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Activities Archaeology Architecture Arizona Desert National Park Native American Natural Stone Prehistoric Ruins Rural Sightseeing Trees United States

The Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona

When traveling through the southwest, one of my favorite national parks by far was the Petrified Forest National Park.  This park located in northeastern Arizona is naturally and culturally significant and quite beautiful.  This area is strewn with colorful fossilized logs that date back to the Late Triassic Period.  About 2,000 years ago, humans settled in and built little communities here.  

The Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona
Petroglyphs etched into rock faces gives visitors a glimpse of the culture of the prehistoric peoples that lived here before.

Meandering trails take you throughout the park, giving you glimpses of trees that look like works of art and pueblos from hundreds to thousands of years ago show you how these prehistoric people lived. There’s even one home that looks like it was made from precious stones, which it kind of is.

The Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona
Welcome to one of my favorite national parks!
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Activities Europe Hiking Rural Sweden

Sweden’s Norra Kvill National Park

On our trip through Sweden, we stopped overnight to camp at Kalmar County to see two things; the Rumskulla Oak or Kvillekenand the Norra Kvill National Park.  Sweden is world renown for its abundance of trees and this park promised us a close look at some old growth forests, which are rare this far south in Sweden.  Not only did we find old growth forests, but large areas of moss covered rocks, a lake covered with lily pads, and heather flowers.  It is a truly magical spot.

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Activities Aquarium Maryland United States Urban

The National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland

Nestled in the bustling harbor of Baltimore, lies the National Aquarium.  In a city known mostly for its crime and violence à la HBO’s The Wire, this place is truly a pearl, showing visitors the other side of Baltimore.