Native American History

Visitation to Grand Teton National Park peaks during the summer but is also extremely popular during the transition to fall. After Labor Day, total visitation ebbs slightly; however, the type of visitor is drastically different. With kids back in school, you'll find that there are families and more DINKs (Dual Income No Kids), recent college graduates, empty nesters and baby boomers.

Teton Village is home to many fine properties and you shouldn't have a problem finding a room if you book in advance. We have a few favorites:

Hotel Terra is the first of a line of green hotels launched by the Terra Resort Group, Hotel Terra Jackson Hole offers the exceptional amenities and services expected from boutique hotels, combined with environmentally sustainable building and operating practices. The property is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, placing it in an elite group of hotels in the United States. Hotel Terra pushes its efforts well beyond LEED criteria, however,  has taken a leadership role in defining eco-friendly efforts to preserve and protect the environment in its operations while still offering an opulent hotel experience for guests. Learn more about Hotel Terra and its commitment to the environment at www.hotelterrajacksonhole.com.

 Just around the corner from the Terra is the Snake River Lodge & Spa where you'll be warmly welcomed. The lodge, part of the Rock Resorts is rustically elegant and fits seamlessly with the Teton landscape. Recently renovated, Snake River Lodge & Spa boats beautifully appointed rooms and condomiums which will be a welcome retreat after a long day of hiking, skiing, golfing or exploring the Jackson Fall Arts Festival, which takes place from September 10-20 (www.jacksonholewy.com/events-fall-arts-festival.php). You'll look forward to relaxing in the property's indoor/outdoor heated pool, with cascading waterfalls, warmed walkways, a hot tub tucked into a steam-filled cave, and a sauna. Visit snakeriverlodge.rockresorts.com for more information.

Don't rule out staying in the park–Jenny Lodge is located across the water from majestic Cascade Canyon and offers an exclusive environment with 37 rustically elegant log cabins. The main lodge, a recently renovated log structure, has inviting sitting areas with books and games for guests to enjoy. As the only 4-diamond eco-resort in the Park, Jenny Lake Lodge is ideal for those who seek the finest service and lodging, while still enjoying a National Park vacation. Each of the rustically elegant cabin rooms are well appointed with hand-made quilts, down comforters, and unique Western charm. The cabins are open from early June to early October. Breakfast and dinner, along with horseback and bicycle riding, are included in the room rate. To book a room, visit http://www.gtlc.com/lodging/jenny-lake-lodge-overview.aspx

I spoke with Superintendent Gerard Baker's assistant, as he's traveling this week and she'd be happy to provide you with details or answer your questions directly. You can reach her via email at the following address: lana_huber@nps.gov

Also, during the summer months, there's a Heritage Village at Mount Rushmore, with presentations happening throughout the week. This three Tipi village located at the base of Mount Rushmore along the Presidential Trail hosts 2,500 to 3,000 people a day. Park rangers are stationed there seven days a week 8:00 am - 4:30 pm from the end of May through September to answer questions and interact with park visitors. Elders from the neighboring tribes affiliated with the sacred Paha Sapa (Black Hills) periodically come and share their stories and traditions too!  

I hope you'll have a great time in Mount Rushmore.  Be sure to check out some of the other parks in the Black Hills area. If you can manage a trip to the Badlands, it will be well worth the drive. Be sure to come back to OhRanger.com and share your experience with the rest of our community of park-lovers!  

Some of our favorite things to do in Acadia are exploring the historic Carriage Roads and enjoying tasty popovers at Jordan Pond House.

Also check out the recommendations on our Sights to See and Things to Do pages. Our Only ad Day and Just for Kids sections will also have some good tips!

Lastly, check out this list of 22 fun things to do with kids!

We hope you have a great trip! Be sure to come back and let us know how it goes!

Contact the park at (321) 267-1110 for more information. Turtle Mound, within the seashore, is the largest shell middens on the Florida coast.   

Absolutely!  I've gone through the park on a bike myself and I'll never forget the experience. If you have the chance, I recommend approaching from the east and taking the Chief Joseph Highway.  Be prepared for significant temperature changes to go along with the major elevation changes.  It seems to change from from summer to winter in a matter of minutes. On my last ride through Yellowstone (in June 2007), there was still snow at the higher elevations.  I recommend dressing in layers and investing in a highly compressible, lightweight down jacket for the trip.  I found myself pulling off to the side of the road on a number of occasions to throw one on under my padded jacket at places like Yellowstone, Crater Lake (in Oregon), Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks to name a few. (Who would think you could get year-round use from a down jacket.)  I have one that I really like from Patagonia that balls up into an inner pocket. You can find many other brands at places like REI, EMS, Dick's, etc. Also, check out the gear store at OhRanger.com for some options using the following link: 

http://www.ohranger.com/gear/search.html?q=down+jacket#http://www.altrec.com/down+jacket/search.htm?format=json&max_display=20&format_type=callback&return_var=searchCallback

One note of caution, keep your speed down as you go through the parks, especially at Yellowstone, as there are animals looming around every corner.  There are also a number of construction zones, so be extra careful on the gravel sections that are being reconstructed. If you're lucky, you'll round a corner and see a moose and calf crossing the road, just far enough to be safe (ideally 100 yards minimum distance from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards from other wildlife).  I had this experience on the pass coming into the park. If you do encounter an animal, drive slowly and give it a wide-berth, as the one constant about wildlife is that wild animals are unpredictable.  Finally, I recommend against driving at night, as the roads are dark and many animals find it easier to walk on the pavement than in the dirt.  Bison are especially dangerous, as they sometimes lay down in the middle of the road and there's nothing reflective about their anatomy, so you may not see the until the last-minute.  Numerous animals die every year due to collisions in our parks.  A little precaution will keep your rubber side down and ensure you a fantastic time in the park.  

I welcome you to come back often to OhRanger.com to share your experiences, ask more questions and apply your own knowledge to answer the questions of your fellow park-lovers!  

Happy riding...