Gates of the Arctic National Park
WHERE: Brooks Range, northern Alaska
WHAT’S THERE: More than 8 million undeveloped acres, with valleys carved by
glaciers and six wild and scenic rivers.
WHY GO: “It feels primeval—there’s not a single road, trail, building or sign.
On one of my trips, a huge musk ox walked right by our camp and just kept going.”
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
WHERE: Lincoln City, Ind.
WHAT’S THERE: A re-creation of a homestead similar to the one where Lincoln lived from age 7 to 21 (1816-1830).
WHY GO: “To see his amazingly humble roots and the place where he developed the strength and stamina to lead the nation through civil war.”
Cumberland Island National Seashore
WHERE: Off the south coast of Georgia.
WHAT’S THERE: A barrier island with historic sites, hiking trails through forests and wetlands, and undeveloped beaches.
WHY GO: “Looking north and south from the beach, all you can see is undeveloped shoreline. It shows what the coast looked like before settlers arrived here.”
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
WHERE: Southern Colorado.
WHAT’S THERE: A protected wilderness of alpine lakes, tundra and the tallest sand dunes in the United States at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
WHY GO: “Where else can you spend the day sliding down the dunes with a huge mountain range looming behind you?”
Dry Tortugas National Park
WHERE: About 70 miles west of Key West, Fla., at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico, accessible only by boat or seaplane.
WHAT’S THERE: Seven small islands of coral and sand, a Civil War-era fort and nesting sites for thousands of seabirds.
WHY GO: “There’s a tiny campground on the main island. When the day boats leave, it’s just you and the birds.”
