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Photographers, get ready, because today’s blog is all about you! We’re celebrating National Wildlife Day by sharing some of the best destinations across the US for wildlife photography. You’ll find unique backgrounds and habitats, interesting and endangered wildlife, unique species found only in specific areas of the US, and build up a great portfolio. So hop in your new car from Classic in Waukegan, and let’s hit the road to top notch photography spots. more Antelope Island State Park in Utah You’ll find plenty of impressive animals to photograph here including free-range Bison, mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, porcupines, black tailed jackrabbits, desert cottontail rabbits, ord’s kangaroo rats, american badgers, red foxes, long-tailed weasels, bobcats, coyote, ten different varieties of bat, and plentiful birds both large and small.  The park habitats include grasslands (90% of the topography), shrublands, shorelines, salt flats, and more than 40 freshwater springs. Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana This scenic wildlife refuge features bayous, swamps, oxbow lakes, and bottomland hardwood forests on its 1,500,000 acres of protected lands.  This unique refuge area is home to Louisiana black bear, white-tailed deer, bobcats, coyotes, minks, otters, muskrat, armadillos, foxes, opossum, and the omnipresent alligator. It’s also a special breeding and nesting area for neotropical songbirds such as warblers, white ibis, American kestrels, wood duck, swallow-tailed kites, and large raptors, and many more especially during the fall and spring migration seasons. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico Located in Southern New Mexico, this is prime viewing for autumn and winter migratory birds such as Sandhill Cranes!  Nearly 7,000 acres of flood-plains make up the center of the park, and these beautiful wetlands attract an absolutely stunning amount of birds.  The best months to visit here are November through January, where you’ll find record numbers of wintering bird populations. Mammals in this area include coyotes, mule deer, elk, javelina, beavers, badgers, skunks, and muskrats. Cape May in New Jersey Located at the southernmost tip of the state, the beautiful Cape May National Wildlife Refuge and Cape May Point State Park Areas feature coastal and freshwater wetlands, dense forests, open fields, shorelines and beaches, as well as sandy and grassy dunes. Coastal waters are home to dolphins, sharks, and plentiful fish varieties as well as turtles. Common mammals include muskrat, opossums, foxes, river otters, beavers, racoons, red and grey foxes, coyotes, various deer, and bats. Bird varieties include sandpipers, laughing gulls, osprey, herons, ibis, and egrets, but hundreds of species of birds call this area home as well as migratory birds passing through. Everglades National Park in Florida Featuring an abundance of different habitats including hardwood hammocks, pinelands, mangroves, coastal lowlands, freshwater sloughs, cypress groves, freshwater marl prairie, pine rocklands, and seagrass areas, you’ll find an absolutely stunning variety of wildlife here to photograph. From frogs and fish to waterfowl and more, there’s no shortage of incredible creatures: Wood Stork, Roseate Spoonbill, Anhinga, Great Blue Herons, West Indian Manatee, American Alligator, American crocodiles, white-tailed deer, Great Egrets, marsh rabbits, North American river otters, Florida black bear, Florida Panthers, Bobcats, wild hogs, peacocks, snakes and more. Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area in Idaho Covering 485,000 acres of protected lands along 81 miles of shoreline on the Snake River, this area houses the most densely populated area of nesting birds of prey in all of North America; it’s estimated that around 800 pair of birds including eagles, falcons, hawks, and owls call the lava cliffs and desert plateau area their home.  The rocky cliffs and canyon area create strong thermal updrafts, all of which attract an impressive number of bird species including American kestrel, Barn Owls, Burrowing Owls, Cooper’s Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Golden Eagle, Great Horned Owls, Merlin Falcon, Northern Goshawk, and many more. National Elk Refuge in Wyoming This area protects critical wildlife habitats for species such as elk, bison, wolves, trumpeter swans, bald eagle, moose, pronghorn, grizzly bears, voles, badgers, beaver, and bighorn sheep. Habitats here include glacial outwash plains, rolling hills, creeks and streams, meadow grasslands, and marshy wetlands. The area is an especially well-known hotspot for migrating elk, which number in the thousands each winter, estimated to be more than 5,000-7,000 on average. During the winter months you’ll be able to opt for a scenic sleigh ride and educational tour from the park rangers. It’s part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and butts up against the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountain Ranges.

A new month means new excitement as we bring you the best for free, low cost, and family friendly events all around Waukegan and the Lake County Area. This is just a sampling of the fun that’s to be had around our local community ,so we recommend checking out a full calendar of events as well through the Visit Lake County organization for even more ideas.  May the start to the Autumnal season be a blast! more September 4th is Hikes and Hops at Independence Grove from 5:30 to 7PM, where you can enjoy a slow, leisurely hike through the forest preserve and enjoy immersion in nature, then conclude your visit at the Beer Garden featuring draft specials, and enjoy a small exhibit. T hursday September 5th, join in the fun at the Chicago Botanic Garden and explore the beautiful monarch gardens and learn what goes into creating an environment that supports their survival and prevents monarchs from becoming an endangered species.  You’ll learn how to identify their eggs and caterpillars, learn about their reproductive life cycle, and migration patterns – at the learning center in classroom 1. September 6th at the Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago, from 7PM to 9PM come joining in at the Community Campfire Friday Night event “Nature at Night”. Roast some marshmallows, take a nature stroll with friends and family, and even bring a story or instrument to play for the participants. BYO blankets and chairs. The Third Annual Cruisin on Center Grayslake Car Show is happening on Saturday September 7th at Historic Downtown Grayslake starting at Center Street, and beginning with a pancake breakfast from 7:30AM at Fire Station 1 on Hawley Street. There will also be 200+ cars, live music, plentiful food trucks, The Batmobile stopping by, Fire Trucks, and plenty of raffle prizes. With more than 40 dealers and vendors to shop from, the Reclaimed Artisans Inc Fall Outdoor Market is one you won’t want to miss. From 9AM to 4:30PM head over to Libertyville and shop vintage items, retro collectibles, antique, and one of a kind handmade items. There will also be live music, food and drink for purchase. It’s Park on Park Cruise Night in Downtown Mundelein starting at N. Seymour Avenue from 4PM to 8Pm on September 11th. The event specializes in pre-1977 vehicles only, and highlights classic cars from bygone eras. On September 15th from 10 AM to 3PM at Lindenhurst Center in Lindenhurst, shop the beautiful Sunday Morning Artisan Market and explore unique handmade items from local artists and artisans, Wauconda Cruise Night is running on September 17th in Downtown Wauconda from 5PM to 8PM and this is the closing event of the car show season, so don’t miss out or you'll be waiting until next June! CarFun on 21 in Libertyville is back again on September 18th from 6PM to 9PM featuring cars, trucks, and motorcycles that are 25 years and older!  Plus, local  band Blue Eyed Leo will be there playing live as well as food from Rosati’s Pizza. At Cook Park. Viva La Independencia in Waukegan is happening on Sunday September 15th from 8AM to 8PM, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month as well as Mexico and other Latin American independence days with a beautiful parade and festival featuring live music,vendors, and food! All in downtown Waukegan on the corner of Water Street & Sheridan Road. ArtWauk Waukegan is back on Saturday September 21st from 5PM to 9PM celebrating local arts and artists in our community featuring live music, special performances, and unique art exhibits as well as specials all around town for dinner, drinks, and more. The Annual Fiesta Sin Frontera is showcasing local guests artists, bands, and performers to celebrate Mexican culture and tradition with live food, informational stalls and exhibits, and unique vendors downtown all day on Saturday September 21st. September 28th from 12PM to 10PM head over to Highland Park  to celebrate all things fall and German at the special Oktoberfest at the Lot event on Saturday!  You’ll find fun activities for the whole family including dancing, live music and entertainment, contests in the afternoon, and after 5PM comes the adult fun and live band. Visitors are encouraged to dress in their German historic finery and enjoy the locally made German food and beverages.

It’s time to take a break from the busy office life and get out there and explore a little. Today, we’re taking a short day trip to enjoy Wilmington, Illinois! Located in will County along the east bank of the Kankakee River, it’s just a short drive south-west from Chicago, making it a perfect little escape for a day or weekend trip.  Let’s explore the sights and excitement in our neighboring city! more Local Attractions in Wilmington, IL Grab your camera and get ready to enjoy some fine kitschy americana with a photo of the 30-foot fiberglass spaceman sculpture known as the Gemini Giant! It’s located at the “Launching Pad” drive-in and has been a beloved route 66 stop for travelers for decades. Then head on over to snap a pic of The Sinclair Dinosaur. located on the roof of BTI Tires and has been an iconic symbol of Sinclair Oil since 1933! The Wilmington Area Historical Society offers a unique insight into local area history and is open the first Saturday of every month from 12PM to 3PM. You can check out news articles, artifacts, and photographs chronicling the history and residents of Wilmington over the decades. Located across the street from Van Duyne Motel is The Experience Hub, a kiosk that tells visitors about the history of the famed Route 66. Take a walk in the Historic Downtown area and enjoy a wide variety of antiques shops, vintage goods, and collectibles at places. You can check out local and nearby shops including: Sincerely Salli’s, Milltown MArket, Old Theatre Antiques & Resale, Paraphernalia Antiques, Route 66 Antiques, Le Fleur De Lis Boutique and Antiques, The Bell Book and Candle, Celtic Trinity, Ricks’s Relics on 66, and more. From April through October, enjoy The Water Street Flea Market on the first Saturday of the month from 9AM to 3PM and sample some local foods, handmade items, and artisanal goods. Catch a flick at the Launching Pad Drive-In or a first-run showing at The historic MAR theater Get in Touch with your Wild Side at These Nature Areas in Wilmington, IL Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is a national grasslands area protected by the US Forest SErvice, covering more than 18,000 acres and is the first national tallgrass prairie in the US!  Thanks to preservation efforts and a partnership between the USDA Forest and National FOrest Foundation, you’ll be able to spot 27 Bison who were introduced to the area as a restoration experiment. It’s also a safe haven for endangered and sensitive bird species such as loggerhead shrike, upland sandpipers, henslow’s sparrows, and endangered or threatened plants including leafy prairie clover and Eastern white fringed orchids.  You’ll find 108 species of birds, 40 aquatic species, 23 reptiles/amphibians, and 27 species of mammals.  The sheer size of the park and its sprawling diverse habitats have made it the ideal space for endangered species and sensitive species to recover and be protected. Kankakee Sands Preserve covers 10,000 acres of restored tallgrass prairie lands that are prime spots for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and nature photography. You’ll find oak barrens, wet meadows, tall grasses, and lots of wildflowers that offer unique homes to abundant wildlife. Not only is this a great area for birds, but you’ll note plenty of butterfly and insect species and numerous amphibians!  Hiking and biking are available on the local self-guided trails. Des Plaines Dolomite Prairies Land and Water Reserve features 5,000 acres of tranquil land between the Kankakee and Des Plaines Rivers and features forests, mesic prairie, wetlands, sedge meadow, dry dolomite prairie, and other natural habitats. Visitors here enjoy a wide range of activities including fishing, camping, skeet shooting, archery, and hunting, and it’s also dog friendly.  You’ll find Forked Creek Preserve - Forsythe Woods features more than 900 acres of beautiful forests, wetlands, and park area, and is a part of the larger 2400+ acre Forked Creek Preservation System. You’ll have an opportunity to explore a variety of local plants including Kentucky Coffee Trees, Glade Mallow, Smooth Blue Aster, and a multitude of bird species including the spotted sandpiper, yellow-billed cuckoo, and the dickcissel just to name a few.  Enjoy limestone and paved trails for biking, hiking/running, and horseback riding.

Today we’re taking a Midwest road trip over to our neighbors in Indiana! This family-friendly and affordable road trip destination is perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer stay. You’ll find plenty of affordable fun, top notch restaurants and dining, amazing arts and entertainment, and lots of kid-friendly activities.  It’s chock full of local American history, unique small businesses, and a community that takes pride in maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.  Here’s some great places to explore while you're in the Fort Wayne area! more What is there to see and do in Fort Wayne, Indiana? Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo covers more than 40 acres of immaculately kept landscaped grounds, award-winning animal habitats, four distinct sections, numerous rides and playspaces, and hands-on experiences that are perfect for families. Each area in the park has its own animal residents as well as plenty of unique attractions. Visitors recommend heading to the Central Zoo area first; this area houses the Monkey Island, Coastal Cove exhibit, Penguin Beach, ZO&O Railroad ride , the new Gem Mining Exhibit, and the Indiana Family Farm.  Next, check out the African Journey exhibit; here you’ll enjoy the incredibly popular Safari Trail, the African Village and Veldt lookout, the Zebra Research Station, and the Sky Safari slide ride. Australian Adventure offers beautiful aquatics at The Reef, stunning birds at the Australian Aviary, the Kangaroo Yard, and the Crocodile Adventure Ride. The Asian Trek houses the Red Panda Ridge, Rainforest Room, Tiger Forest, Tree Tops Trail, Jungle Aviary Dome, and special rides like the Endangered Species Carousel and the Bamboo Forest Adventure Play area. Foellinger Freimann Botanical Garden is a stunning conservatory featuring multiple garden environments over 24,500 square feet of indoor garden space, with additional outdoor gardens to continue explorations. Indoors, visitors can enjoy more than 2,000 plants; the Showcase Garden features a 4-season selection of rotating exhibits as well as several permanent displays including plants from the Mediterranean; the Tropical Garden houses a waterfall and koi pond, orchids, ferns and other tropical rainforest habitat plants, including the cacao tree; the Desert Garden features plants of the Southwest such as yucca, prickly pear, and jojoba just to name a few.  The outdoor gardens feature the Exploration Garden, the Terrace Garden, Salon Plaza pollinator and native plant garden, and the Beverforden area. Fort Wayne Museum of Art is located in the Fort Wayne Arts District, and has a beautiful collection of more nearly 5,000 pieces of art primarily from 19th century artists to present day, as well as a specialty dedicated Print and Drawing Study Center. The museum presents more than 20 exhibitions and rotating exhibits each year, aimed at driving excitement for the arts and art history. You can easily spend a half an hour to an hour also exploring the sculpture found in and around the grounds for even more creative inspiration. Current exhibitions include: “Sam Gilliam: His Art of Printmaking”; “Rowland Ricketts: Invisible Forces”; “The Glass Wing at FWMoA”; “From Their Indiana Home: Artists of the Hoosier Salon”. Fort Wayne Air Museum is located right at the airport open to airline passengers or tourists who book a pre-arranged tour session. It focuses on airline and aviation history, including a special display of women in aviation! There are numerous displays with artifacts, detailed historical information, pacards and photographs.  It’s an interesting, eclectic display of local Fort Wayne and national aviation history. ** Make sure you book a tour in advance unless you’re flying, as it is located inside the upper level of the airport; walk-ins are not possible to non-passengers. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum encompasses three venues under one roof, and hosts everything from local sports like the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons to consumer trade shows, concerts, family performances, and special events.  In front of the venue is a special Veterans Plaza featuring a Korean War Era F-84F Thunderstreak airplane, and other wartime related memorabilia.  It is the largest event center venue in Northern Indiana, making it a great place to catch a really exciting concert or show! Sunken Gardens is located a short drive away in the town of Huntington. Once an abandoned and derelict stone quarry, it has since been transformed into a verdant floral and botanical paradise.  You’ll enjoy beautiful fountains and water features, rock walls, a gazebo, a playground for children, scenic walking paths around a large pond, and additional curated gardens with local plants and flowers. Science Central offers more than 200 hands-on exhibits focused on fostering a love for the sciences and teaching fundamental science concepts in a unique and engaging way for all ages of visitors! In addition to their permanent collection of exciting displays, there are also numerous national touring exhibits for limited engagements. Kids will learn about geography from the TopoBox exhibit, engage in engineering concepts with the Ball Wall, enjoy a moment of zen at the GeoGarden, get creative and innovative at the Giant Kaleidoscope, and much more! They’re also anticipating the under-construction planetarium to open in late 2024 or early 2025, so be on the lookout for that exciting development. Other places of interest in Fort Wayne include: Castle Gallery Fort Wayne Trails Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve Foellinger Theatre The History Center Historic Old Fort and Old Fort Park Chain O Lakes State Park Rhapsody Art Gallery & Studio Ruth Joomler Art Gallery Northside Galleries John H. Bass Mansion Chief Richardville House Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum The Carole Lombard House African/African American Historical Society Museum Bicentennial Heritage Trail

Today, we’re taking in the sights and sounds of Utah at these five grand national parks!  From lush,green forests to raging rapids and rushing rivers to magnificent ancient rock formations, there’s no shortage of breathtaking views and photo ops. So what are you waiting for? Let’s hit the road to adventure! more Arches National Park - This incredible park features more than 2.000 arches made of ancient sandstone, as well as plentiful rock fins, pinnacles, and mysterious balancing rock formations, and whose red rocks cut into the pristine blue skies creating a truly magical site to behold. The busiest season for visitors is March through October, and you’ll want to pack plenty of water and have plenty of sun protection. Weather here can also change the terrain and safety of trails with great significance, so check online before you go for local weather and consult a Park Ranger for help as needed.  This park has very sparse cell phone service, so you’ll be relying heavily on maps and printed trail guides here. Even though there’s a singular campground at the park, it’s a great choice for a campsite for budding astronomers as it’s now a Certified International Dark Sky Park.  Visitors here list the must-see rock formations and locations as “Delicate Arch”, a free-standing arch that’s world renowned for its distinctive backdrop and large arch opening, best viewed in the morning to avoid crowds; “Balanced Rock”, a 128-ft tall boulder balancing atop a pinnacle; “Fiery Furnace”, a maze-like series of passages and very narrow sandstone canyons; “The Windows Section”, one of the most photographed regions in the park featuring North Window, Turret Arch, and Double Arch; “Sand Dune Arch Trail” gives visitors multiple options to enjoy sandstone arches and a narrow trail that leads to Broken Arch. There are numerous ranger led tours throughout the park as well as commercial tour options if you prefer a more guided approach to sightseeing. Bryce Canyon National Park - A sprawling alpine forest with red rock hoodoos as plentiful as the trees, offering a unique experience for hiking through the woods and rocky spires, camping at two different campgrounds, and plenty of exploration!  If you’re interested in seeing the park from a new perspective, you can try horseback riding in the summer, or perhaps some cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter. Visitors here recommend checking out the drive to the“Bryce Amphitheater”, a collection of breathtaking irregular rock spires known as hoodoos, which allows magnificent views along the first three miles of the main road and is the most famous section of the park; “Rim Trail”, which offers hikes from Bryce Point over to Fairyland Point along the edge of the amphitheater site; “Southern Scenic Drive”, an 18 mile road through the park with 9 scenic overlooks and vehicle pull outs just perfect for photo ops and unique perspectives of the park’s geology and wildlife.  The Visitor’s Center offers a chance to explore exhibits featuring geological, ecological, and astronomical related displays, as well as a special Park Film, “A Song of the Seasons” every half hour when the center is open.  Birders will rejoice to learn that this is a top spot for  birdwatching with 175 different species of birds documented as residents or migratory birds, and wildlife photographers will rejoice to find more than 1200 species of animal and plant species to document. Canyonlands National Park - Marvel at the 527 square miles of deep canyons, mesas, pinnacles, cliffs, and spires that make up this incredible landscape of the largest national park in Utah. The park is divided into three unique regions The Needles, Island in the Sky, and The Maze; each region offers options to backpack and hike unlike anything else.  There are more than 70 miles of hiking, biking, and climbing.  Ranger-led tours and local guides will help you get the most out of your visit here, providing personalized insights and historical information about the park.  Thrillseekers will be delighted to learn there’s an opportunity to ride some Class 5 river rapids, and the rest of your party may enjoy coasting and floating along quieter waters of the rivers.  Campers and backpackers are welcome, with two different campgrounds to choose from :Needles Campground and Willow Flat Campground, and multiple backcountry camping sites (permits are required) to choose from for the experienced. The best time to visit is in the Spring and fall as they’re at a comfortable temperature; if you’re visiting in the summer months, be sure to bring plenty of water and strong SPF sunscreen.  Bear in mind that summer is also monsoon season which can and will cause flash flooding in different parts of the park, so exercise caution if rain is in the forecast. If you're short on time and looking for the must-see stops, visitors recommend “Mesa Arch”, a relatively short hike leading to panoramic canyon views and a natural arch, best viewed at sunrise if you can; take the 34-mile scenic drive nearly 1,000 feet above the valleys and lower areas of the park; “Horseshoe Canyon”, featuring Native American rock marking panels and artwork; check out the geological features and formations at The Needles such as “Tower Ruin,” “Elephant Hill”, and “Chesler Park.” Capitol Reef National Park - This stark, alien landscape is reminiscent of an otherworldly surface, filled with slot canyons, sprawling red rock hiking trails, large expanses of rock formations and soaring stone cliffs.  Visitors can explore the park by taking a 90 minute round trip scenic drive including Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge dirt road spurs; along the way you’ll get to see the Moenkopi Rock Formation, layers of rock cliffs in the Waterpocket Fold, Grand Wash canyon and the nearby Oyler Uranium Mine; Wingate Sandstone rocks, and more!  This park is also a peak spot for canyoneering and climbing, testing your limits by squeezing through tough spots on foot and others requiring special equipment to scale and climb through.  There are also plentiful hikes here with far less foot traffic than other nearby parks, affording you unmatched viewpoints of the local landscape unfettered by tourists and crowds; visitors recommend the Cohab Canyon Trail, Capitol Gorge Trail, Goosenecks Overlook, Fremont River Trail, Hickman Natural Bridge Trail just to name a few. Camping enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that the Fruita Campground offers 71 campsites including tent and RV options, and some of the most gorgeous views and sunsets you’ll ever experience! Zion National Park - Breathtaking views of thousand-foot deep red rock canyons surrounded by verdant plants and trees and rushing river waters await you here!  This is one of the most beautiful national parks in the country, with a landscape so beautiful you’ll hardly believe your eyes. The park is home to 291 different species of birds, and you can grab a bird spotting checklist at the visitors centers to keep track of your findings. Grab your mountain bikes and get pedaling along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and the Pa’rus Trail. Book a guided horseback riding trail from March through October and trot along rocky trails, woodland areas, and through riverbeds. With more than 90 miles of hiking trails, there are plenty of options for all skill levels from easy day hikes to moderate trails and strenuous, experienced hikes; visitors recommend moderate hikes such as Red Reef, Snow Canyon Overlook, Water Canyon.  Book a ranger-led tour of the park through one of the parks special programs for a unique look at the park’s history and wildlife. Do a little camping under the stars and appreciate the stunning views of the heavens.  Or dip your toes into the world of aquatic sports such as river rafting, canoeing and kayaking, and more along the Virgin River in Zion.

Welcome back to another fun travel blog from Classic! We’re traveling to Minnesota to explore another great installment in the National Parks tour bucket list: Voyageurs National Park!  This certified International Dark Sky Park is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, a hot spot for wildlife spotting, and prime real estate for camping and other outdoorsy adventures. It’s also world-renowned for its pristine waters, making it the best spot to visit for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding enthusiasts. The best time to visit is in August for the Perseid meteor shower, and in September and October, when the 218,000 acres of local trees and plants are at their fall foliage finest.  So, what are you waiting for? Charge up those camera batteries and let’s hit the road in your new car from Classic as we set off to make some memories. more What to See at Voyageurs National Park Explore the Rainy Lake Ethnobotanical Garden, a painstakingly maintained restoration project aimed at cultivating local, native plants and reducing any invasive plants near the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. Stroll through the Ellsworth Rock Gardens, created by self-taught artist Jack Ellsworth, blending the natural environment with fine arts and natural elements. Visit Anderson Bay and marvel at the exposed white granite cliffs jutting out 80 feet high and into the water, and enjoy spectacular views of the bay as well as Rainy Lake. Marvel at the stunning sheer granite cliffs of Grassy Bay which rise 125 feet above the surface of Sand Point Lake, and reach high into the sky for one of the tallest points within the park. Take a hike through 50 plus miles of hiking trails on any of the 16 different options ranging from easy to moderate in difficulty.You can hike them on your own with a map, or join in any of the ranger-led activities to learn more about the area and get a unique perspective of the park’s cultural and natural histories. Enjoy kayaking, boating, fishing, paddleboarding, canoeing and more along the various lakes including Rainy Lake, a freshwater lake along the Minnesota and Canada border with a third of the lake’s area located inside Voyageurs National Park; Namakan Lake, half of which is located within the limits of Voyageurs National Park; Sand Point Lake which is on the border of Minnesota and Ontario, and half of which is situated within the Voyaguers National Park; Kabetogama Lake which is entirely nestled in the National Park limits and has an impressive 78 miles of shoreline and 200 islands.  There are also 26 smaller inland lakes, which when combined with the aforementioned contribute to a third of the park’s total area! For Lodging, you’ll want to check out Kettle Falls Hotel, a historic hotel and the only formal lodging within the Voyageur limits; a fun fact about this location is that it’s only accessible by water!  To enjoy the great outdoors, you can select from any of the Frontcountry Campsites, which include water access, private and public boat launches, picnic tables, bear lockers, outdoor privies, and fire rings.  There are also two primitive camp site options located along the Kab-Ash Hiking Trail; these are accessible by land.  If RV camping is more your style, there are premium, preferred, and standard level campsites which are TV friendly. Keep a Lookout for Local Plants and Wildlife This area is absolutely teeming with wildlife, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Nat Geo documentary.  Keep your eyes peeled for the local critters and you might spot some otters, hares, porcupines, moose, wolves, bald eagles, and more!  The park is also known as prime fishing spot and one of the best in the country, where you can glimpse or catch more than 50 different species of fish and aquatic life including lake sturgeon, walleye, northern pike, black crappie, smallmouth bass. The forests and plant life here are part of a transitional area between boreal forest and a temperate deciduous forest; there are more than 50 different tree and shrub species, more than 40 fern and moss species, 200 plus grasses, and plentiful wildflowers! There are more than 400 different types of wildflowers here, with native options including lady’s slipper, bunchberry, red columbine, twinflower, and marsh marigold.  (The park has an abundant wildflower population, but reminds visitors they’re for observing and not for picking to help preserve and conserve habitats.) Mushroom hunters will be delighted to learn that there are abundant species of fungi and mushrooms, which thrive in the park thanks to its many lakes and ponds, so many in fact that they are too plentiful to quantify and number. Learn more about the park from the Voyageurs Conservancy:

Today’s road trip guide is all about the Minnesota North Shore Scenic Drive!  Running from Duluth Minnesota to the border of Canada at Grand Portage, there’s so much to see and do along the way. Add this beautiful drive to your bucket list road trip destinations if you love beautiful beaches, miles of glistening lakes, small town charm, lots of fishing, and general maritime excitement.  What are you waiting for? Hop in your new car from Classic and let’s explore these great American towns together! Got a favorite spot along the North Shore that we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments section and we might include it in a future blog update! more Begin Your Journey in Duluth and enjoy the ship watching! We’re starting off strong with two budget friendly activities that cost exactly “Free-Ninety-Nine!” Yep, that’s right, $0 entertainment right from the get-go, it doesn’t get any better! First, stop near the Aerial Lift Bridge so you can check out the 1000-Footers and oceanbound ships that pass through the harbor. It is quite a sight to see when the bridge rises up to its full height in less than a minute!  Then head on over to the Lake Superior Maritime Museum to check out the history of these impressive boats as well as lifesize replicas of a ship’s cabin, pilot house, and steam engine. Just a short drive away from the bridge and museum, head over to the beautiful Brighton Beach with cobblestone shores, or Park Point for traditional sandy beaches. Enjoy some shipwatching, wading for gemstones, a beautiful picnic lunch, and some relaxation.  Continuing on our quest for beautiful lake views, check out McQuade Harbor Rest Area for an opportunity to BYO Kayak, boat or canoe, and do a little fishing to enjoy the sunshine.  Blue Bird Landing Beach is another few miles further, and offers an opportunity to do some trout and salmon fishing as well as whale watching! Make a stop in Larsmont and Two Harbors and check out the lighthouses! We recommend stopping for a little overnight rest at the Larsmont Cottages on Lake Superior resort in one of the charming cabins with scenic views.  While you’re in town, take a little visit to the Little Red Schoolhouse, a historic building and community center for the local area.  It makes for some truly picturesque photos. A mere 5 miles away from the schoolhouse you’ll find the oldest operating lighthouse in Minnesota, the Two Harbors Lighthouse. Take a tour of the Fog Horn Building, learn about shipwrecks, and learn more about local history.  Once you’re done with the lighthouse, you can head over to the Sonju Trail from Agate Bay to Burlington Bay and enjoy the Railroad Depot Museum, the Two Harbors Lighthouse Museum and Gift Shop, observe the working iron ore docks, and enjoy a picnic lunch. When you’re done touring, you simply must visit Gooseberry Falls State Park; marvel at the  spectacular 4-level waterfalls, lush scenic overlooks, top notch fishing, birding, trails to hike through the woods, and some all around top-tier immersion in the great outdoors!  Then it’s on to the next beachside location, the gorgeous Iona’s Beach Scientific & Natural Area featuring a truly magnificent site: a pink rhyolite beach!  Please note that there are strict rules for recreational activities here, in order to protect local wildlife and plants, so be mindful.  Then meander over to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park for some more hiking, biking, and sightseeing including the historic Split Rock Lighthouse. Onwards to Beaver Bay for shopping, snacks, history, and hiking! Outdoorsy folks will enjoy exploring the granite cliffs of Palisade Head with incredible views of Lake Superior and lots of options for rock climbing, as well as a short walk to appreciate the impressive views of the nearby Beaver Falls and Beaver River. Black Beach offers a truly memorable site with its taconite crushed rock shores and nearby agate beach for some gem hunting; as of 2020 there’s also a new campground nearby. Head downtown for a bite to eat, a little R&R at the local spas, and shopping for souvenirs at places like the Beaver Bay Agate Shop, Second Hand Rose Gift Shop, The Cedar Chest, Shipwrecked Gift Shop, Skipping Rocks Shop, Christmas-Up-North, Quilt Corner, and more. Shuffle on over to Shroeder to explore state parks and nature centers and the surrounding area! Visiting Sugarloaf Cove provides another unique experience along the North Shore. This craggy rock nature trail takes you along some unique geological formations as you walk across billion-year old lava!  There is an Interpretive Center with exhibits, artifacts, and historical displays about the area, and the site is a Scientific and Natural Area.  We also recommend stopping by the Cross River Heritage Center, Father Braga’s Cross area, and Temperance River State Park.  There are plenty of opportunities in this area for hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and more. Only a few miles away is the unique “ghost town” of Taconite Harbor; once home to families working the local Erie Mining docks and power plants, it has since been abandoned and left to the elements. You can follow down the road south of Highway 61 and take in the sites on your way to a small outdoor exhibit chronicling the area’s history and lore.  You can also stop at the nearby Shore Commercial Fishing Museum to learn more about the local Scandanavian settlers and fishing traditions before you hit the road again. Let’s take a look at Lutsen’s gorgeous mountains, state parks, and historic spots. Make sure you stop by Lockport Marketplace and Deli for a Bite to eat, and grab a few bottles of wine from North Shore Winery. Experience the Midwest’s only true mountain ski experience in the winter, beautiful views of mountain wildflowers and verdant green hills in spring and summer, and blazing autumnal colors during the autumn at Lutsen Mountains. The Gondola Ride takes you up to the top of the summit, and as an added bonus it is also dog friendly (though they can’t go inside the Summit Chalet restaurant).  The four interconnected peaks provide unmatched views of Lake Superior!  The nearby Cascade River State Park has plenty of hiking trails, camping, mountain biking, and more, as well as being a prime local spot for photography. Get out and stretch your legs in Grand Marais for hiking, biking, and more! Bike or hike along the Gitchi-Gami state trail in downtown Grand Marais, and do some agate hunting and enjoy a picnic lunch at Cut Face Creek Rest Side Area. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a local favorite for its canoeing water trails and gorgeous views.   Take a walk out onto the lake at Artist’s Point island and enjoy the nearby cobblestone beaches and the Grand Marais Lighthouse.  Want to catch some of the migrating whales? Then you’ll also want to make sure you stop by Five Mile Rock about 6 miles away. The local Grand Marais RV Park and Municipal Campgrounds offers the absolutely beautiful Sweetheart’s Bluff trailhead for gorgeous wooded hiking and glacial carved basalt rock areas, and views of the local harbor.  Pincushion Mountain REcreation Area is located along the Gunflint Trail, or you can opt for the Superior Hiking Trail for some serious mountain biking and scenic overlooks! Do some shopping downtown at Sivertson’s Gallery, Lake Superior Trading Post, Drury Lane Books, Dappled Fern Fibers, The Sweetwater Co, and more, as well as plenty of local coffee shops and restaurants for a bite to eat.

Readers, hang on to your seat and fasten your seatbelts, because Kia is speeding into the future with the incredible All-New 2025 Kia K4!  This all-new, next-generation compact sedan is ready to break boundaries and push the limits by setting new standards for design, technology, comfort, and roominess like you’ve never seen before. more The K4 is a powerhouse entry to the market, and Kia’s fourth-generation compact sedan. It’s already turning heads and setting the bar high! The K4 offers Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), unmatched refinement and style, class-leading rear head room and leg room, as well as impressive technology features. “The all-new K4 advances Kia’s commitment to deliver sporty sedans with advanced technology and elevated performance,” said Steven Center, COO and EVP, Kia America. “Succeeding in the compact segment means overdelivering on the features that customers want, and the K4 is designed to exceed expectations.” The K4 is elevating expectations in both connectivity technology and superior style in its market segment for four-door sedans. The K4 comes standard equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, has available multi segment display cockpit with a combined nearly 30 inches of digital instrumentation enabling camera-feed visibility of your surroundings.  The K4 Premium offers available amenities such as the Digital Key 2.0 with Ultra-Wideband, Harman Kardon premium Audio, heated and ventilated front seats, and a wide sunroof. Learn more about the stunning and comfortable interior, incredibly high-tech amenities, and what makes this the ultimate must-have new sedan:

Today we’re sharing our picks for incredible places to visit and things to see along the Nebraska Sandhills Scenic Byway, a must-drive road for the road trip enthusiast, especially during the spring season when the annual Sandhill Crane migration begins!   This stunning roadway winds its way through a stunning landscape of mixed-grass prairies and grassy sand dune landscapes, lush and abundant farmlands, wetlands featuring plentiful rivers and lakes and streams, and open landscapes of the Great Plains. The Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway spans 272 miles, East to West, along historic Nebraska Highway 2, and affords you some of the most stunning views and photo ops!   Hop in in your new car from Classic Auto Group in Waukegan and let’s hit the road to adventure and make some memories! more The area includes 19,300 square-miles of vegetated sand dunes, which are a critical environment and habitat for migrating waterfowl and wildlife.  The local creatures and wildflowers have the Ogallala Aquifer to thank for the verdant fields and grasslands, and it also helps create habitat and water sources for local fish and amphibians.  While you’re driving along the Byway, you’ll be able to spot more than 300 species of birds including wild turkeys, pheasant, grouse, prairie chickens, bald eagles, sandpipers, herons, pelicans, and of course, cranes.  (Trust us, you do not want to miss the absolutely breathtaking Spring migration where more than 500,000 cranes travel through; it’s quite the spectacle.)  The Sandhills are also home to some very interesting mammals including jackrabbits, pronghorn antelope, red foxes, badgers, coyotes, and prairie dogs. Places to See As You Road Trip Along the Nebraska Sandhills Scenic Byway Grand Island - Stop by the Crane Trust and Nature Visitor Center to get a glimpse of the migrating cranes, and learn more about their natural habitat; you can hike and walk along the short trail, enjoy beautiful river views, stop by the museum, and shop at the small crafts market. If you’re a history buff you’ll love the Stuhr Museum’s living history experience, featuring more than 200 acres of land, 100 structures, and an incredibly immersive experience! Swing by the Prairie Pride Brewing Company for a craft beverage and a light dinner. Stroll through the UNDRground Contemporary Arts museum and gallery exhibition space. Ravenna - Take a stroll through the beautiful green space of Annevar Park and check out the local monuments. Visit the Veterans Memorial Wall to learn more about the history of Ravenna! Grab a cup o’ Joe as you pass on through the Wild Blue Coffee Co shop. Broken Bow - This may be a small town but it’s certainly not short on fun, entertainment, and interesting things to see and do.  Visitors recommend checking out the unique and quirky Boneyard Creation Museum to explore its collection of gems, minerals, rocks, and fossils.  The Custer County Museum offers an opportunity to explore local history and the wild west including a collection of photographs, artifacts, and knowledgeable volunteer staff. Stop in for a bite to eat at the Kinkaider Brewing Co, and then have a little rest overnight at the historic Arrow Hotel. Dunning - Get your hiking boots out and your camping gear ready, because the Nebraska National Forest is ready for your next adventure! While you’re in town you will also want to swing by the Sandhills Heritage Museum and learn about the local history of farms and ranches, check out local artifacts and photos and genealogy charts, and history of the Wild West.  The Hereford Crossroads Exhibit is another unique opportunity to connect with farming and ranching history as it chronicles the history of the Hereford Cattle and the local beef industry. Halsey - Continue your camping and hiking at the Victoria Springs State Recreation Center and get a good look at the local forests and landmarks from the Scott Lookout Tower.  Stop in for a steak at The Lonely Grill before continuing on to your next stop. Thedford - Make sure you schedule some time to peruse the Thedford Art Gallery which showcases local artists and artisans paintings, sculptures, castings, carvings and more. Book an excursion experience with the Sandhill River Trips group and enjoy some tubing, kayaking, tanking trips down the Middle Loup River.  Enjoy some local grub at Cowpoke before you head on out of town. Mullen - The Visitor Center at the Bowring Ranch State Historical Park offers travelers a chance to enjoy an inside look at ranch life up close with photographs and artifacts, and the park’s 7,202 acre ranch is preserving history since the turn-of-the-century. Stop in for some fine American cuisine and barbecue specialties at Hyannis Hotel Inc Restaurant  or the Bunkhouse Bar and Grill. Have a little R&R in the great outdoors at the Sandhills Motel & Campgrounds. Alliance Nebraska - Home of the free tourist attraction known as Carhenge, a replica of the famous Stonehenge but this time made of defunct automobiles!  This Great Plains town is also home to the Alliance Knight Museum and Dobby’s Frontier Town, both chronicling the history of the west and American settlements.

Looking for a fun way to exercise your brain while being fully entertained? Look no further than these creative and fun science museums!  Today’s blog is all about interesting destinations to visit for both kids and the kid at heart, and learn a little more about our world at the same time. Whether you want to learn more about the earth sciences through fossil exploration or historic artifacts, or you want to try your hand at a science experiment, or maybe you’d like to wonder what it’s like to wander amongst the stars, you’ll find a little something to satisfy every curious mind.  Check out our picks for great science museums in the midwest and plan your next family fun outing. more Great Science Museums in the Midwest for Families to Visit Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago IL - Plan on spending a full day exploring at this incredible science museum. There are so many incredibly immersive exhibits, films, and experiences to try that you will never want to leave!  For those who love the trending VR experience, check out the “VR Transporter” or the “Flight and Motion Simulators.”  Catch a film in the theater and learn about history and science including “D-Day: Normandy 1944”, “Superhuman Body” or “Space: The New Frontier”. Learn about the power of music on the human brain at the “Notes to Neurons” exhibit, step into a fantasy world with “Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle” and find the intersection between math, art, and creativity at the “Numbers in Nature Mirror Maze” exhibit. Currently on display through the end of October, the 007 Science exhibit explores the inventions, gadgets, cars, and props utilized in the James Bond film franchise, so make sure to visit ASAP to catch that fun!  There are so many interesting things to see here that we could spend hours describing them all, but it’s best that you go experience it in person for yourself. The Science Center of Southern Illinois in Carbondale IL - This hands-on, fully interactive museum is designed with families in mind, specifically with kids aged 3 through 13.  We love this exploratory center because there’s something to satisfy scientists of all ages in its 65+ exhibit repertoire.  Enjoy activities such as fossil and rock exploration, learning about the sun and solar energy for electricity, view insects and animals up close and personal at their special demonstrations and events, learn about dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures, and take a hands-on approach to practical science and chemistry aimed at budding young scientists. You’ll want to spend at least half a day here to get the full experience and come back again and again for the updated exhibits and demos. Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines IA - Featuring a 50-foot planetarium called the Sun Theater, this incredible center in the downtown area features multiple science exhibits, special live programs, educational film series, a conservatory with plants and flowers, science demonstrations, and much more.  Permanent Exhibits include “What on Earth”, “When Things Get Moving,” “Why the Sky”, “Small Discoveries”, “Brick by Brick: LEGO”, and the “Makers Studio” each providing a different perspective on science and creativity.  Be sure to check the schedule and catch one of the live demos to enjoy a snapping turtle feeding, experience the science behind fireworks, a live demonstration with liquid nitrogen, and even more exciting presentations. Most visitors spend about 2 to 4 hours here with plenty of time to explore and participate in hands-on activities. Imagination Station in Toledo OH - Where to begin when it comes to exhibits at this fine facility? With more than 300 different exhibits and displays to see, this is a top notch facility for not only kids but the kids-at-heart!  Many of the exhibits are experiential and encourage hands-on exploration and participation from visitors. Your kids will be so busy having fun they won’t even realize they’re getting an educational experience!  You can defy gravity and ride a bicycle 20 feet off the ground on a 1 inch cable for a truly memorable experience, or perhaps you’d like to ride the virtual coaster at the Simulator Theater for even more thrills and chills. Try your hand at creating a unique cardboard creation such as a structure for the future, a miniature theatre for shadow puppets, and push boundaries by creating stained glass works of art and sculptures with cardboard.  The museum also specializes in a unique brand of demonstrative experiments with the exciting “Extreme Science Demonstration” area, putting a new spin on the basic fundamentals of each of the sciences.  There’s also a movie theater on site and a rotating calendar of special events and plenty of unique photo-ops like the Ames Room! You can easily spend all day here and still not see everything, making it a wonderful day out for families. If you’re short on time, you can still see and do plenty in about 2 to 4 hours, though. Looking for even more cool science museums to check out? Here are some others to explore: Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum in Kalamazoo MI Discovery World in Milwaukee WI Center of Science and Industry in Columbus OH St Louis Science Center in MO Science Museum of Minnesota Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland OH Michigan Science Center in Detroit

Turning off your brain with a little R&R at the beach can be a wonderful, and of course much needed break from the hustle and bustle of the typical American’s day. However, there’s something to be said for a vacation that also gives us a chance to learn, explore, and immerse ourselves in the history of our country and global cultures. Today’s blog is dedicated to exploring different art museums that are just a short road trip away from Waukegan! more Check out these incredible institutions and challenge yourself to see the world through someone else’s eyes, learn a little bit about how art reflects the human experiences, and get in touch with your creative side!   Here are four must-see Art Museums you should visit this summer and fall! Art Institute of Chicago Our very own home state of Illinois is home to one of the most world-renowned museums, and the second largest in the US. It was founded in 1879 and is located at the Art Institute of Chicago’s Grant Park building,!  The Art Institute of Chicago houses more than 300,000 pieces of art and a jampacked schedule of events and special limited exhibitions. Its collection includes Vincent Van Gogh’s “The Bedroom”, Grant Wood’s “American Gothic”, El Greco’s “The Assumption of the Virgin” and a whole lot more.  You’ll want to allow at least 3 to 4 hours for your visit, though most visitors say they spend their entire day here due to the expansive collection of fascinating historical and cultural exhibits. Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago Established in 1967 on the North Side of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is classed as one of the world’s largest venues for contemporary art.  All of the pieces you’ll see here are created from 1945 and beyond, as well as special performance art pieces from around the globe.  The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive is that the museum building itself is a striking work of art, designed by renowned architect Josef Paul Kleihues; the architecture works in tandem with each gallery of artwork to create a seamless, holistic experience for viewers.  You don’t want to miss the permanent collection featuring Icons of Modern Art including the infamous Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock, among others. Most visitors recommend spending at least 1 to 3 hours here, but your mileage may vary depending on special exhibitions on display and what areas interest you the most. Toledo Museum of Art in Toledo While Toledo may seem an unlikely place to find a world-renowned art museum, its collection of 30,000 artworks tells a different story. Featuring artwork from places as far reaching as Egypt, Greece, Rome, and parts of Asia, as well as European and American paintings, this is a truly varied art experience. The museum is also the “birthplace” of the Studio Glass Movement, and thus holds one of the most expansive and comprehensive collections of glass objects in the world; make sure that you catch one of the highlighted daily glassblowing demonstrations for an unforgettable experience.  There is also an outstanding Sculpture garden featuring works from Ellsworth Kelly, Jaume Plensa, Alexander Calder, Deborah Butterfield, and more. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville Situated on 120 acres of land in the Ozarks with 5 wooded hiking trails, this gorgeous piece of architecture is a true masterpiece of blending art and nature.  The Art Trail features beautiful sculptures, native plants, and waterways and connects the museum’s south entrance to the Crystal Bridges Trail.  The East Terrace Switchback features a sculpture by Celeste Roberge and a zig-zagging trail through wildflowers, flowering shrubbery, and beautiful trees. It’s a certified and accredited arboretum, focusing on native plants and natural landscaping. The rest of the museum itself showcases American Artworks and Artists from all different time periods. Also worth visiting on the same property is The Frank Lloyd Write “Bachman-Wilson House”, relocated to the grounds in 2015. You’ll want to spend at least two to three hours here, bare minimum, but you can easily spend at least a whole day exploring the trails and sculptures and architecture. Other museums worthy of a road trip include: Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City Des Moines Art Center + John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis Cleveland Museum of Art Detroit Museum of Arts Midwest Museum of American Art Walker Art Center Minneapolis Milwaukee Art Museum Memphis Brooks Museum of Art

Today we’re taking a look at some of the most scenic mountains to visit across the US. Whether you’re into camping, hiking or cycling, nature photography, or just exploring American wilderness, these peaks and valleys are sure to tickle your fancy. So pile up your pals and your pets, because we’re taking you on a tour of the greatest mountains that you’ll not soon forget. more Mount Denali in Alaska This breathtaking mountain peak stands at 20,310 feet, making it the highest peak in all of North America, and with a summit so tall it’s snow capped all year round! Located in Denali National Park, this peak and surrounding lands are home to some of the most magnificent wildlife including black bear, grizzly bear, moose, caribou, wolves, foxes, marmots, and Dall sheep, just to name a few. The park sprawls across more than 6,000,000 acres of interior Alaskan wilderness, and features tundra environment, spruce forests, glaciers, and miles upon miles of trails to hike.  Visitors recommend touring the park by driving along Denali Park Road by bus, or a rental bike/e-bike so you can tour at your leisure.  If you’d like to get a birdseye view of the park, you can book a unique “flightseeing tour” which allows you to go by plane over the summit and parklands.  You can go dog-sledding year round (yes even in summer), or perhaps navigate the Nenana River with a raft adventure tour.  There’s no shortage of brilliant vista points, wildlife spotting, nature hiking, and plenty of photography ops at this giant park. Maroon Bells (Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak) in Colorado Together, the pair of peaks rise 14,000 feet above the Maroon Creek Valley and next to Maroon Lake. Prime real estate for camping, hiking, and biking along six spectacular trails (pet-friendly!) that weave in and out of several diverse habitats including alpine tundra, conifer forests and aspen groves, wildflower and mountain meadows, rocky cliffs and lakes. It’s home to abundant wildlife including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, moose, red fox, coyotes, porcupines, bobcats, mountain lions, and black bear. Visitors love exploring the West Maroon Bells Pass that provides picturesque views of the Maroon Bells and the Snowmass Wilderness; the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail that takes cyclists to a 2,000 foot vertical elevation on the 10 mile trail; Maroon Lake which offers crystal clear sparkling alpine lake waters surrounded by verdant fields and wildflowers and lovely views of the mountain peaks. Mount Mitchell in North Carolina Standing tall and proud at 6,684 feet, it may be the least dramatic but no less spectacular thanks in part to its densely covered spruce-fir forest. This type of forest is only found in the Southern Appalachian mountains at high elevations. The mountain is dotted with red spruce, Fraser firs, fire cherry trees, yellow birch, mountain ash, and mountain maples. There’s a 360 degree observation deck in Mt Mitchell State Park that allows for the most breathtaking views of the mountain and landscapes.  There are a wide variety of trails of differing experience levels, making it a perfect park for both experienced and novice hikers.  Nature enthusiasts will love the abundant wildlife here including black bears, striped skunks, gray foxes, bobcats, white-tailed deer, peregrine falcons, saw-whet owls, and so much more. Visitors rave about the nearby iconic waterfalls including Setrock Creek Falls, Roaring Fork Falls, Glassmine Falls, and the natural year-round garden area Craggy Gardens.