the Rock
Most Unusual: The Mustard Museum in Mount Horeb
Highest Point: Timms Hill, 1951 feet
Food to Try: Cranberry Pie and Colby Cheese

What to Do in Wisconsin:

1 Visit a Wisconsin dairy

2 Take in the excitement at a water park in the Wisconsin Dells

3 Explore the shops in Door County

4 Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day in New London

5 Visit Taliesin, the home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright

6 See the mysterious archeological site at Aztalan State Park

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Off The Beaten Path, Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a beautiful state filled with amazing natural features, art, culture and community. Throughout the state visitors will find unique and fun activities to participate in and places to enjoy. Here are a few excellent destinations that visitors can find in the great state of Wisconsin.

House on the Rock, Spring Green
Visitors to Wisconsin should visit the House on the Rock. The house and other buildings that visitors can explore today was built in the 1940's on top of Deer Shelter Rock. The House on the Rock started as a weekend home, today there are many buildings, exhibits and more. Visitors to the House on the Rock can explore the collections of the original owner.

Storybook Farm Llama Trekking, Phillips
One fun activity visitors to Wisconsin can enjoy is llama trekking. While Llama trekking visitors learn all about llamas, how to handle llamas and learn about the personality and disposition of the llama they are paired with. After learning about the llamas, visitors get to trek  with the llama, and for the very adventurous there are also obstacle courses.

Ice Age National Scenic Trail
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a great way to experience the beautiful state of Wisconsin. This Trail showcases the evidence of the Ice Age glacier that covered most of North America. Wisconsin's many lakes, hills, river valley and more are great evidence of the glacier. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail spans 1200 miles across Wisconsin. Visitors to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail can take day hikes, or hike across much larger parts of the trail.

Eau Galle Cheese, Durand
Wisconsin is famous for its cheese. One of Wisconsin's fine cheeses is produced at Eau Galle Cheese Factory in Durand. Visitors to the Eau Galle Cheese Factory have the opportunity to taste some of the excellent cheese produced in Wisconsin. The Eau Galle Cheese Factory also allows visitors to watch how their cheeses are made.

Taliesin, Spring Green
This stunning home is one of the amazing examples of the architecture and genius of Frank Lloyd Wright. Visitors to Wisconsin should make sure they take the opportunity to explore this amazing piece of American art. Throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall visitors to Taliesin can take guided tours of the Taliesin Estate. There are a variety of tours, and it is important to note that the Estate is privately owned and only accessible by guided tour.

Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo
Devil's Lake State Park is one of Wisconsin's most popular state parks. It is an especially great destination from late spring to early fall. During these season's with good weather visitors can enjoy Devil's Lake, which is a stunning spring-fed lake. In addition to the beautiful lake, the park also has a great trail system, over 29 miles, that visitors can enjoy recreating on.

Rotary Botanical Gardens, Janesville
These beautiful gardens in Janesville are well worth a visit. Located on 20 acres the Rotary Botanical Gardens have amazing examples of plants and flowers throughout the world. Some of the gardens are focused on international gardens, including English, French, Japanese and more. In addition to the themed gardens there are more gardens for visitors to explore.

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Fun & Funky, Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a great state to enjoy a vacation. For those visitors looking for an attraction that is a little different, here are a few of the fun and funky spots in Wisconsin.

World's Largest Six Pack, LaCrosse
LaCrosse is home to the World's Largest Six Pack. This six pack are the tanks of the City Brewery. Today, visitors can see the painted tanks that make up the World's Largest Six Pack, and as it is an operational brewery, the six pack is full. For visitors looking for souvenirs, there are items available at the brewery's store.

FAST Fiberglass Statue Factory, Sparta
The FAST Corporation is a manufacturer of giant fiberglass statues. These statues are used at all different types of attractions and destinations. For visitors that are curious about where all those giant statues are made, a trip to the FAST Corporations Mold Yard in Sparta is in order. This is where the company stores all of its molds, and visitors can wander through the yard to see all of the different types of statues that they have made.

National Dairy Shrine Museum, Ft. Atkinson
Wisconsin is known for its dairy industry, so no trip to the state would be complete without learning a little about dairyland. The National Dairy Shrine is a great place to learn all about the dairy industry, from the history of ice cream to butter. Visitors can take a tour of the Visitor Center, which has tools of the dairy trade as well as information about the dairy industry in the past and present.

National Mustard Museum, Middleton
The National Mustard Museum started as the collection of just one man, today the National Mustard Museum has over 5,300 mustards as well as all types of mustard memorabilia. Visitors can lean all about mustard, and if they visit at the right time of year there is also a mustard festival held in Downtown Middleton.

Rock in the House, Fountain City
Visitors to Wisconsin that are looking for truly funky sights should stop at the Rock In The House. This is a home with a coin-shaped rock that rolled right into the middle of the house. One day, a huge rock just rolled into the bedroom of a home in Fountain City. The owners left the house with the rock in it, and now visitors can visit the house to see the rock and the destruction it caused.

Wyoming Quick Facts

Uniquely Wyoming: the Fort Laramie Rendezvous in June
Must-See: Yellowstone National Park
Most Unusual: Shoes Made From Big Nose George in Rawlins
Highest Point: Gannett Peak, 13,804 feet
Food to Try: Elk jerky and fry bread

What to Do in Wyoming

1 Ski at Jackson Hole

2 Watch for moose in the Grand Tetons

3 Look for jackalopes

4 See the Ames Pyramid in Buford

5 Watch Old Faithful geyser erupt

6 View the great blue herons at Hawk Springs Recreation Area

Off The Beaten Path | Wyoming

Wyoming is a stunning state filled with destinations for visitors to enjoy. There are many places with an amazing rugged beauty. Throughout the state there are locations where one can find all sorts of outdoor recreation and fun. Here are a few of Wyoming's great destinations.

Devils Tower National Monument
Devils Tower National Monument is an amazing destination in Wyoming. The Devils Tower rises over 1260 feet above the Belle Fourche River. In fact, this area was the first National Monument, created by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. Visitors to the park can explore woodlands, grasslands and pine forests. Within these beautiful habitats there is an amazing range of wildlife to see, including prairie dogs. In addition, recreational activities about within the National Monument, including hiking on the paved Tower Trail and rock climbing.

Cheyenne Frontier Days
For visitors to Wyoming looking to enjoy some western fun, the Cheyenne Frontier Days is an excellent event to visit. Cheyenne Frontier Days has an amazing rodeo, through the duration of the festival. Visitors to the festival can learn all about the history of the west at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. There are also parades, country music and lots of delicious food.

Bighorn Scenic Byway
This scenic byway crosses the Bighorn National Forest from east to west on US 14. The Bighorn Scenic Byway is an amazing way to explore some of the beauty of the Bighorn National Forest and other beautiful locations in Wyoming. Along this section of highway visitors can see the city of Shell, as well as Shell Canyon and Shell Falls among other amazing sites. Travelers on the byway will find many points to stop, hike, explore and have a great time.

Medicine Bow Mountains
Visitors to Wyoming can experience some wilderness in the Medicine Bow Mountains. The majestic peaks rise over the landscape, providing amazing views and an excellent destination for recreation and sightseeing. The Medicine Bow National Forest is an ideal place to explore some of the state's wilderness. Recreational opportunities include camping, fishing and more. The National Forest is also an amazing wildlife habitat and provides excellent opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitat.

Buffalo Bill Historic Center
The Buffalo Bill Historic Center is a great destination for those visitors to Wyoming trying to learn about the history of the west and Wyoming. Within the center there are five different museums in one. Visitors can learn all about the history of Buffalo Bill at the Buffalo Bill Museum. In addition, the Buffalo Bill Historic Center includes The Draper Museum of Natural History, the Whitney Gallery of Western Art, the Plains Indians Museum, and the Cody Firearms Museum. Together this collection of museums make an excellent destination for those visitors interested in history.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Within this amazing recreational area is a most stunning landscape. The sheer cliffs tower 1000 feet above the Bighorn River. Visitors can enjoy all sorts of recreation including amazing fishing, even ice fishing during the winter. In addition to hiking in the beautiful terrain, visitors can boat on Bighorn Lake. The Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area also preserves four historic ranches, which provide an interesting window into the history of the west. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular views the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area provides at the Devil Canyon Overlook.

Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole is a great all around destination in Wyoming. It is an excellent place to find year-round outdoor adventure. During the summer vacationers to Wyoming can enjoy plenty of beautiful camping, boating, hiking, rafting and much more. In the winter, there are many other recreational activities to enjoy skiing and snowboarding at world class resorts, as well as many more winter activities. Jackson Hole is also located in close proximity to both Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.

Wyoming | Fun and Funky Things to Do

The fantastic state of Wyoming has many amazing attractions and destinations. For those visitors that are looking for something on the fun or funky side, here are a few of the interesting destinations that Wyoming has to offer.

Ames Pyramid
Located near Buford, the Ames Pyramid is a fantastic destination to for seekers of interesting roadside attractions. The pyramid stands along commemorating the Ames Brothers who played an influential role in the creating of railroads in the west.

Big Boy Steam Engine
Those visitors to Wyoming that love trains and those that do not will both be fascinated by this Wyoming attraction. The Big Boy Steam Engine, located in Cheyenne is the largest steam locomotive in the world..

Ivinson Mansion
This impressive amnion located in Laramie is an excellent destination to take a tour and learn about some of the history of Laramie as well as the fascinating history of the home. The mansion was built in the late 1890s by the Ivinson Family. The building later became a Girls School and today it is home to the Laramie Plains Museum. Visitors to this destination can enjoy tours of the historic home as well as learn about the history of Wyoming as well

Shoes Made From Big Nose George
Within the collection of Big Nose George artifacts at the Carbon County Museum in Rawlins, Wyoming there are a pair of shoes actually made from the skin of Big Nose George. Big Nose George was a horse thief and train robber, he was eventually caught and hanged. After his death a couple of doctors decided to study the body. Today there are is a large collection of Big Nose George artifacts at the museum as well as plenty of other fascinating local history.

Wyoming Dinosaur Center
Travelers interested in prehistory will find the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis a fascinating destination. This center has many exhibits and many mounted dinosaurs for visitors to see and learn about the time period. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center even has fossils from around the world in the collection, and visitors can take tours of Dig Sites where fossils are uncovered.

Florida Quick Facts

Uniquely Florida: Everglades National Park
Must-See: The Florida Keys
Most Unusual: Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg
Highest Point: Britton Hill, 315 feet
Food to Try: Fresh citrus, such as oranges and key lime pie

What to Do in Florida:

1 Go snorkeling at the Florida Keys

2 Walk and hike on the trails at the Everglades National Park

3 Learn all about American space travel at the Kennedy Space Center

4 Take a ride on a glass bottom boat at Silver Springs

5 Drive the Black Bear Scenic Byway

Fun & Funky Things to Do | Florida

The beautiful state of Florida is a great spot to enjoy sandy beaches and plenty of sun. For visitors looking for a more quirky vacation experience can try visiting a few of these fun and funky locations throughout Florida.

Silver Springs
Silver Springs is a town with many interesting things to do, including entertainment and delicious dining, but they greatest attraction of the town are the Sliver Springs themselves. Silver Springs is one of the largest spring systems in the world, and it feeds the beautiful Silver River. Visitors simply must take a ride on the glass bottom boats, which ferry people across the springs. From these boats visitors can marvel at the life and vents, which feed the springs, through the glass bottom of the boats.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center Complex
At the Kennedy Space Center you can tour launch areas, see rockets, experience the space flight simulators, and speak to an astronaut. If you are really lucky and time your visit right you may even be able to view a shuttle launch. Another great experience visitors can try the Shuttle Launch Experience, which simulates what astronauts experience during a shuttle launch.

Dry Tortugas National Park
Located 70 miles to the west Key West this cluster of seven islands is a great destination to enjoy some of Florida's nature. The islands are composed of coral reefs and sand, and they are famous for their bird and marine life. There are also legends of pirates and sunken gold.  Visitors can also enjoy Fort Jefferson, which is the largest 19th century American coastal fort.

Gatorland
Visitors looking to see some wildlife Gatorland is an excellent destination. This 110 acre theme park and wildlife preserve is called the "Alligator Capital of the World." Visitors will find thousands of alligators and crocodiles. The park also has reptile shoes, an aviary, a swamp walk and much more.

Fun & Funky Things to Do | Florida

The beautiful state of Florida is a great spot to enjoy sandy beaches and plenty of sun. For visitors looking for a more quirky vacation experience can try visiting a few of these fun and funky locations throughout Florida.

Silver Springs
Silver Springs is a town with many interesting things to do, including entertainment and delicious dining, but they greatest attraction of the town are the Sliver Springs themselves. Silver Springs is one of the largest spring systems in the world, and it feeds the beautiful Silver River. Visitors simply must take a ride on the glass bottom boats, which ferry people across the springs. From these boats visitors can marvel at the life and vents, which feed the springs, through the glass bottom of the boats.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center Complex
At the Kennedy Space Center you can tour launch areas, see rockets, experience the space flight simulators, and speak to an astronaut. If you are really lucky and time your visit right you may even be able to view a shuttle launch. Another great experience visitors can try the Shuttle Launch Experience, which simulates what astronauts experience during a shuttle launch.

Dry Tortugas National Park
Located 70 miles to the west Key West this cluster of seven islands is a great destination to enjoy some of Florida's nature. The islands are composed of coral reefs and sand, and they are famous for their bird and marine life. There are also legends of pirates and sunken gold.  Visitors can also enjoy Fort Jefferson, which is the largest 19th century American coastal fort.

Gatorland
Visitors looking to see some wildlife Gatorland is an excellent destination. This 110 acre theme park and wildlife preserve is called the "Alligator Capital of the World." Visitors will find thousands of alligators and crocodiles. The park also has reptile shoes, an aviary, a swamp walk and much more.