Essentially America 109

["109 | WINTER 2023 | GBP 7 \nWWW.ESSENTIALLYAMERICA.CO.U \nK \nDISCOVER \nDISCOVER \nNATIVE \nN \nAT I \nV E \nAMERICA \nA M E \nRI \nC A \nCRUISE & STAY \nCRUISE & STAY \nIN THE USA \nI \nN T \nH \nE U \nS A \nTHE GREAT LAKES: \nT H \nE G \nR E A \nT LA \nK E S : \nAMERICA\u2019S ADVENTURE \nA M E R I \nCA \u2019 \nS \n A \nD V E \nNT \nU R E \nPLAYGROUND \nPL \nA Y G R \nOU \nN D \nTHE GREAT AMERICAN WEST \nT H \nE G \nR E A \nT A \nM E R I \nC A \nN W \nE S T \nTRAVEL SOUTH \nTR \nA V E L \n S \nO U \nTH","Shed some layers. \nWith clear, sunny skies, an average temperature of about 26 \ndegrees all year round, and a virtually endless assortment of \nthings to do indoors, outdoors and on the water, you might say \nthat The Florida Keys & Key West is the real winter wonderland. \nfla-keys.co.uk 0208 686 2300","WELCOME \nFROM THE EDITOR \nPHOTO CREDITS: THE COVER: \n Choctaw Festival, Tuskahoma, - Oklahoma \u2013 OK-OTRD; \nCONTENTS: \n From top: Office of Tourism \nOhio (OoTO), \u00a9 Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation (CHMF), MSC cruise line, Mississippi Development Authority, Idaho Tourism \nOffice; \nGREAT LAKES: \n pg 6: OoTO; pg 7: OoTO, Pure Michigan (PM)\/Paul Vincent; pg 10: PM, Travel Wisconsin (TW); pg 11: TW; \npg 12: OoTO, visitPA, OoTO; \nNATIVE AMERICA: \npgs 16-17 (clockwise): CHMF, The Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos, Chickasaw \nCountry x 2; pg 18: Visit Cherokee Nation; pg 19: Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Eliesa Johnson, Plimoth-Patuxet Museum; \npg 20: Visit Idaho, North Dakota Tourism, TW, TravelWyoming\/Jeff Foott; pg 21: Arizona Office of Tourism (AOoT)\/Mark W \nLipczynski, Mary MooreMason, Tourism Santa Fe, AOoT; pg 22: Travel Alaska, The Aqua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians; \nCRUISE & STAY: \npgs 24-25: (clockwise): MSC, NASA Space Center, Port Everglades\/Broward County, The Everglades National \nPark, Visit Miami; pg 26: Visit Galveston x 2\/Carnival Cruises; pg 27: NYC\/Julienne Schaer, Meet Boston; pg 30: The Port of \nSeattle\/Holland America, Clement Felize, Kara Peak \nI \nf you plan to include a Native American \nadventure in your next trip to the USA \nyou may be in for some surprises. \nYes, you can still explore Arizona\u2019s \nfilm-set Monument Valley with a \nresident Navajo guide, take your \nchances at the gaming tables in a \nSeminole-owned casino close to \nthe Florida Everglades, and witness \ncolourful inter-tribal Powows held in \nmany native nations across the country. \nBut did you know you also could \nzipline with the Chickasaws in south- \ncentral Oklahoma, luxuriate in a new \nAqua Caliente-owned spa in Palm \nSprings, California, sample speciality \ncocktails in Wisconsin\u2019s first native \n(Chippewa)-owned distillery and, in \nRhode Island, enjoy a delicious meal \nprepared by the first indigenous woman \nto win an \u201cOscar of the Food World\u201d? \nIt\u2019s all part of an impressive \ntourism evolution taking place among \nsome of the 36 states\u2019 574 native \nnations. At its heart is the 25-year-old \nAmerican Indian Alaska Native Tourism \nAssociation (AIANTA, aianta.org), \nwhich has 250 members in 15 Native \nAmerican regions and describes some \nof the tourism adventures on offer on \nnativeamerica.travel \nAccording to the organization\u2019s CEO \nSherry Rupert, its major achievements \ninclude the US Government\u2019s 2018 \nenactment of the NATIVE Act which \nfocuses on enhancing and improving \nvisitors\u2019 Native American experiences. \nIt also does such things as sponsor \ntourism scholarships for young \nindigenous people and promote both \nthe inclusion of Native American \ncourses into university curriculums and \nMary Moore Mason \nvisitation to indigenous restaurants, \nhotels, craft vendors, bookstores and \nevents such as powwows and craft fairs. \nAt present there are five indigenous \nmembers in the US Congress as well \nas the first Native Americans to serve \nas the Secretary of the Interior and the \nDirector of the National Park Service. \nAnd there also have been notable \nenvironment successes in such things \nas the prevention of uranium mining in \nthe tribal areas of the Grand Canyon and \nof the running of oil pipelines across \ncertain indigenous lands. \nHowever, the high level of \nhomelessness and poverty and the \nlack of adequate voting rights facilities \nin some tribal areas still needs to be \naddressed. So do ongoing fossil fuel \nissues, according to Judith LeBlanc of \nthe Native Organizers Alliance Action \nFund who says: \u201cTwenty percent of fossil \nfuel deposits are on tribal land and our \ntraditional teachings and origin stories \ntell us that we must keep fossil fuels \nin the ground in order to restore our \nrelationship with the Earth.\u201d \nSo, borrowing a quote from an old \nHollywood Western: \u201cThe Natives are \nrestless!\u201d \u2026 and, I note, doing something \nabout it. Read on to discover more from \nthe tourism perspective. \nTHE EDITOR WITH WALKSAROUND USO OF THE NAVAJO NATION (LEFT) \nAND DR MILTON COLTON OF THE CHEROKEE NATION (RIGHT) \nessentiallyamerica.co.uk \n3","Welcome thrill-seekers and chill-seekers and kids of all ages. The world\u2019s most welcoming \ndestination awaits in Greater Fort Lauderdale with miles of golden beaches and scenic \nwaterways, cosmopolitan dining and nightlife, amazing Everglades eco-tours and more. \nCome share unforgettable moments in a beach playground unlike any other. \neveryone under the sun \neveryone under the sun \nWelcome \nPlan Your Adventure at VisitLauderdale.com","06 \nTHE GREAT LAKES: AMERICA\u2019S \n ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND \nAnd yes, there is a \u2018Third Coast\u2019 \u2013 the 5,000-mile shoreline \nlinking the eight states bordering America\u2019s five Great Lakes. \nThere you will find a wealth of exciting outdoor adventures, both \nalong the waterfront and within the interior: swimming, boating, \nfishing, hiking, biking, birding, camping, glamping and \u2013 \nin the winter \u2013 cross-country skiing and dog-sledding. \n16 \nDISCOVER NATIVE AMERICA \nWould you like to discover another fascinating cultural aspect \nof the USA? Then head out with us on a Navajo-led horseback \ntour of Arizona\u2019s Monument Valley; witness an inter-tribal dance, \nmusic and drumming competition at an Oklahoma powow; \nmeet the descendants of the indigenous people who interacted \nwith the first English settlers in Virginia and Massachusetts; \nand\/or follow the trail of explorers Lewis & Clark and their native \ntranslator Sacajawea to such places as Idaho and North Dakota. \n24 \nCRUISE & STAY IN THE USA \nNot only are there so many cruising opportunities from the USA \nto so many tempting destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, \nCanada and farther afield but there are also so many great \nAmerican port cities to enjoy before you depart or after you \nreturn. And they are not restricted to Florida; you can find them \non the Gulf of Mexico coast of Texas, in the Pacific Coast states \nof California and Washington and even in the north-eastern \nAtlantic states of New York and Massachusetts. \n31 \nTHE GREAT AMERICAN WEST \nDiscover spectacular scenery, fascinating Native American \nsites, colourful Wild West heritage and great outdoor adventure \nopportunities in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and North \nand South Dakota. \n79 \nTRAVEL SOUTH \nExplore 12 delightfully different Southern states stretching \nfrom the wide, sandy beaches of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico \ncoasts to the towering Appalachian and Ozark mountains. \nThey also are known for their exciting cities and charming \nsmall towns, magical music, delicious cuisine and unique \ncultural heritage. \nCONTENTS \nC O \nNTE \nNT \nS \nEssentially America\u00ae is the registered trademark of Phoenix International Publishing. \nAlthough every effort has been made to achieve accuracy, the publishers do not accept responsibility for any mistakes or omissions. \n\u00a9 Copyright 2023 ISSN 1352\u201328 25 \nApart from any fair dealing for the purpose of research or private study, or criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and \nPatents Act 1988, this publication may not be reproduced, stored or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior permission \nof the publishers or, in the case of reprographic reproduction, in accordance with the terms of licences issued by the Copyright Licencing \nAgency. Enquiries concerning reproduction should be sent to the publishers. \nEDITORIAL DIRECTOR: \nMary Moore Mason \[email protected] \nADVERTISING SALES: \nLarry Cohen \nNortheast Media, Inc. \n+1 203 255 8800 \[email protected] \nPUBLISHER: \nTobias Zerr \nphoenixip.com \[email protected] \nDESIGN: \nJennifer Kubetz \nPhoenix International Publishing \[email protected] \nSUBSCRIBE \nWEBSITE \n06 \n16 \n24 \n31 \n79 \nessentiallyamerica.co.uk \n5","THE GREAT LAKES: \nBY PAUL WADE \nAMERICA\u2019S \nADVENTURE \nPLAYGROUND \nMICHIGAN, SUPERIOR, HURON, ERIE, ONTARIO: EACH OF THESE LAKES IS VAST, LIKE AN INLAND SEA \n. Together, they hold \none-fifth of the Earth's surface freshwater. So, no wonder they are known as the Great Lakes \u2013 and as a great base for \noutdoor adventures. \nSince the shoreline of the eight surrounding American states interconnects and runs for 5,000 miles, it might even be \nconsidered America\u2019s \u2018Third Coast\u2019. Along its length are sandy beaches, towering dunes, numerous water-sports opportunities, \nsmall harbours and such vibrant cities as Chicago, Detroit and Buffalo. \nBut there are also more opportunities inland for clean, green outdoor adventures. You can hike, bike and ride ATVs on well- \nsignposted trails, sleep under the stars, marvel at the Northern Lights, play some of America\u2019s finest golf courses, and \u2013 in \nwinter \u2013 enjoy everything from snowmobiling, dog-sledding and ice skating to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. \nHere are some of the regional highlights, outdoor activity by activity: \nCharter fishing on Lake Erie \n6 \nessentiallyamerica.co.uk","CAMPING, GLAMPING, \nAND MORE \nImmerse yourself in the Great Outdoors \nby staying somewhere fun, such as posh \ntents, yurts and tree houses. Or skipper your \nown houseboat in Minnesota\u2019s Voyageurs \nNational Park. There, wilderness adventures \ncombine with creature comforts: proper \nbedrooms, loos and kitchens. Go where \nyou want to; moor where you fancy. South \nof Chicago, near Starved Rock State Park, \nIllinois\u2019 Camp Aramoni was the state\u2019s first \nboutique campground. Book one of the 11 \nstylish safari tents with loos, fridges and \nair-conditioning; enjoy healthy breakfasts \nand dinners. They even supply firewood \nand marshmallows for your campfire. \nOther funky getaways include the Little \nCabin in the Vineyard at Wisconsin\u2019s Trout \nSprings Winery and an Airbnb treehouse \nin Winfield, Pennsylvania. In Adamsville, \nOhio, the KD Guest Ranch brings \u2018the West \nto the East\u2019, while in Michigan, Ellsworth\u2019s \nRocky Top working fruit farm has yurts, boho \ntents and cabins. \nON YOUR BIKE \nAmericans are into cycling and the variety of \ntrails is huge. Explore lakeside villages or up \nthe adrenaline ante on mountain-bike trails \nthrough unspoiled forests. For easy, traffic- \nfree pedalling, try one of the converted \nrailroad tracks, such as the 61-mile-long \nIllinois Prairie Path. Opened west of Chicago \n60 years ago as the USA\u2019s first ever rail-to- \ntrail conversion, the Y-shaped scenic byway \nmeanders through meadows, woodland and \nhistoric towns, such as Batavia and Wheaton. \nA longer test is the 267-mile Michigan Great \nLake-to-Lake Trail linking Lake Huron to Lake \nMichigan. To cover more ground, you can hop \non and off the modern Amtrak train service \nwith your bike. And Minnesota\u2019s Mississippi \nRiver Trail starts in Itasca State Park, where \na gurgling stream begins its journey, slowly \nbroadening into the mighty Mississippi, \nalong which you can cycle on rural roads to \nthe buzzing Twin Cities of Minneapolis and \nSaint Paul, the state capital. \nVoyageurs National Park houseboat, Minnesota \nFall biking in Chillicothe, Ohio \nessentiallyamerica.co.uk \n7","Buckingham \nFountain \nWelcome to Illinois! \nExplore magnificent Chicago, a city with a shoreline as far as the eye can see, and the birthplace \nof modern architecture. Experience world-class theatre, hear authentic jazz and blues, and \ndelight in unparalleled culinary experiences. Enjoy small-town charm in storybook river villages, \nlike Galena and Alton. Go on an epic outdoor adventure through breathtaking blu\ufb00s and nature \ntrails. Relive America\u2019s golden age of road tripping on Route 66. Travel back in time and visit \nPresident Abraham Lincoln\u2019s hometown. \nDiscover more at enjoyillinois.co.uk","enjoyillinois.co.uk \nMain Street \nGalena","PUT YOUR BEST \nFOOT FORWARD \nThe USA is criss-crossed with hiking trails. \nMany are centuries-old, following paths \nonce used by Native Americans. Now tended \nby rangers and local enthusiasts, they \nare often in state and national parks. For \ninstance, the Shawnee National Forest, \nwedged between the Mississippi and Ohio \nRivers, is home to southern Illinois\u2019 River \nto River Trail. A highlight of the 160-mile \nhike is the craggy Garden of the Gods. By \ncontrast, Ohio\u2019s Buckeye Trail, following a \n1,444-mile-long, roughly circular path, takes \nin old pioneer trails and canal towpaths, \nlake shores and rivers as well as providing \nthe option of short hikes from such cities \nas Cleveland and Cincinnati. Particularly \nglorious in the autumn is the Scioto Trail \nsection, which passes through the foothills \nof the Appalachians. \nMy tip: \nLooking for a real challenge? Then \nconsider backpacking along some of the 165 \nmiles of rugged trail in Michigan\u2019s Isle Royale \nNational Park, the least-visited National \nPark in the lower 48 states. Located 18 miles \noffshore in Lake Superior and reached by \nboat or seaplane, it offers few opportunities \nto see other human beings, but every chance \nto spot eagles, moose and wolves. \nGLORIOUS GOLF \nGolfing legends Jack Nicklaus, Arnold \nPalmer and Tom Weiskopf were all from the \ngolf-mad Great Lakes states. Nowadays, \nseveral courses host major tournaments \nand many are public. Book in to stay and \nplay Wisconsin\u2019s Whistling Straits resort on \nLake Michigan. The par 72, 7,790-yard Straits \ncourse hosted the 2021 Ryder Cup. Notably \ntough, it comes with testing bunkers and \ndistracting lake views. In Michigan\u2019s Forest \nDunes resort, set in the Lower Peninsula\u2019s \nHuron National Forest, there\u2019s a reversible \ncourse: The Loop Black is played clockwise \non odd-numbered days; The Loop Red runs \ncounter-clockwise on even-numbered days. \nEither way, it\u2019s par 70, 6,704 yards. \nMy tip: \n The Penn Ohio Golf Trail website \n(pennohiogolftrail.com) features 60 \ncourses in western Pennsylvania \nand eastern Ohio, with suggested \naccommodation along the way. \nHiking on Michigan's Isle Royale \nGolfing at Wisconsin's Whistling Straits \n10 \nessentiallyamerica.co.uk","\u201cHOW RARE IT IS TO SEE BEST-IN-CLASS ARTWORKS \nTOGETHER IN ONE PLACE. \n\u201d \n\u2014 ARTNET \nPADDLING YOUR \nOWN CANOE \nAs well as the Great Lakes, locals love to \npaddle the region\u2019s thousands of inland \nlakes and ponds, where you can experience \npristine landscapes, camp on uninhabited \nislands, and watch sunsets over a campfire. \nTo explore Minnesota\u2019s Boundary Waters, \nstart in Ely, where outfitters do everything \nfrom renting canoes and teaching you how \nto have fun on the water to offering guided \ncanoe-camping tours with experts. In \nMichigan, Pictured Rocks on Lake Superior \nwas America's first designated National \nLakeshore. The highlight is towering \nsandstone cliffs, where minerals have \nstained the rock with a palette of red, orange, \nbrown, blue and green. Trips to see the \ncliffs, as well as sea caves and waterfalls, \nare offered by outfitters, such as Pictured \nRocks Kayaking. \nMy tip: \nWhen planning a canoe or camping \ntrip, do as Americans do and use \u2018outfitters\u2019. \nThey can organise everything, from qualified \nguides to outdoor equipment rentals. \nApostle Islands, Wisconsin \nessentiallyamerica.co.uk \n11","INTO THE SWIM OF IT \nAs summers are warm and often humid, \nlakes provide refreshing dips and bucket- \nand-spade beach holidays. On the shores \nof Lake Michigan and rated among the best \nbeaches in the world, Michigan\u2019s Sleeping \nBear Dunes National Lakeshore features \nawesome 400ft-high sand dunes guarding \nbeaches that slope down to sparkling blue \nwater. Youngsters love the challenge of the \nDune Climb, scrambling up a 284ft-high \nslippy-slidey mound of dazzling white sand. \nPennsylvania\u2019s Presque Isle State Park on \nLake Erie has a dozen beaches where you \ncan swim, kayak, fish and boat. Certified as \na Blue Wave clean beach on Lake Michigan, \nWisconsin\u2019s North Beach at Racine is rated \none of the USA\u2019s best family beaches. As \nwell as swimming, kids enjoy their own Kids \nCove playground. \nSTRICTLY FOR THE BIRDS \nThe Great Lakes watershed is rich with \nwildlife, such as moose, deer, wolves, \nlynx \u2013 and birds. During migration season, \nbirders wanting to boost their life lists \nhead to south-eastern Pennsylvania\u2019s Hawk \nMountain Sanctuary. This was the world\u2019s \nfirst refuge for birds of prey, and autumn is \nbest for seeing bald eagles, hawks, falcons \nand vultures soaring high above. Near Toledo \nand right on Lake Erie, Ohio\u2019s Magee Marsh \nWildlife Area is rated as one of America\u2019s \ntop-ten bird-watching sites, featuring \namong some 300 species scarlet tanagers \nand various rare warblers. To the west, in \nMinnesota\u2019s 13 national wildlife refuges, you \ncan spot more unusual birds, such as prairie \nchickens, buffleheads and sandhill cranes. \nCAST AWAY \nThe region boasts 160 native species of fish, \nwith walleye the best known ... and, perhaps, \nthe most delicious! But it is the outstanding \nfly fishing that attracts foreign anglers. With \n13,000 miles of trout streams, Wisconsin is \none of the USA\u2019s best fly-fishing destinations. \nIn September and October, salmon leave \nLake Superior and Michigan and head up \nrivers to spawn. These feisty fish can weigh \nin at 15 or 20 pounds. In Pennsylvania, \nsome 10,000 miles of fishing waters include \nPenn\u2019s Creek, the state's longest limestone \nstream, which flows between mountains \nand forests. According to Go Fishing \nWorldwide ( \ngofishingworldwide.co.uk \n), you \ncan fish for wild brown and brook trout year- \nround, and Penns Creek Angler in Weikert \noffers great guiding. \nTappan Lake, Ohio \nPresque Isle, Pennsylvania \nYellow Warbler, Ohio \n12 \nessentiallyamerica.co.uk","Chicago Botanic Garden \nBah\u00e1'\u00ed House of Worship \nBordering Chicago along Lake Michigan, Chicago\u2019s North Shore provides safe \naccommodations with easy access to the city and North Shore attractions. \nwww.visitchicagonorthshore.com \nContact us: [email protected] \n@chicagonorthshore \nSPECIAL PLACES: MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THESE \nEach state has its own special characteristics, from geology and \nlandscape to native plants and wildlife. And each has one-of-a- \nkind destinations. \nWisconsin\u2019s Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on Lake Superior \nis only accessible by boat. The 21 islands have historic lighthouses, \nempty beaches, sea caves and 240 species of birds. For overnight \nadventures or guided sea kayaking trips, check out outfitters Lost \nCreek Adventures. \nOne of the Great Lakes\u2019 most elegant holiday destinations has long \nbeen \nMichigan\u2019s Mackinac Island \n, with Victorian architecture, yacht- \nfilled marinas \u2013 and car-free streets! Explore by bike or on foot; join a \nfishing charter and catch your first whitefish; take kayak lessons or \ntry parasailing. \nMy tip: \nPronounce it MACK-in-awe. \nThe Northern Lights are magical in the Great Lakes. \nMinnesota\u2019s \nVoyageurs National Park \n is an International Dark Sky Park. With no \nlight pollution, you can watch the pulsating array of colours ranging \nfrom pink, red and violet to pale green, blue and yellow. \nSouth of Joliet on Route 66, \nIllinois\u2019 Midewin National Tallgrass \nPrairie \n has revived the flora and fauna that once sustained herds of \nbison and Native American communities. Today, hiking and biking \ntrails criss-cross the 9,000 acres, where bison still roam. \nMy tip: \nPronounce it Mi-DAY-win. \nOhio\u2019s Ash Cave \n is a natural wonder. Horseshoe-shaped, 700 feet \nlong and 90 feet high, it is sited on a popular hiking trail in Hocking \nHills State Park where the surrounding valley is known for its \ngorgeous wildflowers, such as trout lily, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, jewelweed, \ntrillium and Dutchman\u2019s breeches. \nUntil a tornado struck in 2003, the Kinzua Viaduct was one of the \nUSA\u2019s longest and tallest railroad viaducts. Today, north-western \nPennsylvania\u2019s Kinzua Bridge State Park \n pays tribute to it with a \nbreathtaking Sky Walk, set on recycled trestles, stretching out 624 \nfeet over the Kinzua Gorge. Its glass floor offers views of the valley \nfloor 225 feet below. \nADRENALINE RUSH \n \u2014 One of North America\u2019s longest and fastest \nziplines is at Camelback Resort in Pennsylvania\u2019s Pocono Mountains. \nStretching eight stories above the ground, the 4,000ft-long Zip Flyer \nis exhilarating \u2013 and provides great views! For white-water thrills, \nWisconsin\u2019s rugged Upper Wolf River, north-west of Green Bay, \nguarantees rapids and riffles, eddies and natural surf waves. \nBIG CITIES; OUTDOOR FUN \n \u2014 In the Great Lakes, even the biggest \ncities offer outstanding recreational adventures. \nCHICAGO, ILLINOIS \n \u2014 In Chicago, a great way to enjoy the outdoors is \nwith Kayak Chicago. On their themed guided tours, you paddle along \nthe Chicago River for unusual views of the Windy City. Take architecture \ntours in the birthplace of the skyscraper, dreamy sunset trips or even \nan exciting paddle through the city by night! \nCOLUMBUS, OHIO \n \u2014 Columbus is known for its hip Short North \nArts District scene, but for the more daring, Ohio\u2019s state capital \nboasts the USA\u2019s first urban via ferrata (climbing route), set in an old \nquarry. Harnessed and helmeted, you follow guides on the 1,040ft- \nlong Quarry Trails Metro Parks Via Ferrata using metal rungs, ladders \nand safety wire to cross a limestone cliff that reaches heights of \nmore than 100 feet. \nBUFFALO, NEW YORK \n \u2014 At the eastern tip of Lake Erie, Buffalo is the \nideal base for visiting thundering Niagara Falls, particularly memorable \nwhen seen from the deck of an excursion boat. But there is also \noutdoor fun in Canalside, the heart of Buffalo\u2019s waterfront revival. Rent \nkayaks, paddle boards and, more unusually, water bikes, a combo of \nbicycle and catamaran. Perfect for pedalling along the Erie Canal! \nMARQUETTE, MICHIGAN \n \u2014 The residents of Marquette are bike mad. \nLocated on Lake Superior in the state\u2019s Upper Peninsula, this working \nport has a fun 12-mile-long, self-guided trail through the city, as well a \n150-mile-long network of well-maintained mountain bike paths on the \noutskirts. As these are graded, you can find the route to suit your level \nand experience. \nUSEFUL WEBSITES: \nGreat Lakes: greatlakesusa.co.uk, \nllinois: enjoyillinois.com, Michigan: michigan.org, Minnesota: \nexploreminnesota.com, Ohio: \nfacebook.com\/ohioTheHeartofitAll \n, \nPennsylvania: visitpa.com, Wisconsin: travelwisconsin.com \nessentiallyamerica.co.uk \n13"," "," ","DISCOVER \nNATIVE \nAMERICA \nBY MARY MOORE MASON \nI HAVE ALWAYS BEEN FASCINATED BY NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE. \n Perhaps this is because my namesake \nancestress, Mary Moore (later Brown), aged nine, was, in 1786, captured by Shawnee Indians, sold as a slave across the \nCanadian border and later rescued and brought back to Virginia where her story, The Captives of Abbs Valley, written by one of \nher sons, became mandatory reading by my extended family. \nOr perhaps it was because I grew up watching Hollywood Westerns featuring war-bonnet-wearing, tomahawk-wielding native \nwarriors racing into battle on horseback while wrongs were being righted by the mask-wearing Lone Ranger and his native \nsidekick Tonto, more recently and controversially portrayed by Johnny Depp. \nThen I began to actually meet what were then called Indians, now Native or First Americans, initially by become pen pals \nwith a Cherokee Boy Scout met on a Virginia camping trip and later when befriending a member of the state\u2019s Pamunkey tribe \nwho took me home to meet his dad, the tribal chief, residing in a modest bungalow, where he entertained us by playing on \nhis pipe organ. \nIt soon became obvious that America\u2019s indigenous culture was far more varied than the one projected by Hollywood or, more \nrecently, in feature films and documentaries depicting poverty, alcoholism and drug problems, although they still exist. For the \ndescendants of the people who had inhabited the vast American continent long before recorded history are now part of 575 \nseparate nations and tribal groups, each with its own distinct culture and territory. \nOver the years I managed to visit some 14 of these nations and tribes in such diverse places as Florida\u2019s vast, swampy \nEverglades, the deserts of Arizona, the coastal forests of Washington and the towering Appalachian Mountains of North \nCarolina. And on almost every occasion I heard an amazing story of resilience, creativity and\/or entrepreneurship. \n16 \nessentiallyamerica.co.uk","For instance, when I first visited Florida\u2019s Seminole Nation, almost all their income seemed \nto come from guiding Everglades swamp tours and holding alligator-wrestling matches \nfor the benefit of tourists. Then, in 2007, they paid $965 million to become the first North \nAmerican natives to purchase a major corporation, the Hard Rock International empire, now \nconsisting of 240 restaurants, hotels and casinos in 69 countries. Meanwhile, they continued \nto bring visitors into their natural habitat via the interpretive Ah-Tak-Thi-Ki museum on their \nBig Cypress reservation about 60 miles west of Fort Lauderdale. \nThe money for their Hard Rock purchase resulted from fighting and winning court cases to \nestablish gaming rights within their homeland \u2013 thus paving the way for many other native \ngroups across the USA to do the same. The story is even more remarkable when you consider \nthat the nation was reduced to only 200 members after the majority of their residents were \nforcibly relocated by the iniquitous 1830 Indian Removal Act into \u2018Indian Territory\u2019, now the \nstate of Oklahoma. \nI later travelled to Oklahoma to learn about other native nations also relocated via the \n\u2018Trail of Tears\u2019. Among them are the Chickasaws, whose south-eastern homeland included \nMississippi \u2013 a statue of their legendary Chief Piomingo is found in Tupelo, best known as \nElvis Presley\u2019s birthplace and soon to be home to a Chickasaw Museum. Now, the Chickasaw \nNation encompasses 13 counties in south-central Oklahoma. Within its boundaries are \ncasinos, golf courses, live-music venues, waterfall-fed swimming pools, ziplining and \nhorseback-riding facilities and, in Sulphur, the Chickasaw Cultural Center. While there I saw \na fascinating film about tribal member Pearl Carter Scott who became the youngest licensed \naviatrix in American history. \nNext on their agenda is the 2025 opening of a $400 million OKANA resort close to \nOklahoma City, where the nearby First Americans Museum, opened in 2021, focuses on the 39 \nAmerican Indian tribes headquartered in Oklahoma \u2013 more than any other state (members of \nanother 28 tribes also live in the state). \nBased in nearly 11,000 square miles in south-eastern Oklahoma, the Choctaws are also \nthriving \u2013 they employ around 10,000 people in their seven casinos, resorts and other \nbusinesses. Meanwhile, back in one of their original homelands, Choctaw, Mississippi, the \nlocal Choctaw band\u2019s Pearl River Resort encompasses three casino hotels, an inn, and a water \npark and its native-owned Dancing Rabbit golf courses are award-winning. \nEXPLORING THE EVERGLADES WITH THE SEMINOLES \nA stomp dance at Oklahoma's Chickasaw Cultural Center \nZiplining in an Oklahoma Chickasaw resort \nPerformers at South Dakota's \nCrazy Horse Memorial \nThe Seminole's Guitar Hard Rock \nHotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida \nessentiallyamerica.co.uk \n17","But perhaps most remarkable are the \nCherokees, based in Tahlequah, about \nan hour\u2019s drive south-east of Tulsa, \nOklahoma. Not only do they vie with the \nNavajos as America\u2019s largest native nation, \nnumbering 460,000 members there, in part \nof its native homeland, Cherokee, North \nCarolina, and elsewhere, but their nation \nencompasses such sites as the Cherokee \nCapitol, a jail, a heritage centre and a \nhistoric native village (the former two now \nclosed for reinterpretation). It\u2019s also home \nto Northeastern State University, which, \nevolving from an earlier female college, is \nfronted by a statue of legendary Sequoyah, \nthe first indigenous American to develop a \nwritten language for his people. \nThe Cherokees are also known for North \nCarolina's history-focused outdoor drama \nUnto These Hills \n as well as for the numerous \npopular musical groups emerging from \nits younger members and for its political \nactivism. The current Principal Cherokee \nChief, Chuck Hoskin Jr, continues to remind \nthe US Congress that, under the terms \nof the 1835 Treaty of New Echota, the US \ngovernment promised the Cherokees a seat \nin Congress \u2026 and Kimberly Teehee, a former \nNative American advisor to President Obama, \nhas been selected by the Cherokees to \ntake up the role. \nTHE MULTI-FACETTED \nCHEROKEE NATION \nNOT ONLY DO THEY VIE WITH THE \nNAVAJOS AS AMERICA\u2019S LARGEST \nNATIVE NATION, NUMBERING 460,000 \nMEMBERS THERE, IN PART OF ITS \nNATIVE HOMELAND, CHEROKEE, NORTH \nCAROLINA, AND ELSEWHERE, BUT THEIR \nNATION ENCOMPASSES SUCH SITES \nAS THE CHEROKEE CAPITOL, A JAIL, \nA HERITAGE CENTRE AND A HISTORIC \nNATIVE VILLAGE (THE FORMER TWO NOW \nCLOSED FOR REINTERPRETATION). \nStatue of Sequoyah at the Cherokee's Northeastern State University \nMedicine Horse, a Cherokee band from Tulsa, Oklahoma \nPrincipal Cherokee Chief Hoskin \nand Kimberley Teehee \n18 \nessentiallyamerica.co.uk","If you visit the Claremore, Oklahoma, home of famous early-20th-century \u2018Cherokee \nCowboy\u2019 actor and entertainer Will Rogers, you may be reminded of his famous quip: \u201cMy \nancestors didn\u2019t come over on the Mayflower, but we met the boat\u201d \u2026 and that might tempt \nyou to visit those descendants of the native Wampanoag who, in effect, did meet the boat \nwhen the Pilgrims landed in Massachusetts in 1620. Their heritage is honoured in the \nPlimoth Patuxet Museum just outside Plymouth, and there are other indigenous associations \nthroughout the five New England states. \nThe Foxwoods Resort Casino complex located in Ledyard, Connecticut, and owned by the \nMashantucket Pequot Tribe has seven world-class casinos as well as one of celebrity chef \nGordon Ramsay\u2019s Hell\u2019s Kitchens, and there\u2019s also a nearby tribal museum; Maine\u2019s Wabanaki \ntell their story in Bar Harbor\u2019s Smithsonian-affiliated Abbe Museum; the Ethan Allen Museum \nin Burlington, Vermont includes a reconstructed Abenaki native village; and, if you visit the \nSly Fox Den Too restaurant in Charlestown, Rhode Island, you can indulges in a native-inspired \nmeal created by Sherry Pocknett, who was, in 2023, named the first indigenous woman to win \nan \u2018Oscar of the Food World\u2019, a James Beard Award as Best Chef: Northeast. \nOr you can visit the Mattaponi and Pamunkey tribes who have inhabited coastal north- \neastern Virginia for up to 15,000 years. Their ancestors interacted with the English settlers \nwho settled in Jamestown in 1607 and were members of the Powhatan Confederacy whose \npowerful namesake chief was the father of Pocahontas. And she, in turn, became the native \nface of the New World to England when, in 1617, she visited the Court of King James I with her \ntobacco farmer husband, John Rolfe. \nA statue of Pocahontas stands now in Historic Jamestowne; on the grounds of the nearby \nJamestown Settlement living history museum is a recreated native town tended by both \nindigenous and non-native staff; and among the statues of prominent Virginia women in \nRichmond\u2019s State Capitol grounds is one of Pocahontas\u2019 great niece, Cockacoeske, the 17th- \ncentury esteemed chief of the Pamukeys. \nNEW ENGLAND\u2019S AND VIRGINIA\u2019S NATIVE HERITAGE \nVISIT THE MATTAPONI AND PAMUNKEY \nTRIBES WHO HAVE INHABITED COASTAL \nNORTH-EASTERN VIRGINIA FOR UP \nTO 15,000 YEARS. THEIR ANCESTORS \nINTERACTED WITH THE ENGLISH \nSETTLERS WHO SETTLED IN JAMESTOWN \nIN 1607 AND WERE MEMBERS OF THE \nPOWHATAN CONFEDERACY WHOSE \nPOWERFUL NAMESAKE CHIEF WAS THE \nFATHER OF POCAHONTAS. \nNative American re-enactor at Jamestown Settlement, Virginia \nChef Sherry Pocknett \nTending her ancestral lands \nin the Plimoth Patuxet museum \nessentiallyamerica.co.uk \n19","Speaking of influential native women, \nlet\u2019s hear it for Sacajawea, who helped famed \nexplorers Meriwether Lewis and William \nClark successfully complete their historic \n1804-1806 journey of discovery from the \nMissouri river to the Pacific coast. You can \nfind an interpretive centre and a statue of \nher, infant son Jean Baptiste cradled in her \narms, in Salmon, Idaho, the homeland of her \nAgaidika-Shoshone-Bannock people. And you \ncan encounter her again where she first met \nthe explorers, in the Mandan, Hidatsa and \nArikara Nation villages on Lake Sakakawea, \nnorth-west of Bismarck, North Dakota. \nJust south of Rapid City, South Dakota, \nThunderhead Mountain is crowned by a \nmassive sculpture \u2013 of Oglala-Lakota warrior \nCrazy Horse. It was commissioned by Chief \nHenry Standing Bear who, after viewing the \ngiant US presidential heads on nearby Mount \nRushmore, said: \u201cMy fellow chiefs and I would \nlike the white man to know that the red man \nhas great heroes too.\u201d The work begun in \n1948 by the late Polish-American sculptor \nKorczak Ziolkowski has been continued since \nby his family. If and when it is completed, it \nwill be America\u2019s second tallest sculpture \nafter the Statue of Liberty. \nThe surrounding Great American West \nstates are also full of Native American \nattractions, including north-eastern \nWyoming\u2019s spectacular Devil\u2019s Tower \u2013 \nsacred to the indigenous people and \nthe place where the aliens landed in the \nmemorable 1977 film \nClose Encounters of the \nThird Kind \n \u2013 and south-eastern Montana\u2019s \nLittle Bighorn Battlefield where, in June, \n1876, native warriors including Crazy Horse \nand Sitting Bull dramatically defeated the \nUS 7th Calvary led by Lt General George \nArmstrong Custer. The Blackfeet Reservation \non the edge of northern Montana\u2019s Glacier \nNational Park stages an annual July Indian \nDays Powwow and, to the far south-east, the \nsummer\u2019s-end native Crow Fair transforms \nthe sleepy town of Crow Agency into the \u2018Tipi \nCapital of the World\u2019. \nIn the Great Lakes region, Central Ohio is known for its massive, 2,000-year-old native \nceremonial mounds. The accurately-named Serpent Mound 45 minutes outside the state \ncapital, Columbus, is the world\u2019s largest animal effigy mound, and the Hopewell earthworks \nnear Chillicothe have been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, joining south- \nwestern Illinois\u2019s Cahokia Mounds State Historic Park in that category. \nIn Michigan, Mackinac Island encourages tourists to visit the Native History Museum \nin Biddle House, where 1830s co-owner Agatha Biddle was a successful Anisnaabek tribal \nbusinesswoman, and Traverse City promotes cruises on the tall ship \nManitoa \n featuring \nChippewa storyteller Tera John. Thanks to its thriving casinos, the small Mdewakanaton \nSioux tribe close to Minneapolis and St Paul, Minnesota, is America\u2019s richest, with an annual \nincome of $2.7 million, and in Bayfield, Wisconsin, Curtis and Linda Basina, both Chippewa, \nare running Copper Crow, America\u2019s first native-owned distillery. \nSACAJAWEA AND THE \nGREAT AMERICAN WEST \nTHE GREAT LAKES \u2013 MAJESTIC MOUNDS AND MORE \nKILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON \nWere you intrigued by the non- \nfiction book and critically acclaimed \nrecent film The Killers of the Flower \nMoon? Then consider visiting the \nnortheastern Oklahoma domain of \nthe native Osage Nation, particularly \ntheir capital, Pawhuska, transformed \nin the film to resemble nearby \nFairfax, a 1920s oil boomtown \nwhere unscrupulous World War I \nveteran Leonardo DiCaprio meets \nand courts his future Osage oil \nheiress wife (portrayed by native \nactress Lily Gladstone) and where \nhis treacherous uncle, portrayed by \nRobert De Niro, positions himself as a \ngreat benefactor of the Osage people \nwhile secretly plotting their murder \nin order to obtain their oil rights. \nPawhuska\u2019s Osage Nation Museum, \nfounded in 1938 and America\u2019s oldest \ntribal museum, and its native-owned \nBig Rain Gallery are particularly \nworth a visit as are nearby Fairfax\u2019s \nmore recently opened Osage \nmuseum, Water Bird Gallery and the \nhistoric Tall Chief Theater, housing \nfilm exhibitions and founded by the \nOsage father of America\u2019s first true \nprima ballerinas, the 1940s sisters \nMaria and Majorie Tallchief. There \nalso are native-run casinos and \nhotels, the most recent in nearby \nBartlesvillle. \nSacajawea and baby son \nin Salmon, Idaho \nAn indigenous musician in \nOn-A-Slant Village, North Dakota \nDevil's Tower, Wyoming \nCurtis and Linda Basina, both Chippewa, \nin the Copper Crow Distillery \n20 \nessentiallyamerica.co.uk","No state has more of a Native American profile than Arizona, with one-quarter of its land \nwithin the boundaries of 22 federally-recognised nations. Among them are the Navajos, whose \nmore than 27,000-square-mile territory extending into New Mexico and Utah is the country's \nlargest and one of its most prosperous tribal territories, obtaining its wealth from gas, oil, \ncoal, casinos and tourism. You can take Navajo-guided jeep and horseback rides through \u2013 \nand overnight in \u2013 spectacular, film-set Monument Valley (where the View Hotel's Trading Post \nsells such outstanding native creations as woven rugs and silver and turquoise jewellery), \nhike and camp in the Canyon de Chelly, and take stunning photos in vivid Antelope Canyon. \nWhen I visited the Navajo Nation capital, Window Rock, several years ago I chatted with \ntribal leaders in the octagonal capitol building and briefly met an elderly Code Talker whose \nNavajo language messages defied Japanese code breakers and thus helped America and the \nAllies win World War I. Then I headed for the Hopi villages perched high on hilltop mesas in \nthe centre of Navajo lands. There, a local guide explained their religion, including the Katsina \nspirits which inspire the creation of the highly-collectible wooden Katsina dolls. \nI was also taken to a small museum where a bulletin board display included a clipping \nproclaiming that the Hopis had successfully taken Marvel Comics to court for defaming their \nreligion by depicting the colourful Clown Katsina as a villain. And, as I left the area, I couldn't \nresist purchasing a T-shirt labelled: \u201cDon\u2019t Worry \u2013 Be Hopi!\u201d \nOutside Tucson \u2013 known for its indigenous-inspired cuisine and arts and crafts stores \u2013 \nis the ancient Tohono O\u2019odham Nation where the desert farmers practice creative water \ntechniques well-suited to our era of global warming and income is derived from the Desert \nDiamond Casinos. \nSouth of Phoenix, home to the Heard Museum, a treasure house of traditional and \ncontemporary arts and crafts, the Gila River Indian Community is home to both the Akimel \nO\u2019otham (Pima) and Pee Posh (Maricopa) people and to the Wildhorse Pass and other resorts \nthat encompass spas, casinos, horseback riding, golf and more. And, on the eastern border \nwith New Mexico, the White Mountain Apache Reservation offers skiing on peaks up to 11,000 \nfeet, superb trout fishing, elk hunting, casinos and more. \nARIZONA, HOME OF THE NAVAJOS, HOPIS \nAND APACHES \nTAKE NAVAJO-GUIDED JEEP AND \nHORSEBACK RIDES THROUGH \u2013 AND \nOVERNIGHT IN \u2013 SPECTACULAR, FILM-SET \nMONUMENT VALLEY, HIKE AND CAMP \nIN THE CANYON DE CHELLY, AND TAKE \nSTUNNING PHOTOS IN VIVID ANTELOPE \nCANYON. \nNavajo rug weaver \nSculpture at the base of the Acoma pueblo \nNavajo led horseback tour, Monument Valley \nA native sculptor in Santa Fe \nessentiallyamerica.co.uk \n21","Hit the open road to discover the history, culture and \nnatural beauty of south-central Oklahoma. \nchickasawcountry.com \nTAKE TIME \nto Explore \nto Explore \nNew Mexico is particularly known for \nits picturesque pueblos, or native villages. \nUsing Albuquerque\u2019s Indian Pueblo Cultural \nCenter as a base, you can visit 19 of them, \nbeginning to the south at mesa-top Acoma \nand ending to the north at attraction- \nfilled Taos, two of America\u2019s longest \noccupied communities. Along the way \nare communities producing outstanding \npottery, encompassing casinos and, in the \ncase of the Tesuque Pueblo, encompassing \nCamel Rock Studios, the first native-run \none. Among its productions is the \nDark \nWinds \n TV series starring two Native \nAmerican actors as Navajo detectives. \nAlso unmissable is Santa Fe, where \nindigenous crafters sell their wares at \nthe base of the Governor\u2019s Palace, the \noldest continuously-occupied government \nbuilding in the USA, and where the world\u2019s \nlargest juried native craft show has been \nheld for more than 100 years. \nThe Pacific Coast states are also rich \nin Native American heritage. For instance, \nmore than 631,016 American Indian and \nAlaska Native people now live in California, \nmaking it the state with the largest such \npopulation. Among them are the 163,464 \nAmerican Indian and Alaska Native people \nliving in Los Angeles, making it the US city \nwith the largest indigenous population. \nThe Greater Palm Springs cluster \nof cities, built around the hot springs \nenjoyed by the Aqua Caliente Indians for \nNEW MEXICO AND THE PACIFIC WEST COAST \ncenturies, offer an interesting co-existent \nculture of native and non-native people. The \nlatest attraction of Palm Springs itself is \nthe opulent 5.8 acre Agua Caliente Cultural \nPlaza, which includes a luxurious spa, \nshopping and a museum scheduled to open \nin November 2023. \n Also notable among the state\u2019s \nindigenous attractions is the Paskenta \n(Obsidian) Distillery at the Rolling Hills \nCasino, set in the shadow of Mount Shasta in \nthe state\u2019s north-west corner and owned by \nthe Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians. \nNot only is that state home to 29 federally- \nrecognised tribes but Seattle is the only \nmajor American city named after a native \nchief (Seathl), leader of the Suquamish and \nDuwamish people. You can find his grave \nand the Suquamish Museum on the Kitnap \nPeninsula west of Seattle. And in Oregon \nthere are nine tribal groups including \ndescendents of the Chinook who interacted \nwith the Lewis and Clark expedition. \nAlaska\u2019s rich indigenous heritage is most \neasily experienced by visiting Anchorage\u2019s \nAlaska Native Heritage Center, which \nincludes on its grounds six quite-different \nnative dwellings staffed by interpreters. And \ndon\u2019t forget the National Museum of the \nAmerican Indian in Washington, DC \u2013 when \nvisiting, make sure to sample native foods \nfrom five different areas of the country in \nthe museum\u2019s Mitsitam Native Foods Caf\u00e9, \nvoted the \u2018Best Caf\u00e9 in DC\u2019. \nNative Alaskans \nPalm Springs' Aqua Caliente spa pool \n22 \nessentiallyamerica.co.uk","Chicksaw Cultural Center, Sulphur \nKiowa artist, Carnegie \nFirst Americans Museum, Oklahoma City \nONE STATE \u2013 MANY NATIONS \nSPECIAL FEATURE \nOKLAHOMA \nO \nKLAHOMA IS INDIAN COUNTRY \n. \n For \nup to three centuries the \nhome to 67 \nAmerican Indian tribes and the national \ncapital of 39 sovereign Native American \nnations \n \u2013 more than any other US state \u2013 the \nstate whose name comes from the Choctaw \nlanguage phrase oklah, \u201cpeople, nation\u201d + \nomma \u201cred\u201d has offered a unique insight \ninto the history, culture and traditions of \nFirst Americans. \nYou can start an exploration into \ntheir fascinating and unique history and \nculture at \nOklahoma City\u2019s impressive \nFirst Americans Museum (FAM) \n. Not only \ndoes it feature stunning architecture and \ninteresting museum exhibits but it\u2019s also a \ncultural centre offering first-person family \nhistories, delicious indigenous food and \nbeautifully skilled crafts. \nFor more communication with individual \nnative nations, you can then visit other \nCultural Centers operated around the state \nby the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Cherokee, \nComanche and Osage tribes \n. Narrating the \nstory of each of these indigenous groups, \nthey also offer workshops, demonstrations \nand events enabling visitors to learn more \nabout each group\u2019s native skills, rituals, \ntraditional dances, and the very skilled \nstickball game still practiced in Oklahoma by \nthe Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations, while \nthe modern version, Lacrosse, has become \npopular all over the US and Canada. \nPowwows, a pivotal point in some tribal \ncalendars \n, are another good way for visitors \nto learn more about native cultures. Partly \ntraditional family and inter-tribal meetings \nand partly prize-giving dance, drum and \ncraft competitions, the annual events held \nthroughout Oklahoma are a symbol of these \nnative people\u2019s traditions, spirituality and \npride. Stand-outs among them include \nOklahoma City\u2019s June Red Earth Native \nAmerican Cultural Festival, Ponca City\u2019s \nSeptember Standing Bear Powwow, and \nDurant\u2019s November Choctaw Casino Resort \nPowwow \n (kicking off Native American \nHeritage month). \nSurrounding the dance arena there is \nalways a colourful array of booths from \nwhich vendors offer splendid native- \nmade crafts, artwork, and such delicious \ntraditional food as Indian Tacos. For other \nindigenous culinary experiences check out \nFAM\u2019s \nThirty Nine Restaurant \nin Oklahoma \nCity, \nThe Champuli Caf\u00e9 \ninside the Choctaw \nCultural Center in Calera, and the \nAaimpa\u2019 \nCaf\u00e9 \n inside the Chickasaw Cultural Center \nin Sulphur, as well as the annual \nNational \nIndian Taco Festival \n held each October in \nPawhuska northwest of Tulsa. Even beer has \nbecome a \u201ctribal affair\u201d at Oklahoma City\u2019s \nSkydance Brewing Co \n, the first native- \nowned brewery in Oklahoma. \nFor more information visit \nTravelOK.com \nessentiallyamerica.co.uk \n23","CRUISE & STAY \nIN THE USA \nBY LYNN HOUGHTON \nFLORIDA \u2013 EAST COAST \nNOT ONLY IS THE USA A GREAT CRUISING BASE FOR DESTINATIONS RANGING FROM THE CARIBBEAN TO CANADA, ALASKA TO \nBERMUDA AND MEXICO TO HAWAII, BUT ITS CRUISE PORTS TEMPT YOU TO LINGER, LEARN AND LUXURIATE BEFORE YOU GET \nON BOARD OR AFTER YOU RETURN. \nPrior to sailing off to the delights of coastal Alaska, why not zip up Seattle\u2019s Space Needle \nor enjoy a few hours in the buzzy waterfront Pike Place Market? And it would be a shame to jump on or off a Caribbean cruise \nfrom Florida\u2019s Port Everglades without taking an airboat tour through the nearby Everglades National Park. Here are more \nsuggestions for some excellent Cruise & Stay holidays in the USA: \nPort Canaveral \n \u2013 Located south of \nNASA\u2019s John F Kennedy Space Center and \neast of the popular Orlando theme parks, \nPort Canaveral has reputedly now unseated \nMiami as the world\u2019s busiest cruise port. Now \nhome to six cruise lines \u2013 Carnival, Disney, \nRoyal Caribbean International, Norwegian, \nMSC Cruises, and the latest, TUI\u2019s Marella \nDiscovery \u2013 it will add Princess and Celebrity \nCruises in 2024. On offer: itineraries to the \nCaribbean islands and eastern Mexico. \nNot only is the port easy to access from \ninternational flights \u2013 it is just one hour east \nof Orlando International Airport and about \nthree hours north of Miami International \nAirport \u2013 but there also is much to explore \nin the area. Take a tour of the fascinating \nKennedy Space Center, buy a $15 daily \npass to Jetty Park, which offers surfing \nand bike riding as well as views of space \nlaunches from its fishing pier, or kayak \nthrough bioluminescent lagoons where \nlight emanates from living organism. Then \ncheck out the city of Cape Canaveral which \noffers a wide range of restaurants, bars, and \nlive music venues. \nNASA Space Center near Port Canaveral \n24 \nessentiallyamerica.co.uk","Port Miami \n \u2013 Located on Biscayne Bay just east of downtown Miami and a 20-minute ride \nfrom Miami International Airport, vibrant PortMiami is home to ten terminals and 20 cruise \nlines. Added to them in 2024 will be Royal Caribbean\u2019s Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship \never built. Cruise lines include Virgin Voyages, P&O, Celebrity, Carnival, Oceania, Regent Seven \nSeas, and Azamara serving such destinations as the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Panama \nCanal, California, Costa Rica, Columbia, Peru and even Barcelona and Canada. \nThe city of Miami reinforced itself on the international style map when the hip Miami Vice \nTV show was filmed there in the 1980s. These days, it is probably best-known for its varied and \nexciting cultural scene, the profound influence of Latin countries and cultures and the pastel \ncolours and stunning art deco architecture of South Beach. . \nPort Everglades \n \u2013 Only minutes from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, \nthis is the newly-refurbished Terminal 4 home-port for Disney Cruise Lines. The other cruise \nlines serving the port are Crystal, Royal Caribbean, Azamara, Celebrity, Silversea and Princess, \nplus the Bale\u00e0ria Caribbean ferry, which sails to Grand Bahama Island. Newly-rebranded \nluxury line Crystal recently announced that its Crystal Serenity will home-port from Port \nEverglades in November 2024. \nFor pre- and post-cruise stays, the port is ideal as it\u2019s a short drive to world-famous \nbeaches, restaurants, craft breweries, shopping and, most importantly \u2013 and only a \n20-minute taxi ride away \u2013 the vast Everglades National Park offering thrilling airboat rides \npast alligators and other swamp creatures. \nPort Everglades \nMiami skyline \nAlligator watching \nin the Everglades \n The MSC Meravigla at Ocean Cay \nessentiallyamerica.co.uk \n25","Port Tampa Bay \n \u2013 Centrally located in \nthe channel side district of its bay side \nnamesake west Florida City, this port is only \na 15-minute drive from Tampa International \nAirport, with its twice daily flights to the UK. \nFrom there, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, \nCelebrity, and Carnival Cruise lines offer four- \nto 14-day itineraries to Cuba, the Caribbean \nand South and Central America. \nUpon arrival, beach lovers may want to \nhead straight for the white sand beaches of \nClearwater, only a 30-minute taxi transfer \nfrom the airport and 45 minutes from Port \nTampa Bay. Or they might prefer to head \nnorth about an equal distance to Busch \nGardens, renowned for its fascinating \nAfrican animal-focused Serengeti Safari \nPark. Downtown\u2019s 2.6-mile, attraction-lined \nRiverwalk, also easily accessible from the \nport, is linked via free streetcar transport to \nthe city\u2019s diverse cultural and foodie scene \nand other attractions include the colourful \nCuban neighbourhood of Ybor City. \nGalveston Port, Texas \n \u2013 Set on a Gulf \nof Mexico island an hour-and-a-half south \nof Houston\u2019s George Bush Intercontinental \nAirport, this port encompasses three cruise \nterminals, the third opening in November \n2022 as Royal Caribbean International\u2019s \nstate-of-the-art Terminal 10. This is also a \nhome-port for Carnival, Disney, Norwegian \nand Princess lines, offering cruises to \nCaribbean and Mexican destinations. \nGalveston Island has been a major \ntourist destination for decades, with its \nmiles of beaches, surfing, kitesurfing, \nbody boarding, bird watching, and a \npier lined with attractions. There\u2019s also \na historic downtown with blocks of fine \ndining and casual restaurants, shops, art \ngalleries and Victorian-era architecture. \nMany international visitors also like to \ninclude a visit to Houston\u2019s NASA Johnson \nSpace Center, which is located a half an \nhour from the port. \nGULF COAST \nOverlooking Galveston's lively pier \nTrolley stop in historic Galveston \nThe Carnival Breeze at Galveston Port \n26 \nessentiallyamerica.co.uk","Boston\u2019s Flynn Cruiseport \n, located \nin the south side of the city and only a \n15- minute drive from Logan International \nAirport, has certainly rebounded since the \npandemic, according to Massport Director \nJoseph Morris. \u201cWe are thrilled to see that \nthe demand for cruising continues to be \nstrong as we work to support the recovery \nof travel and tourism in New England,\u201d \nhe said, adding that Cruiseport\u2019s single \nterminal was refurbished in 2010 to double \npassenger capacity. \nCruise lines that home-port there include \nHolland America, Royal Caribbean, NCL, \nOceania, Princess and Celebrity Cruises, \nvisiting such destinations as Bermuda, the \nCaribbean, Canada and New England, as \nwell as Iceland, Greenland and Scandinavia. \nThe port has also recently welcomed its \nfirst hybrid battery-supported vessel, \nHurtigruten\u2019s \nMS Roald Amundsen \n. And \nthe port is within easy reach of such major \nattractions as Faneuil Hall, the Freedom Trail, \nthe New England Aquarium, Old State House \nand the Boston Public Gardens. \nThe \nManhattan Cruise Terminal \n, based \non the Hudson River\u2019s Piers 88 and 90, \nbenefitted from New York City\u2019s 2004 \ndecision to invest $200 million in ensuring \nthat its terminals could serve the world\u2019s \nlargest ships. Norwegian is the only all-year- \nround home-ported vessel, but the cruise \nterminal is also used seasonally by Carnival, \nCunard, Disney, Holland America and both \nPrincess and Crystal Cruises, serving such \ndestinations as Bermuda, Puerto Rico \nand the Caribbean. \nLinked to Europe and other destinations \nby two international airports, John F Kennedy \nto the east and Newark Liberty to the west, \nthe city\u2019s terminals are a few blocks from \nsuch attractions as the Lincoln Center \nSAMPLE CRUISE ITINERARIES \n\u2022 \nPort Canaveral to Bahamas and Ocean Cay \n \u2013 Departing on November 5, 2024, and, from just \u00a3399 per person (cruise only), \nMSC\u2019s \nSeaside \n sets sail for four nights with ports of call including Nassau, Bahamas and Ocean Cay\u2019s MSC Marine Reserve. \n\u2022 \nMiami into the Southern Caribbean \n \u2013 14 days on Holland America\u2019s \nZaandam \n departing on February 3, 2024, includes Florida\u2019s \nKey West, the Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, St Thomas, Cayman Island, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, and Half Moon Cay. From \u00a32,119 \nper person exclusive of flights. \n\u2022 \nFort Lauderdale to Puerto Rico and elsewhere in the Caribbean \n \u2013 11 days on Crystal Cruises\u2019 \nCrystal Serenity \n departing on \nDecember 18, 2024, includes St Kitts, Marigot Bay, St Lucia and Dominica. From \u00a33,900 per person, flights and excursions extra. \n\u2022 \nGalveston to Eastern Mexico \n \u2013 5 days on Carnival Cruises\u2019 \nCarnival Breeze \ndeparting August 26, 2024, visits the island of \nCozumel and Progresso on the Yucatan peninsula. From \u00a3401 per person. \n\u2022 \nSeattle to Alaska\u2019s Inside Passage \n \u2013 7 nights on Princess Cruises\u2019 \nDiscovery Princess \n departing May 11, 2024, with ports of call \nat Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. From \u00a3799 per person. \n\u2022 \nBoston to Canada \n \u2013 11 nights from September 2, 2024, include the return flights from the UK, a stay in Boston and the following \nNorwegian Cruise Lines\u2019 \nNorwegian Jade \n Canadian destinations: Halifax, Sydney on Cape Breton Island and Charlottetown on \nPrince Edward Island. From \u00a31,999 per person, including flights from the UK. \nperforming arts hub and The Top of the \nRock (the top three stories of Rockefeller \nCenter with 360 degree views of Manhattan). \nCentral Park is only a 20-minue walk away \nand, throbbing with life, theatre-surrounded \nTimes Square is another must-visit. \nThe \nBrooklyn Terminal \n, at 210 Clinton \nWharf in Brooklyn\u2019s Red Hook district, is \nnot only the USA home of the transatlantic \nCunard Ocean Liner \nQueen Mary 2 \n but \nMSC offers Western Caribbean cruises as \nwell as sailing to Iceland, Greenland and \nAustralia, while Princess Cruises has cruises \nto New England and Canada in August, \nSeptember and October. \nThose lingering in the borough will \ndiscover that Brooklyn Heights provides \nspectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, \nwhile its attractions include Prospect Park, \nthe Brooklyn Museum, and the Brooklyn \nBotanic Gardens. And as you sail back across \nthe Atlantic you will get fabulous views of \nthe city skyline, the Verrazano Bridge and the \nStatue of Liberty. \nNORTHEAST COAST \nStatue of Liberty, New York City \nBoston State House \nBrooklyn brownstones \nessentiallyamerica.co.uk \n27","TIME AND \nSPACE \nREMIND \nUS WE\u2019RE \nALL JUST \nTRAVELERS HERE.","Save time to explore \n Washington State \nportseattle.org \nseattlecruisealaska.co.uk \nThe Gateway to Alaska \nDiscover \nC \nM \nY \nCM \nMY \nCY \nCMY \nK \nai16645621707_PortSea_Tourism_HalfPg_EA2022_Print.pdf 1 9\/30\/22 11:22 AM \nA MODERN, VIBRANT CITY \nSURROUNDED BY UNPARALLELED \nNATURAL BEAUTY. \nvisitseattle.org","The Los Angeles World Cruise Center \nis based in the city\u2019s San Pedro area, which \nis within a half-hour drive of Los Angeles \nInternational Airport. It is home-port to \nNorwegian, Royal Caribbean International, \nPrincess and Celebrity Cruises, and offers \nthree-, four- and seven-day trips to Mexico, \nincluding Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas and \nPuerto Vallarta as well as to San Francisco \nand the Panama Canal. \nWith its celebrity cachet and recent \nstar-studded centenaries for the erection \nof the HOLLYWOOD sign, the birth of the \nWalt Disney Company and the opening of \nthe Warner Bros Studios, Los Angeles is a \nsuperlative place to begin and end a cruise. \nThere are also many attractions around the \nport, among them the 45 shops and more \nin the Crafted at the Port of LA centre, the \nCabrillo Marine Aquarium and helicopter \nflights and boat trips to historic and scenic \nCatalina Island. \nSan Francisco\u2019s James R Herman Cruise \nTerminal at Pier 27 \nand also \nPier 35 on The \nEmbarcadero \n are home-ports for Princess \nand Carnival cruises and are also served by \nsuch lines as Celebrity, Norwegian, Holland \nAmerica, Oceania, MSC Cruises, Viking, Royal \nCaribbean and Scenic, who offer trips to \nAlaska, Hawaii and, via the Panama Canal, \nthe Caribbean and Mexican Riviera. \nSan Francisco International Airport is \nabout a 25-minute drive via taxi or BART (Bay \nArea Rapid Transport) and the \u2018City by the \nBay\u2019s\u2019 waterfront attractions also include \nFisherman\u2019s Wharf, which offers excursions \nto the former prison island of Alcatraz, \nnow a National Park; attraction-lined Pier \n39, famous for its nearby sea lion colony, \nand the 125-year-old Ferry Building, which \nserves as both a transit hub for ferries and \nsea-going vessels and a food market. And \nthat, of course, is not to forget visits to the \nfamous Golden Gate Bridge, a cable car ride \nand perhaps a guided bus tour of the city\u2019s \nnumerous iconic film sites. \nSeattle\u2019s Bell Street Pier Cruise \nTerminal \n(Pier 66) and \nSmith Cove Cruise \nTerminal \n (Pier 91) are home-ports for such \nmajor cruise lines as Carnival, Holland \nAmerica, Princess, Celebrity Cruises and \nRoyal Caribbean International. Alaska is their \nkey destination but they also serve Asia, \nHawaii, the Panama Canal, Central America \nand the South Pacific. Seattle-Tacoma \nInternational Airport, a 25-minute drive \nfrom the port, is accessible via the city\u2019s \nlight-rail service. \nPier 66, on Seattle\u2019s colourful downtown \nwaterfront, is close to the landmark nine- \nacre Pike Place Market, which is considered \nto be the soul of the city and encompasses \nthe original Starbucks. America\u2019s oldest \ncontinuously-operated farmers\u2019 market \n(particularly famous for its fish stalls), it \nis full of restaurants specialising in local \ncuisine and artisan crafts stalls. And the \nlandmark Space Needle and surrounding \ntourist attractions are only a ten- \nminute walk away. \nThe Port of San Diego \n\u2019s two cruise \nship terminals are located on San Diego \nBay\u2019s Embarcadero, a two-mile stretch of \ndowntown waterfront only ten minutes from \nthe city\u2019s international airport. There are two \nhome-port cruise lines. Disney Cruise Line \noffers Pacific Coast and Mexican Riviera \ncruises and Holland America\u2019s itineraries \ninclude the Pacific Coast of California \nand, farther afield, Mexico and the Sea of \nCortez, Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand and the \nMarquesas Islands in French Polynesia. \nLocated only a 20-minute drive from the \nMexican border, it\u2019s no surprise that San \nDiego has long been influenced by Hispanic \nculture. Hop on the Old Town Trolley Tour to \nthe nearby Mexican-influenced Old Town, \nand explore the modern city around the \nport area where the US Naval fleet is based \nand where you can visit the \nUSS Midway \n, a \ndecommissioned aircraft carrier, docked \nat Navy Pier on the Embarcadero. Also \nnear the cruise terminal, the ever-popular \n14-acre bayfront Seaport Village is full \nof themed shops. \nWEST COAST \nSeattle skyline with Holland America's Eurodam cruise ship \nSan Francisco, California \nSan Diego, California \n30 \nessentiallyamerica.co.uk","1 \nTHE GREAT AMERICAN WEST \nIDAHO \u2022 MONTANA \u2022 NORTH DAKOTA \u2022 SOUTH DAKOTA \u2022 WYOMING \nGREATAMERICANWEST.CO.UK \nG R E \nA T \nA M E R I \nC A N \nWE \nS T . \nC O . \nUK","Explore your perfect \nitinerary at \nVISITDENVER.com \nAND SO MUCH MORE \nDenver is a world-class city with \na wide variety of entertainment \noptions. Take in the stunning \n\ufb02ora at Denver Botanical \nGardens, get wild at the Denver \nZoo, or cheer on one of the city\u2019s \nprofessional sports franchises. \nSIP AND SAVOR IN THE \nDENVER SUN. \nWith 300 days of sunshine, Denver\u2019s \npatios are always buzzing with energy. \nEnjoy the atmosphere with a craft \ncocktail or beer at one of the city\u2019s \nmany wineries or breweries. \nRED ROCKS PARK & \nAMPITHEATRE \nDon\u2019t miss the rare beauty of Red Rocks. \nMake plans to see a concert, hike, \ndine, or learn the park\u2019s history. \nWORLD CLASS ART \n& CULTURE. \nWith world-renowned \nmuseums, the country\u2019s largest \nperforming arts complex \nunder one roof, and seven \nunique art districts, Denver \nis the arts and culture center \nof the Rocky Mountain region. \nEXPLORE A \nWALKABLE \nCITY CENTER. \nIn Denver, you\u2019ll \n\ufb01nd farm-to-table \nrestaurants, lively \nbars, local shops. \nSTAY IN THE CITY. PLAY \nIN THE MOUNTAINS. \nTake a day to explore the \nwinding paths and skyscraping \npeaks just beyond the horizon, \nand be back home in the city \nin time for dinner.","3 \nTHE GREAT AMERICAN WEST \nCONTENTS \nCOVER IMAGE: \nRedfish Lake near Stanley \u2014 Idaho Tourism Office \nIMAGES ABOVE: \n(left to right) Mesa Falls \u2014 Idaho; Gallatin River \u2014 Montana; Theodore Roosevelt National Park \u2014 North Dakota; \nSylvan Lake \u2014 South Dakota; Carbon County \u2014 Wyoming \nADDITIONAL IMAGES PROVIDED BY: \n Idaho Tourism Office, Montana Office of Tourism, North Dakota Tourism, Travel South Dakota, \nWyoming Office of Tourism, Visit Denver, pg. 17: Dakota Cyclery Mountain Bike Adventures, pg. 23: Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation, \npg. 25: @byronbanasiak, pg. 33: @the_travelclub_van_chantal, pg. 35: James Babb Photography \nEditor: \nLauren Monitz \nPublished on behalf of the Great \nAmerican West region by Phoenix \nInternational Publishing \nWebsite: \nwww.phoenixip.com \nPublisher: \n Tobias Zerr \n+1 773 816 6193 \[email protected] \nDesign: \n Jennifer Kubetz \nPhoenix International Publishing \nAdvertising Sales: \nLarry Cohen \nNortheast Media, Inc. \n+1 203 255 8800 \[email protected] \nAlthough every effort has been made to \nachieve accuracy, the publishers cannot \naccept responsibility for any mistakes or \nomissions. The publication may not be \nreproduced, stored or transmitted in any form \nor by any means without the prior permission \nof the publishers. \n\u00a9 Phoenix International Publishing 2023 \nGREAT AMERICAN WEST UK \nKBC PR & Marketing \nDelta House \n16 Bridge Road \nHaywards Heath \nWest Sussex \nRH16 1UA \n+44 1825 76 3636 \ngreatamericanwest.co.uk \nGATEWAY CITIES \n40 \nVISITOR RESOURCES \n46 \nMAP \n6 \nGO WEST! \n4 \nIDAHO \n8 \nNORTH DAKOTA \n16 \nSOUTH DAKOTA \n20 \nWYOMING \n24 \nTHE GREAT AMERICAN WEST: WHERE HISTORY IS ALIVE \n32 \nNOT-TO-MISS EVENTS \n36 \nGREAT DRIVES: STATE PARKS \n38 \nMONTANA \n12","GO \nWEST! \nN \nestled in the northern part of the USA, the Great American West is \npacked with epic vistas and stunning natural beauty. Awe-inspiring \noutdoor adventures coupled with countless cultural pursuits make \nfor a holiday full of memorable moments and endless things to do. Hike \nlegendary trails in the footsteps of world-famous explorers, encounter \nmajestic wildlife, and experience the authentic and breathtaking beauty \nof 15 national parks, monuments and memorials. \nQuirky museums and extraordinary interpretive centres provide \nopportunities to journey back in time through Old West history and \nNative American culture to embrace the unfettered pioneering spirit \nupon which America was built. A delight for the senses, it\u2019s where \nwelcoming, small-town charm and big-city amenities collide and \nwhere wide-open spaces balance an abundance of attractions. \nExplore vibrant downtowns teeming with eclectic restaurants, \nunique boutiques and character far from ordinary. \nThe Great American West is waiting to welcome you.","ROUTE OF THE HIAWATHA, IDAHO","6 \nTHE GREAT AMERICAN WEST \nREGIONAL AIRPORTS \nBoise (BOI) \nIdaho Falls (IDA) \nLewiston (LWS) \nPocatello (PIH) \nSun Valley (SUN) \nTwin Falls (TWF) \nMoscow (PUW) \nIDAHO \nAberdeen (ABR) \nHuron (HON) \nPierre (PIR) \nRapid City (RAP) \nSioux Falls (FSD) \nWatertown (ATY) \nSOUTH DAKOTA \nBillings (BIL) \nBozeman (BZN) \nButte (BTM) \nGreat Falls (GTF) \nHelena (HLN) \nKalispell (FCA) \nMissoula (MSO) \nMONTANA \nBismarck (BIS) \nDevils Lake (DVL) \nDickinson (DIK) \nFargo (FAR) \nGrand Forks (GFK) \nJamestown (JMS) \nMinot (MOT) \nWilliston (ISN) \nNORTH DAKOTA \nDenver (DEN) \nBloomington-Minneapolis- \nSt. Paul (MSP) \nSalt Lake City (SLC) \nSeattle (SEA) \nCalgary (YYC) \nGATEWAY CITIES \nDENVER \nINTERNATIONAL \nAIRPORT \nMINNEAPOLIS- \nST. PAUL INTERNATIONAL \nAIRPORT \nSALT LAKE CITY \nINTERNATIONAL \nAIRPORT \nWYOMING \nCasper (CPR) \nCheyenne (CYS) \nCody (COD) \nGillette (GIL) \nJackson Hole (JAC) \nLaramie (LAR) \nRiverton (RIW) \nRock Springs (RKS) \nSheridan (SHR) \nMONTAN \nWYOM \nIDAHO 95 \n95 \n93 \n93 \n93 \n93 \n93 \n89 \n89 \n87 \n89 \n287 \n287 \n189 \n191 \n191 \n191 \n191 \n191 \n191 \n191 \n287 \n93 \n12 \n12 \n12 \n12 \n12 \n26 \n26 \n26 \n26 \n26 \n14 \n14 \n30 \n30 \n20 \n20 \n16 \n95 \n95 \n2 \n2 \n2 \n2 \n2 \n55 \n21 \n75 \n43 \n200 \n200 \n200 \n789 \n90 \n90 \n90 \n94 \n84 \n86 \n80 \n15 \n15 \n15 \n287 \n212 \nCascade \nStanley \nChallis \nSalmon \nWeiser \nShoshone \nAmerican Falls \nMcCammon \nMalad City \nLava Hot Springs \nDubois \nDubois \nBoulder \nAshton \nMoran \nPalisades \nPreston \nMontpelier \nCarey \nHailey \nArco \nSun Valley \nPayette \nGrangeville \nCottonwood \nBonners Ferry \nLibby \nEureka \nWest Glacier \nEast \nGlacier Park \nBrowning \nShelby \nConrad \nChoteau \nSeeley Lake \nGarrison \nWolf Creek \nBig Sky \nTownsend \nHarlowtown \nBig Timber \nHardin \nJorda \nG \nMalta \nHariem \nRoundup \nGrass Range \nLewistown \nWhite Sulphur \nSprings \nAnaconda \nSuperior \nMoscow \nThompson Falls \nFt. Benton \nShoshone \nRiverton \nFarson \nKemmerer \nGreen River \nBaggs \nWorland \nGreybull \nLovell \nCaldwell \nMountain Home \nBOISE \nKetchum \nTwin Falls \nPocatello \nRexburg \nVictor \nTeton Village \nJackson \nAlpine \nPinedale \nEvanston \nRock Springs \nRaw \nWest Yellowstone \nLewiston \nSandpoint \nCoeur d\u2019Alene \nKalispell \nPolson \nWhite\ufb01sh \nButte \nHELENA \nDillon \nGardiner \nGreat Falls \nRed Lodge \nLaurel \nLivingston \nVirginia City \nBozeman \nBillings \nHavre \nHamilton \nMissoula \nRiggins \nMcCall \nIdaho \nFalls \nCody \nLander \nThermopolis \n2 \n1 \n3 \n4 \n11 \n12","7 \nTHE GREAT AMERICAN WEST \nNA \nNORTH DAKOTA \nMING \nSOUTH DAKOTA \n2 \n12 \n12 \n12 \n14 \n18 \n18 \n18 \n14 \n81 \n26 \n85 \n85 \n85 \n83 \n83 \n83 \n83 \n85 \n85 \n30 \n16 \n14 \n2 \n2 \n2 \n2 \n52 \n52 \n59 \n59 \n73 \n59 \n59 \n24 \n16 \n68 \n200 \n200 \n200 \n487 \n25 \n90 \n90 \n94 \n29 \n29 \n29 \n80 \n80 \n212 \n385 \n281 \n281 \n281 \n212 \n212 \n212 \nBroadus \nBaker \nCircle \nWolf Point \nPlentywood \nCulbertson \nSidney \nan \nMinot \nMedora \nWilliston \nWatford City \nGarrison \nWashburn \nDevils Lake \nDunseith \nCavalier \nValley City \nMayville \nGrand Forks \nWahpeton \nBowman \nBuffalo \nLemmon \nMobridge \nSelby \nGettysburg \nHighmore \nDe Smet \nBrookings \nMadison \nVolga \nIpswich \nGroton \nSisseton \nMillbank \nRed\ufb01eld \nFort Yates \nFaith \nBottineau \nGlasgow \nMedicine Bow \nTorrington \nMoorcroft \nNewcastle \nBelle \nFourche \nPhillip \nMartin \nEdgemont \nMission \nWinner \nGregory \nLake Andes \nBeresford \nMurdo \nDevils Tower \nKaycee \nUcross \nStrasburg \nRegent \nFort Ransom \nNew Town \nFaulkton \nwlins \nBuffalo \nSheridan \nGillette \nSundance \nHill City Rapid City \nDeadwood \nSturgis \nWall \nCuster \nKeystone \nKadoka \nPIERRE \nHuron \nMitchell \nCanistota \nYankton \nAberdeen \nWatertown \nSioux Falls \nChamberlain \nHot Springs \nSpear\ufb01sh \nForsyth \nMiles City \nGlendive \nDickinson \nBISMARCK \nJamestown \nFargo \nRugby \nLaramie \nCHEYENNE \nWheatland \nDouglas \nLusk \nCasper \nFort \nLaramie \n5 \n6 \n7 \n10 \n8 \n9 \nLEGEND \n1 \nGlacier National Park \n2 \nLittle Bighorn Battlefield \nNational Monument \n3 \nYellowstone National Park \n4 \nGrand Teton National Park \n5 \nBadlands National Park \n6 \nMount Rushmore National Memorial \n7 \nTheodore Roosevelt National Park \nSouth Unit \n8 \nTheodore Roosevelt National Park \nNorth Unit \n9 \nFort Union Trading Post National \nHistoric Site \n11 \nCraters of the Moon National Monument \n10 \nKnife River Indian Villages \nNational Historic Site \n12 \nSawtooth National Recreation Area \nKEY TO MAP \nCities \nState Capital \nInterstate \n90 \nState\/National \nParks \nAirport \nHighway \n26 \n55 \nSTATE FACTS \nCapital: \n Cheyenne \nPopulation: \n 576,851 \nBecame a state: \n July 10,1890 \nNicknames: \n Equality State; Cowboy State \nWYOMING \nCapital: \n Pierre \nPopulation: \n 886,667 \nBecame a state: \n November 2,1889 \nNickname: \n Mount Rushmore State \nSOUTH DAKOTA \nCapital: \n Bismarck \nPopulation: \n 779,094 \nBecame a state: \n November 2,1889 \nNicknames: \n Peace Garden State; Flickertail State; Roughrider State \nNORTH DAKOTA \nCapital: \n Helena \nPopulation: \n 1,084,225 \nBecame a state: \n November 8,1889 \nNicknames: \n Big Sky Country; Treasure State \nMONTANA \nCapital: \nBoise \nPopulation: \n1,839,106 \nBecame a state: \n July 3,1890 \nNickname: \n Gem State \nIDAHO \nMAP SCALE IN KM \n100 KM","8 \nTHE GREAT AMERICAN WEST \nIDAHO \nSMALL-TOWN CHARM: \n\u2022 \nSandpoint \u2013 Just four hours west of Glacier \nNational Park at the northern tip of Lake Pend \nOreille, Idaho\u2019s deepest lake, is a place for \nadventure seekers and wildlife lovers. Take a sunset \ncruise to spot eagles or enjoy the trails in summer \nand winter at nearby Schweitzer. \n\u2022 \nSalmon \u2013 Nestled next to the Salmon River four \nhours northwest of West Yellowstone, this small \ntown is full of history, life and good brews. After \nwalking the trails at Sacajawea Interpretive, \nCultural & Educational Center, enjoy a cold beer \nfrom one of the two local breweries. \n\u2022 \nMcCall \u2013 Tucked in the Payette National Forest on \nthe edge of Payette Lake two hours north of Boise is \nthe gateway to an outdoor mecca. Try whitewater \nrafting on the Middle Fork of the Payette River, \nbiking or golfing at Jug Mountain Ranch, or \nhorseback riding at Ya-Hoo Corrals. \nG \netting to the destination is part of the excitement. As \nyou navigate the 31 scenic byways, stop at any of the \n27 state parks, such as Harriman or Thousand Springs. \nFind history, culture and nature woven into each corner of the \nstate. Wander a ghost town like Chesterfield or the Wallace \nsilver mines, attend an annual rodeo or powwow like the Snake \nRiver Stampede or Shoshone Bannock Indian Festival, or ride \ndown river-wrapped paths like Trail of the Coeur d\u2019Alenes or the \nBoise Greenbelt. \u201cIda-home,\u201d as the locals call it, brings outdoor \nenthusiasts and city dwellers together to \u201ccheers\u201d over their \nfavourite beverage at one of the 80-plus local breweries and \n60-plus wineries. \nRIVAURA WINERY, NEAR LEWISTON \nADVENTURE LIVES HERE; WITH 115 NAMED MOUNTAIN RANGES \nAND 3,500 MILES OF RIVER AS A BACKDROP, THERE\u2019S NO SHORTAGE \nOF PLACES TO GET YOUR HEART PUMPING.","9 \nTHE GREAT AMERICAN WEST \nRELAX & UNWIND: \n\u2022 \nSoak Your Cares Away \u2013 From naturally heated geothermal pools formed alongside a flowing \nriver to fully developed retreats with resort amenities, one of Idaho\u2019s 130-plus area hot springs \nwill help soothe aching muscles after a long day of adventure. \n\u2022 \nSleep Among the Treetops \u2013 For the chance to truly get away from it all, stay in a fire lookout. \nThese memorable lodging options offer a bird\u2019s-eye view of the sunset over the mountain \nridgelines. \n\u2022 \nAdmire the Dark Skies \u2013 Marvel at the Milky Way and countless stars as the night sky unfolds \nbefore your eyes with a visit to one of the four designated International Dark Sky sites in Idaho: \nCentral Idaho\u2019s International Dark Sky Reserve; Craters of the Moon Dark Sky Park; City of \nRocks Dark Sky Park; or Ketchum, a Dark Sky Community. \nGREAT OUTDOORS: \n\u2022 \nTake on the Waves \u2013 Idaho has an abundance of whitewater rafting adventures \nfor thrill-seekers. From half- and full-day trips down the Payette and Lochsa \nRivers to multi-day excursions into the wilderness on the Salmon River, a river \ntrip should be on everyone\u2019s bucket list. \n\u2022 \nHit the Slopes \u2013 Idaho is a hidden gem for winter sports enthusiasts, with 19 ski \nareas around the state. Sun Valley is the most well-known, home to the very first \nchairlift, while others like Tamarack and Brundage near McCall have little to no \nwait times to shred the powder. \n\u2022 \nReach New Heights \u2013 Natural skyscrapers await rock climbers dreaming of \ntheir next steep slope. For great views, try the climbing routes at City of Rocks \nNational Monument or the Selkirk Mountains near Priest Lake. \nHIGHLIGHTS: \n\u2022 \nNative History \u2013 Forge a connection with the first people to \nwalk the land as you learn about Niimipuu\u2019s creation at the \nNez Perce National Historic Sites. \n\u2022 \nFishing \u2013 Cast a line out over a pristine mountain river like the \nSt. Joe or Henry\u2019s Fork, and feel the thrill of the pull as you \nbreathe in the fresh pine scents of the forests enveloping you. \n\u2022 \nJet Boating \u2013 Enjoy the rush of zipping down the river on a \njet boat as the walls of Hells Canyon tower overhead and \nmountain goats, eagles and black bears peer at you from the \nrocky slopes. \nNORTH FORK OF THE PAYETTE RIVER \nSILVER CREEK, NEAR KETCHUM \nSCHWEITZER, NEAR SANDPOINT \nGOLDBUG HOT SPRINGS \nvisitidaho.org","10 \nTHE GREAT AMERICAN WEST \nSOUTHWEST IDAHO DELIVERS BIG ON OUTDOOR ADVENTURE, ESPECIALLY IN \nTHE CITIES OF BOISE AND MCCALL. FIND THE BEST OF THE WEST HERE: RUGGED \nFOOTHILLS AND MOUNTAINS PAIRED WITH WIDE-OPEN SPACES; RIVERS \nRENOWNED FOR BOTH FISHING AND WORLD-CLASS RAPIDS; AND SCENIC \nBYWAYS THAT BEG YOU TO TAKE THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED. \nBOISE \nSurrounded by foothills and \nnestled along the Boise River, \nIdaho\u2019s state capital offers easy \naccess to hiking, mountain biking \nand kayaking. Cyclists take to the \nBoise River Greenbelt, a 40-km \npaved route through the city \ndotted with parks, restaurants, \nurban wineries, breweries and \ncideries. Thrill-seekers, head \nnorth of Boise to the Payette \nRiver for guided rafting trips with \nCascade Raft. Rock climbers will \nbe impressed with Boise\u2019s Black \nCliffs, known for crags that appeal \nto beginners and experts alike. \nNamed one of America\u2019s Next \nGreat Food Cities by Food & \nWine, Boise\u2019s culinary scene is \nnot to be missed. The Warehouse, \nBoise\u2019s new food hall, is making \nheadlines with its 10 eateries and \ntwo bars. Just a short drive from \nthe Sunnyslope wine region, Boise \nboasts an impressive number of \ntasting rooms \u2013 so many that there \nis an urban wine tour for those \nwho prefer to stay in the city limits. \nSOUTHWEST \nIDAHO \nWHITEWATER RAFTING WITH \nCASCADE RAFT & KAYAK \nSUNNYSLOPE WINE TRAIL \nBOISE\u2019S FOOD SCENE \nSPECIAL FEATURE","11 \nTHE GREAT AMERICAN WEST \nMCCALL \nApproximately 160 km north, McCall \nsits on Payette Lake, with 5,330 acres \nof glacial water ideal for all types of \nwater sports. Whether swimming, sailing, \nwaterskiing, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, \nSUP or boating, the lake offers endless \nactivities. You can also relax and enjoy a \nscenic boat ride with McCall Lake Cruises. \nIdaho has the most kilometers of whitewater \nrafting in the lower 48, so it\u2019s no surprise \nthat McCall, like Boise, is a perfect \nbasecamp for rafters. Book a trip with \nany of the Payette or South Salmon River \noutfitters or use McCall as the gateway \nfor a rafting, jet boat or fishing expedition \nfurther north with Hells Canyon Adventures. \nWith more than 800 km of public trails to \nexplore, the region offers top-notch views \nfor hikers and horseback riders alike. Ya- \nHoo Corrals in McCall lets you take in the \nGreat American West with guided tours. \nEvery hiker will find a trail to their liking, \nwhether a kid-friendly loop in Ponderosa \nState Park or something more challenging. \nMcCall offers a diverse playground for \nbikers of all abilities. Choose from an \nendless network of backcountry trails, or \nride the wide meadow trails at Ponderosa \nState Park, gravity trails at lift-serviced \nBrundage and Tamarack, or freeride trails \nat Bear Basin and Jug Mountain Ranch. \nSCENIC BYWAYS \nRoad trips reach a new level with the region\u2019s abundance of scenic byways. Start in Boise and take the \nPayette River Scenic Byway on Highway 55 to McCall, meandering through stunning wilderness, including \nriverways and national forests. Small towns pepper the scenic byways, including Horseshoe Bend, Donnelly \nand Cascade. Don\u2019t miss Volcanic Pies in Horseshoe Bend for the perfect freshly-baked dessert to take along \non your adventure. \nTravel resources: \nvisitboise.com \nvisitsouthwestidaho.org \nTRAIL RIDES IN MCCALL \nVIEW FROM BOISE FOOTHILLS \nCALM WATERS IN SOUTHWEST IDAHO \nPAYETTE LAKE IN MCCALL","12 \nTHE GREAT AMERICAN WEST \nMONTANA \nWELCOME TO BIG SKY COUNTRY. WITH MORE WILDLIFE THAN PEOPLE, \nAMERICA\u2019S FOURTH-LARGEST STATE GIVES NEW MEANING TO THE PHRASE \n\u201cWIDE-OPEN SPACES.\u201d \nOFF THE BEATEN PATH: \n\u2022 \nMedicine Rocks State Park \u2013 Considered sacred by local Native \ntribes, search for rock art and pictographs during the day and see \nthe solar system open at night at one of Montana\u2019s only certified \ndark sky sites. \n\u2022 \nAnaconda \u2013 The small and sophisticated town of Anaconda \nsprang to life on the hard work and ingenuity of laborers, craftsmen \nand business tycoons coupled with the vast natural resources in \nsouthwestern Montana. The Anaconda Copper Mining Company \nwas at one time the world\u2019s largest supplier of copper, and although \nsmelting operations were suspended in 1980, \u201cThe Stack\u201d remains \nan important landmark and state park. \n\u2022 \nHavre \u2013 Go for a self-guided walking tour of a historic railroad \ntown where military posts and Indian sites await. Or take in an \nunderground tour exploring the honky-tonk, bordello and bakery \nbeneath the streets. \nA \nnchored by two national parks and countless natural wonders, Montana \nboasts a whopping 55 state parks and endless expanses of wilderness to \nget lost in the right direction. The fly fishing is world-class, the whitewater \nbeguiling and the landscape begging to be explored. Glacier National Park\u2019s \nfamed glaciers, alpine meadows, verdant forests, roaring waterfalls and \ntowering peaks set the scene for adventure where 700 miles of hiking trails and \nviews await. Montana was the setting of \u201cA River Runs Through It,\u201d and with good \nreason \u2013 water is the state\u2019s lifeblood, and the mountains are the playground. \nMEDICINE ROCKS STATE PARK","13 \nTHE GREAT AMERICAN WEST \nHIGHLIGHTS: \n\u2022 \nGo For a Drive \u2013 Taking the scenic route in Montana is easy. The \nAnaconda-Pintler Scenic Route skirts along mountains, creeks \nand lakes, while the breathtaking vistas of the Going-to-the-Sun \nRoad make for a memorable road trip. History buffs should drive \nthe Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway to Coolidge\u2019s ghost town to \ndiscover Montana\u2019s mining past. \n\u2022 \nWatery Wonders \u2013 For over 125 years, guests have followed \nLewis and Clark\u2019s path along the Missouri River. Best seen on a \nGates of the Mountains boat tour outside Helena, this family- \nfriendly, open-air boat takes you through rock formations that \nlook like granite gates for a history lesson and nature excursion all \nwrapped into one. \n\u2022 \nWalk in Dinosaurs\u2019 Footsteps \u2013 Go back in time on the Montana \nDinosaur Trail, a series of 14 dinosaur-themed museums \nshowcasing prehistoric discoveries. Grab a prehistoric passport \nand get your paleontology on. \nGREAT OUTDOORS: \n\u2022 \nBe Our Guest \u2013 Sleep at a guest ranch; head to Hidden Hollow Hideaway \nfor an intimate family farm stay or enjoy upscale amenities at the award- \nwinning, luxury Triple Creek Ranch with all-inclusive guided experiences \nfrom fly-fishing to horseback riding. \n\u2022 \nFind Fossils and Badlands at Montana\u2019s Largest State Park \u2013 Hike, bike or \ncamp at Makoshika State Park and get a glimpse into the prehistoric life of \nthe Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops. \n\u2022 \nRaft the Gorge \u2013 The Alberton Gorge section of the Clark Fork River has \nsome of the best whitewater in western Montana thanks to high-octane \nrapids and spectacular canyon walls carved during the Ice Age. \n\u2022 \nSleep Under the Stars \u2013 Known for their rugged, safari-style tents, \nUnder Canvas has glamping locations in Glacier National Park, West \nYellowstone and Livingston that connect you to nature in a whole new way. \nHORSEBACK RIDING IN PARADISE VALLEY \nTROLLEY IN DOWNTOWN BUTTE \nGATES OF THE MOUNTAINS BOAT TOUR \nGLAMPING AT GLACIER NATIONAL PARK \nvisitmt.com \nSMALL-TOWN CHARM: \n\u2022 \nExplore Red Lodge \u2013 Basecamp to the Beartooth Mountains, this small town with a big \npersonality has a surprising culinary scene, local boutiques, galleries and the Yellowstone \nWildlife Sanctuary, where you can get up close and personal with bears, coyotes and reptiles. \n\u2022 \nGet to Know the Quirky Mining Town of Butte \u2013 Explore above and below ground at the \nplace once known as the \u201crichest hill on Earth.\u201d Take an underground mine tour or head to Hell \nRoarin\u2019 Gulch for a trolley ride to one of the nation\u2019s largest national historic landmark districts. \n\u2022 \nStay A While in Gardiner \u2013 The original entrance to America\u2019s first national park, the historic \nRoosevelt Arch is your gateway to Yellowstone. Grab a guide and explore \u201cAmerican \nSerengeti,\u201d Yellowstone\u2019s Northern Range, home to one of the country\u2019s most diverse \ncollections of large wildlife. Or get your nature fix rafting, horseback riding or hiking on nearly \n10 million acres of public lands. \n\u2022 \nFind Authentic Charm in Lewistown \u2013In this small, central agriculture community, embrace your \nWestern roots hiking, hunting and fly fishing with a backdrop of five beautiful mountain ranges.","14 \nTHE GREAT AMERICAN WEST \nAMONG THE DRAMATIC, GORGEOUS LANDSCAPES OF WESTERN MONTANA\u2019S GLACIER COUNTRY, \nYOU\u2019LL FIND EXTRAORDINARY OUTDOOR RECREATION, NINE SCENIC TRAVEL CORRIDORS, \n75+ CAPTIVATING SMALL TOWNS AND ADVENTURES YOU\u2019LL REMEMBER FOREVER. \nD \niscover Flathead Lake \u2013 the largest freshwater lake \nin the West \u2013 featuring Montana\u2019s coveted Flathead \ncherries, storybook villages, water sports and year-round \nadventure. Fly-fish a legendary river or blue-ribbon trout \nstream, stroll a \u201cBest of the West\u201d famers market, stargaze \nthe most mesmerizing night sky you\u2019ll ever see, or explore two \nAmerican Indian reservations and learn about the Blackfeet \nNation and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. \nThere\u2019s an authentic Western experience here for every type \nof traveler. \nWestern Montana\u2019s charming communities are made up of arts \nand culture hot spots; vibrant historic districts; and walkable \ndowntowns with breweries, distilleries, culinary delights, local \nshopping and easy access to the great outdoors. You\u2019ll find \nplenty of lodging options, from rustic to luxury. For a truly \nWestern experience, stay in a timbered lodge or on a working \nguest ranch and saddle up for the adventure of a lifetime. \nThe Crown of the Continent \u2013 Glacier National Park \u2013 anchors \nthe region with more than 1 million acres of jaw-dropping \nterrain. Hike to sparkling glacial lakes, take your pick of \nmore than 200+ waterfalls, and be mesmerized by majestic \ntowering mountains in every direction. The park is open \nyear-round, and autumn is arguably the best time to visit, \nwith watchable wildlife, cooler temperatures and golden \nfall hues popping against snowcapped peaks. Spring is the \npark\u2019s quiet season and the perfect time to bike the famous \nGoing-to-the-Sun Road or watch as baby wildlife emerge. \nExplore the natural wonders and rich history of the park on an \ninterpretive bus tour or historic red bus tour and learn about \nthe Plains Indian connection to a breathtaking landscape that \ndates back centuries. Plan your getaway to Glacier Country at \nglaciermt.com \n and discover the Montana you had in mind. \nGLACIER \nCOUNTRY, \nMONTANA \nGLACIER NATIONAL PARK \u2014 MAX LAU \nRED BUS TOUR \u2014 ANDY AUSTIN \nMANY GLACIER \u2014 TONY BYNUM \nRONAN \u2014 GLACIER COUNTRY TOURISM \nSPECIAL FEATURE","15 \nTHE GREAT AMERICAN WEST \nFORGE YOUR OWN PATH TO MONTANA\u2019S LARGEST CITY \nAND LET THE ADVENTURES BEGIN. \nT \nake advantage of urban amenities \nwithout losing a small-town, Montana \nfeel. Enjoy unique Montana hospitality as \nyou explore the unparalleled views of Billings \nfrom the Yellowstone River to the unique \n70+-million-year-old sandstone Rimrocks. \nBoth define the city\u2019s landscape. \nBillings is alive with history, museums, retail \nand art by day and award-winning cuisine, \nlive music and the Billings Brew Trail by \nevening. Plus, more than 50 hotels and \nmotels will help you book your itinerary. \nWith more than 40 miles of trails and paths, \nmountain biking, walking or hiking allows \nyou to encounter the great outdoors at every \nturn. There is plenty of room under Montana\u2019s \nbig sky in and around Billings. Step back in \ntime at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National \nMonument less than an hour away, or 25 \nmiles away, walk the path of the Lewis and \nClark Expedition at Pompey\u2019s Pillar National \nMonument. Stand in the footsteps of William \nClark as you look upon his signature, only \n202 steps to the top for breathtaking views \nof the Yellowstone River valley. And, an \nhours\u2019 drive south, you can experience the \nscenic Beartooth Highway: the most scenic \nentrance to Yellowstone National Park via \nthe northeast entrance and a bucket list \ndestination all on its own. \nPlan today by going to \nVisitBillings.com \nBILLINGS, \nMONTANA \nBEARTOOTH HIGHWAY \nDOWNTOWN BILLINGS \nMUSIC FESTIVAL \nBILLINGS BREW TRAIL \nLITTLE BIGHORN BATTLEFIELD \nNATIONAL MONUMENT \nTHE RIMROCKS IN BILLINGS \nSPECIAL FEATURE","16 \nTHE GREAT AMERICAN WEST \nNORTH \nDAKOTA \nHIGHLIGHTS: \n\u2022 \nSee the Northern Lights \u2013 Big horizons mean big skies, and in North \nDakota, they\u2019re filled with some of nature\u2019s most beautiful sights. Watch \nthe northern lights dance above the prairie while countless stars keep \nyou company. \n\u2022 \nExperience Tribal Tourism \u2013 Visitors can explore the tribal lands of the \nMandan, Hidatsa and Arikara; the Yanktonai, Sisseton, Wahpeton, \nHunkpapa and other Dakota\/Lakota\/Nakota (commonly known as the \nSioux); and the Chippewa and Metis people, and discover the beauty \nand diversity of Native American culture. Check out the Mandan, \nHidatsa, Arikara Earth Lodge Village; the MHA Interpretive Center; and \nthe Knife River Indian Village National Historic Site, where Lewis and \nClark met Sakakawea. \n\u2022 \nFind Your New Favourite Festival \u2013 From Native American history to \nViking traditions, the United Tribes International Powwow and Norsk \nHostfest put two very different and unique cultures on display. \nF \nrom the large cities to small towns brimming with charm, you will always find \na friendly \u201chello\u201d in North Dakota. Locals are happy to let you in on their \nfavourite entertainment venue, watering hole or hiking trail, and some may \neven share the secret spot where fish are biting. With 70,000 square miles of \nrugged terrain, outdoor adventures are abundant. Whether you\u2019re reeling in a \nwalleye at Lake Sakakwea, reaching the summit of a trail through the Badlands \nor sleeping under the stars at a state park, North Dakota is a haven for mountain \nbikers, hikers, skiers, kayakers, wildlife- and bird- watchers, and those looking \nto catch fish year-round. With more wildlife refuges than any other state and \nTheodore Roosevelt National Park nestled among the million-acre Little Missouri \nNational Grasslands, it\u2019s not hard to find the perfect place to escape the crowds \nand recharge. \nMHA INTERPRETIVE CENTER \nONE OF AMERICA\u2019S BEST-KEPT SECRETS, NORTH DAKOTA IS LACED \nWITH HISTORY AND INTERTWINED WITH ADVENTURE.","17 \nTHE GREAT AMERICAN WEST \nMUST-HAVE ADVENTURES: \n\u2022 \nLet the River Be Your Guide \u2013 Before there were roads, the Missouri River was your compass. Today, it \ninvites you to kayak or fish the longest river in America. \n\u2022 \nSwim, Sun or Sail \u2013 The third-largest man-made reservoir in the U.S., Lake Sakakawea boasts more \nshoreline than California and is home to the North Country National Scenic Trail, stretching 4,600 \nmiles to Vermont. \n\u2022 \nMake Epic Memories \u2013 Traverse the Badlands\u2019 144-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail on foot, horseback or \nbike (it has earned an EPIC designation from the International Mountain Biking Association). \n\u2022 \nTour a Presidentially Declared Big Game Preserve \u2013 Head to White Horse Hill National Game \nPreserve and drive the 4-mile loop in search of bison, elk and 250 species of birds. Visit the prairie dog \ntown and hike to the top of White Horse Hill for panoramic views of Devils Lake. \nGREAT OUTDOORS: \n\u2022 \nAdmire the Flora and Fauna \u2013 On the border of the USA and \nCanada, explore the beautifully manicured grounds of the \nInternational Peace Garden and connect with nature on a canoe \nride along the lakes. Over 100,000 flowers bathe the landscape \nin a rainbow of colour. \n\u2022 \nCast a Line \u2013 Devils Lake, the state\u2019s largest natural body of \nwater, is known as the \u201cPerch Capital of the World,\u201d but anglers \ncan also reel in walleye, northern pike and white bass. \n\u2022 \nGet Off the Grid \u2013 The Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area is \none of the state\u2019s largest uninterrupted stretches of woodlands. \nSCENIC DRIVES: \n\u2022 \nSheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway \u2013 North Dakota\u2019s \nfirst nationally recognised scenic byway promises unmatched views, \narchaeology, history, culture and recreation aplenty. \n\u2022 \nKilldeer Mountain Four Bears Scenic Byway \u2013 From the rugged Killdeer \nMountains to the deeply entrenched Little Missouri River and Badlands, \nthis byway provides an enchanting and unique landscape in one of the \nmost scenic areas of western North Dakota. \nNORTHERN LIGHTS AT GOVERNMENT BAY \nINTERNATIONAL PEACE GARDEN \nKILLDEER MOUNTAIN \nFOUR BEARS SCENIC BYWAY \nMAAH DAAH HEY TRAIL \nndtourism.com","18 \nTHE GREAT AMERICAN WEST \nAXE THROWING AT LAUGHING SUN BREWING \nE \nxperience the state\u2019s early days at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park overlooking \nthe Missouri River Valley, where Gen. George Armstrong Custer and the 7th \nCavalry rode to their legendary battle at the Little Bighorn. At the nearby On-A- \nSlant Indian Village, experience the prairie lifestyle of the Native Americans who \nlived there from 1575-1781. The Lewis and Clark Trail, meanwhile, takes visitors \nto the still-unspoiled landscape first witnessed by the famous explorers in the early \n1800s. \nCruise the majestic Missouri River on the Lewis & Clark Riverboat or view some \nnative North American habitats at the Dakota Zoo. Visit Bismarck\u2019s historic \nCathedral District, with homes on the National Registry of Historic Places, then shop \nat the quaint stores and boutiques in Bismarck-Mandan. \nHungry? Sample amazing ethnic foods from North Dakota. Enjoy the treasures of \none of numerous locally owned restaurants. Feast on wild game, or enjoy mouth- \nwatering walleye, which are plentiful in the region\u2019s freshwater lakes and rivers. \nnoboundariesnd.com \nON-A-SLANT INDIAN VILLAGE AT \nFORT ABRAHAM LINCOLN STATE PARK \nTHE BISMARCK-MANDAN AREA OF NORTH DAKOTA \nIS RICH WITH HISTORY, BOTH INDOORS AND OUT. \nLEWIS & CLARK RIVERBOAT CRUISING THE MISSOURI RIVER \nSCAN FOR \nMORE INFORMATION \nBISMARCK- \nMANDAN, \nNORTH DAKOTA \nSPECIAL FEATURE","19 \nTHE GREAT AMERICAN WEST \nAUTHENTIC, ADVENTUROUS AND NORTH OF NORMAL. THAT\u2019S FARGO. \nF \nargo is far from ordinary. Its uniqueness \nis shown when travelers visit and discover \nno mountains, beaches or masses of tourists, \nbut the perfect combination of a small-city \natmosphere and big-city vibe. Separating \nNorth Dakota from Minnesota with the Red \nRiver of the North, you\u2019ll be surprised by \nthe nightlife, food, art and people who\u2019ve \ncoined \u201cMidwest Nice.\u201d You\u2019ll find an \nadventurous pioneering spirit alive and well \nin Fargo with a surprising array of cultural \ninfluences, attractions and activities far \nbeyond what is characteristic of a city its \nsize. Discover canoe parades in the fall, \ngorgeous wineries along the prairie and \nvintage markets on Downtown streets. \nVisit historic downtown Fargo and explore \nthe unique experiences that live there. The \n1920s Fargo Theatre\u2019s art deco marquee \nlights up the heart of downtown alongside \nlandmark boutique hotels, music venues \nand locally owned one-of-a-kind shops. \nBroadway Square is in the heart of the \ndowntown district and hosts events like \nweekly Red River Markets, circus-themed \nNight Bazaars, and ice-skating events in the \nwintertime. The rooftop patio views of the \nsunsets cannot be beaten, and the inspired \nfood and crafted drinks are a perfect \nmatch. Outside of downtown proper, you \ncan immerse yourself in the historical stave \nchurch and Hjemkomst Viking ship, or step \nback in time at Bonanzaville, the pioneer \nvillage. Whatever you were expecting in \nFargo, we promise we will deliver much \nmore. Experience north. North of Normal. \nFARGO, \nNORTH DAKOTA \n RED RIVER OF THE NORTH - @TRAVELINGMEL \nBREWHALLA \n LOCAL ARTIST WITH HER MURAL \u2014 DOWNTOWN FARGO \nRED RIVER MARKET \nVIKING SHIP \u2014 NORWEGIAN HERITAGE MUSEUM \nSPECIAL FEATURE","20 \nTHE GREAT AMERICAN WEST \nSOUTH \nDAKOTA \nK \nnown as \u201cthe land of infinite variety,\u201d it is part of the \nGreat Plains yet boasts more miles of shoreline than \nFlorida. Admire epic landscapes from the buttes of the \nBadlands to the flowing rivers and streams. Marvel at history \ncarved in stone, see thousands of free-roaming bison or hike \nthe highest natural point east of the Rocky Mountains. Get off \nthe grid by UTV, Jeep or mountain bike; chase wildlife and \nwildflowers; or go back in time digging for fossils. \nNATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE: \n\u2022 \nPay Tribute to the Past \u2013 The Crazy Horse \nMemorial is the world\u2019s largest in-progress \nmountain carving, a spellbinding tribute to the \nheroic Oglala Lakota warrior who stood up \nfor what he believed in as he fought against \nCuster\u2019s army. \n\u2022 \nLearn About Native American Culture \u2013 For a \nlook into their way of life and connection to the \nland, the Oglala Lakota Living History Village \noffers stories and songs told by the Lakota \npeople. \n\u2022 \nWalk (or Drive!) in Their Footsteps \u2013 The Native \nAmerican National & State Scenic Byway \nprovides breathtaking views of the Missouri \nRiver, diverse landscapes and tribal history \nthroughout central South Dakota. \n\u2022 \nExperience a Powwow \u2013 Beating drums. Soulful \nsinging. Dances that mesmerize and intrigue. A \npowwow, like the one that is seen at Rosebud \nWacipi, Fair & Rodeo, is a celebration of \ncommunity that must be seen in person to be \ntruly experienced. \nROSEBUD RESERVATION \nTHE LAND OF GREAT FACES, GREAT PLACES. SOUTH DAKOTA IS HOME TO \nSIX NATIONAL PARK SERVICE SITES, 63 STATE PARKS AND 200,000 SQUARE \nKILOMETERS OF NATURAL SPLENDOUR."]