The United States National Parks have been inspiring writers, photographers, and artists since they were first seen by mankind. The filmmakers of Hollywood are no different. They look at these awe-inspiring landscape and recognize the beauty and how it will add an extra dimension to their films. There have been numerous movies filmed in the National Parks. Here are but a few where a National Park had a starting role: Cover image: NPS Photo Movies Filmed in the National Parks Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) Devil’s Tower National Monument, Wyoming Steven Spielberg’s iconic science fiction film “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” prominently features America’s first National Monument.…

When packing your bags for the next great adventure one key item that is always included is a pair of compact binoculars. Binoculars are handy when you are trying to get a closer look at distant landscape features or wildlife. All outdoor enthusiasts agree that wherever you can shed weight is best when hiking, this is where compact binoculars begin to fit into your bag. When you start shopping for your first or even a new pair of binocular the amount of pairs on the market can become overwhelming. Along with the shear number of binoculars out there each pair has a slight difference in specifications compared to the next.…

Podcasts are an amazing alternative to music. I love listing to podcasts when I am in my office, driving or in the gym. Some of my favorite podcasts are national park themed. These National Park Podcasts are an amazing way to keep up with the latest national park news and amazing stories from the parks. Here are the five best National Park Podcasts to listen to in 2020. These are some of my go-to podcast for day to day use while I save others for my road trip adventures. All of these content creators are amazing people many of whom are my friends. If you enjoy the show, please do…

I don’t know about you., but I’m missing the national parks. I miss the hiking, the scenic drive, the sounds, and the smells. I am going stir crazy at home and looking for creative ways to get my National Park fix without leaving the house. I was talking with a good friend and she misses heading out to the local bars and trying new cocktails. Then it hit me, cocktails inspired by plants that grow in the national parks. I found a collection of amazing cocktails with ingredients native to our National Parks. Here are 11 National Park Inspired Cocktails to help get you through this trying time. Blackberry –…

Stuck at home for a few days and missing the outdoors? Many of the National Park Service Units offer Junior Ranger Badges through mail in completion. With many of the parks requiring countless hours of planning and preparation to visit it becomes difficult to learn about them all. With the help of the Junior Ranger Program, you can now learn about many of the nation’s unique locations from the comfort of your own home. The only requirement to visit the National Parks now is an internet connection, printer, and access to a post office! Here are the Junior Ranger Badges Kids Can Earn at Home.  What is a Junior Ranger?…