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Grassroots, Volunteerism Builds the Great American Rail-Trail

October 19, 2026 krubin723 Leave a comment

The repurposed McDonald viaduct, built in 1913, is one of the highlights of biking the Montour Trail, one of more than 150 trails that will make up the 3,700-mile Great American Rail-Trail, from Washington DC to Washington State © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

Unlike the Interstate Highway, the Intercontinental Railway or the Erie Canal, the Great American Rail-Trail is being created by hundreds of local communities, organizations, agencies and volunteers, who appreciate what such recreational trails mean for quality of life, health and wellness and economic vitality.

When completed, the Great American Rail-Trail will provide 3,700 miles, from Washington DC to Washington State, of connected multiuse trails and byways for biking and walking,

More than half of the route – over 150 existing railtrails, canalways, bikeways and greenways across 12 states totaling 2100 miles – is completed, the most complete stage letting you ride 350 miles from Washington DC to Cumberland Md. on the C&O canalway, connecting to the Great Allegheny Passage from Cumberland into Pittsburgh.

Now the task falls to connect more than 80 gaps, totaling 1,600 miles, with trails.

And that’s where we start our tour with Rails to Trails Conservancy, the stewards leading some 150 partners in the project, to see for ourselves how the Great American Rail-Trail is unfolding, what is happening to bring this 40-year vision of Rails to Trails’ co-founder David Burwell to reality.

Point State Park is where the longest completed segment of the Great American Rail-Trail, 350 miles from Washington DC to Pittsburgh on the C&O Canalway and the Great Allegheny Passage ends and there is a 9.8-mile gap to get to the Montour Trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

At Pittsburgh’s Point State Park we come to the place where the Great Allegheny Passage ends and the first significant gap looms: 9.8-miles along the heavily trafficked West Carson Street, sandwiched between high stone walls and rail lines hugging the riverfront, posing the problem that even if there is a will, it is hard to find a way with such constricted space.

Our Rails to Trails Conservancy group shuttles by van to the next trail on the Great American Rail-Trail (GART), the Montour, stretching 63-miles to form a necklace around the south Greater Pittsburgh Area. Julian Wolfe, Board President of Montour Trail Council, boasts that the private, nonprofit, “100 percent volunteer” trail, supported by some 1,300 dues-paying members, is the longest suburban trail in the nation.

*Montour Trail volunteers take justified pride in the legacy they have created © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Here we meet a dozen of the more than 50 volunteers who give of their time (22,000 hours a year!), expertise and money to maintain and improve the trail and close a remaining four-mile gap. To create the Montour, they had to repurpose bridges, trestles, viaducts and tunnels, and create the connector to the Panhandle Trail that provides the next stage of the GART linking Pennsylvania to West Virginia.

We meet three of the original founders who got the idea 37 years ago for the trail and acquired the abandoned rail line from the railroad in 1991. Now they are faced with new challenges: raising $3 million to repair a 1913 tunnel at mile 25 which has been closed for 10 months after the ceiling collapsed, filling a four-mile gap on the existing trail, and most challenging of all, creating that 9.8-mile connector from the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) in downtown Pittsburgh to the Montour trailhead. Once that gap is filled, it will be possible to bike all the way from Washington DC to West Virginia and the next significant gap.

The McDonald viaduct, built in 1913, on the Montour Trail. The Montour Trail Council raised $2.3 million to renovate it. Montour Trail Council President Julian Wolfe shows us a photo of the bridge, built in 1913, as it was in 1915 with a steam train going over it. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

These volunteers and advocates recognize that bikeways and greenways bring so much benefit to local communities – quality of life, health and wellness, and economic development, even increasing property values. But they also build community.

Each project has had its challenges – to pave or put down a surface; rebuild a bridge, a trestle, a tunnel; acquire land or easements; create the infrastructure of parking lots, restrooms, signage and safe crossings.

*Biking through tunnels on the Montour Trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

What we see in the volunteers and officials and organizers is the pure joy and pride in creating these trails that have such impact on their neighbors today and for generations to come, and the satisfaction that comes knowing this is their legacy.

We bike the Montour Trail from mile zero to mile 16.6 where we will take the connector to the Panhandle Trail. But first, we ride just beyond the connector to the McDonald viaduct, a key attraction on the trail and point of considerable pride for the Montour Trail Council. The council raised $2.3 million to renovate it. Wolfe shows us a photo of the viaduct, built in 1913, as it was in 1915 with a steam train going over it (www.traillink.com/trail/montour-trail).

“When trails were first proposed, a lot of people say it will be a nuisance and don’t want it in my backyard. But when it is done, they see their property values increase with the development that comes with the trail, because people love the amenities,” Dave Borrebach, a long-serving board member and volunteer leader for the Montour Trail Council, tells us as we tour the McDonald viaduct. “Coraopolis is deprived of greenspace, so the trail gives the community the opportunity to get to nature. Trails represent making connection – municipalities, private, contractors – all elements brought together, carefully, blended. Continuity of organization is key – putting the pieces together takes a tremendous amount of time.”

The Montour Trail, he said, is the culmination of “37 years of effort, little by little, persistence and luck…The Founding Fathers [of Montour] organized quickly, made the right decisions of time, funding, legal counsel (an expert in rail law). It all had to come together.”

We take the Panhandle Connector and drop down from the Montour Trail, passing under the viaduct for a great view onto the Panhandle Trail.

*Bikers stop for lunch at Paradise on Panhandle, in a repurposed train depot on the Panhandle Trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

We stop at the Paradise on Panhandle for lunch, in the repurposed train depot beside the trail.

There is a historic marker – one of 20 put up by Trails Across America, another project of Rails to Trails Conservancy – that notes, “Coal Mining. As early as 1903, bituminous coal from local mines shipped from here on Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railway.”

*Biking the Panhandle Trail, from Pennsylvania to West Virginia © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Fortified by a delightful lunch (and delicious ice cream), we go back on the trail and find ourselves at a marker between Pennsylvania and West Virginia, where we continue on for four miles before we come to the Panhandle Trail’s end (www.traillink.com/trail/panhandle-trail).

*Crossing from Pennsylvania to West Virginia on the Panhandle Trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

We soon face another critical gap: the Market Street Bridge linking Weirton, West Virginia, and Steubenville, Ohio, which carried bikes and walkers in addition to four lanes of cars. It was closed indefinitely on December 21, 2023 after routine inspections revealed broken strands and significant deterioration in the 1906 steel suspension bridge’s cable anchoring system.

The bridge is a case in point of the challenge faced in building the Great American Rail-Trail.

Closing of the 1906 steel suspension Market Street bridge, linking West Virginia and Ohio is a significant impediment to bikers and walkers but also to finishing the 3,700-mile Great American Rail-Trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

It will cost about $200 million to replace and though the Biden Administration already approved $87.5 million, West Virginia, which owns the bridge, must come up with the rest by September 30, 2027 or lose the federal funding.

Now the task is to try to get extra money from the Surface Transportation Fund, which funds Active Transportation Infrastructure Projects. But this requires support from West Virginia’s Senator Shelley Wellons Moore Capito who sits on the Surface Transportation committee and she works closely with House Transportation Chair Representative Sam Graves (R-MO), who has vowed to cut all federal funding for walking and biking paths.

At a reception in Steubenville for Rails to Trails Conservancy at historic Fort Steuben next to the Market Street Bridge, the mayors of Weirton WV and Steubenville OH expressed support for rebuilding the bridge.

“This bridge is vital to revitalization and community,” said Ralph Petrella Mayor City of Steubenville, OH. “People want to go outside. They don’t want malls, they want nature. This is an opportunity for national entity to help give those experiences.”

“We see the importance of the trail – exercise, meeting people (socialization) – important to Weirton,” said Dean Harris Mayor City of Weirton, WV. “Bridge needs to have pathway for walkers, bikers across Ohio River (great Divide). The economic development of our area depends on this bridge. We need to get the link completed and join our two cities – for the economic prosperity of area.”

Eric Oberg, Rail to Trails Conservancy’s Senior Director of Programs, Dean Harris Mayor City of Weirton, WV., Ralph Petrella Mayor City of Steubenville, OH are united in calling for the rebuilding of the Market Street Bridge. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

“We need to work with you to achieve this vision of a safe, accessible way to help people walk or bike across country. We want to be partner, to tell the story of a beautiful part of the country,” said Eric Oberg, Rail to Trails Conservancy’s Senior Director of Programs. “People want to see, experience, visit places like this, the Industrial Heartland.”

He took strong exception to the notion it could take 20 years to rebuild the bridge.

“Our message: speed up, prioritize. Just because historically took 20 years doesn’t mean it has to now. Communities fall into the trap that it costs too much money and takes obscene amount of time.” (You only have to look at the pace of data center construction, which blights, rather than benefits local communities.)

Oberg pointed to how fast the Interstate 35W Bridge in Minneapolis was rebuilt after it collapsed, the speed in rebuilding the Key Bridge in Baltimore (at a cost of $5 billion) and how the I-95 interstate in Philadelphia was reopened in 12 days and fully repaired in less than a year.

“The narrative that it takes 20 years shouldn’t be acceptable. We shouldn’t allow public leadership and agencies to take 20 years to develop critical infrastructure.”

These bike trails are an investment in infrastructure that benefits locals as much as visitors (think of overtourism, and how this spreads visitors and economic development around to the villages, towns they would never know to visit or be inspired to visit and not in the far future but today.

The trail brought us to Steubenville, which we learn, is the birth place of Dean Martin, who is featured in an important attraction, Historic Fort Steuben, and was the birthplace of Edwin M. Stanton, Abraham Lincoln’s Secretary of War and a strong abolitionist who backed Emancipation; Lincoln’s telegrapher, David Homer Bates; and Moses Fleetwood Walker, the first Black man to play in Major League Baseball, breaking the sport’s color barrier 63 years before Jackie Robinson.

Steubenville hosts Free Fridays events every month and an important Nutcracker Village Christmas festival (Nov.24-Jan. 8), displaying 230 life-sized carved Nutcrackers as the centerpiece of a free Christmas-market that now draws 40,000-50,000 people (www.SteubenvilleNutcrackerVillage.com).

For more information on the Great American Rail-Trail, visit: https://www.railstotrails.org/site/greatamericanrailtrail/

Next: ‘One Mile at a Time.’ New Trails Are Links in Building the 3,700-Mile Great American Rail-Trail

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© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com, longislandpress.com/category/vacation-travel.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near. X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us atfacebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures. Send comments/questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com.

America's 250th, Historic Places, Places of History, See America, US Destinations

St. Louis’ Restored Old Courthouse Resurrects Important Lessons of Dred Scott’s Struggle for Freedom

September 1, 2026 krubin723

*The statue of Dred and Harriet Scott outside St. Louis*‘ *Old Courthouse where their Supreme Court case to sue for their freedom began. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

With only an afternoon and evening to explore St. Louis before my six-day Wilderness Voyageurs bike trip on the Katy Trail across Missouri, I immediately set out from the 21c Museum Hotel for Gateway Arch National Park. My walk takes me by majestic buildings and monuments such as Soldiers’ Monument, many from the 1930s and through the lovely Citygarden sculpture park. I find myself across the street from the Old Courthouse, with a banner that exclaims, “Open” and “New Exhibits.”

*St. Louis’ Old Courthouse is part of Gateway Arch National Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Touring the Old Courthouse is one discovery after another, beginning with its spectacular dome, architecture and stunning murals of historic scenes and important historical figures. I explore the four new museum galleries and the restored historic courtroom that opened in May 2025 after a five year, $24.5 million renovation, 2020-2025.

*The spectacular interior of St. Louis’ Old Courthouse © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The Old Courthouse is actually part of Gateway Arch National Park. I find a National Park Service ranger in the spectacular lobby beneath a dome, and am amazed to learn the infamous Dred Scott case began here (two trials!) and would have ended in his favor were it not for the Supreme Court and its dastardly Dred Scott decision.

The ranger gives me a brief synopsis: The Old Courthouse was the site of the first two trials of the pivotal Dred Scott case in 1847 and 1850 before the infamous Supreme Court “Dred Scott decision” in 1857. I later learn that this was also where Virginia Minor‘s case for a woman’s right to vote came to trial in the 1870s. It was last used as a courthouse in 1930

Sufficiently intrigued, I go off to see the new exhibit, simply named, “Dred and Harriet Scott,” a detailed biography of Scott and his wife, and their legal struggle. The story is not anything that is taught anywhere else, which more typically reduce Dred Scott to the Supreme Court decision, and not a person, and, as I discover, a story worthy of an opera.

The story of Dred and Harriet Scott and their struggle to win their freedom is laid out in a dramatic exhibit at St. Louis’ Old Courthouse where their Supreme Court case began © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

I can only wonder if these exhibits will survive Trump’s anti-DEI crusade manifest in an executive order in 2025 called “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History” executive order directing federal historic sites to “avoid showing content that disparages past or present Americans” – in essence erasing Black history and struggle for civil rights, women’s rights, human rights, and what was and is still being done to native peoples. (In Philadelphia, the National Park Service was ordered to replace slavery interpretive panels at the President’s House.)

It would be a terrible shame, though, because the exhibit is absolutely fascinating, revelatory, and pretty much this is the only place to appreciate it. Most of us only know the Supreme Court’s Dred Scott decision and do not know what led up to it, that for the 11 years the case was being argued and decided, Dred and Harriet Scott were prisoners of the sheriff, who hired them out and kept their wages. All during this period, the Scotts secreted their daughters away to protect them from being enslaved.

I learn that Scott was suing for his freedom from Irene Emerson, who inherited him upon the death of her husband, Dr. John Emerson, on the basis that his previous owner had taken him to a free territory, and under Missouri law (and the Missouri Compromise), if a slave or freed person lived in a free territory, they could not be re-enslaved. The first case was dismissed on a technicality (“hearsay”!), but the second case, which went to a jury of 12 white men (what else?), agreed that Scott was free. But Irene Emerson appealed up to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court’s 7-2 decision by Justice Roger B. Taney stated that Dred Scott did not have the right to sue for his freedom because he was not a citizen and Black people, enslaved or free, were not part of the original sovereign people so could never become citizens because they were not people but property; the Constitution’s protection of property rights overruled their human right to be free.

But in a fascinating turn of events, by then, Irene Emerson had married a Massachusetts politician, Calvin Chaffee, who ran for the US Congress in 1854 on the anti-slavery America Party Ticket, and was reelected in 1856; he only became aware of his wife’s connection to the Scotts in May 1857). He would have been mortified to be found to own slaves. So, to get rid of the embarrassing, inauspicious problem, sold the “title” to the Scotts to a descendant of the Blow family which had originally owned Dred Scott and who had actually provided financial support to the Scotts while the case was going on and who purchased the couple in order to emancipate them. Meanwhile, the Scotts, who had sent their two daughters away so they could not be captured and enslaved, were reunited.

Dred Scott was 48 years old when he initiated his suit for freedom (since he was illiterate and poor, it is assumed that he was encouraged by an abolitionist who guided him through the process). The operatic tragedy continues because after finally winning his freedom, his family lived in poverty (Irene Emerson kept the wages the Scotts earned during the 11 years of their arrest) and Dred Scott lived less than a year as a free man before dying of tuberculosis at the age of 59.

(I later learn there is such an opera: Manifestos 4: The Dred and Harriet Scott Decision created by conceptual artist and composer Charles Gaines.)

What I realize is that the landmark Dred Scott decision in effect nullified the Missouri Compromise that was put into place to forestall a Civil War; the decision intensified boiling national tensions and helped spark the Civil War. You also appreciate the lasting legacy and ongoing relevance of their case today. (You can hear reverberations of the Taney decision in Trump’s effort to overturn birthright citizenship enshrined in the 14^th Amendment, which states that all persons born on U.S. soil and subject to its jurisdiction are citizens, no ifs, ands or buts.)

The exhibit includes A Bid for Freedom, an excellent 4 ½ minute video reenacting a hypothetical conversation between Dred and Harriett Scott, in which they discuss the risks to their family if they sue their enslaver for their freedom at the Old Courthouse and the risks they face if they don’t.

The other new exhibits:

*Cruel irony: Slaves were auctioned from the steps of the Old Courthouse, where hundreds of suits for freedom where also heard. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Pathways to Freedom gallery is another eye-opener. It personalizes African American life in St. Louis during the era of slavery and beyond, tracing the struggles of enslaved individuals seeking freedom, the continued fight for civil rights after the Civil War, and the rise of the Black elite known as the Colored Aristocracy, who built wealth and influence in the 1800s. Here you get an appreciation for the resilience, resistance, and influence of African Americans in St. Louis from slavery onward, with disturbing echoes as these struggles have resurfaced throughout the country today, as if the struggles of1865-1965, and brief period of progress and societal awareness, from 1965-2025 had been erased.

A recreated 1850s courtroom at the Old Courthouse highlights the vital role courts have played in shaping our society, legal system and daily life from 1839 to 1930.© Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

See You In Court, housed in a recreated 1850s courtroom, highlights the vital role courts have played in shaping our society, legal system, and daily life from 1839 to 1930. Visitors can explore the courtroom and even participate in mock trials, gaining a deeper understanding of how the court system helps resolve conflicts peacefully and supports the structure of our society (another important lesson for today, to remind of the foundational importance of the Rule of Law, without fear or favor.) I note the bust of Louis Brandeis, the first Jew to become a Supreme Court Justice, who was formally admitted to the Missouri Bar here on November 21, 1878.

*A bust of Louis Brandeis who was admitted to the bar in the St. Louis Courthouse, became the first Jewish Supreme Court Justice, © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Designed for Justice gallery highlights the Courthouse’s remarkable architecture and the architects, artists, builders, and craftsmen who created it.

One of the oldest buildings in St. Louis, the Old Courthouse is significant for its Greek Revival architectural style, engineered dome, and interior murals. In 1838, the County of St. Louis selected Henry Singleton’s cruciform plan with a central rotunda to replace the existing smaller courthouse. Construction started in 1839 and it opened in 1845 (just one year before the Scotts filed their suit). At this time emigrants traveling westward on the Oregon and California trails often stopped and gathered provisions in St. Louis, the “Gateway to the West,” and would meet up in the Old Courthouse rotunda. The present dome, which replaced a smaller one in 1862 (while the Civil War was going on, and the Capitol Dome in Washington DC was under construction), was designed by architect William Rumbold and was one of the first of its type. After the dome alteration, American painter Carl Wimar was commissioned to design four lunettes in the building’s interior. In 1976, the Old Courthouse was listed in the National Register as a component of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.

Largely because of the Dred Scott case, St. Louis’ Old Courthouse is included in the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network To Freedom – places of “historic resistance to enslavement through escape and flight.” The Old Courthouse is linked with the Underground Railroad as a place associated with legal challenges to slavery. Slaves were auctioned from its steps in estate settlements, and the Old Courthouse was the site of hundreds of suits for freedom.

*The statue of Dred and Harriet Scott outside the Old Courthouse where their Supreme Court case to sue for their freedom began. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The city gave the Old Courthouse to the National Park Service for inclusion into Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in 1940, which was renamed Gateway Arch National Park by an act of Congress in 2018.

Plan to spend at least an hour, more likely two in the Old Courthouse.

National Park Service rangers provide guided tours of the building every day at 2:15 pm (only rarely cancelled due to staff availability). The tours cover the architecture and history of the building and the court cases associated with it. (No tickets or reservations necessary.)

The Old Courthouse is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Years Day). There is no admission fee.

Plan your visit, https://www.nps.gov/jeff/planyourvisit/och.htm

From here, I leave the Old Courthouse through the riverfront exit on my way to the Gateway Arch, about two blocks further, stopping at a stunning statue of Dred and Harriet Scott.

For more planning information, visit Explore St. Louis, 800-916-8938, explorestlouis.com.

21 C Museum Hotel St. Louis Embodies, Preserves City’s History, Culture, Community

August 26, 2026 krubin723 1 Comment

*Art is a key element of the 21c Museum Hotel in St. Louis, a Historic Hotels of America member, where even the staircase is like walking into a painting © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

It’s become my practice to arrive at least a day early for a tour or cruise – to take into account any unforeseen travel delays but also to spend at least a day to explore.

With a 6:30 am pick up time for my Wilderness Voyageurs six-day bike tour on the famed Katy Trail 240-miles through Missouri, this wasn’t even an option. So knowing I would be flying into St. Louis (about 25 minutes away from the pick-up), I took the opportunity to have a good portion of a day to explore this history- and culturally-rich city.

My first step is always to seek out a Historic Hotels of America member property because I know staying in a historic hotel will enhance my appreciation for a destination– these properties are integral to a place, even characters that typically play a part in its story, are always architecturally and culturally interesting and can be depended upon to be walking distance or close proximity to the what want to explore.

*St. Louis’ iconic sites, the Old Courthouse and Gateway Arch National Park are walking distance from 21c Museum Hotel © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

That was definitely the case for my stay at the 21c Museum Hotel in St. Louis, with a marvelous story, gorgeous architecture, set amid the city’s important historic and cultural structures, and most importantly, a delightful 20-minute walk to Gateway Arch National Park, which was top of my list to see. But it had something more: an important art gallery, that, I learned, is the essence of this hotel brand of six 21c Museum Hotels.

The 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis started its story as a community hub when it opened as a central branch of the St. Louis YMCA in 1926, and this year is celebrating its 100^th anniversary and its third anniversary as a hotel.

You might imagine a YMCA as a modest, even institutional structure, but this one was built as an architectural gem.

It was originally constructed by architects Louis LaBeaume and Eugene S. Klein in the Renaissance Revival style as the central branch of the St. Louis YMCA, and was the organization’s largest local branch and a major community hub until 2017. Due to its architectural significance and deep ties to the city, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

21c Museum Hotels revived the 10-story YMCA building, preserving its historic architectural elements like the original indoor pool, billiards room, and gymnasium and reasserting the space’s relevance as a gathering point in the heart of St. Louis. The hotel opened and became an official member of Historic Hotels of America in 2023.

*The former YMCA basketball court is now a stunning art exhibition space at the 21c Museum Hotel, St. Louis © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Today, the 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis is a 173-room boutique hotel which is not just a hotel with an art gallery, but houses a major contemporary art museum. It features 14,000 square feet of curated gallery space (much of it in what used to be the basketball court, and open free of charge to the public 24-hours a day (guests have to use their room card in the elevator to access the room floors).

“Infusing the extraordinary into daily life, radical access to contemporary art is the modus operandi of 21c St. Louis,” the notes read. “Dynamic and thought-provoking curated exhibitions reflect the global nature of art today.”

Art is a distinct element of the 21c Museum Hotel in St. Louis, a Historic Hotels of America member, where there is a gallery open 24/7 to the public and a proud heritage in the community since 1926 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Indeed, I was enthralled by the exhibit on view during my stay, “The Future Is Female”; the current exhibit “Revival: Digging Into Yesterday, Planting Tomorrow” is on view through January (https://21cmuseumhotels.com/museum/revival/). (The exhibits typically rotate among the 21c Museum Hotels.)

Paying homage to its YMCA roots, the 10,500-square-foot full-service Locust Street Athletic and Swim Club boasts a stunning, tiled indoor four-lane lap pool you might confuse for a millionaires’ mansion, sauna, steam rooms and offers spa services.

Other features include the Idol Wolf restaurant serving Iberian-inspired dishes; the Good Press Café; a stunning lobby bar, and a lounge with pool table.

*While art and stunning interior design are everywhere at the 21c Museum Hotel, the ambiance is warm, welcoming, even comfortable © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The art spills over throughout the building so you never know what you will come upon, causing surprise and delight. Even the staircase between floors is a work of art.

The property is known for its playful, colorful penguin sculptures scattered throughout the public spaces – a feature of the 21c Museum owners. Guests can even request to have one “adopted” and placed in their room during their stay.

The penguins first debuted at 21c Museum Hotel Louisville. 21c founders Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson had purchased the sculptures after seeing the joy they evoked from onlookers at the 2005 Venice Biennale public art project. Now perched around 21c Museum Hotels (each 21c has its own flock of penguins in the color that embodies the city’s identity), the playful penguins contribute to the hotel’s mission of making contemporary art more accessible to the public.

And while there is art everywhere and stunning interior design, it is not at all forbidding or unapproachable, but warm and welcoming, even comfortable. You feel very much a part of the “club.” And it is easy to see why 21c Museum Hotel Louisville was named to the Historic Hotels of America’s 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America for a Romantic Proposal – indeed, I spot a bridal couple in an embrace, posing for their photos.

*21c Museum Hotel Louisville was named to the Historic Hotels of America’s 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America for a Romantic Proposal © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The 21c Museum Hotel also honors its original commitment to community, from its days as the YMCA, collaborating with its neighbors and community partners to ensure the historic establishment’s presence extends beyond its walls. Guests can enjoy poetry evenings, attend artist demonstrations, and support local creators during their stay.

*Strolling through Citygarden Sculpture Park, St. Louis © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

From the hotel, I wander to see the Mississippi River as it winds through St. Louis. I stroll through the Citygarden Sculpture Park on the way to the riverfront – a green area filled with beautifully landscaped lawns, cooling water features including sprinklers for children to play in, and striking sculptures. At the riverfront, you can take a cruise on a 19th-century paddlewheel riverboat or cycle along the river on bike paths that connect Missouri from downtown St. Louis to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, a historic Route 66 landmark.

I am bound for the Gateway Arch National Park, coming upon the Old Courthouse, which I realize was the site of the first two trials of the consequential Dred Scott case in 1847 and 1850 (see next).

But St. Louis is, no doubt, a sports city.

Besides being integral to St. Louis’ historic and cultural attractions, the 21c Museum Hotel is close by to St. Louis’ key sports destinations that are a big lure to the city: Energizer Park, a 22,423-seat soccer-specific stadium and 32-acre urban sports district in downtown St. Louis; Enterprise Center, an 18,096-seat indoor arena located at 1401 Clark Avenue in downtown St. Louis, that is home venue for the St. Louis Blues professional hockey team and hosts major concerts, family shows, and basketball tournaments. It is also a short ride away from Busch Stadium, the 45,000-seat stadium that is home base for the Cardinals baseball team.

The hotel offers an “Ultimate Cardinals Experience” that includes a $10 Uber credit to Busch Stadium, a 4-pack of local 4 Hands City Wide brews and a $25 credit (per stay) to be used at Idol Wolf or Good Press

Year round there are special packages to meet the mood and the season. Some recent examples:

Celebrate Mother’s Day with breakfast in bed with in-room dining from Good Press café, a rejuvenating spa treatment at the historic Locust Street Athletic and Swim Club, tour the art exhibition and end with a show-stopping Spanish-meets-midwest dinner at Idol Wolf.

Pampered Penguin package includes 1-hour massage at Locust Street Athletic and Swim Club and a bottle of bubbles upon arrival.

Yoga with Art: Beginners are welcome for Hatha Yoga Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30 pm. (Drop-in passes can be purchased at the front desk at Locust Street Athletic and Swim Club).

Nightcap At The Museum: 21c Museum Hotel guests are invited to join the hotel every night for a complimentary late-night Angel’s Envy Bourbon sip and explore the museum exhibitions as the night winds down. Visit the restaurant bar from 8 pm-late and enjoy a pour with new friends, wandering around the galleries, or cozied up in your room.

There are currently six 21c Museum Hotel locations operating in the United States, managed as part of the Ennismore and Accor collection: Louisville, Kentucky (Flagship); Bentonville, Arkansas; Durham, North Carolina; Lexington, Kentucky; Kansas City, Missouri; and St. Louis, Missouri

21c’s chef-driven restaurants and bars highlight the brand’s Kentucky roots – so expect a healthy assortment of Bourbons behind the bar. You can explore the spirits and cocktail programs at: Idol Wolf, 21c St. Louis; Lockbox, 21c Lexington; Metropole, 21c Cincinnati; Proof on Main, 21c Louisville; The Hive, 21c Bentonville

21c Museum Hotel, 1528 Locust St., St. Louis, MO 63103, reservations: 888-831-7077, 21cMuseumHotels.com

A member of Historic Hotels of America since 2023, 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis has been named to these Historic Hotels of America Top 25 Lists:

The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America for a Romantic Proposal
The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Best of Adaptive Reuse List
The 2024 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Best of Adaptive Reuse List

Historic Hotels of America is a membership organization comprised mostly of independently owned and operated historic hotels but also from some 30 of the world’s major hospitality brands, chains and collections, and from 44 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. To be selected for membership into this prestigious program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; been designated by the U.S. Interior Secretary as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historic significance.

These historic hotels have all faithfully maintained their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity. HHA members occupy buildings that date as early as 1651. Many are the site of key events in regional, national, or international history or have played host to famous figures, from heads of state and industry titans to writers and movie stars. Some hotels are also intertwined with the country’s cultural history, either as venues or culinary hotspots. As a historic preservation and hospitality program focused on experiences, Historic Hotels of America supports cultural heritage tourism and sustainability.

(Its sister organization, Historic Hotels Worldwide® is a global collection of more than 300 historic hotels in more than 40 countries, including castles, chateaus, palaces, academies, haciendas, villas, monasteries, and other historic lodging spanning ten centuries, historichotels.org.)

Historic Hotels of America® is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation with the mission to increase the preservation, recognition, and celebration of the finest historic hotels in the USA.

For more than 70 years, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has led the movement to save Americas historic places. A privately funded nonprofit organization, it works to save America’s historic sites; tell the full American story; build stronger communities; and invest in preservation’s future.

Find Historic Hotels of America members when you travel: https://www.historichotels.org/us, 800 678 8946.

Biking the Katy Trail: From Cliffside Pictographs to the Capital’s Stirring ‘Social History of Missouri’ Mural

Biking Missouri’s Katy Trail Following Lewis & Clark, Daniel Boone & the Westward Expansion

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Adventure Travel, Driveable adventures, Driveable destinations, Family Travel, Festivals and Events, Historic Places, Road Trip, See America, Summer Vacations, US Destinations

Route 66 Centennial Sparks Renewed Interest in Old-Fashioned Road Trip

June 17, 2026 krubin723

Driving into St. Louis, one of the stops on the Route 66 Centennial, brings you to the Gateway Arch and the historic Courthouse where the Dred Scott decision began © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

In these unsettled times and despite high fuel prices (or perhaps because of them), the old-timey family Road Trip is enjoying renewed allure. Like comfort food from your childhood, the road trip evokes nostalgia for an imagined simpler, more innocent time. People like the freedom (from timetables, security lines, not having to agonize over what you can’t fit into your carry-on), the ability to spend as little or as much time, to come upon some serendipitous discovery, to immerse in local happenings and celebrations.

*Map of Historic Route 66 (photo: www.route66roadtrip.com)*

A key event sparking interest in the road trip this summer is the centennial celebration of Route 66. Spanning 2,448 miles across eight states from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, Route 66 became synonymous with the ultimate road trip adventure, a symbol of American freedom on four wheels, as an industrializing America was rolling out highways and paving over dirt roads.

This year, the Route 66 Centennial Commission is inviting roadsters to step back in time and experience the retro charm, vintage vibes, small-town hospitality, and trendy twists on classic roadside dining.

Dubbed “the Mother Road” and the “Main Street of America,” states all along the route are featuring exhibits honoring 100 years of the highway that coincides with a focus on history because of America’s 250th.

Use the official Route 66 Centennial (route66centennial.org) portal to plan your stops, or read the AAA Route 66 Road Trip guide for scenic route highlights.

Centennial Web Hubs: Discover more historical milestones and celebrations via the Route 66 Centennial site or check out the broader travel calendar on the Route 66 Centennial (route66-centennial.com).

There are also links to seek out must-see roadside attractions (https://www.route66-centennial.com/mother-road-must-sees-route-66s-iconic-roadside-attractions/) and where to find natural wonders near Route 66 (https://www.route66-centennial.com/natural-wonders-near-route-66/).

*Chicago: Be among the first to visit the Obama Presidential Center (photo: Obama Presidential Center)*

The legendary route serves up awe-inspiring scenery, cultural landmarks and nostalgic charm along the way. Starting out in Chicago, don’t miss an opportunity to be among the first to visit the Obama Presidential Center; in St. Louis, Gateway Arch National Park (and the museums underneath) and the Courthouse where the Dred Scott Decision began; Petrified Forest National Park, in Arizona, ending in Santa Monica at the famous pier.

Here are suggestions for an itinerary built around natural attractions:

Lake Michigan’s shores extend to four states – Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. Chicago’s 42 kilometers of lakefront encompass public parks, gardens, paved trails and beaches. Take the South Shore Line commuter train from Chicago’s Union Station to Indiana Dunes National Park for a serene escape from the big city.

Meramec Caverns, Stanton, Missouri, an hour’s drive southwest of St. Louis, is an underground wonder, towering stalactites and shimmering mineral deposits, believed to have served as a hideout of famed outlaw Jesse James. Rent kayaks or canoes on the Meramec River.

Springfield Botanical Gardens is a free, picturesque sanctuary Springfield, Missouri, at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, Springfield, Missouri.

Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area, a short drive from Tulsa, Oklahoma, offers forested hills, rocky outcrops and scenic overlooks of Turkey Mountain.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, set in the Texas Panhandle near Amarillo, is the second-largest canyon in the USA.

Blue Hole, tucked away in the high desert town of Santa Rosa, New Mexico, a two-hour drive from Albuquerque, is where you can jump into the artesian spring from cliffs along its shores and scuba dive, and fish in the crystal clear waters.

Petrified Forest National Park: Route 66 cuts right through this park, renowned for its fossilized wood and the striking backdrop of the Painted Desert, a 90-minute drive from Flagstaff, Arizona.

When cruising Route 66 through Arizona, set aside time to visit the Grand Canyon National Park.

Mojave National Preserve, a lesser-known gem located a four-hour drive from Los Angeles or an hour’s drive from Las Vegas, Nevada. is a desert ecosystem of soaring sand dunes, forests of Joshua trees, ancient volcanic cinder cones and magma flows.

Amboy Crater is a dormant cinder cone volcano in Mojave Trails National Monument, located near Amboy, California, a three-hour drive from Los Angeles. Follow the Amboy Crater Rim Trail to circumnavigate the symmetrical cone, which was formed about 10,000 years ago. Due to minimal light pollution, it’s also a popular stargazing spot.

Santa Monica, California, at the western end of Route 66, on the Pacific Ocean, is famous for its beaches and the Santa Monica Pier, home to a popular amusement park.

(See: https://route66centennial.org/celebrate/the-great-american-road-trip)

Stay in hotels, motels along the way (hoteltonight.com, booking.com, hotels.com).

See also: route66roadtrip.com.

The Santa Monica Pier, California, is at the end/beginning of Route 66, which is celebrating its centennial this year and rekindling an interest in the old-fashioned road trip © Eric Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Kampgrounds of America’s 6-Part Route 66 Itinerary

Want to take your Route 66 roadtrip adventure to the next-level? Plan to camp along the way. Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has created a 6-part itinerary (https://koa.com/blog/travel-route-66-in-6-parts/):

Section 1: Chicago to St. Louis
Section 2: St. Louis to Tulsa
Section 3: Tulsa to Amarillo
Section 4: Amarillo to Albuquerque
Section 5: Albuquerque to Kingman
Section 6: Kingman to Santa Monica

KOA and AdventureGenie have also teamed up to create ready-to-go itineraries. In each section, there is a link to a corresponding AdventureGenie trip that can be customized using their AI technology to add the activities and stops that fit your personal preferences —all in just a few clicks.

*Your Route 66 roadtrip can start or end in Chicago © Eric Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

A Roundup of America’s Great Road Trips

Some of America’s best summer getaways are closer than you think, conveniently located just off major highways and within an easy drive of key cities. Pack up the car, bring what and who you want, and hit the road to destinations for outdoor adventure, history, family fun and standout local flavors.

Shenandoah County, Virginia: Great Outdoors Road Trip: Tucked into the Shenandoah Valley, this stretch takes you to small mountain towns like Woodstock, Strasburg and Edinburg in Virginia (reached via Interstate 81) to immerse in the great outdoors:

Hiking or mountain biking at Bryce Resort, a year-round retreat that offers trails, lift-served biking and water sports at Lake Laura.
Kayaking, paddling and fishing along the Shenandoah River.
Exploring miles of trails in the George Washington National Forest or Seven Bends State Park.
Riding horseback with Secret Passage Ranch or tackling OHV trails through the county’s backroads and forested terrain.

Ride or hike the towpath of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park, the 184.5-mile historic waterway that connected the nation’s capital to the mountains of Western Maryland. (photo: Allegheny County Mountainside of Maryland)

Allegany County, Maryland: American History Road Trip: This part of Western Maryland (reached via Interstate 68) had a front-row seat to countless important moments in American history. Since the nation’s infancy, Cumberland has served as one of the United States’ most significant transportation hubs for covered wagons, canal boats, trains, automobiles and bicycles. Along the way, this region – affectionately dubbed “The Mountain Side of Maryland” – also played a quiet but important role in the journey to freedom via the Underground Railroad. A sampling of ways in which visitors can experience history in this mountain destination includes:

Start your journey at “Mile Marker Zero” of the old National Road. A small monument still exists downtown, situated right outside the historic Western Maryland Railway Station, a reminder that this city was also a significant railroad stop.
Sightsee on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad: steam and diesel trains make the 16-mile loop between Cumberland and Frostburg year-round and offer themed seasonal rides such as ice cream trains and sunset on the mountain.
Explore the tunnels underneath the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, which was a stop along the Underground Railroad. Tours are available on request and subject to availability.
Ride or hike the towpath of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park, the 184.5-mile historic waterway that connected the nation’s capital to the mountains of Western Maryland. Construction began in 1828, and by 1850 the canal reached its western terminus in Cumberland, still an engineering marvel.
Staying in a new (but old) hotel. An adaptive reuse project is breathing new life into a long-vacant Victorian-era building in historic downtown Cumberland. The Wills Hotel, set to welcome its first guests in June, is the destination’s first boutique property.

Bowling Green, Kentucky: Family-Friendly Road Trip: Located in South Central Kentucky via Interstate65, Bowling Green is ideal for a family summer vacation, offering classic Americana and plenty of sweet treats. Some of the top family-friendly activities in Bowling Green include:

Catch a Bowling Green Hot Rods baseball game at the downtown ballpark, where summer nights come with fireworks and a side of tasty snacks.
Cool off at Chaney’s Dairy Barn, known for farm-fresh ice cream, playground fun and the chance to meet adorable cows.
Spend the day at Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon, a water park with classic amusement rides.
Explore Lost River Cave, where guided boat tours take visitors underground through one of Kentucky’s most unique natural attractions. During the summer, the cave’s former nightclub is transformed into an underground movie theater that features kid-friendly movies. (The movies are for members only, but an annual membership costs less than taking your family to a standard theater and it comes with other perks, too.)

*Begin your Foodie Roadtrip in Ascension Parish along Interstate 10 in New Orleans © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Ascension Parish, Louisiana: Foodie Road Trip: Located along Interstate 10, the highway that connects New Orleans to Baton Rouge, Ascension Parish lives up to its nickname “Louisiana’s Sweet Spot.” This is a destination where food takes center stage. The menu of ways visitors can taste the incredible flavors of Ascension Parish includes:

Sip your way along the Louisiana’s Sweet Spot Cocktail Trail, which runs through July 31 and features locally inspired drinks offered by 20 participating restaurants and distilleries.
Taste something sweet at The Cane Sugar Toffee Company, a beloved stop for handmade confections that feature an agricultural staple of the parish … sugarcane!
Dig into the parish’s signature dish in Gonzales, the Jambalaya Capital of the World, where jambalaya shows up at festivals, restaurants and dinner tables alike.

Road Trip to Explore America’s Story in Central Pennsylvania

Central Pennsylvania offers a road trip that brings American history to life, ideal for a driveable summer getaway. Blending immersive museums, iconic landmarks, and family-friendly experiences across three easy-to-navigate days, this itinerary offers storytelling, hands-on activities, and scenic exploration, ideal for families, history enthusiasts, and cultural travelers.

Day 1: Industry, Innovation & the Civil War (Hershey & Harrisburg):

Start at The Hershey Story Museum, an interactive museum exploring the legacy of Milton Hershey, complete with chocolate tastings and hands-on experiences.
Head to the Indian Echo Caverns, an underground featuring guided cave tours, gem mining, and family-friendly activities.
End the day at the National Civil War Museum, one of the most comprehensive Civil War museums in the U.S., with artifacts tied to figures like Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant.

Where to Stay: Homewood Suites by Hilton Harrisburg; Best Western Premier The Central Hotel & Conference Center

Day 2: The Turning Point of the Civil War (Gettysburg):Spend the entire day immersed in one of the most pivotal moments in American history.

Explore the Gettysburg National Military Park, where visitors can walk or drive the battlefield and experience its historic landmarks.
Also visit the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center to view the iconic Cyclorama and dive deeper into the story through immersive exhibits.

Where to Stay: 1863 Inn at Gettysburg; Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel & Conference Center; Best Western Gettysburg

Day 3: Railroads & Rural Life (Altoona & Lancaster). Wrap up with a look at the industries and communities that helped shape Pennsylvania.

Start at Horseshoe Curve, a National Historic Landmark where trains navigate a dramatic mountain curve.
Visit the Railroaders Memorial Museum, highlighting the workers behind the Pennsylvania Railroad.
On the return, stop at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, a 100-acre living history site showcasing Pennsylvania German life.

Where to Stay: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Altoona; Holiday Inn Express & Suites Altoona

Discover “101 Things to Do Just Off the 101” in California’s Conejo Valley

Visit Conejo Valley is inviting travelers to take the scenic route between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara in southern California, conveniently accessible from Highway 101, with the launch of its new “101 Things to Do Just Off the 101” guide, a curated collection of stops and activities.

Long considered a hidden gem, Conejo Valley blends outdoor adventure, dining and cultural attractions. Spend the day discovering oak-studded hiking paths, sipping small-batch craft brews, exploring local art and history museums or unwinding at open-air restaurants and lively community gathering spots.

The “101 Things to Do Just Off the 101” guide highlights attractions across Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills and Newbury Park, featuring everything from horseback riding trails and local coffee shops to golf courses, breweries, performing arts venues and immersive cultural attractions. Among the featured 101 experiences:

See the sunset from Tarantula Hill.
Grab some homemade fudge at Newberry Candy.
Visit the serene Japanese Pagoda at the Gardens of the World.
After dinner, grab a handcrafted cocktail made from fresh local ingredients at Oak & Iron.
Visit the church featured in HBO’s Westworld at Paramount Ranch.

See the full “101 Things to Do Just Off the 101” guide at:
https://conejo.com/insider-tips/101-things-to-do-just-off-the-101/

To learn more about accommodations, attractions, and things to do in Conejo Valley, visit conejo.com.

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© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Bluesky: @newsphotosfeatures.bsky.social X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Long Island travel, Travel & Tourism Industry, US Destinations

Discover Long Island Navigates New Challenges in Industry Vital to Local Economy as it Searches for New Leader

May 5, 2025 krubin723

The biggest single event of the year on Long Island takes place at Jones Beach State Park, the island’s most popular attraction, with the annual Memorial Day Weekend FourLeaf Air Show. Jones Beach is in Nassau County but attractions like WildPlay pay to continue to participate in Discover Long Island’s tourism marketing since Nassau County withdrew from the organization. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

Long Island is getting ready for its prime tourism season but with a set of unanticipated challenges: the virtual boycott by Canadian visitors, antagonism of Europeans, and Americans’ economic anxiety. This is where a professional tourism marketing organization rises to the fore, but this year, Discover Long Island will soldier on without Kristen Reynolds, CDME, who for the past 10 years has lead and reshaped it. (The organization has just appointed the current Board Chair Mitch Pally as Interim President & CEO as a search is underway for a new president and CEO.)

I’m betting that most Long Islanders do not understand the importance tourism plays in our economy and quality of life, and I am certain most do not understand what Discover Long Island does.

“It’s always a challenge to educate locals why tourism matters,” Reynolds said in a telephone interview just before her final day, April 25. “It’s not just about bragging. It’s about the economy. Long Island in particular has challenges understanding the true value to every resident. We’re lucky – our proximity to New York City, incredible beach locations insure the island will be busy during summer weekends.”

It helps having two major airports, Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia, feeding into the region. Now MacArthur Airport in Islip is growing as well, giving Long Islanders to get to Florida in a hurry.” Discover Long Island’s task is to ”change the direction” and entice travelers to take advantage of the new routes to come to Long Island.

“We’re working closely, making strides to bring people in, as opposed to out – especially the international visitors who come through JFK. As a destination, we are lucky to have that feeder market – people don’t realize tourism is an economic strategy.” Most Long Islanders view tourists as a burden, overcrowding their beaches in summer. The task for DLI is to attract visitors “not just over summer weekends when the weather is good. There is so much to see and do across Long Island-, sea to sea, shore to shore. We want to welcome people when we want, so it would be more of a year-round strategy, and not such a burden on locals.”

Tourism is a $7.5 billion industry on Long Island – bringing 42 million visitors a year and supporting 76,000 jobs– and this is without a convention center, which Reynolds says is both the initiative she is most proud of bringing to the fore and most disappointed to be leaving unfinished.

Consider this: Chicago, where Reynolds will become the CEO and president of Choose Chicago (Discover Long Island’s counterpart) gets 52 million visitors a year with largest convention center in North America; her mission will be to develop more tourist traffic.

For Long Island residents, that $7.5 billion in visitor spending means $900 million in local and state tax revenues a year – paying for the public services, roads and infrastructure that contribute to Long Islanders’ quality of life. Visitor ticket and other purchases help sustain cherished sites as Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Cradle of Aviation Museum, the Long Island Aquarium, Montauk Point Lighthouse, Sag Harbor Whaling Museum, and Old Westbury Gardens for all of us.

Discover Long Island works with more than 660 tourism and hospitality partners across the region to promote Long Island as a premier year-round destination. These partners span every sector of the industry – from hotels and restaurants to cultural institutions, vineyards, attractions, transportation providers, and more, all collaborating to create a unified and impactful visitor experience.

*Billy Joel came in person to the opening of the first exhibition dedicated to him, at the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMeHoF), in Stony Brook (Suffolk), Long Island* *© Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

“Tourism plays a vital role in sustaining cultural institutions like ours by bringing in visitors whose support helps keep our exhibits, marine life programs, and conservation efforts thriving,” said Executive Director of the Long Island Aquarium, Bryan DeLuca. “We are grateful for our partnership with Discover Long Island in helping make those visitor connections possible and consistently shining a spotlight on all our region has to offer.”

Tourism is a huge business for Long Island, but still all too seasonal and dependent upon leisure tourists. The task for a professional tourism marketing enterprise is to spread those visitors and visitor dollars around – something that was particularly attractive to Chicago in hiring her.

Over the past 10 years, she helped increase that tourism dollar spend by $2 billion from 2015’s $5.3 billion.“[Chicago was] very excited about what we’ve done over 10 years.”

But for the past year, those figures do not include Nassau County, since Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman pulled Nassau out of Discover Long Island and handed the $1 million per year contract to promote tourism (paid out of hotel tax receipts) to RRDA, a brand marketer with no tourism promotion experience. Instead, Nassau County attractions, hotels and restaurants have had to pay their own way to continue to benefit from Discover Long Island’s promotional activities.

“So many Nassau major attractions have opted to pay directly – they understand the value of Discover Long Island, the importance of being able to promote to a global audience, bringing visitors from outside the region, so they pay out of their own budgets,” Reynolds said.

Visitors from outside the region help sustain such priceless historic places as Old Bethpage Village Restoration, a living history museum presenting Long Island as it was in the 1860s and 1880s © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Attractions that have opted to pay to stay part of Discover Long Island include the UBS Arena, Old Westbury Gardens, WildPlay at Jones Beach, Old Bethpage Village Restoration, the Children’s Museum, and Cradle of Aviation Museum.

Reynolds noted that individual attractions always paid, but now they must pay a higher fee than Suffolk County attractions pay. Indeed, Suffolk County now funds Discover Long Island $6 million (raised from its hotel tax receipts), up from $2 million while Nassau County only paid $1 million.

Cradle of Aviation Museum in Uniondale, which houses an amazing collection showing Long Island’s role in the development of aviation and space exploration, has to pay its own way to be part of Discover Long Island since Nassau County pulled out of the regional tourism promotional organization. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The money for tourism promotion does not come from county taxes but from the county’s hotel-motel tax, so is literally paid by the visitors that Discover Long Island drive into the hotels. Nassau had allocated 16.7% of its 3% hotel tax, while Suffolk allocated 24%. Suffolk has since raised its hotel tax to 5.5% and kept its allocation to Discover Long Island at 24%, capping the amount at $6 million.

How does Discover Long Island decide where and how to allocate that funding?

“We are a very data driven organization. We subscribe to proprietary data research which use mobile geo locators, tracking cell phone data…We have over 200 points of interest of Long Island attractions, business, and hotels across the island that we can pull reports on – that tell us the origin markets. We know where, when, and what travelers visit. It really helps us make strategic decisions that let us utilize dollars wisely for the highest return.”

She added, “I always have data – I don’t just make decisions based on gut or even historical expertise. I like to back that up with data and numbers and real reasoning. Everything we do, we do strategically. And then we track it, measure every campaign on what the ROI was, we track every dollar spent and how much we got back. We track everything. As a not-for-profit, we have to justify every dollar spent. And we’re happy to do that.”

*Sagamore hill, President Theodore Roosevelt’s home, is a National Historic Site, in Oyster Bay, Suffolk, Long Island © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

She noted, “A key thing for Long Islanders to understand – as a report from Comptroller Dinapoli last year validates – the biggest economic impact from tourism is when the visitor comes from outside the region. For every $100 spent at a hotel, the visitor spends $221 in the local community. When we get people to stay in hotels, there is greater economic impact and lesser impact on residents’ quality of life – the fewer day trips, the less car traffic. It is an important strategy to make sure we know what markets [to pursue] for the largest economic impact for residents and visitors.”

And business travelers – especially convention and meetings participants – spend the most, with the least negative impact – a difficult task for Discover LI without an actual convention center and hotels large enough to accommodate big groups.

“This is the only market where people can attend a convention equidistant from the heart of Manhattan and the Hamptons. A convention center would be a game changer. I am confident it would happen.” So far, Suffolk County has been the most receptive, with plans to move forward with “Midway Crossing” at Ronkonkoma, next to MacArthur Airport. An RFP has just been reissued.

“It’s the #1 thing that will change the trajectory of our tourism industry. Right now, we are mostly a leisure destination, and depend on weather, weekends, beaches, but the business traveler would come Monday-to Friday, on expense accounts, year-round. A convention center would host 3000-5000 attendees, in industries that will be looking at what’s happening here in tech, science, education. How we raise the intellectual capital of a destination is by bringing 3000-5000 colleagues. Conventions book years in advance, so it is business on the books. And that’s how we drive airlift at Long Island’s MacArthur Airport. We would get new direct routes. Conventions are a completely different audience that we are not tapping into now because we don’t have the meeting space or the hotels.”

Long Island could then tap into meetings, conventions, associations business from DC, Philadelphia, Boston, and NYC. The economic impact a convention center would generate is estimated upward of $88 million a year in tax revenue.

But, to host conventions and meetings, she said, “We need the hotel rooms. We’re losing that revenue to New York City. At Discover LI, we turn away business every day because they want 200-300 rooms for a corporate retreat getaway from Manhattan and we don’t have the hotel space.”

The Nassau Coliseum could have been a viable option, but Ronkonoma is a better transportation hub with the airport and the Long Island Railroad (they are now talking about Amtrak extending to Ronkonoma).

She supported the Las Vegas Sands Casino development because it is a world-class operation. (Since our conversation, the Sands announced it was pulling its application for a casino and looking to resell its lease.)

But promoting “Long Island” now, means promoting Suffolk, since Nassau County left the regional promotional organization.

“One thing we’ve struggled with and insured, is to keep the brand of ‘Long island’,” Reynolds said. “If we’re going to talk to people from outside the region, they only know us as Long Island, not two counties. Visitors don’t know the difference [not even Long islanders know what sites are in which county. Indeed, most tourism promotional agencies are regional because they can maximize the impact of their limited budgets.

*The American Airpower Museum, Long Island’s only flying military aviation museum (“Where history flies”) is located on the landmarked former site of Republic Aviation* at Republic Airport, Farmingdale, Long Island. The Museum maintains a collection of aviation artifacts and an array of operational aircraft spanning the many years of the aircraft factory’s history *© Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

“Most of the Nassau attractions still are part of what we do as Discover Long Island – but it is confusing when people call for information for certain hotels or visitor opportunities and we have to say we no longer represent Nassau County. We tell them to call the Nassau County parks department which oversees the contract. But the fact is now Nassau is in competition with Suffolk.”

[Also, people know to search for “Long Island,” but not specifically Nassau County, and when they do a search for Nassau, they wind up at Nassau, Bahamas, or Nassau, Florida.]

“We did a perception study in 2017 which confirmed, ‘Long Island’ is the brand people know. Economically, we operate as one region – all the other economic development agencies are regional – Vision LI, Association for a Better Long Island, the Long Island Association. There’s a reason: because Long Island is the brand.”

The prestigious Ryder Cup, one of the biggest events taking place, is a huge opportunity for tourism promotion, expected to draw people from all over the globe in September to Bethpage State Park. Interestingly, three of the holes are in Suffolk. [Because Bethpage is a state park, the event is benefiting from support from the state’s I Love New York tourism promotion.]

The week-long Ryder Cup is expected to draw 250,000 attendees, but because of the lack of hotel rooms on Long Island, the vast majority will stay in New York City, and come to the event by Long Island Rail Road and shuttle. Discover LI is already working with the LIRR and contracting shuttle companies.

“We’ve been working with the PGA for years in preparation for the Ryder Cup. We created a Discover LI mobile app specifically for the Ryder Cup. Many will be here for the first time, and even if they not staying on Long Island, they will use the mobile phone to find where to eat and shop from website. The app will be part of the PGA Ryder Cup app, so attendees will find Discover Long Island.”

Discover LI will also be advertising on all the LIRR trains and working with shuttle companies on “inspiration guides,” inspiring people to stay over before or after the event, or just go to a restaurant, museum, or have a Long Island experience in Suffolk, or at the Nassau County attractions that are paying their own way to be part of Discover Long island.

This year also marks the 100^th anniversary of F. Scott Fitzgerald publishing his era-defining novel, “Great Gatsby,” largely based on his time living in Great Neck.

Discover Long Island has been promoting the Gatsby 100^th globally for a year, including partnering with the “Great Gatsby” show on Broadway and in London), with social media partnerships, and tie-ins with the Simon & Schuster publisher and Gatsby-era mansions, “to make sure people know Gatsby is Long Island.”

The Gold Coast Arts Center, based in Great Neck, Long Island, brought Baz Luhrmann and his film, “The Great Gatsby” to Long Island. Events like international film festivals bring visitors from outside the area and put a destination on the map. Discover Long Island is using the 100^th anniversary of the publication of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s era-defining novel in global promotion campaigns. *The Oheka Castle, a Gatsby-era mansion that is now a hotel, is reaping the benefit.* © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Places like Oheka Castle, in Huntington, the Gatsby-era mansion (now a hotel) that was featured in Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 movie, “The Great Gatsby,” are reaping the benefit. Indeed, the state’s I Love New York tourism promotion agency is hosting a dinner with international travel writers at the Oheka. “That’s what they will write about: the Great Gatsby in Suffolk.”

“Discover Long Island is taking the lead to market these wonderful opportunities. People find out where to book, where to stay, through Discover Long Island.”

Successful tourism promotion depends on collaborations, partnerships. Discover Long Island works with the state’s I Love NY, which has provided a $1.7 million economic development grant and $250,000 in Market New York matching grant for the Ryder Cup.

Reynolds, who served as president of NYS Destination Marketing Organizations (NYSDMO) and on the board of the Long Island Association, knows well that tourism promotion also drives economic development.

Reynolds said that Discover Long Island incorporated an AI chatbot onto Discover LI’s website. “It had to be on brand,” so they created LILI, an iconic Long Island ice cream truck. “Now you can go to DiscoverLI.com, see LILI as a chatbot and can ask questions. We spent 6 months training her, with all sorts of crazy questions so the chatbot could learn.” Now they are making sure “she” can speak multiple languages.

When Reynolds arrived 10 years ago, she re-branded the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau & Sports Commission as Discover Long Island, “one year to the day” of her arrival.

“Nobody thought it was bad until I came. ‘Discover Long Island’ is a great call to action.”

Tourism spending increased, breaking records year over year. “We navigated through the pandemic and was one of the first destinations to recover. We won national and global awards for marketing strategies [including “Best Social Media” in the nation by the US Travel Association] and got funding for Long Island’s first convention center which will be the game changer. So over the past 10 years, I have done what I could do….I have nothing but wonderful things to say about my experience on Long Island – such an incredible destination.

Her own experience raising her family on Long island is how she came up with the tagline, “Long Island, where you belong”. “Long Island is welcoming, belonging, so diverse, eclectic end to end. It, My children are proud Long Islanders. I hope every Long Island resident realizes what a beautiful, wonderful destination we have and how lucky we are to have this wonderful tourism destination.”

“Kristen Reynolds had taken Discover Long Island to new heights and amplified its impact exponentially, and Mitch Pally’s extensive experience in economic development will serve the organization well as we search for a new leader to build upon the foundation Kristen established,” said Long Island Association President & CEO and DLI Board Member, Matt Cohen.

“Adventureland has proudly partnered with Discover Long Island for many years, and we’ve never been more confident in the organization’s future,” said Steve Gentile, President of Adventureland. “The DLI team’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and community makes us proud to stand alongside them during this next phase.”

Marking National Travel & Tourism Week

“The numbers speak for themselves; tourism isn’t just about vacations, it’s about the community, the connections, and impact that ultimately enhances quality of life for our local businesses and residents,” said Discover Long Island Interim President & CEO, Mitch Pally. “What we do fuels the spirit of Suffolk County and the greater Long Island region, and National Travel and Tourism Week is the perfect opportunity to recognize the value of the travel industry as a whole, both locally and nationwide.”

Suffolk County, home to some of Long Island’s most iconic destinations, continues to see the benefits of Discover Long Island’s robust tourism initiatives.

“Tourism is an important part of Suffolk County’s economy and community identity,” said Suffolk County Executive, Ed Romaine. “This week and beyond, we recognize the significant contributions of the individuals and businesses who support our local tourism industry and help showcase the many attractions that make Suffolk County a sought-after place to visit year-round.”

Long Island’s tourism success is part of a larger national picture. Across the U.S., according to the U.S. Travel Association, travel supports 15 million American jobs, fuels $2.9 trillion in total economic output, and saves each American household an estimated $1,490 annually in taxes through travel-generated revenue.

“Travel is one of our nation’s most powerful economic engines – supporting millions of jobs, fueling businesses and propelling industries forward,”said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO, Geoff Freeman. “National Travel and Tourism Week reinforces the pivotal role travel plays in building a stronger, more prosperous America.”

To stay up to date on Discover Long Island’s efforts, visit discoverlongisland.com.

USAF Thunderbirds Headline Memorial Day Weekend FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach

US Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach State Park, Long Island, for Memorial Day weekend, May 24-25, 2005, 10 am-3 pm. Download the FourLeaf Air Show Mobile App for performer and sponsor information, a site map, helpful FAQs to prepare. Text ‘Airshow’ to 516-842-4400 to download or get from the App Store and Google Play © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

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© 2025 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Bluesky: @newsphotosfeatures.bsky.social X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us atfacebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Adventure Travel, Camping/Hiking/Outdoors, National Parks, Nature, Wildlife, Outdoors Adventures, See America, Star Gazing, US Destinations

Camping Adds Special Dimension to National Parks Experience

April 20, 2025 krubin723 1 Comment

*Sunrise in Devil’s Garden, Arches National Park, an experience made possible by camping in the park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

National Parks Week, this year April 19-27, is a great time to start planning for a camping holiday in national parks, especially since because of understandable popularity, you need to make reservations early. Camping within or near the parks enhances the experience immeasurably, adding an unparalleled dimension.

Pro Tip: You can purchase a 2025 America the Beautiful–the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass providing access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, wildlife refuges and forests, for $80 from the USGS store (https://store.usgs.gov/) and from LL Bean (https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/1000010294). At sites that charge per vehicle, a pass covers the pass holder and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle. At sites that charge per person, a pass covers the pass holder and three accompanying adults (16 or over; children 15 and under are free).

Seniors can purchase a lifetime version, the America The Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Lands Senior Lifetime Pass, for a one-time charge of $80 (plus $10 fee), from https://store.usgs.gov/lifetime-senior-pass. At many sites the Senior Pass provides a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees (such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours).

Campspot’s 15 Top Trending Parks for Campers

To celebrate National Park Week (April 19–27, 2025)—with free park entry on April 19—Campspot, a leading booking platform for private campgrounds, dug into traveler data to reveal the Top 15 Most-Searched National Parks for 2025, based on check-in dates throughout the year.

With economic uncertainty still shaping how Americans travel in 2025, more adventurers are seeking out experiences that feel meaningful—but still affordable. Camping near national parks continues to rise in popularity as travelers seek fresh air, epic views, and budget-friendly alternatives to traditional vacations.

Whether you’re planning a last-minute getaway or your big summer adventure, here’s where travelers are headed—along with where to camp nearby:

Trending National Parks to Visit in 2025

*Hiking the John Muir Trail in Yosemite National Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

1. Yosemite National Park: With its granite giants, towering waterfalls, and legendary trails, Yosemite National Park in California is the definition of iconic. Whether you’re chasing views from Glacier Point or strolling through Yosemite Valley, this park is a stunner in every season. Book early—it’s a favorite for a reason. Where to camp:

Indian Flat RV Park

Golden Pines RV Resort

See More Campgrounds Near Yosemite National Park

*The dazzling – even surreal – natural features of Yellowstone National Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

2. Yellowstone National Park: The first national park in the world is still one of the most awe-inspiring. Spanning across Wyoming with portions in Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone and its bubbling geysers, colorful hot springs, and vast wildlife sightings (bison! bears! elk!) make every visit feel like a real-life safari. Add in stunning canyons and wide-open meadows, and you’ve got a wild, wonderful trip waiting. Where to camp:

Yellowstone Hot Springs

Henry’s Fork RV Park

Sugar City RV Park

See More Campgrounds Near Yellowstone National Park

3. Glacier National Park: Alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks, and over 700 miles of trails? Glacier National Park in Montana is high on drama—in the best way. Hop on the Going-to-the-Sun Road for an unforgettable drive, or hike to hidden lakes for pure solitude. Summer is prime time, but shoulder seasons offer quieter beauty with fewer crowds. Where to camp:

Columbia Falls RV Park

Glacier Peaks RV Park

Whitefish RV Park

See More Campgrounds Near Glacier National Park

*Grand Teton National Park, with its craggy peaks and serene lakes © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

4. Grand Teton National Park: Craggy peaks, serene lakes, and a skyline so sharp it cuts through the clouds—Grand Teton National Park is Wyoming’s quieter showstopper. Kayak on Jenny Lake, catch a sunrise over the Snake River, or just enjoy the view with a picnic. Bonus: you’re close enough to Yellowstone to hit both in one trip. Where to camp:

Sugar City RV Park

Idaho Sky RV Resort

Henry’s Fork RV Park

See More Campgrounds Near Grand Teton National Park

5. Sequoia National Park: Come for the massive trees, stay for the peaceful forest vibes. Sequoia National Park in California is home to General Sherman (the largest tree on Earth) and hundreds of other giants that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. It’s also great for stargazing, scenic drives, and uncrowded trails. Where to camp:

Kings River RV Resort

Creekside RV Park

Kern River Sequoia RV Resort

See More Campgrounds Near Sequoia National Park

6. Acadia National Park in Maine brings serious charm where the mountains meet the sea. Hike Cadillac Mountain for one of the first sunrises in the U.S., bike the historic carriage roads, or explore tidepools along the rugged shoreline. Fall colors here are unreal. Where to camp:

Boothbay Craft Brewery

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Androscoggin Lake

See More Campgrounds Near Acadia National Park

*Bike the scenic carriage trails in Acadia National Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: This trending national park’s misty peaks and rolling hills are home to wildflowers, waterfalls, and a crazy amount of biodiversity. With no entrance fee, it’s America’s most-visited park. Where to camp:

Cove Creek RV Resorts

Mountaineer Campground

Pigeon Forge RV Resort

Gateway RV Campground

Creekside RV Park

Camp Riverslanding

See More Campgrounds Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

8. Rocky Mountain National Park: Reach new heights—literally. With elevations over 12,000 feet, this trending national park in Colorado is a hiker’s heaven. Think alpine tundra, glacier-fed lakes, and elk sightings around every corner. Trail Ridge Road offers stunning panoramic views, especially at sunset. Where to camp:

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Estes Park

Poudre River Resort

Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains

Base Camp at Golden Canyon

See More Campgrounds Near Rocky Mountain National Park

*Scooping a scenic view in Rocky Mountain National Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

9. Hot Springs National Park: Blending history with hot water, this top national park in Arkansas is as quirky as it is relaxing. Stroll the historic Bathhouse Row or hike forested trails before soaking in the therapeutic springs. It’s like stepping into a vintage spa town with a dash of outdoor adventure. Where to camp:

Hot Rod Hill RV Park

Hot Springs Off-Road Park

See More Campgrounds Near Hot Springs National Park

10. Arches National Park: Otherworldly red rock formations and over 2,000 natural arches make this a can’t-miss stop in Utah’s canyon country. Sunrise and sunset bring the landscape to life with shifting colors, and even short hikes lead to jaw-dropping payoffs. Bring water—it’s hot, dry, and totally worth it. You also need to purchase timed-entry reservations during peak season. Where to camp:

Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway

Sun Outdoors North Moab

Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway

Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown

Up the Creek Campground

See More Campgrounds Near Arches National Park

*The famous Double Arch in Arches National Park – see how far up you can climb © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

11. Joshua Tree National Park: Where two deserts collide, weird and wonderful things grow. Sitting between the Mojave Desert and Colorado Desert, Joshua Tree National Park in California sports signature trees, giant boulders, and cosmic night skies, making it a magnet for artists, stargazers, and climbers alike. Sunrise hikes and campfire nights here are something special. Where to camp:

Joshua Tree RV Campground

Desert Drifter RV Resort

The Sands RV & Golf Resort (55+)

Coachella Lakes RV Resort

Indian Wells

See More Campgrounds Near Joshua Tree National Park

12. Zion National Park: Towering red cliffs, dramatic canyons, and trails like Angel’s Landing and The Narrows—Zion brings the wow at this trending national park in Utah. Ride the park shuttle for easy access, then lace up for adventures that range from family-friendly strolls to heart-pounding scrambles. Where to camp:

Kanab RV Corral

Kaibab Paiute RV Park and Campground

Hitch-N-Post RV Park

Cross Hollow RV Resort

Dark Sky RV Campground

See More Campgrounds Near Zion National Park

13. Indiana Dunes National Park: A lakefront surprise in the Midwest, Indiana Dunes offers sandy beaches, sweeping dunes, and lush inland trails. Great for swimming, birdwatching, or just a laid-back beach day near Chicago. Where to camp:

Oak Lake RV Resort

Tippecanoe River Run

See More Campgrounds Near Indiana Dunes National Park

14. Olympic National Park: Rainforests, mountain peaks, and the wild coastline of Washington—Olympic National Park’s diversity is unreal. You can hike a glacier one day and walk the beach the next. Don’t miss Hoh Rain Forest or Hurricane Ridge, and keep an eye out for elk, eagles, and tidepool treasures.

Where to camp:

Pedder Bay RV Resort & Marina

Sooke River Campground

The Campground at Jefferson County Fairgrounds

Cove RV Park

See More Campgrounds Near Olympic National Park

15. Everglades National Park: Welcome to the swamp (the good kind). The Everglades National Park in Florida is home to gators, manatees, and miles of slow-moving rivers and marshland. Explore by kayak or airboat and experience one of the most unique ecosystems in the U.S. Don’t forget the bug spray! Where to camp:

Key Largo Kampground

Sun Outdoors Key Largo

Sun Outdoors Islamorada

See More Campgrounds Near Everglades National Park

KOA’s List of ’14 Must See National Parks’

Kampgrounds of America has published its own list of “14 Must-See National Parks” (no surprise with the overlap with Campsite’s trending parks) with the KOA campgrounds that are nearby, compiled by Matt Kirouac (https://koa.com/blog/must-see-national-parks/). Kirouac’s list includes:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Townsend / Great Smokies KOA Holiday
Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg KOA Holiday
Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA Holiday
Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday

Yellowstone National Park

Livingston / Paradise Valley KOA Holiday
Red Lodge KOA Journey
Cody KOA Holiday
Dubois / White River KOA Holiday
Yellowstone Park / Mountainside KOA Journey
Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA

Badlands National Park (Badlands / White River KOA Holiday)

Badlands, South Dakota © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Saguaro National Park (Tucson / Lazydays KOA Resort)

Hot Springs National Park (Hot Springs National Park KOA Holiday)

Haleakalā National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park (Carlsbad KOA Holiday)

Crater Lake National Park (Lemolo Lark / Crater Lake North KOA Holiday)

Death Valley National Park (Lake Isabella / Kern River KOA)

*Hiking the famous Mesquite sand dunes at sunset in Death Valley National Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Glacier National Park

West Glacier KOA Resort
Whitefish / Kalispell North KOA Holiday
St. Mary / East Glacier KOA Holiday

Zion National Park (St. George / Hurricane KOA Journey)

Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park / Rocky Mountain Park KOA Holiday
Grand Lake / Rocky Mountain National Park KOA Journey

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon / Williams KOA Journey
Williams / Exit 167 / Circle Pines KOA Holiday

Joshua Tree National Park (Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA)

“Camping is a high-value travel experience, offering opportunities to disconnect and spend time with friends and family in nature,” says Kampground of America. “The majority of the campgrounds in our system have cabins onsite that are an easy entry point for travelers seeking to benefit from time spent outdoors while enjoying creature comforts. We know that most campers are travelling less than 200 miles to go camping, it is a high-value way to explore the national parks and local communities nearby and certainly lower expense than other forms of travel.

“Campers looking for an RV experience without the commitment of purchasing one can test it out (or even just embark on an epic adventure) through a peer-to-peer rental company like RVshare, RVezy or Outdoorsy among others. I believe that RVshare is offering a service in which campers can opt to have their RV set up on a campground for them to use, without worrying about setting it up themselves.”

Use the Find a KOA locator (https://koa.com/find-a-koa/). The koa.com website also has really helpful articles.

Camping Season Underway in New York State

*A short walk from our campsite in New York Watkins Glen State Park is this amazing scene © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

New York State offers some of the most exciting camping experiences in the country – from the star-studded nights of the Adirondacks and the Catskills to the tranquil sunrise vistas along the shores of the St. Lawrence River. Its state parks like Watkins Glen (where, besides the spectacular scenery of the gorge there is also the tradition of auto racing), and Letchworth State Park (considered the Grand Canyon of the East), you have a variety from parking your RV, or renting a cozy cabin or cottage, to pitching a tent beneath the celestial canopy.

*Camping at New York’s Letchworth State Park affords unlimited opportunities to hike along the ridge of “the Grand Canyon of the East” © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Discover private campgrounds, many of which can be conveniently booked through CampNewYork.com or explore the public campgrounds managed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Department of Environmental Conservation. (Book NYS Park campsites at https://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/)

NEW YORK’S WATKINS GLEN STATE PARK IS SPELLBINDING

Yosemite National Park: Best Valley Hikes for First Timers

Yosemite National Park: Surprising Diversity, Dramatic Scenes Hiking Chilnualna Falls Trail, Wawona

ROAD TRIP: DISCOVERING DEATH VALLEY’S TREASURES, RICHER THAN GOLD

ROAD TRIP: HITTING THE HIGHLIGHTS OF DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

ROAD TRIP: SUNRISE, SUNSET IN DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, NATURE’S GEOLOGIC ART GALLERY

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK IN TWO DAYS: DAY 1: ‘RANDOM BOILING EARTH’

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK IN TWO DAYS: MOTHER NATURE GETS SURREAL

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK: MOTHER NATURE IN HER PUREST FORM

UTAH ADVENTURE DAY 4-5: DRIVING BURR TRAIL, EXPLORING GLEN CANYON, WILD CAMPING IN ARCH CANYON

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© 2025 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Bluesky: @newsphotosfeatures.bsky.social X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us atfacebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Biking Tours, Camping/Glamping/RVs, Camping/Hiking/Outdoors, Cultural travel, Festivals and Events, Historic Places, New York State travel, Outdoors Adventures, Places of History, US Destinations

Annual Cycle the Erie Canalway Bike Tour is All the More Special During 200th Anniversary Celebration

April 6, 2025 krubin723

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

The annual eight-day Parks & Trails Cycle the Erie Canalway bike tour from Buffalo to Albany is 400 miles and 400 years of history but this year’s ride July 12-20, 2025 is particularly special because it marks the 200^th anniversary of the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825. An engineering marvel of its time that transformed the United States, all along the way, riders will enjoy special events and celebrations.

The Erie Canal propelled the Industrial Revolution, opened the frontier, united the country, birthed canal towns and cities, and made New York City a financial capital of the world.

You see all of this unfolding from the first mile out of Buffalo and over the course of eight days of riding (averaging 50 miles a day), filled with activities and camaraderie.

Cycle the Erie Canalway participants experience one of the best trails in America as they cycle through historic canal villages and discover the small-town charm of upstate New York that makes people like us Downstaters marvel, “This is New York!” Along the way, canal historians and local experts will introduce riders to the people, places and things that make the Erie Canal so important to the history of New York and the nation during its Bicentennial Year. Cyclists pedal between 40 and 60 miles per day on the mostly flat (but it seems the campsites tend to be at the highest point of a town) and mostly traffic-free Erie Canalway Trail, and visit some of Upstate New York’s most iconic attractions, such as the Women’s Rights National Historic Park in Seneca Falls and Fort Stanwix in Rome, a full-scale fort recreation from the French and Indian War.

The Parks & Trails NY tour is actually one of my favorite bike rides in the world – for the scenery, the sights along the way, the activities like lectures and museum visits that are arranged, the camaraderie of camping and riding together with some 650 cyclists from all over the country and all over the world, and the Erie Canalway itself –a 356 mile-long car-free recreational path that is the west-east part of New York State’s new 750-mile Empire Trail Network (the north-south trail network connects Battery Park at the tip of Manhattan to the Canadian border). Between the relatively flat nature and superb support provided, Cycle the Erie Canal offers unparalleled cycling for all ages and abilities (I’ve seen families with little ones in trailers or car seats and riders as young as 10 and as old as 92 bike on their own.)

Though there are bike tour operators (such as Wilderness Voyageurs and Pocono Biking) that offer inn-to-inn bike tours on portions of the Erie Canalway, this annual supported biking/camping trip, in its 27^th year, is organized by Parks & Trails New York, which for decades has successfully advocated to open these recreational trails and improve parks.

Each day’s ride is highlighted by fascinating attractions all along the Erie Canalway

Cycle the Erie Canalway cyclists are fascinated to see the famous “Flight of Five” series of five locks that brought boats 50 feet, an engineering marvel of its time that made the building of the canal possible. Cyclists on this year’s Parks & Trail NY ride will celebrate the 200^th anniversary of the opening of Erie Canal © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

In Lockport, see the original engineering marvel that made the entire Erie Canal possible: the famous “Flight of Five”, a staircase of five locks built to elevate boats through the then-impossible 50-foot Niagara Escarpment; take a cruise through the modern lock (the GE motors that run it are over 100 years old), explore underground sluiceways, caves and the “Upsidedown Bridge.”

Leaving the historic village of Medina, look for the tunnel under the Erie Canal, where you see that the Erie Canal is really like a bathtub.

Ride through New York’s Amish Country (who knew!) on the way to Seneca Falls, birthplace of the modern Women’s Rights movement and visit the Women’s Rights National Historic Park, National Women’s Hall of Fame (housed in a former knitting mill) and the Elizabeth Cady Stanton home (the museums stay open for us).

*The knitting mill in Seneca Falls is fittingly now the home of the National Women’s Hall of Fame © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

You also get a taste of the women’s movement at the Peppermint Museum in Lyons (don’t miss it!) where you learn about the inventor, Hotchkiss’s daughter, a suffragist, who took over the company.

Get a taste of the women’s movement at the Peppermint Museum in Lyons where you learn about the inventor, Hotchkiss’s daughter, a suffragist, who took over the company. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

On the way to Syracuse, stop at the Visitors Center at the Old Erie Canal Heritage Park at Port Byron, then pedal through the authentic enlarged Erie Canal Lock 52 to the c. 1895 Erie House Saloon, Blacksmith Shop, and Mule Barn; visit the Jordan Historical Society Museum, and ride on the towpath on an original aqueduct over Skaneateles Creek which takes you to Camillus’ Erie Canal Park where you stop at Sims Store, a re-creation of a 19th century general store (where riders are cheered for passing the half-way mark at 200 miles)

*Parks & Trails NY’s Cycle Erie Canalway tour goes through New York’s Amish country © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

In Syracuse, visit the zoo, and the next morning, the Erie Canal Museum, the best of the Canal Museums along the way (they open especially for the cyclists)

On the way to Rome, visit the Chittenango Canal Museum and dry docks and the Canastota Canal Town Museum and see the spot where the first shovel of dirt was turned for “Clinton’s Ditch” (deliberately in the middle of the canal). Chittenango was also the birthplace in 1856 of L. Frank Baum, famous throughout the world as the creator of The Wizard of Oz and his mother-in-law Matilda Joslyn Gage, was a prominent women’s rights advocate, abolitionist, and writer, known for her radical views, derived largely from the Oneida women and her work alongside Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton in the women’s suffrage movement).

*In Rome, camp at the restored Fort Stanwix National Monument, built during the French and Indian War, populated with costumed interpreters © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

In Rome, camp at the restored Fort Stanwix National Monument, built during the French and Indian War, populated with costumed interpreters, and learn how seemingly minor battles actually shaped the outcome of the American Revolution.

In Little Falls, explore the glacial potholes of Moss Island, a National Natural Landmark, and tour Revolutionary War General Herkimer’s home.

At Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site, once a trading post and a fort (they found the footprint after a hurricane), look where you can see all three Erie Canals (yes, 3 Erie Canals have been built).

*Coming from Schenectady to the finish line in Albany, stop at Cohoes Falls, one of the most powerful falls east of the Rockies© Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Coming from Schenectady to the finish line in Albany, stop at Cohoes Falls, one of the most powerful falls east of the Rockies and a major challenge for Erie Canal engineers (a wonderful bookend with Niagara Falls in the west); visit Peebles Island State Park, where, during the Revolutionary War, American forces prepared defenses to make a final stand against the British, and finally, bike along the Hudson River into downtown Albany, New York State’s 300-year-old capital.

Registration for Cycle the Erie Canal includes camping accommodations each evening with restrooms and showers (even swimming pools and charging stations and the possibility of indoor camping); eight hearty breakfasts and six delicious dinners; two refreshment stops daily stocked with fruit, snacks and beverages; SAG support and baggage transport; daily cue sheets and marked routes; entertainment and historic presentations every evening; and guided tours of the Canal, historic sites, museums, other attractions, and expanded celebrations for the Canal’s 200^th Anniversary.

The price for the eight-day ride, July 12-20, Buffalo to Albany is $1,300/adult, $700 (youth age 6-17), $300/child (5 and under). There is also a four-day version with an optional shuttle.

(Note: they arrange for parking in Albany ($120, at the Quackenbush Garage July 12-20, 2025), and a shuttle bus to Buffalo on July 12 ($120/rider), or oppositely, parking in Buffalo ($25) and a shuttle back from Albany to Buffalo at the end of the tour.)

Parks & Trails New York, which is celebrating its own 40^th anniversary this year, is a leading statewide advocate working to create a network of parks, trails, and greenways so that New Yorkers can enjoy the outdoors close to home. Cycle the Erie Canal supports Parks & Trails New York’s work on the Erie Canalway Trail and on trails in communities throughout New York State.

The New York State Canal Corporation, the agency charged with operating, maintaining and promoting New York’s Canal System and the Canalway Trail, is the Premier State Sponsor of Cycle the Erie Canal. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is the event’s Heritage Sponsor.

For more information on Cycle the Erie Canal, visit www.ptny.org/canaltour, email eriecanaltour@ptny.org or call 518-434-1583.

Erie Canal Bicentennial Events

The Cycle the Erie Canal bike tour, July 12-20, is one of the biggest events honoring the canal’s bicentennial, but there are many events happening in various towns and cities along the Canal:

On Fri., May 16, 2025, the Bicentennial Navigation season will kick off in Waterford, where the Canal meets the Hudson River, with a parade of vessels.

*Fairport, one of the towns “birthed” by the Erie Canal, celebrates its 48^th Canal Days June 6-8 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Fairport, NY, the jewel of the Erie Canal, celebrates its 48th Canal Days from June 6-8, 2025. One of New York’s premier arts festivals features artisans, music, local cuisine and fun for all ages, and brings more than 100,000 visitors to this Rochester suburb.

Canal enthusiasts, historians, engineers, environmentalists, artists and travelers from around the world can attend The 2025 World Canals Conference from Sept. 21-25, 2025 in Buffalo, NY, complete with canal-themed excursions for participants, in addition to hours of learning, discussion and networking.

The Water Music NY: More Voices Festival returns in Summer 2025, with The Albany Symphony Orchestra performing free concerts across the entire New York State Canal System. The project is a collaboration of composers, local arts partners, cultural & educational institutions and community members fusing arts, cultural heritage, and contemporary issues to re-envision the past, present, and future of people and communities bordering the historic waterway.

For the grand finale, a replica of Seneca Chief, the boat Governor Dewitt Clinton used for his inaugural Erie Canal journey to open the Canal in 1825, will set sail on September 24 and recreate the maiden voyage from Buffalo Canalside to the New York Harbor, making multiple stops along the way with celebratory events at each community stop including flotillas and a grand commemoration in New York City on October 25.

Can’t make it to the Parks & Trails NY Cycle the Erie Ride? The bike tour company, Wilderness Voyageurs offers a four-day inn to inn ride, New York Erie Canal West, that begins in Lockport and stays in places like the historic Genessee Country Inn (2025 tour dates: 6/30, 7/27, 8/10, 800-272-4141, wilderness-voyageurs.com).

Another company that offers inn-to-inn supported tour on the Erie Canalway is Pocono Biking (https://poconobiking.com/specialty-trips/6-day-erie-canal-bike-tour/). Also: Great American Bike Tours (949-424-5369, cycletheusa.com); Classic Adventures (800-777-8090, classicadventures.com); Noble Invention Bike Touring (844-424-5342, nobleinventionbiketouring.com); and 718 Outdoors (347-457-5760, 718c.com)

***Erie Canal Adventures*** *provides this one-of-a-kind experience with live-aboard, fully-equipped canal boats © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Another extraordinary way to experience the Erie Canal is by a live-aboard canal boat! This European-style self-skippered houseboat that was specifically designed for the Erie Canal let’s you make your own way on the Erie Canal, going through locks and under the lift bridges, and experience the 200^th anniversary of the canal just as it was then, by boat and bike. Erie Canal Adventures provides this one-of-a-kind experience with live-aboard, fully-equipped canal boats. Accommodating 2 to 6 people, each of these charming, easy-to-pilot boats features cozy bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms – cooking utensils, linens, fuel, mobile app and bikes. You get 3-4 hours of training, including safety training, systems, and navigational training (and how to go through the locks which are SO fun. You learn how to work the radio to call up to the lockmaster and the bridge operators to lift the bridges. And you tie up where you like. Erie Canal Adventures, 1125 Marina Parkway, Macedon NY 14502, (315) 986-3011, Option 1, allie@eriecanaladventures.com, ericcanaladventures.com.

More ways to experience the Erie Canal can be found at the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, https://eriecanalway.org/explore/cycling/cycling-resources

“This year, New York State is rich with opportunities to experience major milestone anniversaries, stay in new hotels and explore new museums and exhibits,” I LOVE NY Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levisaid. “The Bicentennial of the Erie Canal‘s completion can be celebrated throughout upstate communities, while downstate, New York City commemorates its 400th anniversary. The 100th anniversary of the Great Gatsby can be explored at Gold Coast mansions on Long Island, where the famous novel was set. For more information, visit iloveny.com

Cycle the Erie, Day 1: In Lockport, See Erie Canal Engineering Marvel, ‘Flight of Five’, Cruise Thru Double Locks, and Go Underground to Fathom Rise of Industrial Revolution

Cycle the Erie, Day 2-3: A Sequence of Charming Canaltowns, Pastoral Landscapes, Punctuated by City Birthed by ‘Mother of Cities’

Cycle the Erie, Day 4: Seneca Falls to Syracuse, Crossing Halfway Mark of 400-Mile Biketour

Cycle the Erie, Day 5: Deep Dive into The Erie Canal: ‘Mother of Cities’, Empire Builder, Wonder of the World

Cycle the Erie: At Fort Stanwix, Rome, Time Travel Back to America’s Colonial, Native American Past

Cycle the Erie, Days 6-7: Erie Canal Spurs Rise of America as Global Industrial Power

Cycle the Erie, Days 7-8: Schoharie Crossing, Mabee Farm, Cohoes Falls to Finish Line in Albany of 400-Mile BikeTour

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© 2025 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Bluesky: @newsphotosfeatures.bsky.social X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Biking Tours, Historic Places, Outdoors Adventures, See America, US Destinations

Six Days on Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Idaho Trails: Biking the Coeur d’Alenes

February 2, 2025 krubin723

*Biking the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, Idaho on the last day of Discovery Bicycle Tours’ six-day Idaho Trails trip © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

On Day 4 of Discovery Bicycle Tours’ six-day Idaho Trails trip, after breakfast at our base at the Silver Mountain Resort, we are shuttled to Shoshone Park in the mining town of Mullan for an easy downstream ride through the “Silver Valley,” home to several historic mining communities.

We soon pick up the official start of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, enjoying views of the rocky, forested mountains, as we make our way to the utterly charming “wild west” town of Wallace.

*Biking on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes to Wallace, Idaho © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

We have been primed for Wallace’s character (and humor) when we had a talk by a local historian at the Roosevelt Inn in Coeur d’Alene so are prepared for the “history (and some hilarity!) that await us as citizens of Wallace have tenaciously preserved their town amidst an ever changing landscape of fortunes lost and gained.”

Now, we stroll around the town looking for some of the sights she pointed out, like the town’s last brothel, a mining museum, a silver shop, before we join the Sierra Silver Mine Tour that Discovery has arranged for us. It begins with a delightful narrated tour of Wallace in an open-air trolley that takes us up to the mine.

Who knew that Wallace was the “Silver Capital of the World” – some $138 billion worth taken out of these mines –$20 billion of metals just last year (did I hear that right?) – 1 million ounces of silver. In the 1960s, incredulously, Wallace was the “richest little city” in America with the highest number of millionaires per capita, as well as a thriving brothel industry. (The last running bordello was shut down in 1989 when the FBI raided tax dodgers – there is still resentment in the town – but you can visit the Bordello Museum.)

When mining began in 1886, Wallace’s population was 500; at its peak, in 1940, when some 200 mines were operating (quartz, gold, silver, copper, zinc), the population peaked at 4000, but, with the collapse of silver prices in March 1980, most of the mines closed, the miners left and the population fell to the present number of 800. Today, there are still four active silver mines, including the Lucky Friday and the Galina mines, and one gold mine.

In 1890, a chimney fire destroyed most of the town – the buildings we see today date from 1890-1920. Indeed, Wallace has the rare honor of the entire town being listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

Other tidbits: only one sitting president has visited Wallace: Theodore Roosevelt came in 1903 on a campaign whistle stop; the town spent $5000 just on flags to welcome him. There was a shootout on Valentine’s Day, 1951 – one of the tommy guns is on display in the museum. And Wallace’s most famous native is Lana Turner went one day to a grocery store where she was discovered.

You would be forgiven if you thought Wallace was a theme park creation (the 1997 movie “Dante’s Peak” was filmed here), but the history and the heritage are real, as is the miner, “Fast Freddie,” who is our guide into the silver mine.

*“Fast Freddie” guides us on the Sierra Silver Mine Tour, Wallace, Idaho © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

“Fast Freddie” is a colorful character (he looks as if he came from Hollywood casting), with a marvelous sense of humor, amusing and engaging, but most important, he is authentic, speaking of his own experience working 21 years underground in these mines. “You need a good sense of humor in a mine,” Freddie tells us. “We used to play tricks.”

This mine was only briefly used, he says, because the silver was very low grade and not worth the expense. It was turned into a mining school, where students learned the techniques of mining and could be hired right into a job.

After the collapse of the silver market and the closure of mines, Wallace looked to tourism to compensate. This mine was turned into an attraction, getting as many as 18,000 visitors a year.

*A skeleton wearing a hard hat greets us as we enter the Sierra Silver Mine in Wallace, Idaho © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

As we enter the mine and pass a skeleton sitting on a chair, Freddie tells us that one of the worst mining disasters in history took place on May 2, 1972 when 91 miners lost lives and just 2 survived. ‘It took 2 weeks to recover all of them. They didn’t have a system to know who was down there.’ After that, the Mine Safety Administration mandated a tag system – larger mines have more sophisticated program.

*The proverbial canary in a mine. “Fast Freddie” guides us on the Sierra Silver Mine Tour, Wallace, Idaho © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

We actually see a canary cage – used to let the miners know when oxygen is low (the proverbial “canary in a coal mine.”)

In this mine, future miners were taught to run the jack, the drill, and to blast. The miners work alone at different levels, so each one has to do everything – digging, setting the dynamite charge, moving out the ore. “You have to get everything done so you can blast before the next shift arrives.”

How to protect against the noise? “A cigarette butt was ear protection” (not sure he was joking.)

The veins of silver go down for miles – in 1964, they were mining at 250 feet. The Lucky Friday Mine, the largest in the area, is operating at 9600 feet below ground. The deeper they go, the hotter it gets – at 9,000 ft, as much as 170 degrees – so they designed a refrigerated ventilation system to cool to 100 degrees.

After being returned by the trolley, we have time to wander around Wallace before biking back on the trail on our own to the Silver Mine Resort.

*The last brothel in Wallace, Idaho is now the Oasis Bordello Museum © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Wallace is really interesting – like a time warp and not really just “tourist quaint”, quirky and fun. Just strolling around, you find the Wallace District Mining Museum, the Idaho Silver Shop, Northern Railroad Depot Museum, and everyone’s favorite, the Oasis Bordello Museum.

*Wallace, Idaho, claims to be the “center of the universe.” Prove them otherwise. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

These folks in Wallace have a sense of humor – and an eye for a profit-making tourism-promoting gimmick: they designated a manhole at the crossroads in the middle of town as the “Center of the Universe” (that’s what is engraved on it). Based on what? “What’s the evidence that it isn’t?” comes the reply.

*A mummified mermaid, one of the curiosities and collectibles on view in the Trading Post, Wallace, Idaho © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

I find a shop that sells guns, antiques, curios, and collectibles. In a glass cabinet is a large mummified “mermaid” (calling to mind a similar fantastical creature displayed in a store in Banff, Canada, and P.T. Barnum’s museum of oddities).

*Poster above rifle barrels in the Wallace, Idaho gun shop: Americanism © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

It’s a delightful bike ride from Wallace to the Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg, where later we have dinner together in the mountain village base.

DAY 5: 39 or 46 miles, Cataldo Mission and the Coeur d’Alenes

The plan on Day 5 is to set out from the Silver Mountain Resort biking on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, and after 11 miles or so, to visit the Cataldo Mission, Idaho’s oldest standing building, lunch at the Rodehouse before continuing biking, with a choice of 39 or 46 miles of cycling to Harrison, where we are to be shuttled back to the resort for a celebratory dinner in Kellogg for our last night together.

But it is a drenching rain.

Our guide, Calista Phillips, says “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing” and says her job is to cheer lead for biking, but if we don’t want to, we can choose to shuttle the first 11 miles instead of bike to the Cataldo Mission. After assuring us we won’t be missing much in the way of scenery and that the portion from Cataldo to Smelterville is the pretty part, we vote to take her up on her offer to drive us to the Mission. (I’m just so grateful it wasn’t raining like this when we did the Route of the Hiawatha, especially when I see another bike tour heading out there this morning.)

The visit at the Cataldo Mission starts with an excellent video that explains how the local tribe invited the Jesuits (“Black Robes”) to come here and build the mission. At the time, the introduction of the horse meant that tribes that had coexisted in their own land before, began to encroach on each other’s territory. The tribe believed that the “Black Robe” missionaries had a superior power, a Great Spirit, who would enable them to triumph over their enemies.

The Mission of the Sacred Art was built in 1850-1853, by Father Pierre Jean De Smet, chief of the “Black Robes” who answered the tribe’s invitation to come, along with Father Ravalli, an Italian-born religious leader who designed the building and supervised construction with simple tools and without nails.

*Old Mission church, Cataldo, Idaho’s oldest standing building © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The Old Mission church is simple and beautiful – the wood-beamed ceiling painted blue with huckleberries, to make the native people more comfortable since they were used to praying outside. We learn that the walls were decorated with fabric bought from the Hudson Bay Company and a hand-painted newspaper from Philadelphia that Fr. Ravalli had received in the mail. Tin cans were used to create the chandeliers. Both wooden statues were carved by Fr. Rivalli with a knife to look like marble.

What I find most fascinating, though, is the museum there that better represents the tribe’s point of view – how they were initially drawn to Christianity with its values of “comfort, community” the sense of miraculous to be found in nature, and a Great Spirit with power to grant protection, like their own spirits, which seemed (at first) to conform with their own values and beliefs.

The Coeur d’Alene people – the Schitsu’umsh, meaning “Those who were found here” or “The discovered people” – were initially drawn in because the early Jesuits were tolerant of native culture and traditions, even blending the cultures together.

The mission became a stop and supply station for traders, settlers, and miners traveling on the Mullan Road, and a port for boats heading up the Coeur d’Alene River.

Over time, the Coeur d’Alene people regretted the decision to give the Black Robes a stronghold when they realized the Jesuits’ mission was to create an Empire of Christianity. At the same time, white settlers looking to exploit the region’s resources, who brought guns and small pox, were taking territory and pushing out the indigenous tribes. In 1877, even the mission was forcibly relocated from the ‘House of the Great Spirit.”

The museum displays photos and artifacts that show the effort to Christianize and eradicate native heritage and culture – but done in an understated, polite way since this museum, is apparently a partnership between the tribe and the mission. (The Cataldo Mission became a state historic park in 1935, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961, and put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.)

We have lunch at the Rodehouse, right across the road from the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. By this time, the rain has all but ended – it is grey and humid – and we get back on the trail for the 16-mile ride back to the resort. The cloud formations make for dramatic scenes.

*Biking the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, Idaho through marshland © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

We cycle along an enchanting stretch of wetlands – part of the trail is a berm with marsh on either side. We have been told “just after Metamonk Village (mile 20) to be on lookout for moose.

I spot an osprey with fish in its claws so heavy it couldn’t take flight so dropped it; a black furry creature (otter? muskrat?) carrying what looked like a mouse dashes across the path; a flock of blue heron, a family of deer, and finally, when we are almost at the end of the trail, we come upon a moose with her baby.

*Finally! We come upon the promised moose and her baby on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

DAY 6: 16 miles to the end of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes

Day 6 is our final day of riding. We pack up our luggage, have breakfast, and shuttle to Harrison, the point on the trail where we ended yesterday’s ride. Today, we bike the last section, 16 miles, through a series of chained lakes to the end of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. It is glorious.

It’s a perfect day – sunshine, cool temp (60 degrees), a bit of a headwind. We ride along the Lake Coeur d’Alene, then cross over the Chatcolet Bridge, a really interesting bridge which was once a swinging trestle (the challenge is to ride over the hump), then into the forest where we climb for about seven miles, through the Coeur D’Alene reservation, to finish at the trail’s end, at a moving Indian Warriors and Veterans Memorial.

Here we have a picnic lunch, feeling extremely satisfied and happy, before we pack into the van again for an hour-drive back at Spokane Airport or downtown.

*At the end of Biking the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, Idaho is this monument to the Warriors and Veterans © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Discovery Bicycle Tours Merges into Active Adventures

*Our Idaho Trails group. Discovery Bicycle Tours specializes in small-groups and personalized service. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Discovery Bicycle Tours has just joined Austin Adventures, a Montana-based North America National Parks small group tour company, under the umbrella ownership of Active Adventures, a New Zealand-based small group adventure travel company. These companies primarily offer hiking and multi-sport options, and just like Discovery Bicycle Tours, focus on small groups (averaging 12 guests).

Austin Adventures is a Montana-based North American National Parks expert offering small group tours with personal touches, flexible options to do as much or as little as you want, and “wow” moments. Austin Adventures also specializes in family and multi-generational tours across North America and around the globe.

Active Adventures, based in New Zealand, has expanded over the past 30 years to South and Central America, Europe, the Himalayas and Africa. They offer small group, inspiring bucket-list adventures worldwide, with a mix of activities ranging from hiking, biking, and kayaking to snorkeling and caving. Each trip is designed to be flexible, so if you’re a little short on time or you’d prefer to skip an activity, they can alter the itinerary to suit you.

The merger means that the teams behind Discovery Bicycle Tours, Active Adventures, and Austin Adventures are located around the world in five countries, 15 cities, and even a campervan.

“Across the three brands, we’ve been running tours in North America for 77 years, Europe for 50 years, New Zealand for 25 years, South and Central America for 20 years, the Himalayas for 14 years, and Africa for five years. That’s a world of knowledgeand deep local experience across our brands,” Scott Cone, Discovery’s owner, stated.

Discovery Bicycle Tours, 800-257-2226, www.discoverybicycletours.com

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© 2025 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Bluesky: @newsphotosfeatures.bsky.social X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Biking Tours, Outdoors Adventures, See America, US Destinations

Six Days Cycling Idaho Trails with Discovery Bicycle Tours

February 2, 2025 krubin723

Biking through the pitch black, 1.66-mile long St. Paul Pass Tunnel the first of nine tunnels, seven trestles on the 14-mile long Route of the Hiawatha, a highlight of Discovery Bicycle Tours’ six-day Idaho Trails trip © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

It’s pitch black as we make our way 1.66 miles through the first tunnel of the Route of the Hiawatha, except for the light on our bike. Water drips down from the ceiling, the surface is muddy and slippery, adrenalin pumping. It is hugely thrilling.

This is just the first (and the most dramatic) of the 9 tunnels and 7 trestles we go through over the course of 14 miles down, then back through again for 14 miles up. It is also the longest – a full 1.66 miles in total darkness! – but each tunnel, each trestle is exciting. You can immediately appreciate why the Route of the Hiawatha is one of Rails to Trails Conservancy’s Hall of Fame rail trails.

*Starting out on the 14-mile long Route of the Hiawatha,* *a highlight of Discovery Bicycle Tours’ six-day Idaho Trails trip © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The experience is but one of many highlights of Discovery Bicycle Tours’ six-day Idaho Trails trip, during which we will do the 111-mile long Centennial Trail, starting in Spokane Washington to Coeur d’Alene; tackle the remarkable Route of the Hiawatha Trail; and the 73-mile long Trail of the Coeur D’Alenes where we immerse in tribal land, history and culture. Along the way, we will also have interesting experiences such as touring a silver mine in the company of a miner and a museum preserving the heritage of the Coeur d’Alene people.

*Biking the Centennial Trail from Spokane, Washington, on Discovery Bicycle Tours’ six-day Idaho Trails trip © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

What I love most about bike tours is that they are cerebral as much as physical. You feel the scenery; you are part of the space you occupy, engaged – not a spectator peering through a glass window, but a participant, able to smell the air, feel the sun, the breeze, the drizzle, hear the birds and the rushing water. The pace is perfect to really get places while the scenery rolls by as if a movie. And you can stop when you want to take in the scene or a photo, read a marker, or peer at a moose. You feel the satisfaction, the sense of accomplishment at the end of a day’s ride – a combination of euphoria and endorphin rush.

*Bike tours bring you to towns and villages you likely would never otherwise see © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

What is more, you get to go through small towns, see regular folks you would not likely see traveling by car or bus, promoting connection and understanding. And you have the added satisfaction of maximizing the benefit of your visit – providing the economic foundation that secures this heritage, these natural places, these experiences – leaving a minimal carbon footprint. This is true if you are touring in the United States or some faraway exotic land.

As we gather together for our first orientation meeting with our guides, I take note that just about every one of our group of 13 riders has taken not just one, two but several trips with Discovery Bicycle Tours.

This is my fourth, and I consistently find Discovery’s whole approach to bike touring ideal – summed up in the phrases “Ride your ride” followed by “This is your vacation!”– and how they make that happen. There are two guides (they take turns driving the van that shuttles our stuff, sets up our snack-stops, and is there if anyone needs assistance; while the other cycles along, bringing up the rear), but most importantly, we bike at our own pace. This is because we have our own Ride with GPS App, customized by Scott Cone (the company’s owner, he calls himself Adventure Consultant) for each itinerary; they even provide a phone holder on our bike.

The accommodations, restaurant choices and food are the perfect mix of charming reflections of the places we tour, and luxury (as much comfort as you would ever want without going over the top), adding immeasurably to the tour. The bikes (five of us use their hybrid, eight others take advantage of the availability of e-bikes at no extra cost) and equipment provided are top notch, and it bears noting that I consistently find Discovery offers excellent value-for-money.

*Our guides, Susie Iventosch and Calista Phillips, on Discovery Bicycle Tours’ six-day Idaho Trails trip © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Our guides, Susie Iventosch and Calista Phillips, are fantastic – really knowledgeable, supportive, encouraging, accurate (I appreciate having a realistic view of what the day’s ride will be), and flexible when necessary (like when we all vote not to ride during a downpour but shuttle the first 11 miles of the day’s route).

The trips are designed for maximum enjoyment of the ride – we are shuttled when it makes sense to or from the ride, and given options of longer or shorter routes each day. And the routes they choose, as well as the added activities (a lecture one evening, the silver mine tour another day, a visit to a museum another) add dimension. I also appreciate the advance preparation – documents, itinerary – and care they provide before the trip.

Day 1: Setting Out on the Centennial Trail, 36 Miles

*Biking the Centennial Trail from Spokane, Washington, on Day 1 of Discovery Bicycle Tours’ six-day Idaho Trails trip © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Our first morning starts with an early meet-up at the Hilton Garden Inn close to Spokane Airport, for introductions and orientation, and we are shuttled to Sontag Park, the start of the Centennial Trail, where we are fitted to our bikes, get the Ride with GPS app going, and set out on a really beautiful ride. Suzie notes that this first day will be the most challenging of the tour.

We start pedaling along the Washington portion of the Centennial Trail in the rocky canyons west of Spokane. The beginning of the trail is in the forest, and soon rises so that we have this gorgeous view of the Spokane River far below. And once you do the first hill, you feel you can do the second (which is the steepest of the day), then the third (the longest, but not as steep – a piece of cake).

We pass through Spokane’s urban Riverfront Park that I have so enjoyed visiting for the past three days, and end, 36 miles further down, just five miles before the Washington-Idaho state line, where we are picked up by the van and are taken to the charming Roosevelt Inn where we stay for two nights, in Coeur D’Alene. (Our next day’s ride will bring us back to this same spot, so we can ride the five miles into Idaho.)

*The charming Roosevelt Inn, our base for two nights in Coeur d’Alene © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

I adore the Roosevelt Inn – it is so much a part of Coeur d’Alene. Named for President Theodore Roosevelt who came through the area in 1903 on a campaign whistle stop, the building dates from 1905 when it was Coeur D’Alene’s first school, then became offices, and is now a most charming 14-room bnb. Each room is named for someone with a picture and bio, and provides plush robes and towels. The inn offers a hot tub and sauna (open 24 hours), and absolutely gorgeous gardens (life-size chess). There is a lovely parlor with gorgeous painted mural along the three walls, where there is a refrigerator guests can use; a constant supply of coffee, tea and hot chocolate; fruit and usually, something freshly baked. Each morning, we are served breakfast to order,

This first evening we enjoy dinner together at a pub-style restaurant (a celebratory drink is included).

DAY 2: 14 or 27 miles, Centennial Trail

*Biking the Centennial Trail along Lake Coeur d’Alene on Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Idaho Trails trip © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

After breakfast at The Roosevelt Inn on our second day, we shuttle to Lovely Falls Park, the headwaters of the Spokane River. The trail takes us along the majestic shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene.

The ride today is 14 miles out and back to the endpoint of the Centennial Trail at Higgins Point, the endpoint of the Centennial Trail, mostly hugging the gorgeous shoreline of Lake Coeur d’Alene, until we come to one major hill up, then down – which means (if we are biking back) we have an even steeper return.

*Enjoying the scenery in Coeur d’Alene © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

We have the option to ride back in the van, but all of us choose to bike back to The Roosevelt, cycling at our own pace. It is early afternoon when we return, so we have plenty of time to enjoy exploring the charming shops and galleries of Coeur d’Alene (a hugely popular destination), swim in the lake or relax. I find a lovely hiking trail along the cliffs.

We are treated to a talk by historian Shauna Hillman give a delightful talk about the town of Wallace, Idaho and the Silver Valley Mine which we will be visiting (‘Murder, mining, prostitution, the mayor murdered his wife’s lover and got away with it, and was reelected twice!”) as we sit in the inn’s lovely garden – before heading out to have dinner on our own.

DAY 3: 15 or 28 miles, Route of the Hiawatha

*Group photo before start biking the Trail of the Hiawatha on Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Idaho Trails trip © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

After two delightful nights at the Roosevelt Inn in Coeur d’Alene, we pack up in preparation for moving our home base to a mountain resort in Kellogg for the remainder of trip. After breakfast, we shuttle 90 minutes east to the trailhead of the famous Route of the Hiawatha.

Biking the Route of The Hiawatha is an extraordinary experience in the annals of bike trails. Our guides, Suzie and Calista, prepare us extremely well for what we will do, that the first tunnel, the St. Paul Pass Tunnel, is the longest at 1.66 miles long, and is pitch black, damp and a constant 47 degrees. They have put lights on our bikes (you are not allowed to go on the trail without a helmet and bike light).

After we excitedly take group photos at the entrance, we set out at our own pace, with the caveat that we have to start biking back up at 2:30 pm (note there is an hour time change from the start).

Biking through the St. Paul Pass Tunnel is a surreal experience – you can’t see what is above or on the side, only what is lit by the narrow beam where your light shines.

When you get out and ride the hard-packed gravel trail, it goes steadily down a 3% grade for 14 miles. The scenery is quite spectacular, especially when you look down at a thin pencil line and realize that is the trestle you will be riding across. It looks so small, so far away and far down. And then you are there, and it isn’t thin at all. The view from the trestle is spectacular, too.

*Trestles look like thin pencils from above on the Trail of the Hiawatha © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The trestles are so high above where you imagine is the valley floor, you feel you are suspended.

It is 14 miles down on hard-packed gravel to where there is a picnic table where we have a box lunch we had ordered, before riding back up the same 14 miles. If you don’t want to ride back up, you can buy a ticket ($20) to take a shuttle bus. We all bike back. (Notably, there are several bathrooms along the way and water supplied.)

*Biking one of seven trestles on the Route of the Hiawatha,* *a highlight of Discovery Bicycle Tours’ six-day Idaho Trails trip © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

I must admit I am a bit nervous to ride continuously uphill for 14 miles but it actually isn’t bad at all, and there are all these opportunities to stop for the view, or read the interpretive signs that line the trail that tell the history of the Milwaukee Road Railroad. The view and the fresh air are exhilarating.

*Biking through one of nine tunnels on the Route of the Hiawatha,* *a highlight of Discovery Bicycle Tours’ six-day Idaho Trails trip © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The Hiawatha, considered one of the more successful rail-trail conversions in the United States, was named to the Rails to Trails Conservancy’s national Hall of Fame in 2010. It was developed from a railroad line, developed in the late 1800s, that went out of business in the 1980s.

One of the historic markers along the way tells of the Great Fire of 1910. One of the most devastating forest fires in American history, it burned 3 million acres of forest in northern Idaho and western Montana. The fire was so huge that a massive cloud of smoke spread throughout southern Canada and the northern United States all the way to the St. Lawrence waterway. The darkness from the smoke was so bad that for 5 days, artificial lighting had to be used from Butte, Montana to Chicago to Watertown, New York. The fire completely devastated the St. Joe River valley and destroyed all of the towns except Avery and Marble Creek, many never rebuilt.

The marker tells of heroic actions by the railroad employees who drove engines and box cars filled with people through the flames to the safety of the longer tunnels, saving 600 lives.

It feels soooo good when I come back through that last, longest (1.66 miles), darkest tunnel, being careful not to ride up on the person in front, or slipping in the muddy surface.

At the end, it is a work out that makes you feel so ecstatic, euphoric when you finish.

You need to have a reserved timed ticket to ride the Hiawatha, which is owned by the U.S. National Forest but operated by Lookout Pass Ski Area. (Discovery Bicycle Trails has taken care of our reservations and the ticket, $20 pp; the shuttle is $20 more.)

Feeling quite elated, we pile back into the van to shuttle to the Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg, where we stay in spacious and comfortable condo accommodations for three nights.

Discovery Bicycle Tours, 800-257-2226, www.discoverybicycletours.com

Next: Biking the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes

_____________________________

© 2025 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Bluesky: @newsphotosfeatures.bsky.social X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Arts & Entertainment, Attractions, Cultural travel, See America, US Destinations

A River Runs Through It: Discovering Spokane, Washington

February 1, 2025 krubin723

A river runs through it: Spokane, Washington, is a marvelous synthesis of city and wilderness, historic and contemporary that makes it a delight to visit as well as live © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

My long-held desire to bike the award-winning Route of Hiawatha rail trail in Idaho provides the opportunity to discover the enormous appeal of Spokane, Washington, where the Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Idaho Trails bike tour begins. I cleverly arrange to come in three days early to give myself time to immerse, staying at the exquisitely grand and historic Hotel Davenport, so connected to Spokane’s story and walking distance to most everything I want, and even taking advantage of their bicycles to get a jump on the Centennial Trail which figures so prominently in the bike tour, too.

This is all new territory for me.

The first delightful surprise is how easy it is to navigate Spokane International Airport (if you’ve been through JFK and LaGuardia in New York, you will appreciate what I mean) – a few steps to the door, and a few steps more to a wonderfully convenient public bus that takes me steps from the Davenport’s door (the bus driver and fellow travelers are so helpful! – something I find throughout my stay in Spokane) – just $2 for the fare (which you can use to transfer or return within 2 hours; $4/day or $12 for three-days).

It doesn’t take long for me to realize why Spokane, with its natural and cultural appeal, isn’t just a great place to visit, but a great place to live.

*Walk over the bridges that connect the several islands of Riverfront Park to get a dramatic view of the rapids © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Imagine strolling over America’s largest urban waterfalls, walking 15 minutes from downtown to a rafting trip on a river that cuts through evergreen forest, and getting on a bike in the downtown city park – the site of the 1974 World’s Fair, appropriately themed for environmental protection – and biking 58 miles on the trail to Coeur- d’Alene in Idaho. This is Spokane, Washington – and even though it is 95 degrees outside, it doesn’t feel hot.

Spokane is this vibrant city organized for its people. Of course, it wasn’t always that way, but the same reasons it developed into a hub of the West – railroads, commerce and mining – Spokane was an early adopter of sustainability and environmental protection while transitioning into the 21st century by holding on to what was best about the past.

For me, the mark of a place that takes pride in itself and has community spirit is one that has historic markers and plaques and its respect for historic and cultural places.

You feel it especially in the historic Davenport Hotel – a truly grand dame that is very happy to share its stories.

So I begin my exploration with a tour of The Historic Davenport Hotel (see Historic Hotel Davenport Puts You into Spokane’s Story)

*The grand dame historic Hotel Davenport has helped spark Spokane’s downtown renaissance. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

From there, the concierge directs me to the public bus (the central depot is across the street), for a ride to visit the magnificent Manito Park. (1702 S Grand Blvd). This is a spectacular 90-acre oasis in the in the South Hill neighborhood that features five distinct gardens: the Duncan Garden (a formal garden where I notice the fountain is dedicated to Louis Davenport who built the Davenport Hotel), Rose Garden, Perennial Garden, Lilac Garden and (my favorite) the Japanese Garden. (If you come in the afternoon, save the enchanting Japanese Garden for last; if you come in the morning, see it with the morning light.)

*The Japanese Garden in Manito Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Most wonderfully, the Manito Park, is really a neighborhood park – much like Central Park in New York City, and Golden Gate Park, in San Francisco – grand and yet neighborly. Besides the gardens, Manito Park has spacious manicured lawns, playgrounds, walking trails and biking paths, topiary shrubs, a greenhouse conservatory, a conservatory and a duck pond. It gets some 150,000 visitors a year. (Best viewing May-October, http://www.manitopark.org/)

An absolute highlight for me – almost a homebase during my stay in Spokane – is Riverfront Park. Just a few minutes walk from the Historic Davenport Hotel, I found myself wandering into the park two, even three times during the day.

It is actually one of the rare successes in urban renewal: once a blighted space, the city seized on the opportunity to host the 1974 World’s Fair (notably the first expo themed around environmental conservation) to make major, lasting improvements serving the community in myriad ways. There is so much here, and it is so pleasant being here that I find myself coming to the park at least twice each day (morning and evening) of my visit.

*Numerica SkyRide gondola gives a birds-eye view of Spokane’s waterfalls © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Riverfront Park was opened by President Nixon (who made an eloquent speech about the importance of environmental protection and resigned by the time the Fair closed). It is pure delight for residents and visitors alike: stroll over bridges for spectacular views of the falls; be carried over the falls on the Numerica SkyRide gondola, channel your inner child on the historic Looff Carrousel, fantastic playgrounds and rides (slide down The Red Wagon, a giant Flyer), and feed the Garbage Goat (a clever way to encourage composting).

*Families enjoy the Red Wagon in Riverfront Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Enjoy a concert at the United States Pavilion which was saved and repurposed as an outdoor performance venue seating as many as 6000 (there was a concert there during my visit) – the roof replaced by steel ribbings that are lighted at night.

*The United States Pavilion, built for the 1974 World’s Fair, is now a performance venue accommodating 6,000 people © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The park actually is composed of several islands connected by bridges. One of the islands pays tribute to Spokane’s indigenous heritage. There is a totem pole and story board stations.

The bridges pass over the rapids and falls, for dramatic views you would never expect in an urban landscape. The pathways weave throughout – you come upon a fantastic playground; sculptures, attractions.

*The Garbage Goat is an iconic sculpture in Spokane’s Riverfront Park with a message of envirionmentalism © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

I stop into the Riverfront Park Visitor Center (actually the Visit Spokane tourist center), where I learn about the Great Fire of 1889 that destroyed 90 percent of the downtown – the only surviving buildings were those made of brick by the railroad company. What was left became the historic district (but there are some modern skyscrapers that seem so out of place, that were built before the new rules were put into place).

Also going through the park is the Centennial Trail, a biking/pedestrian/recreational trail that extends for miles into Idaho, which I will take from beginning to end the end on my upcoming Idaho Trails bike tour.

It is an interesting experience to be walking distance of a rafting experience in a major city – the Spokane River that goes through the city gives the city its special beauty and quality of life (as well as its hydroelectric power). It can be said that the river energizes the city – and this confluence of nature, urbanity and livability is what makes Spokane such a hot place for people to put down roots.

*Enjoying a pleasant float down the Spokane River © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Within minutes, we embark from the Peaceful Valley neighborhood on a two hour-long scenic Spokane River Float with Wiley Waters. (Wear water-shoes and a bathing suit; a dry bag is provided, as well as drinks). It’s the end of the season so is a very gentle glide – towards the end, we hop off the raft for a brisk dunk. The season runs May-September (Wiley E. Waters, riverrafting.net, 888-502-1900).

In the evening, I return to the Riverfront Park to once again stroll about as the sun set.

*The view from the Centennial Trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The next morning, I take advantage of the Davenport’s bike rental (two hours are included in the resort fee), to bike on the The Centennial Trail in Riverfront Park. I ride west, toward Riverside State Park, where the Centennial Trail begins. The trail in this direction goes along the high ridge that follows the Spokane River well below – just beautiful – and passed these beautiful housing complexes that are wonderfully designed, sharing the trail with families out for a stroll, runners, walkers, and cyclists. (Again, pointing to the livability of Spokane).

I bike up to the point where the trail has a sharp descent which I would have ride back up (with a three-speed city bike) so I leave that for the bike tour which will start at the very beginning of the trail and ride to where it ends, 58 miles away, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Instead, I cycle the trail in the other direction, going back through Riverfront Park, toward Gonzaga University campus in search of the famous singer/actor Bing Crosby’s childhood home, which is actually on the campus and now a museum.

*Bing Crosby’s childhood home is now a museum on the Gonzaga University campus © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

I knew that the museum would be closed when I arrive. I later learn that the museum has a Norman Rockwell painting of Bing Crosby, based on a promotional photograph from the 1949 movie musical “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.”

There is also a statue on the campus in front of the Bing Crosby Hall (Crosby made major donations to the university and though he quit school to pursue his career in music, the university gave him an honorary degree in 1937.)

(Crosby House, 508 E. Sharp Avenue, Spokane, WA 99258, 509-313-4064).

In the afternoon, I head to the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture.

To get there, I could easily hop on the purple City Line lightrail from just across the street from the Davenport and get off in Browne’s Addition, but I prefer to walk the mile.

*Spokane is still a cultural hub with theaters like the Fox Theater, which dates from 1931© Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The walk takes me passed the Bing Crosby Theater, the Fox Theater (1931), gorgeous Art Deco buildings that exemplify Spokane’s importance as a cultural center for the Northwest, its legacy as an important commercial hub on the railroad line, and its wealth from nearby Idaho mines.

Strolling through the Browne’s Addition neighborhood enroute to the Northwest museum of Arts and Culture, you see some of the fabulous Victorian mansions reflecting Spokane’s wealth from commerce, mining and railroads © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

I pass stunning Victorian mansions – most of them now inns or museums – but none more magnificent than the Campbell House, which is now part of the museum and a “must visit” (be aware of the opening hours).

Founded in 1918, the Smithsonian-affiliated Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture presents an extensive, permanent collection of Plateau Tribal art and artifacts, Pacific Northwest art, regional historical objects and archives. It really offers a synthesis of the history and heritage here, with appropriate respect for the tribal people.

Having spent time in Riverfront Park, I am particularly fascinated to see the special exhibition, “It Happened Here: Expo ’74 Fifty Years After.”

A 50th anniversary commemoration exhibit of Spokane’s 1974 World’s Fair shows how the fair proved one of the most successful urban renewal projects, leaving behind Riverfront Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

In 1974, Spokane was the smallest city ever to host a world’s fair. During its six-month run, the fair presented exhibits from ten countries, featured a star-studded events calendar, sponsored three environmental symposiums and attracted 5.6 million visitors. “Fifty years later, Expo ’74 remains one of the single most transformative events in Spokane’s history, radically reshaping its natural and built environment. Expo ’74 ushered in a new era for the city – one centered on urban renewal, commercial growth, and political progress,” the notes state. The fair also kindled a community spirit.

*Liberace’s costume from Spokane’s 1974 World’s Fair © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

There are fantastic artifacts (Liberace’s bejeweled denim costume, Sister Paula Turnbull’s model for Spokane’s now iconic Garbage Goat, and an original Sky Ride gondola), but particularly interesting were the videos – Nixon’s speech on opening day extolling the virtues of environmentalism, which was the theme of the fair and how Spokane was a model and inspiration to emulate (Nixon had resigned by the time the fair closed 3 months later), and a video from the Soviet Union showing how the country is “enforcing” environmentalism. (The exhibit has since closed, but is indicative of what is presented.)

*The Northwest Museum of Culture & Arts hosted a riveting exhibit, ;1924: Sovreignty, Leadership, and the Indian Citizenship Act” © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

I am fortunate to visit when the museum is presenting a riveting exhibit,”1924: Sovereignty, Leadership, and the Indian Citizenship Act.” 1924 was the year that American Indians were declared citizens and ostensibly entitled to vote (though the equivalent of Jim Crow laws prevented most from voting until the 1965 Voting Rights Act).

Shortly after Congress enacted the Indian Citizenship Act, granting citizenship to all American Indians born in the United States, on June 2, 1924, Spokane announced it would host the first American Indian Congresses in 1925. These were some of the first events where tribal leaders, government officials, and community members from around the United States gathered to formally participate in talks on rights and advocacy. 1924 commemorates this 100-year anniversary, centering on early local tribal leadership as they and their people navigated the sometimes-conflicting nature of being both U.S. citizens and citizens of their own sovereign nations. One of the photos shows the Congress taking place in the Davenport Hotel’s ballroom.

*The Campbell House at the Northwest Museum of Culture & Arts © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Be sure you leave enough time to visit The Campbell House and its carriage house (admission to the house closes an hour before the museum, so in retrospect, should have done it first.).

The Campbell House is an absolute jewel with exquisite architecture, interior decoration (some of the furnishings are original to the house; others are appropriate period pieces). The mansion was designed in 1898 for the Campbell family by architect Kirtland K. Cutter (who also designed the historic Davenport Hotel). Cutter incorporated all the modern technologies available – indoor plumbing, hot and cold running water, electricity, central heat and even a telephone.

*At the carriage house of the Campbell House, you get to know who this family was and what life was like in Spokane © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The carriage house holds the personal story of the Campbells and the Spokane community of the time – artifacts and photographs, a car that would have been very much like the one the Campbell’s had. It is so interesting to have such a personal look at this family.

Campbell made his fortune investing in the mines of north Idaho (that I will be visiting soon on the Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Idaho Trails trip). The Campbell family (his wife was a school teacher) lived here for 26 years and in 1924, after both parents had passed away, their daughter, Helen, donated the house to the Eastern Washington Historical Society which started the museum. Now it is under the auspices of the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture.

(Open Tuesday-Sunday, 12-4 pm, admission included with museum ticket)

Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W First Avenue, Spokane 99201, northwestmuseum.org (give yourself at least 2 hours, more like 3)

In the evening I return again to the Riverfront Park (after dashing to REI before closing to buy bike gloves before my trip). The setting sun casts a pink glow in the sky and I am once again awed by the dramatic view over the falls – the largest urban falls in the country, apparently. And I finally get my chance to ride the Looff Carrousel.

*Riding the Looff Carrousel in Riverfront Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The beloved, iconic attraction of the park was hand-carved by Charles Looff in 1909 as a gift for his daughter and her husband. Looff, an immigrant from Germany, arguably was America’s first great carousel carver having made wooden animals for Coney Island’s carousel. This carousel was set in an amusement park, Natatorium Park, for many years before the park closed in 1968.

When Natatorium Park closed, in 1968, the carousel was put up for auction. Spokane’s parks manager was determined to save the carousel for the city, enduring criticism from those who felt he wasted money because there was no place for it, so it was put into storage. But then the 1974 Expos came, and the carousel was taken out and placed in the park, where it has remained.

*The Looff Carrousel in Riverfront Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

It is magical enough to ride the carousel, but I get to ride the carousel as night is falling, the colorful lights coming on – the kids grabbing for the brass ring and tossing it to try to win a free ride. The original organ – its 300 pipes equivalent to a 60-piece band – still operates but is used only for special occasions. As we ride, we hear the original music as it was recorded and digitized.

Equally exquisite is the view of the carousel reflected in the water from outside.

To plan your visit: Visitor Information Center, Riverfront Park, 6y20 W. Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201, 888-SPOKANE, Visit Spokane, www.visitspokane.com.

__________________

© 2025 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Bluesky: @newsphotosfeatures.bsky.social X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

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