Maritime

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James River Batteau Company offers guided river and sunset cruises that bring to life the history and culture of Virginia’s waterways within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Guests travel aboard a hand-built replica of a James River Batteau, a flat-bottomed wooden boat designed in the late 18th century to transport tobacco and other goods along Virginia’s shallow upland rivers. These vessels, and the men who navigated them, shaped commerce and settlement across the region, helping define Virginia’s role in the early American nation. Each two-hour cruise blends interpretation, recreation, and education. Skilled guides pole and steer the vessel using traditional methods while sharing the stories of the batteaumen, their work, and their lives along the river. Music, food, and storytelling—customs once part of nightly gatherings on the river—are woven into the journey, offering visitors a deeper connection to history and place. The James River is one of the Chesapeake’s great tributaries, linking inland communities to the Bay. Cruises highlight this enduring connection between waterways, commerce, and culture, while inviting reflection on the role rivers continue to play in shaping the watershed. Visitors are encouraged to learn more by exploring the James River Batteau Company 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.

Step aboard the schooners Woodwind or Woodwind II for a two-hour sailing adventure on the Chesapeake Bay. Departing from Annapolis, these classic 74-foot wooden vessels invite you to help raise the sails, take the helm, or simply relax while soaking in stunning views of the Bay Bridge, Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, and the marine life and wildlife of the Bay. This Chesapeake Gateways Network Experience, managed by Annapolis Sailing Cruises: Schooner Woodwind, offers an immersive connection to the Bay’s culture, history, and environment through an unforgettable sailing experience. Each public sail is shaped by the wind, weather, and guest curiosity. Watch ospreys dive for fish, watermen haul in their catch, or clouds hint at changing conditions. As you sail, the crew shares stories about the Chesapeake’s maritime heritage and wildlife. For visitors of all ages, this is more than a boat ride: it’s a chance to see the Bay from a new perspective. Special themed cruises, like the Monday night History Sail, explore topics from regional geology to historic landmarks. Youth groups and school trips are welcomed with hands-on programs that connect sailing to lessons in ecology, teamwork, and navigation. As a Chesapeake Gateways Network Experience, Annapolis Sailing Cruises: Schooner Woodwind fosters discovery, stewardship, and a lasting appreciation for the Bay. Visit their website to learn more and plan your trip.

Explore America's national parks from the comfort of home. Register now (Zoom) Every park has a story. During this virtual series, we'll connect with people from across the country to talk about special places and complex stories at National Park Service sites. Join us to learn more about a place that might be close to home or in a destination you dream of visiting. Each hour-long program includes a presentation and time for questions and answers. All visitors can attend these free Parked at Home programs, hosted on Thursday eventings at 7 p.m. in March and April. This year's lineup runs from March 19 through April 23, 2026. Thanks to our partner, Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, for supporting this program. An American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter will provide signing services for all 6 programs. If you have any questions or concerns about accessibility, please contact Ranger Mark Mello . March 19, 2026 - Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site Danville, California America's only Nobel-Prize winning playwright, Eugene O'Neill, chose Northern California as his sanctuary at the pinnacle of his writing career. While secluded from the outside world within the serene walls of his Tao House, O'Neill crafted his final and most memorable masterpieces. Through his innovative storytelling and unflinching examination of the human condition, O'Neill has left an indelible mark on the world of theater, ensuring his legacy will endure for generations to come. In this program, rangers will discuss the role of literature in shaping culture, from coast to coast. March 26, 2026 - Hamilton Grange National Memorial New York, New York One of the most iconic and controversial Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton's legacy is enshrined in his uptown Manhattan estate. As the first Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton took a particular interest in industrial development in the United States. Learn about the rise of industry from two very different perspectives, with a focus on Hamilton's ideas and Samuel Slater's early experiments in textiles in Rhode Island. Tune in to learn more about two complex figures who played a pivotal role in the country's development from colony to country. April 2, 2026 - Cowpens National Battlefield Gaffney, South Carolina By January 1781, the struggle for American independence entered its seventh year. With British forces pushing through the southern colonies, it seemed as though the "American experiment" might end before it even began. When British and colonial forces met on South Carolina farm fields, the stakes were high. Join rangers from two National Park Service sites as they discuss the Battle of Cowpens, which is often referred to as the turning point of the Southern Campaign of the Revolutionary War. April 9, 2026 - Frances Perkins National Monument Newcastle, Maine In 2024, Frances Perkins National Monument became one of the newest units of the National Park Service. This designation recognizes Frances Perkins (1880-1965) as an important figure in United States history. Perkins was the first female Cabinet Secretary and the architect of the New Deal. Perkins championed many labor rights that Americans enjoy today, including workplace safety standards, Social Security, and shorter workweeks. Learn how to plan a trip to the Perkins homestead in Maine and more about Perkins's impressive career fighting for workers across the United States. This talk will feature a staff member from the Frances Perkins Center. April 16, 2026 - Effigy Mounds National Monument Harpers Ferry, Iowa In the Upper Mississippi River Valley, there were thousands of sacred earthen mounds built by American Indians. During this talk, a ranger from Effigy Mounds National Monument will discuss the cultural landscape within the Monument, which includes over 200 mounds in geometric shapes, as well as bears and birds. This talk will also discuss the continued use of the landscape, including the underexplored industrial history of the site. From a sawmill run by Jefferson Davis, to the web of logging roads and quarries constructed by laborers, the lands that now comprise the park contain thousands of years of human history. April 23, 2026 - Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park Middletown, Virginia Belle Grove Plantation relied on the labor of over 276 enslaved people between 1783 and 1852 during its peak as one of the largest farms in Frederick County, Virginia. Isaac Hite, Jr., historical owner of Belle Grove, fought in the War of Independence. How did he, his family members, and neighbors come to rebel against their king? A park ranger will discuss the Shenandoah Valley's role in the American Revolution and how the promises of an unfinished revolution influenced people who lived there, both free and enslaved, during the Civil War.

Originally conceptualized in the 1950s, the Freedom Trail ® is an iconic symbol of Boston. Its red brick line snakes through some of the oldest parts of the City, navigating visitors to some of the most significant historic sites in the Downtown, North End, and Charlestown neighborhoods of Boston. The trail itself does not necessarily tell a narrative. Rather, it aids tourists with a starting point—an opening sampler of Boston's storied, complicated, and multi-faceted history. While many sites are primarily recognized for their role in the American Revolution, all the sites on the Freedom Trail ® remained significant because of the role they played in subsequent social, political, and religious movements, controversies, and challenges. Exploring Boston's History Some choose to walk the entire 2.5 mile trail, end to end. Others select a handful of sites of particular interest and focus on those places. Visits can be as short as a few hours—however those who wish to enter every historic site and explore what each site has to offer can spend a full weekend along the Freedom Trail. Guided tours are available seasonally from both National Park Service staff and through private organizations. Generally, few public tours walk the entire trail. Many sites are part of Boston National Historical Park, however they are independently owned and operated and may charge admission fees. Free Self-Guided Audio Tour The National Parks of Boston have developed a FREE Freedom Trail ® Audio Tour for visitors. This tour is available online on our Freedom Trail® Audio Tour webpage , or by downloading the NPS App . Once downloaded, search "Boston National Historical Park" and select "self-guided tours." Our Freedom Trail Audio Tour is also available in Spanish and French online and on the NPS App. Visit Freedom Trail Audio Tour - Español or Freedom Trail Audio Tour - Français to listen to the tours.

Glen Haven is the best-preserved cord wood station on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, and perhaps in the entire Great Lakes. It was a company town, eventually diversifying into farming, canning of fruit, and tourism. Today, the history of Glen Haven is still preserved within several buildings that you can visit during your trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes. In the summer, these buildings are open to visit and are staffed with knowledgeable and friendly volunteers.

Explore Hyde Street Pier through the Maritime Voices Cell Phone Audio Tour! While Hyde Street Pier is closed to the public, you can still be transported there through its many stories. Wondering why Hyde Street Pier is closed? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. Originally created to follow the ships displayed along Hyde Street Pier, the Maritime Voices audio tour features two-to-three-minute ranger talks spread over 8 different stops. These talks dive into the historic ship collection, danger and adventure on the high seas, ship preservation, art and architecture, family life at sea, the music of sailors, and much more. Listen to these tours while visiting the ships at their temporary home, the Mare Island Naval Ship Yard, or from anywhere! The audio tours can be accessed one of two ways: By calling 415-294-6754 and entering # then the tour number. Tour numbers are listed below. If calling, your cell phone carrier will charge their usual rate for the minutes used in the 415 area code. By listening to the audio directly on our park's Cell Phone Audio Tour page or through the NPS App. By listening to the audio listed below.

There's no better way to start off a day before you go to the beach, or finish off a day of learning at the Visitor Center than to head out for a leisurely bike ride. The Head of the Meadow Bike Trail is one of three bike trails at Cape Cod National Seashore. This 2-mile bike trail connects the dirt parking lot at High Head Road to Head of the Meadow Beach. A round trip bike ride will be 4 miles total. Enjoy a calm bike ride along berry bushes and trees. Seasonal restrooms are available at Head of the Meadow Beach. The Head of the Meadow Bike Trail is paved and accessible. Easy; some surfaces may be bumpy, use caution. Visitors may encounter mosquitos or deerflies depending on season. The trail can be accessed at: High Head Road parking area (free access) Head of the Meadow Beach (entrance fees apply in summer) Remember to practice good bike safety! Speed limit is 10 mph. Yield to pedestrians and horses. Ride single file. Stay to the right, except when passing. Helmets required for ages 16 and under, strongly urged for all. Walk bikes through tunnels.