It’s the all-American vacation: a trip to one of our national parks. And with the National Park Service marking its 100th anniversary this year, there’s no better time to explore the great outdoors. But after you’ve Instagrammed nature from every possible angle, what can you actually do? The big, open sky is the limit.
Take an art workshop at Yosemite National Park in California
When it comes to finding your muse, it doesn’t get much more inspiring than Yosemite’s giant sequoias, majestic waterfalls and tranquil streams. Channel your creativity with the help of art and photography classes offered each spring and fall at Yosemite Art Center. The cost is just $10 per student per day.
Try sled-dog mushing at Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska
Whether you book a guided trip with a team of dogs or BYOD, this snowy sport is one of the coolest ways (pun intended) to tour this park, which is home to the tallest peak in North America. On a clear day, the Huskies can cover up to 30 miles.
Ride a llama at Yellowstone National Park in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming
Dyed-in-the-wool nature lovers will want to explore the backcountry the old-fashioned way: by horse, or even llama. Guided excursions are available through several licensed tour companies. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, from bald eagles to bison.
Go sand sledding at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado
Snow sledding is a hassle. By the time you’re bundled up, someone inevitably needs to use the bathroom. Get to the fun part faster when you try mild-weather sand sledding or sandboarding on the tallest dunes in North America. The equipment is designed especially for sand, making for a smooth ride.
Go snorkeling at Virgin Islands National Park in the Caribbean
More than half of the island of St. John is technically a national park? Works for us. Much of the park is actually underwater, so you’ll want to explore the reefs, mangroves and seabeds with the help of a mask and flippers.
Take a jazz Pilates class at New Orleans Jazz National Park in Louisiana
Redwood forests and gulf stream waters are great. But if you’re not about that life, head to the old U.S. Mint building for a more cosmopolitan escape. The building is now a shrine to the musical genre, making it the perfect spot to catch a live performance, bring the kiddos for educational workshops or take a jazz Pilates class with Pilates instructor-slash-vocalist Stephanie Jordan, combining fitness, dance and of course, all that jazz.
Play 18 holes at Death Valley National Park in California
It’s no surprise that one of America’s toughest courses, as crowned by Golf Digest, is located at 214 feet below sea level. Furnace Creek Golf Course, located at a ranch in the desert park, is the world’s lowest elevation golf course. So even if you shoot well above the 70 par, you can brag that you played your lowest game ever.
Try spelunking at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky
Our national parks are celebrated for their wide open spaces. This is not one of them. If you’re up for an adventure, try the Wild Cave Tour, a six-hour trek that’ll have you crawling, squeezing and hiking your way through 5 miles of caves.
The post 8 things you didn’t know you could do in a national park appeared first on CheapTickets Travel Deals.