65,000 years ago, flooding from Waco's Bosque River trapped a herd of 19 mammoths, drowning them and burying the remains. They were discovered in 1978, and today, visitors can see the fossils in situ. Guided take visitors from the main entrance down a woodland path to a special structure housing the mammoth remains, discussing geology, archeology why the area is one of the North America's most important paleontological sites. A must-see for history buffs and the archaeologically curious.
Parking and Directions:
There is no public transportation to the Waco Mammoth site, located about six miles outside Central Waco. Free parking is available on site.
Best and worst times to go to The Waco Mammorth Site:
Texas' summer heat can make the outdoor portion of the tour a bit uncomfortable, so opt for avisit early in day during June - September. The Saturday morning sessions can get crowded, so book in advance. Sunday mornings, right at opening, are another great bet.
Admission:
Adult admission: $7-$10
Seniors (60+), children (13-18), military personnel, educators, and college students with ID: $6-$8
Children (ages 4-12): $5-$7
Infants (3 and under): FREE
NOTE: In the case of hazardous weather, visitors are advised to call ahead.
Must see and do at the Waco Mammoth Site:
Drop by on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and be prepared to get your hands dirty. Sessions last between 1-2 hours and advance reservations are a must. (Classes accommodate up to 20 participants). With a little training from a staff member or volunteer, visitors can uncover replica mammoth fossils and other Ice Age surprises.
Guided tours are not mandatory, but are included with admission. They provide excellent context for the site and its history are highly recommended.
Nearby attractions:
The Mayborn Museum Complex at Baylor University is six miles from the Waco Mammoth Site. it houses exhibits showcasing Waco's history, including replicas of Native American dwellings and an early settler's log cabin. A humpback whale skull and tree cross section are on display in Strecker's Cabinets of Curiosities. 1300 S. University Parks Waco, TX 76706 254-710-1110.
Insider tip for visitors to The Waco Mammoth Site:
If the weather is nice, pack a cooler and finish up your visit with lunch in one of the park's picnic areas.
Author's bio: Holly Beretto is a Houston-based writer covering the arts, food and wine, travel and interesting personalities for a variety of local and regional publications. She is currently at work on her first book, a pictorial history of St. Michael Catholic Church, to be published by Bright Sky Press in late 2015.
The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., is easily one of the world's most recognizable monuments. Filled with architectural details and nuances, the memorial pays tribute to the president credited with saving the Union. Part of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, the Lincoln Memorial is the most visited site on the National Mall. Started in 1914 and dedicated in 1922, people from around the world and the nation flock to pay tribute to Abraham Lincoln, surrounded by mentions of his most famous words and works.
Parking and public transportation at the Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is at the western edge of the National Mall, two miles from the Capitol Building. Parking for the area can be found at Ohio Drive, SW between the Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson Memorials, while accessible parking can be found adjacent to the Memorial at Daniel Chester French Drive SW.
The Lincoln Memorial can also be reached by public transportation and then walked to. The nearest Metro stop is Foggy Bottom (23rd St. &I St. NW) and Smithsonian (12th St. &Independence Ave. SW).
The National Mall is bike friendly and if you don't have your own, a Capital Bikeshare location can be found on Daniel French Drive SW.
Best and worst time to go to the Lincoln Memorial
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the nation, the steps of the Lincoln Memorial are always crowded, especially during national holidays and school holidays. The National Mall is open 24 hours, so going at off times, like sunrise and sunset, not only afford beautiful lighting but also the chance of seeing fewer mass groups.
Admission to the Lincoln Memorial
Admission to the Lincoln Memorial is free. You can check out the details and stay on the steps for as long as you like. There is a small gift store where you can buy memorabilia pertaining to the area.
Must see/do at the Lincoln Memorial
If you are interested in American history and learning more about the Lincoln Memorial and other sites of interest on the National Mall, then check out the free walking and biking tours that are offered. An annual highlight is the Independence Day celebration. Crowds converge upon the National Mall for a day filled with activities, highlighted by a spectacular fireworks display in the evening.
Other places to visit near the Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is part of the National Mall, a vast park that includes the Washington Monument and many other memorials dedicated to wars, presidents and important leaders. At various points within the mall, you can find concessions such as ice cream and snack vendors.
Insider tips for visitors to the Lincoln Memorial
The National Mall is two miles long, from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress according to the weather, as it is also a walk from the nearest parking and Metro stations. Sunscreen and plenty of water are essential during D.C.'s hot summer months.
Author's bio: Carly Zinderman is a freelance writer from Los Angeles that loves to travel. She has written for many websites on topics including travel, food and drink.
The Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) memorial is unlike any other monument in Washington D.C. The memorial is situated along the Tidal Basin, and is made up of a path winding its way through trees, water features, brass statues, and memorable quotes carved into stone walls. It is a fittingly complex tribute to a man who was Assistant Secretary to the Navy, the longest-serving U.S. president, creator of the New Deal, and president during World War II.
Parking and public transportation at the FDR Memorial
For those driving, there is parking along both Ohio Drive and West Basin Drive, but be warned, spaces fill fast. Those taking the subway should get off at the Smithsonian Metro station on the orange, blue, and silver lines. The walk to the FDR Memorial is about a mile long, but it is around the Tidal Basin, and very pretty. Those using the Capital Bikeshare program will find docks right outside the entrance to the memorial on Ohio Drive, at the Jefferson Memorial, or at the Lincoln Memorial.
Best and worst time to go to the FDR Memorial
The best time to visit the FDR Memorial is during cherry blossom season. The trees in bloom around the Tidal Basin are an incredible sight. However, Washington D.C. gets extremely crowded during this time, so visit on weekdays or in the early morning to avoid the worst of the crush.
Admission to the FDR Memorial
Admission to the memorial is free, and the memorial is open 24 hours a day. Rangers are there to answer questions between 9:30am and 11:30 pm.
Must see/do at the FDR Memorial
Take a second to stand in front of the statue of FDR in his wheelchair. Initially, the park wasn't going to include this statue, but after heavy lobbying, they changed their mind. It serves as a powerful reminder that we shouldn't underestimate or judge people based on their physical abilities or disabilities.
Other places to visit near the FDR Memorial
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the George Mason Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial are all located within walking distance around the Tidal Basin. The full walk around the Tidal Basin through these monuments takes about an hour.
Insider tip for visitors to the FDR Memorial
Renting out a paddle boat on the Tidal Basin is a great way to get a different perspective on the memorials. Choose a day that is not too hot, when there's no chance of rain, and make sure to bring along a companion with strong legs.
Author's bio: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins has been living in DC since she was born, with the exception of a few brief residential stints in Malawi, South Africa, and the UK. When not writing, she spends her time working on aerial acrobatics and fostering kittens, both of which are really fun facts to bring up at D.C. cocktail parties.
The Indiana War Memorial was originally dedicated to the veterans of World War I, but after World War II was dedicated to all veterans. A 30,000 square foot museum is in the basement of the building, and it features military equipment, uniforms, and weapons from all U.S. wars. The 110-foot tall Shrine Room is at the top of the building.
Parking and Public Transportation at the Indiana War Memorial
Parking is located in the street near the memorial, and is free on Sundays.
Best and Worst Time to Go to the Indiana War Memorial
The memorial is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Mornings are the best time to visit.
Admission to the Indiana War Memorial
Free.
Must See/Do at the Indiana War Memorial
The museum features one of few complete collections of women's uniforms from World War I, which the Smithsonian Institute has tried to acquire. An AH-1 Cobra Attack Helicopter is on display in the Vietnam War exhibit, as is a reconstruction of the radio room of the U.S.S. Indianapolis battleship. The Shrine Room is dedicated to the spirit of peace and brotherhood and is a solemn reminder that freedom is not free.
Other Places to Visit Near the Indiana War Memorial
The Soldiers and Sailor's Monument is within walking distance. Also nearby is the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Veteran's Memorial Plaza, which houses an obelisk symbolizing the American dream, is across the street.
Insider Tip for Visitors to Indiana War Memorial
Don't leave without reading about Major Samuel Woodfill and his capture of a WWI German machine gun nest--while armed only with a pickaxe.
Author's bio: Becky Oberg is a professional writer who has lived in Indianapolis on and off for almost thirty years. Her hobbies include acting, singing, reading, and playing video games.
Cabrillo National Monument is located at the southern tip of the Point Loma peninsula in San Diego, California. Stunning vistas of the San Diego Bay and Pacific Ocean can be seen from the monument. It honors Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, discoverer of San Diego Bay, and tells the story of the 16th century European expedition that set foot on what later became the West Coast of the United States. There's plenty to do for all types of travelers: history buffs will love the exhibit that tells the story of military history at Point Loma, fitness enthusiasts can hike along the Bayside Trail and kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge.
Must see and must do at Cabrillo National Monument
- Tidepooling: During the winter months visit these unique ecosystems. In them you might see flowery anemones, elusive octopi, spongy deadman's fingers, and a myriad of other creatures. The tidepools are great fun for kids of all ages.
- Hiking: The two-mile Bayside Trails offers breathtaking views of the of San Diego Bay, and the city beyond with plenty of areas to rest and enjoy the scenery.
- Whale Watching: Observe the Pacific Gray Whale pass by the western overlooks of Cabrillo National.
Best and worst time to go to Cabrillo National Monument
The best time to visit the monument is on weekdays. The park is really busy and crowded on weekends.
Admission to Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument is open every day of the year -- except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day -- from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Bayside Trail closes at 4:00 p.m. and the tidepools at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 per vehicle or $3 per person that walks-in.
Wildlife at Cabrillo National Monument
The Coastal Sage Scrub (along the Bayside Trail) is home to hundreds of different native plants and animals. Many local birds, such as the California Quail, American Kestrel, and Morning Doves might be seen along the trail. Cottontail rabbits, ground squirrels, lizards, snakes, and foxes have been spotted along the trail as well. During the summer, please keep an eye out for rattlesnakes.
Insider tip for visitors to Cabrillo National Monument
Your entrance receipt is good not only for the day you visit, but also for the following six days.
Author's bio: Rose Wheeler has lived in San Diego for over nine years. She's been published in "La Jolla Patch," "Global Post" and Yahoo. Her blog regularly features great local finds and trending style tips.
One of the most legendary ancient cliff dwellings in America, Montezuma's Castle is a must see destination for tourists interested in Arizona and Native American history alike. The dwelling is a still standing remnant of the Sinagua people, and gives visitors a look into what Arizona's cultural landscape looked like over 500 years ago. This popular destination now hosts hundreds of thousands of guests each year.
Must see and must do at Montezuma's Castle
Visitors to Montezuma's Castle will want to make sure and visit the ruin known as "Castle A." One of the first structures discovered on site, "Castle A" houses between 40 and 50 rooms and gave archaeologists their first real look at what life along Beaver Creek was like hundreds of years ago.
Best and worst time to go to Montezuma's Castle
Montezuma's Castle is open 7 days a week and closed on Christmas. It's very busy during the summer months and there's very little parking available. Travelers that want to avoid running into a crowd should visit during the fall or winter.
Admission to Montezuma's Castle
Admission for adults ages 16 and over, is around $5.00. Kids are free. Annual passes are also available and cost around $100.
Wildlife at Montezuma's Castle
A variety of birds, mammals and reptiles live in and around Montezuma's Castle. Keep an eye out for bobcats, coyotes, mule deer and elk as well as chipmunks, hawks, eagles and snakes. The landscape around Montezuma's Castle is also home to over 300 different species of desert plants including cardinal flowers and Christmas cholla.
Insider tip for Montezuma's Castle
Have kids? Ask about the Junior Ranger workbooks at the Visitor Center. If they complete the activities in the book and say the Junior Ranger Pledge, they'll get a special badge awarding them the status of Official Junior Ranger. Not bad for one day of work.
Author's bio: Chad Birt has lived in Phoenix for 9 years. He's a bike rider, bookworm and freelance writer.
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument is one of the most recognized attractions in Indianapolis. Located in the center of downtown, the monument has a Civil War museum, gift shop and observation deck. Visitors can enjoy a 360 degree view of Indianapolis from the observation deck and take the stairs or elevator down to the basement to see the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum.
Parking and public transportation at Soldiers and Sailors Monument
Metered parking is available along Vermont Street, Meridian Street, Pennsylvania Street and Michigan Street in Indianapolis.
Best and worst time to go to the Soldiers and Sailors Monument
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument operates on an unusual schedule. From May to October, it is open Wednesday through Sunday. From November to April, it is open Friday through Sunday. One of the worst times to go to the monument is during lunch hour because it is crowded with people eating on the stairs.
Admission to the Soldiers and Sailors Monument
Admission to the interior of the monument is free. You can also visit the observation deck for free by using the stairs. The elevator costs in the $1 to $2 range, but veterans are able to use it for free.
Must see/do at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument
The Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum, located in the basement of the monument, is a popular attraction that gives visitors the chance to learn more about the war's impact on Indiana. In addition, you do not want to miss the chance to see downtown Indianapolis from the observation deck. You should also explore the exterior of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument to discover its dramatic sculptures, art and bronze work.
Other places to visit near the Soldiers and Sailors Monument
The monument is located near multiple restaurants, and you can choose from sophisticated entrees or casual dining. In addition to its large yogurt selection, PEARings Frozen Yogurt & Beyond has inexpensive sandwiches, wraps, crepes, salads and pastries. If you are looking for a more refined menu, then you can try Fogo de Chao's seafood or filet mignon.
Insider tip for visitors to the Soldiers and Sailors Monument
The stairs have 362 steps and are narrower as you get closer to the top, so it is easier to take the elevator.
Author's bio: Lana Bandoim is a freelance writer and editor who lives in Indianapolis. Her work has been published on websites ranging from Examiner to Technorati.
The Fort Clatsop National Memorial commemorates the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery's expedition at the site where the group camped for the winter in 1805 and 1806. Located 5 miles from Astoria, the memorial includes a replica of Fort Clatsop as well as an interpretive center with gift shop and exhibit hall, rangers in period costume and several nature trails.
Must see and do at Fort Clatsop National Memorial
A highlight of the Fort Clatsop National Memorial is the Fort to Sea Trail, which begins at the Visitor Center and extends 5 miles through a forest, through a pasture featuring several small lakes through a tunnel and to the beach along the Pacific Ocean. Some people choose to walk the 10-mile round trip, while others arrange for a car to await them at the beach. There are also shorter versions of the trail, such as a 4-mile round-trip from the Visitor Center to Clatsop Ridge, or a half-mile loop near the Visitor Center.
Best and worst time to go to Fort Clatsop National Memorial
Although Fort Clatsop is open year-round, it only offers rangers in period costume leading programs during the summer months. Those who prefer fewer crowds often visit during the fall, winter or spring, while those who want to experience the site along with programs choose to go in the summer.
Admission to Fort Clatsop National Memorial
Those 16 and older pay $3 to visit Fort Clatsop National Memorial, while those 15 and younger may visit at no charge. Annual passes are available for $10 each per person.
Wildlife at Fort Clatsop National Memorial
Local wildlife often seen at the memorial include deer, Roosevelt elk and 41 other species of mammal, from raccoons to rabbits. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles, amphibians and even fish, thanks to its streams.
Insider tip for Fort Clatsop National Memorial
The park is relatively large, which means those with small children are advised to bring strollers during their visits. There are no restaurants or snacks available onsite, so anyone planning to spend a large part of the day there should bring their own.
Author's bio: LeeAnn Neal is a journalist, blogger and Pacific Northwest native.
On April 19, 1995, the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City was the site of a devastating domestic terrorist attack killing 168 people and killing hundreds of others. Where the building once stood, the Oklahoma City National Memorial now stands to pay homage to those who lost their lives and the heroes who helped save many more.
How to Get to the Oklahoma City National Memorial
The Oklahoma City National Memorial is located in Downtown Oklahoma City and is easily accessible by both public transportation and personal vehicle. While there is some free parking along Harvey Avenue, other parking lots in the area will charge a fee. The Downtown Discovery and Norman Bus Lines through Oklahoma City EMBARK will take riders within a walking distance of the memorial.
Best and worst time to go to the Oklahoma City National Memorial
For those who want to visit, the best time to go is during the spring and fall months, which are the best times for weather in Oklahoma. Although, weather in Oklahoma City is always unpredictable. For those who want to go when the memorial is not crowded, do not go in the month of April or in early May.
Admission to the Oklahoma City National Memorial
Admission to the outdoor areas of the memorial is free, and open to the public at all times. Admission into the memorial's museum will run each visitor between $10-20.
Must see and do at the Oklahoma City National Memorial
When you first arrive at the memorial, it's best to enjoy the outdoor areas such as the "Gates of Time" which represents the minute before and minute after the bombing, and the "Field of Empty Chairs" which represents the 168 who died from the bombing. In addition, the Survivor Tree is the lone tree on the property that survived the blast and the Survivor Wall lists all of the survivors of the attack.
Upon arriving inside the memorial's museum, the Survivor's exhibit shows the first minutes of chaos and the rescue response from the community after the attack. The Investigation, Evidence and Justice exhibit showcases evidence used to find those involved with the attack including the rental truck and getaway car. Overall, there are 10 exhibits inside the memorial's museum that are done in a chronological order.
Other places to visit near the Oklahoma City National Memorial
Several buildings surrounding the memorial, including St. Joseph's Old Cathedral, were also damaged by the bombing and have memorials of their own. For those looking for a more positive experience after visiting the memorial, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art has one of the region's largest collections of art and brings in many traveling exhibits.
Insider tip for visitors to the Oklahoma City National Memorial
Prepare for an emotional experience, and make sure you show the utmost respect while visiting the memorial and all it has to offer. For many of those who live in Oklahoma, the events of April 19 were a sobering experience and not something that should ever be taken lightly.
Author's bio: WIl Petty is a resident of Winston-Salem where he works as a journalist at a regional paper. He spent much of his childhood in Oklahoma City. Wil enjoys spontaneous road trips, and trying the cuisines and craft beers those destinations offer. Follow him on Twitter @WilPetty.