California
Redwoods
- REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK,
CALIFORNIA -
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The park was officially claimed
and protected by 1968, and has
remained untouched since. The
park’s ecosystem protects a
handful of threatened species,
such as Steller’s sea lions, the
northern spotted owl, and Chi-
nook salmon. A stop at the visi-
tor’s center will give the kids a
great history lesson on the im-
portance of the park, and Red-
woods in general. Almost 40
miles of the park stretches over
the coastline, and beyond the
trees, there are a variety of pro-
tected prairies, woodlands, and
wild rivers. Hang out with a tour
guide as you go through the
park, and if you’re up for a longer
stay, check out some of the
cabin rentals offered, such as Elk
Meadow Cabins, which is lo-
cated in the heart of the park. Elk
Meadow offers interpretive
tours, as well as biking, hiking,
and horseback riding excur-
sions, all perfect activities for
making memories with family. Go
to www.elkmeadowcabins.com
to see what else they have to
offer.
- THOUSAND HILLS STATE PARK, MISSOURI -
Thousand Hills encompasses over 3,000 acres of public
recreation area, with 703 acres belonging to Forrest Lake
alone. Forrest Lake is a great place to take the family for the
summer, where all of you can enjoy fishing, camping, hiking,
or just spending your days leisurely on the 17 miles of shore-
line. The peaceful, cool waters come complete with a full-
service marina and park store, where you can buy groceries
and rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, pontoons, and fish-
ing vessels to take everyone out for a fun day on the water.
Lake activities are the highlight of Thousand Hills, so the
summer season is packed full of wonderful people to spend
your time with – no doubt, you’ll be making some friends
during your stay. Rent a cabin and stay for a while. Choose
one of the seven duplex-style cabins that will suit everyone’s
needs, with air-conditioning, television, a kitchen, grills –
even linens and towels are provided. All of the cabins have
beautiful lakeside views to boot. Bringing a furry member of
28 | Summer 2018 | Adventure Outdoors
the family along for the fun? That’s okay in Thousand
Hills! Just make sure you reserve a pet-friendly cabin.
Be sure to also check out the Native American petro-
glyphs in the observation center. These carvings are
listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and
are estimated to be at least 1,500 years old! Visit
www.mostateparks.com for more information.
We all remember taking those family vacations, and my,
how the times have changed. Let’s go back to a simpler
place in time, where the open road and a map (fine, use
GPS) was all we needed. Vacations are all about who
you’re spending time with, and where you’re choosing
to go together. Whether you’re looking for an amazing
dose of history, a gorgeous hiking trail, or a laid-back
lake view, you’ll find something that every member of
the family will enjoy during your next vacation at one of
these amazing parks.