 Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina by deecat | Tips and photos of unusual, out-of-the-way United States of America attractions, posted by real travelers and locals. Map |
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 Alexandria and Nicholas
Approaching Graham Cave by Stephen-KarenConn
The Grahams used the cave with it's picturesque 120X16-foot opening as a hog pen, until archeologists asked permission to explore there. Extensive excavations with astonishing results were carried out by scientists from the University of Missouri and Missouri Archeology School. History was rewritten when evidence was found of human habitation dating back 10,000 years much earlier than it was previously thought that people had inhabited this area.
Today Graham Cave State Park offers both recreational and educational opportunities. In addition to the cave there is a visitor center, campground, boat ramp on the Loutre River, picnic areas, hiking trails and other recreational ammenities. I stopped and camped here in the summer of 2004 while on a cross-country road trip with my grandchildren, Alexandria and Nicholas. We found it to be a beautiful and fascinating place, one definitely worth returning to and exploring more thoroughly on a future visit.
Hours:
Open daily year-round
7:00 a.m. 'till sunset
Address:
217 Hwy. TT
Montgomery City, MO 63361
Directions:
Graham Cave State Park is in East-central Missouri, two miles off I-70, near the town of West Danville. Leave a Comment
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 Indiana Dunes National
Lakeshore by Stephen-KarenConn
Because of the unique blend of environments, Indiana Dunes ranks # 7 among all of America's National Park sites in the variety of plant species found here. Wildlife such as whitetail deer, fox, raccoon, shorebirds and more can also be seen here by the observant visitor. There are opportunities for swimming, camping, picnicking, hiking, nature study and more.
When Karen and I were here we especially enjoyed exploring and learning at the restored 1830s French Canadian homestead and the 1900s era working farm.
But more than anything we enjoyed climbing and playing on the the monstrous sand dunes, like you will find few places else.
Directions:
Along Indiana's Lake Michigan shoreline, between Portage and Michigan City, along U.S. 12. Leave a Comment
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 The Great Serpent Mound by Stephen-KarenConn
It is believed that the mound was the work of American Indians of the Andea Culture, who inhabited this area from afround 800 B.C. until 100 A.D. Six coils of the quarter-mile-long serpent correspond with 6 alignments of the sun and 6 alignments of the moon, indicating that it was designed by ancient astronomers.
The site is administered by the Ohio Historical Society and is open to the public. There is a visitor Center, gift shop, restrooms, and picnic area.
Directions:
About an hour east of Cincinnati and 90 minutes south of Columbus, off OH 73.
Hours:
Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10-5
Closed Monday
Fee:
$7.00 per private vehicle Leave a Comment
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 Stephen in the Badlands by Stephen-KarenConn
The Stronghold Unit of the Badlands is co-managed by the Ogala Sioux tribe of American Indians and includes sites of 1890s Ghost Dances. There are also pioneer farmsteads to explore, fossils to find, and trails to hike. Visitor centers offer gift and book shops, orientation films, restrooms and a restaurant. There are two rustic campgrounds and sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
This is the American landscape of legend and old western movies. When the famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright visited here he remarked, "I was totally unprepared for the revelation called the Dakota Bad Lands." Perhaps this magical place will catch you by surprise too.
Directions:
In southwestern South Dakota just below I-90. The Badlands are, north of Wounded Knee, south of Wall, east of the Black Hills and west of Interior.
Hours:
Open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
Fees:
$10.00 per private vehicle, good for 7 days Leave a Comment
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 Mabry Mill in Winter by Stephen-KarenConn
This authentic grist mill and saw mill was a gathering place during the early decades of the 20th century. Today folks still gather here to see historical interpreters who demonstrate basket weaving, chair caning, spinning, weaving and apple butter making. On Sunday afternoons during summer and fall there is mountain music and dancing.
The Blue Ridge Parkway never closes and the mill may be viewed at any time. However, the special activities are seasonal. Click on the web link below to search for upcoming events.
Directions
In southwestern Virginia near Meadows of Dan, at milepost # 176.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Leave a Comment
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 Wooden Observation Tower
atop Timms Hill by Stephen-KarenConn
A winding gravel road leads through the park. but the summit, 1,951feet above sea level, is attained only by walking. An easy wood-chip trail takes you to an 88-foot wooden observation tower at the high point. From the top of the tower you can see in all directions, 30 miles or more of rolling hills forested with northern hardwoods and 6 lakes tucked between them. Woolly Mammouths once roamed these hills, and today there is still an abundance of wildlife with minimal human intrusion. While standing here and drinking in the view, contemplate that you are very near the 45th parallel - half way between the equator and the north pole.
This is a great place for hiking and cross-country skiing. Hiking trails within the park connect with the 1,000-mile Ice Age Trail, a State and National Scenic Trail which goes all around the state of Wisconsin. Winters are cold and snowy here; summers are pleasant. When I was at Timms Hill on an early-October morning the air was crisp and clean and the autumn foilage was spectacular.
Directions:
Timm's Hill County Park is In Price County, about 23 miles west of the tiny town of Tomahawk, and 5 miles east of the even smaller town of Ogema, just off WI-86. Leave a Comment
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 Sunset at Lost Dutchman State
Park by Stephen-KarenConn
We were here in winter when the daytime temperatures of around 60F and sunny skies made it an ideal destination for us. However, summer temperatures can soar above 100F.
Lost Dutchman State Park is on the edge of the Superstitioin Mountains, which have been a source of mystery and legend since early times. The area is dotted with ancient cliff dwellings and caves, many showing signs of former habitation by a number of different Native American groups, up until the 1800s. Even the name is inspired by Pima Indian legends.
During the 1840s the Peralta family of northern Mexico supposedly developed a rich gold mine in the Supersititions. According to legend, an Apache ambush ended the family's last expedition, and the gold remained hidden the the area. In the 1870s, Jacob Waltz, "the Dutchman," was said to have located the mine through the aid of a Peralta descendent. Waltz and his partner, Jacob Weiser, worked in the mine and allegedly hid one or more caches of gold in the Superstitions.
After "the Dutchman" died in 1891, several people attempted to find the lost mine, all without luck. Later searchers have sometimes met with foul play or even death, contributing to the superstition and legend of these mountains.
Even without the fascinating history, this is an exceptionally beautiful spot with rugged peaks, fascinating desert plant and animal life, and vistas that will take your breath away.
Address:
6100 N. Apache Trail
Apache Junction, AZ 85219
Hours
Open 365 Days a Year
Sunrise 'till 10:00 p.m.
Admission Fee:
$5.00 per private vehicle Leave a Comment
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 Four Conn Brothers in the Wind
River Range by Stephen-KarenConn
The Wind River Range stretches more than 100 miles southwest of Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. This is true wilderness, habitat to wolves and grizzlys, and one of the most extensive roadless areas in the United States. In these 2.25-million acres there are 35 named peaks which exceed 13,000 feet in elevation, including Gannett Peat, 13,804 feet, the highest in Wyoming.
Gannett Peak was the destination of our trip, and it was a hard 24 mile one-way hike just to the base of the mountain. We camped in the beautiful Titcomb Basin beside a pristine alpine lake, at an elevation of more than 12,000 feet. The morning we were to make our assent, in mid-July, we awoke to several inches of fresh snow on our tent. Feeling unprepared to climb in winter-like conditions, we changed our plans and just explored the areas beneath the summit - still an absolutely awesome adventure.
Trailheads leading into the Wind River Range can be found outside the towns of Pinedale or Dubois. There are no roads and mechanized vehicles are prohibited, including mountain bikes and snow machines. For those who don't wish to hike, outfitters are available in these towns who will take you in on horseback.
Contact:
Pinedale Ranger District
29 E., Fremont Road
Pinedale, WY 82941
Telephone: 1-307-367-4326 Leave a Comment
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 Upper Tahquemenon Falls Framed
by Fireweed by Stephen-KarenConn
The Upper Falls, the Lower Falls, and 13 miles of the clean but tannin stained Tahquamenon River are preserved in this 40,000 state park. The centerpiece is the Upper Falls, pictured here. It plunges 50 feet, is 200 feet wide, and has a maximum flow of 50,000 gallons per second, making it one of the largest falls east of the Mississippi River, second only to Niagara. The river and falls were immortalized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's epic poem, The Song of Hiawatha.
Thahquemenon Falls State Park offers opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, sightseeing, picnicking and camping. Karen and I camped here in the summer of 2003, and made this our base for exploring more of the many wonders of Michigan's fabulous Upper Peninsula.
The park is open year round, and the falls freezes over in winter. I would love to see it then.
Directions:
In the northeastern part of the Michigan's Upper Peninsula, between Newberry and Paradise, along M-123. Leave a Comment
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 Mount Mansfield, Vermont by Stephen-KarenConn
I have come here twice, the first time in fall when the mountainsides were ablaze with autumn foilage and the air was crisp and clean. On the second trip it was late spring, when wildflowers were blooming in profusion and dairy cattle were grazing on new green grass. It's on my list to return someday in winter when the peaks are white with snow. On that first trip I avoided the road and booted it to the top of Mount Mansfield in my ongoing quest to visit the highest point in every state. On the second trip, I enjoyed a few of the other trails which are found in the area. A hiker will never be bored here. Those who simply enjoy beautiful scenery will discover a new visual feast at nearly every turn.
Maps of trails in the Mount Mansfield State Forest and environs may be obtained from the address below.
Contact:
Mount Mansfield State Forest
324 North Main Street
Barre, VT 05641 Leave a Comment
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