Road Trip Revival – The Northeast

Located 96 miles from My Place Hotel-King George, VA is Shenandoah National Park.

Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over 200,000 acres of protected lands that are haven to deer, songbirds, and black bear, there’s so much to explore…and your journey begins right here!

Source: National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior

50 miles north of My Place Hotel-King George, VA is the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.

For more than 200 years, the National Mall has symbolized our nation and its democratic values, which have inspired the world. The great swath of green in the middle of our capital city stretches from the foot of the United States Capitol to the Potomac River, memorializing the history of our nation.

Source: National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior

A few hours drive to the southwest of My Place Hotel-Monaca, PA is the must-see Gettysburg National Military Park.

The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War, the Union victory that ended General Robert E. Lee’s second and most ambitious invasion of the North. Often referred to as the “High Water Mark of the Rebellion”, Gettysburg was the Civil War’s bloodiest battle and was also the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln’s immortal “Gettysburg Address”.

Source: National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior

While adventuring in Pennsylvania, be sure to visit Ohiopyle State Park.

Located on the southern reaches of the Laurel Ridge, Ohiopyle State Park encompasses approximately 20,500 acres of rugged natural beauty and serves as the gateway to the Laurel Highlands. Close to major metropolitan areas and offering vast choices of activities, Ohiopyle State Park attracts millions of visitors annually.

Source: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Just five miles north of My Place Hotel-Wixom, MI is the Proud Lake Recreation Area.

Proud Lake Recreation Area, with more than 4,700 acres, is located on the scenic Huron River in Oakland County and offers diverse and plentiful recreational opportunities. More than 20 miles of trails cover several diverse habitats. During the winter months, skiers can enjoy seeing the evergreens draped with snow. In the spring, Hepatica, marsh marigold, violets and many other wildflowers abound. Guided interpretive walks and other nature activities are offered. A schedule of upcoming programs is available at the park office year-round or at the campground office during the summer months.

Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources

The historic Mackinac Island State Park lies just under 300 miles to the north of My Place Hotel-Wixom, MI and 163 miles to the southeast of My Place Hotel-Marquette, MI.

A great variety of historic and natural resources provides something of interest for every Mackinac Island visitor. Historic landmarks, breathtaking vistas, spectacular rock formations, quiet forests and inspiring nature trails are just minutes away. The sites are accessible by foot or bike, rented horse or buggy, sightseeing carriages or horse-drawn taxi.

Source: Mackinac Associates

Located just an hour to the east of Marquette is the stunning Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore encompasses over 40 miles of Lake Superior shoreline. Situated on the largest, deepest, coldest, and most pristine of the Great Lakes, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore derives its name from the many sandstone cliffs that dot the shoreline. In addition to the sandstone cliffs, the park includes beaches, sand dunes, waterfalls, lakes, and forest.

Source: National Park Foundation

Another stunning Lake Superior sight is the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Imagine that moment, being in that perfect spot as the sun rises, and everything comes into focus. A rocky shoreline suddenly reflects the world around you. Waiting for you among the water, land, forests, and history is that moment. How will the islands inspire you?

Source: National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior

Nestled in the northern part of Wisconsin is the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest covers more than 1.5 million acres of Wisconsin’s north woods, managing lands for multiple uses including forestry, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, fisheries management, special forest products gathering, wilderness and natural areas management.

Source: Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture

Further to the south is the Kettle Moraine State Forest. The forest lies 36 miles west of My Place Hotel-Mount Pleasant, WI.

The hills and valleys of Kettle Moraine South have a great variety of natural habitats, plants, and animals, including many rare species. You may see or hear coyotes, red foxes, sandhill cranes, and Cooper’s hawks. The 3,500-acre Scuppernong River Habitat Area is the largest wet prairie east of the Mississippi River.

Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

113 miles west of My Place Hotel-North Aurora, IL is Mississippi Palisades State Park.

The Native American pathfinders along the rock palisades of the Mississippi River did as present-day hikers do — in coursing the bluffs, they took the path of least resistance. The trails at the Mississippi Palisades, especially the park’s southern routes, put you in touch with the past. Walk them and you’ll trace the footsteps of all those who came before you, some of whom came this way nearly a thousand years ago.

Located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Apple rivers in northwestern Illinois, the 2,500-acre Mississippi Palisades State Park is rich in Native American history.

Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources

The Matthiessen State Park lies just an hour southwest of My Place Hotel-North Aurora, IL.

Canyons, streams, prairie, and forest combine to delight visitors at Matthiessen State Park. Located in central LaSalle County, approximately 4 miles south of Utica and 3 miles east of Oglesby, Matthiessen is a paradise for those interested in geology, as well as recreation. Visitors can expect to see beautiful rock formations in addition to unusual and abundant vegetation and wildlife. All of this, along with park and picnic facilities, make Matthiessen State Park a popular choice for an outing.

Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources

For peace and relaxation, look no further than the Indiana Dunes National Park, about 170 miles to the north of My Place Hotel-Plainfield, IN.

Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has much to offer. Whether you enjoy scouting for rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach, the national park’s 15,000 acres will continually enchant you. Hikers will enjoy 50 miles of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers and peaceful forests.

Source: National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior

Just over 100 miles to the southeast of My Place Hotel-Plainfield, IN is Clifty Falls State Park.

 The park’s waterfalls change moods with the weather and the seasons and can range from roaring plunges to delicate bridal-veil mists to gleaming frozen titans. Winter and spring visits reveal them at their best. The rugged splendor of Clifty Canyon offers exciting year-round hiking and scenery.

Clifty Creek’s stony bed is littered with fossil remnants telling of a long vanished marine ecosystem that teemed with life that included ancient corals, ancestral squids, brachiopods and more. Fossil collecting within Clifty Falls State Park is prohibited but nearby collecting locations are readily accessible.

Source: Indiana Department of Natural Resources