Yellowstone National Park houses 67 species of mammals. From the hamster-like Pika to the mighty Bison and Mountain Lion, Yellowstone has an impressive array of animals to enjoy.
Yellowstone ranks No. 1 among the national parks in the United States for wildlife viewing!
BONUS Trivia: Photographer QT Luong describes both of these desert parks in Utah as the quietest areas he’s ever visited: Capitol Reed National Park and Canyonlands National Park.
(Photo: Petunias boxed in on the Henry County Veterans Bridge in the author’s home town, Napoleon, Ohio)
In the remote area of the South Pacific Ocean’s Samoa Islands, American Samoa is a treasure to natives, as well as Americans, in its portrayal of a unique way of life that still pulsates.
In 1900, the United States began its occupation of Samoa following invasion disputes with Germany. The National Park of American Samoa was established in 1993 at Pago Pago on Tutuila, Samoa’s largest island, where an American naval base also was built. The park remains the least visited of the American national parks because of its remote location, although it is open for visitors all year round.
Samoans themselves still partake in native activities like bark painting, mat weaving, acquiring decorative body tattoos, and dancing, but they are part of America, as well.
(Photo: Unique upward view of a long-standing tree in East Riverview Downs Park, Napoleon, Ohio)
An unincorporated territory of the United States, American Samoa is still ruled by old traditions like observing special prayer rituals, removing shoes before entering homes, swimming only in shorts and shirts.
TRIVIA QUESTION: In one year’s time, the National Park of American Samoa is visited by as many people who view what natural wonder in the United States during one winter day?
ANSWER: The Grand Canyon
+++++
Credit: Photos from the personal and copyrighted collection of Barbara Anne Helberg
Hovenweep National Monument, Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, and Ute Mountain Tribal Park are all sites tourists may visit when they travel Southwestern Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park to explore Ancestral Puebloan culture.
Guides take expectant visitors deep into cliff dwelling sites at Eagle Nest House, Casa Blanca, and Casa Colorado in half-day, whole-day, or once-a-year tours.
BONUS Trivia: Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park offers 105 miles of what is called its Skyline Drive. That distance includes 70 scenic overlooks.
National Treasures Trivia 