Three great National Heritage Areas to explore

As some National Parks struggle to manage record visitation, consider a visit to a National Heritage Area. These specially designated places combine historic, cultural and natural resources to form nationally important landscapes. There are currently 55 areas within the U.S. where communities have collaborated to share their resources.

Silos & Smokestacks, Iowa: This region encourages travelers to explore the state via suggested travel loops that include picnic spots, quaint restaurants, museums, galleries and landscapes. Learn about Iowa’s agricultural history and its influence on our food system. Wander the backroads amid corn and soybean fields to discover unique and unexpected places of historical, cultural and natural significance.

Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area, Tennessee: This region endeavors to provide a comprehensive view and share the powerful stories that emerged from the Civil War era, including the freedom of emancipation. Consider following the Tennessee Civil War Trail, where visitors can follow in the footsteps of the generals, soldiers, citizens and the enslaved during a challenging time in our nation’s history.

Great Basin National Heritage Area, Nevada and Utah: Visit this region for a mix of history, wide-open spaces, uncrowded trails and unobstructed views of the Milky Way. Learn about the Bristlecone pine, our planet’s oldest tree, which can live to be 5,000 years old. You’ll find them in Great Basin National Park. Sign up to be an engineer at the Nevada Northern Railway Museum where their historic steam trains run throughout the year.

DREAMSTIME The Bristlecone pine, found in Great Basin National Park, can live to be 5,000 years old.