Explorers and Expeditions

About Explorers and Expeditions

• 

  Bike the Katy Trail

  Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

  Katy Trail State Park is a linear state park, running 240 miles across the state of Missouri between Clinton and Machens. Known as the country's longest continuous rail-trail, it attracts cyclists, walkers, equestrians, nature lovers, and history buffs seeking adventure along the Missouri River. The park was built on the former corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (MKT or Katy), and features a hard, crushed limestone trail that gently winds through some of the most scenic areas of the state. Trail users pass under shady forest canopies, striking river bluffs, and through open farmlands and pastoral towns that developed alongside the railroad. With informative exhibits at every trailhead and many locations in between, visitors will enjoy learning about the rich cultural history of the region. Stop at the Old Franklin Townsite , eastern terminus of Santa Fe National Historic Trail , or follow the many Lewis and Clark historical markers that highlight the expedition's early days along the Missouri River, after departing Camp River Dubois in May, 1804. Trace the Path of Lewis and Clark The trail follows the route of the Corps of Discovery for roughly two thirds of its length, before it diverges from the Missouri River and heads south at Boonville. Connect with stories and events documented in the expedition's journals with with a series of trail-side exhibits at significant Lewis and Clark sites. The Katy Trail passes near five High Potential Historic Sites on Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail: Moniteau Creek at Manitou Bluffs Sugar Loaf Rock Clark's Hill State Historic Site Tavern Cave St. Charles Historic District Biking Tips The relatively flat grade makes this trail accessible to people of all ages and abilities. It is recommended that you always wear a helmet and bring spare tubes, a patch kit, and a portable bike pump in case of a flat tire. Many, but not all trailheads offer restroom facilities and water. Make sure to carry plenty of water, especially in the spring and summer months. Restrooms and water are turned off at all sites from November through March. Many lodging and campsite options are available from the trail for those planning a multiday adventure. For trail conditions, advisories, and other information, visit the Katy Trail State Park website . Getting There Train Amtrak runs train service between Kansas City and St. Louis vi…

  View on NPS.gov
• 

  Become a Natchez Trace Junior Ranger

  Natchez Trace Parkway

  Explore, Learn, Protect Do you care about exploring, learning about, and protecting the Natchez Trace? If yes, become a Junior Ranger! There are many ways to be a Junior Ranger badge at Natchez Trace Parkway, and this fun activity book is a great place to start. This booklet includes activities like mazes, coloring, drawings, and more to help you learn about the Natchez Trace. Discover all the park has to offer, from ecosystems to wildlife to American Indian culture to the southeast United States. Become a Junior Ranger Download both parts of the book or see below for other ways to get your book. Download Natchez Trace Parkway Junior Ranger Booklet Part 1 Download Natchez Trace Parkway Junior Ranger Booklet Part 2 We have Junior Ranger activity books waiting for you at our four visitors centers on the Natchez Trace Parkway. You can also receive a digital copy by contacting the park ahead of time via email or by calling 1-800-305-7417. To earn a badge with a Junior Ranger book, complete the fun-filled activities and return your completed book to a ranger at a visitor center desk, take the Junior Ranger pledge, and earn your badge! Don't have enough time to finish the book while you are in the park? No problem! Send your book back to the park when you complete it. A ranger will check your work and mail the book back to you with a badge and signed certificate. Mailing Address: Natchez Trace Parkway Attn: Junior Ranger Program 2680 Natchez Trace Parkway Tupelo, MS 38804

  View on NPS.gov
• 

  Become a Senior Ranger

  Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve

  Become a Senior Ranger at the main Timucuan Preserve Visitor Center located at Fort Caroline. This is a free program that encourages adults to tour the site and learn more about the resources. After completing the application you will earn your own Senior Ranger badge.

  View on NPS.gov
• 

  Catamaran Epiphany Sailing Charters

  Chesapeake Bay

  Catamaran Epiphany Sailing Charters offers visitors an opportunity to experience the Chesapeake Bay through sailing excursions departing from historic St. Michaels, Maryland. Aboard the sailing catamaran Epiphany, guests explore the Miles River and surrounding Bay waters while discovering the natural, cultural, and maritime stories that have shaped the region for generations. As part of the Chesapeake Gateways Network, Catamaran Epiphany Sailing Charters combines recreation with interpretation in a luxury setting with up to 13 guests. USCG licensed captains and crew provide engaging, conversational narration that encourages visitors to ask questions and observe the Chesapeake landscape firsthand. Along the way, guests learn about the Bay's estuarine ecosystem, changing shorelines, tidal rhythms, wildlife, and fisheries while exploring why clean water and healthy habitats are essential to the region's future. Sailing from the harbor at St. Michaels also provides opportunities to interpret the community's rich maritime heritage. Guides share stories of local shipbuilding, working waterfronts, navigation, and the role the Chesapeake Bay has played in commerce, settlement, and national history. Historic landmarks and scenic shorelines help connect visitors with the people who have lived and worked on these waters over centuries. By combining wind-powered recreation with personalized interpretation, Catamaran Epiphany Sailing Charters encourages visitors to experience the Chesapeake Bay while fostering appreciation for its history, ecology, and continued stewardship. Visitors are encouraged to learn more through their website . This location does not accept the America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Entrance fees and ticket policies are set independently by the managing partner, as detailed on their website.

  View on NPS.gov
• 

  Hike the Locator Lake Trail

  Voyageurs National Park

  Watch this video of the Locator Lake Trail to learn how to gain access into our Chain of Lakes! Please note: The Cranberry Creek Portage Trail from Rainy Lake has been permanently closed. Access to the Chain of Lakes is via the Locator Lake Trailhead on the north shore of Kabetogama Lake. All backcountry trailheads are only accessible by water. The Locator Lake Trail takes adventurous hikers up and over various ridges. It twists its way through forest and wetlands while extending north from Kabetogama Lake until it ends on the southern shoreline of Locator Lake, one of a series of unique interior lakes with rental canoes and reservation only campsites. Explore this two mile, one way hike as an afternoon adventure, or use it as a starting point for an exciting back-country camping experience that will remain in your memories for years to come. For more information about camping in Voyageurs National Park, please visit: Camping at Voyageurs National Park - Voyageurs National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) Difficulty: Strenuous Hiking Distance: 4 miles(6.4-km), round trip Restrooms: Vault toilet at both trailheads Download map.

  View on NPS.gov