Honoring Presidential Legacy: Top 10 National Parks and Monuments to Visit on President's Day

Mount Rushmore ~ NPS

As President's Day approaches on February 19th, it's the perfect time to reflect on the remarkable
legacies of past U.S. presidents and their enduring impact on the nation. What better way to celebrate this holiday than by exploring the national parks and monuments that honor their contributions? Here are the top ten destinations that offer a captivating journey through presidential history:

Mount Rushmore National Memorial (South Dakota):

Mount Rushmore features the monumental faces of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln carved into the granite cliffs of the Black Hills. This iconic memorial symbolizes the ideals of democracy and leadership that these presidents embodied.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Dakota):

Named in honor of the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt National Park preserves the rugged beauty of the North Dakota Badlands, a landscape that profoundly influenced Roosevelt's conservation efforts. Visitors can explore the landscape that inspired Roosevelt's love for nature and conservation.

Eisenhower National Historic Site (Pennsylvania):

 Located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, this site preserves the farm that was the beloved retreat of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Visitors can tour his restored home, gaining insight into his leadership during World War II and beyond, as well as his enduring commitment to public service.

The White House (Washington, D.C.):

The White House serves as the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. Visiting this iconic building offers a glimpse into the presidency and the history of American leadership.

The Lincoln Memorial (Washington, D.C.):

The Lincoln Memorial pays tribute to the 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, who led the nation through the Civil War and issued the Emancipation Proclamation. This majestic monument features a larger-than-life statue of Lincoln and the inscriptions of his most famous speeches.

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial (Washington, D.C.):

Situated on the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., the Thomas Jefferson Memorial honors the third president of the United States and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. The memorial's neoclassical design reflects Jefferson's architectural tastes and enduring contributions to American democracy.

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site (Missouri):

This site preserves the historic home of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president of the United States and the commanding general of the Union Army during the Civil War. Visitors can explore the Grant family's home and gain insight into his life and legacy.

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Site (Texas):

Located in Stonewall, Texas, this site preserves the birthplace, childhood home, and ranch of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Visitors can tour the LBJ Ranch, where Johnson spent much of his presidency, and learn about his efforts to advance civil rights and social justice.

George Washington Birthplace National Monument (Virginia):

This monument commemorates the birthplace of George Washington, the first president of the United States and the "Father of His Country." Visitors can explore the colonial-era plantation and learn about Washington's early years and his enduring impact on American history.

Harry S. Truman National Historic Site (Missouri):

Situated in Independence, Missouri, this site preserves the home where Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States, lived for most of his life. Visitors can tour the Truman Home and gain insight into Truman's presidency, including his decision to drop the atomic bomb and his role in shaping the post-war world.

This President's Day, immerse yourself in the rich history and presidential legacy of the United States by visiting these remarkable national parks and monuments. Whether marveling at the grandeur of Mount Rushmore or reflecting on the leadership of Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial, each destination offers a unique opportunity to honor the presidents who have shaped the course of American history.

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Meet Sean Smith, the master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning author and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot, soaring through the skies like a bald eagle on a mission.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and at the included QR code. 

The Skies Over National Parks: Balancing Tourism and Tranquility

National Park Service

The pristine tranquility of national parks, treasured for their natural beauty and serene landscapes, has long been a battleground for conflicting interests. Recently, the clash between preserving the peace of these cherished landscapes and providing access via air tours has come into sharp focus.

New regulations by the National Park Service regarding air tours over national parks aim to curtail the noise pollution caused by planes and helicopters flying over these natural wonders. These rules have sparked debates and drawn applause and ire from various stakeholders.

The Positives and Negatives of Air Tours

Air tours offer an unparalleled vantage point, granting access to those who might otherwise be unable to experience the grandeur of these national parks. For the elderly or disabled, these tours provide a unique opportunity to witness the breathtaking vistas and landmarks that define these areas.

However, the whirring of helicopter blades and the drones of planes have disrupted the tranquility of these landscapes for decades. Critics argue that this noise disrupts the natural sounds of the environment, affecting both the experiences of visitors and the lives of local tribes residing near these areas.

The New Rules

The regulations, a response to a federal appeals court decision three years ago, mandate stricter controls on air tours over nearly two dozen national parks and monuments. Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park will implement stringent bans on tour flights, preventing them from coming within a half-mile radius of these iconic sites.

While applauded by conservationists, this move has drawn sharp criticism from tour operators. Many operators, accustomed to flying routes near these landmarks, are now grappling with the need to find alternative paths.

The Contention and Future Outlook

The clash between those advocating for the preservation of natural soundscapes and those defending the accessibility provided by air tours has led to a tense standoff. While environmental coalitions have sued over certain plans and congressional hearings are underway, the aviation industry is contemplating legal action, citing potential economic repercussions on their businesses.

The ongoing struggle to balance the economic benefits of air tours and preserving natural tranquility is evident. While most national parks have adopted plans, some operators are concerned about the rushed nature of these regulations and their potential to negatively impact their livelihoods.

Conclusion

As national parks grapple with these new rules, the fundamental debate persists: how to maintain the delicate balance between allowing access to these natural wonders and preserving their serene beauty. While some operators fear for their businesses, conservationists and park advocates emphasize the necessity of these measures to safeguard the essence of these national treasures.

The future of air tours over national parks remains to be determined, caught between the desire to offer access to all and the imperative to protect these natural sanctuaries. Ultimately, finding a middle ground that respects both the aspirations of visitors and the intrinsic value of these landscapes may be the key to ensuring a harmonious coexistence between tourism and preservation.

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Meet Sean Smith, the master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning author and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot, soaring through the skies like a bald eagle on a mission.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and at the included QR code. 

The Presidency and National Parks: Two Great American Ideas

President Obama and family in  Acadia National Park.
White House Photo

February 15th is President's Day, the one day we honor all the people who served in America's highest office. At the time of the Constitution's ratification, a country's highest executive office serving as president was a unique and radical idea. Many founders, before adopting the idea of a president, flirted with a chief executive akin to a dictator or king. But having just fought a war to overthrow one king, the founding father's rightly rejected this idea.

A presidency is an idea that Americans have truly made their own. Another truly American idea is that of the national park. With President's Day fast approaching, here are my top five favorite presidential national parks.

5. Yellowstone: This park may surprise some for making this list.  However, given that it was the world's first national park, requiring congress and President U.S. Grant to set precedent makes a perfect candidate for a presidential national park.

4. Devils' Tower: Another park that wouldn't come to mind of most. Yet, Devil's Tower most definitely deserves to be on the list. In 1906, Teddy Roosevelt used presidential power to create the Devils' Tower national monument. This was the first time a precedent used executive power to expand federal protection to public lands.  Roosevelt went on to establish numerous monuments including the Grand Canyon national monuments. Many of these monuments later were elevated to national parks by Congress.

3. Mount Rushmore is the first obvious choice. This massive granite edifice would likely make everyone's list of presidential national parks. The park memorializes some of America's greatest commanders in chief. Many however don't realize why the president who are carved in South Dakota's Black Hills were chosen for this honor, in short its because each in their time in office set a precedent that still impacts us today.  Washington was chosen for his example of stepping down from office and peacefully transferring governmental power after two terms. This peaceful power transfer is an example of good government that Americans can be rightly proud.  Jefferson was chosen for his negotiations with France to purchase the Louisiana territory. This like Washington was an example of the federal government's policy of using negotiation and compensation to expand its domain. Lincoln was obviously selected for his saving of the Union. Lincoln knew with great clarity and conviction that if the south was allowed to leave the Union, the United States would not long survive this cleavage. Rather, the previous United States would likely be cast into a Balkanized state that could be easily picked off by larger powers. Lincoln always realized the injustice and threat slavery represented to our national soul and rightly worked to abolish it.  Finally, Teddy Roosevelt was carved onto Mount Rushmore because of his desire to leave not just political goods but natural resources for future generations. Roosevelt was among the first to see the limits of our public domain and the need to conserve some it for Americans yet unborn.

Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C
National Archives

2. The Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, and Washington Monuments are the second obvious
choice. These Greek and Egyptian inspired monuments enshrine three of the presidents who help shape not only the nation but what it means to serve as president. Serving as the first Commander and Chief, everything George Washington did was precedent setting and is why he is rightly referred as the father of our country. Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence and set down for the entire world to see that America believes all are created equal.  Abraham Lincoln followed Jefferson's lead and committed America to the path that Jefferson's ideal extended to all Americans.  While are nation isn't perfect, no one can deny that progress has been made on nearly every front, and national parks such as the Lincoln Mermorial have been the setting for much of this progress.

White House and South Lawn
Daniel Schwen

1. The White House is my last choice as a presidential national park.  Unknown to many, the White House is part of the National Park System. The National Park Service is responsible for its upkeep and maintenance, as Barack Obama recently stated one of the perks of being president is getting to live in a national park. The White House serves not only as the focus of the federal government, but its fitting that the symbol of that power is part of the national park system which has a mission to preserve and protect America's most treasured ideas,hopes, and places for present and future generations.

Sean Smith is a former Yellowstone Ranger, and an award winning conservationist, TEDx speaker, and author. He writes national park thrillers from his home in the shadow of Mount Rainier National Park. To learn more about his thrillers click here or follow him on twitter: @parkthrillers

What Parks Actually Protect

June 14, 2013 Ranger Magazine the periodical for the Association of National Park Rangers is running a piece I wrote on the true value of national parks.  The attack of September of 11th was an attempt to take down the United States, however I argue al Qaeda and others who strike at our buildings and institutions can never achieve their goal.  Because America is much more than brick and mortar.

Ranger Magazine Summer 2013

National Parks Protect More than Natural Wonders

Recently Congress passed the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization act. Within this new legislation is language authorizing the National Park Service at Crater Lake to protect the park's natural soundscapes from intrusive tourist helicopter overflights. I'm thankful that I was able to play a role in this bill's passage. This new protection will insure visitors are able to enjoy the park's natural soundscapes and wildlife without constant helicopter buzz.


Over its 100 year history, the National Park Service has come to understand that its mission is to protect more than natural or cultural wonders. It must also protect visitor experiences and more importantly public safety.


National Parks are some of America's most special places. The Statue of Liberty, Independence Hall, and the Washington Monument protect the cradles and symbols of our democracy. Hundreds of millions of people from around the world visit these sites each year, many in a pilgrimage to be part of America's history. Unfortunately, the high profile of these places and their large crowds also attracts the attention of bad guys.


My new novel Unleashing Colter's Hell is about a terrorist attack on Yellowstone National Park. The book's villain chooses the park for its potential to unleash a devastating blow on America, a stab at the country's very soul. Park Ranger Grayson Cole and FBI agent Dianne Harris are all that stand between the world and Armageddon. The book is slated for release this spring. Look for it soon.


What values and resources do you expect the Park Service to protect?