Former National Parks: Hidden Gems with Rich History and Natural Splendor
Mackinac Island State Park: A Historical Paradise in the Great Lakes
Once a national park, Mackinac Island is now a state park that retains its historical charm and natural beauty. This island gem, located off the coast of Michigan’s upper peninsula, boasts a rich history dating back to its days as a Native American trading post and a military stronghold.
Today, Mackinac Island is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Its unique rock formations, including the towering Arch Rock, are a testament to its geological significance. The island’s ban on motor vehicles ensures a tranquil atmosphere, with visitors exploring its rolling roads via bicycle or horse and buggy.
Crow Flies High State Recreation Area: A Monument to History and Exploration
Crow Flies High State Recreation Area, formerly known as Verendrye National Monument, is a testament to the early exploration of North America. The towering Crowhigh Butte, with its distinctive craggy shape, was once used by French-Canadian explorer Pierre Gaultier de Varennes as an observation point.
Despite claims that Verendrye camped at the butte, historians later disputed their accuracy, leading to the monument’s declassification in 1956. Today, Crow Flies High State Recreation Area offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Missouri River valley, making it a popular destination for modern-day explorers.
Shasta-Trinity National Forest and Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area: A Recreational Oasis in California
Shasta-Trinity National Forest and Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area encompass a vast and diverse landscape that was once part of Shasta Lake Recreation Area. This region is home to towering mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife, including bald eagles, mountain lions, and river otters.
The National Forest Service manages most of this area, while the National Park Service retains control of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, a former gold mining town with submerged buildings that can be explored by scuba divers and snorkelers.
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park: A Geological Wonder in the Footsteps of Explorers
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, once Lewis and Clark Cavern National Monument, is named after the famous explorers who traversed the region. While Lewis and Clark never entered the caverns, they were later discovered by hunters and opened to the public in the early 1900s.
Despite its proximity to Bozeman, Montana, the caverns initially struggled to attract visitors due to poor road conditions and a challenging hike to the entrance. The National Park Service eventually closed the caverns due to safety concerns, but they were later reopened after improvements by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Today, Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is renowned for its stunning limestone caverns adorned with intricate stalactites, stalagmites, and helictites. Visitors can explore the caverns and learn about their geological history.
La Garita Wilderness: A Geological Spectacle in Southern Colorado
Wheeler Geologic Area, now part of La Garita Wilderness, was once a national monument known for its otherworldly rock formations. However, its remote location and lack of accessible roads hindered its popularity with visitors.
Today, La Garita Wilderness offers a more accessible experience for those interested in exploring the area’s unique geology. Hikers can marvel at the jagged spires, domes, caves, and ravines that make up the “City of Gnomes.”
Chattanooga National Cemetery: A Historic Burial Ground with a Unique Design
Chattanooga National Cemetery, despite being delisted from the National Park Service in 1944, retains its significant history. Established during the Civil War, this cemetery contains the graves of thousands of soldiers, including 1,800 unknown soldiers.
The cemetery’s unique layout, inspired by the area’s undulating topography, features burial sections in geometric shapes such as circles and triangles. It is also notable for the graves of foreign POWs from both World Wars, including German soldiers.