This week:  National Parks. Our country has hundreds of beautiful reserves and natural wonders – many of them conveniently preserved by the National Park Services, a national treasury of natural beauty.

The Black Hills of South Dakota are first up. This unique area of the country actually contains SIX national parks.  Today, with students in mind, I want to focus on one famous portion of these hills – not strictly “natural” – but easily one of the most famous historical sites in the nation and something every American should see at least once. So why not consider it for educational tours?

I’m talking about Mt. Rushmore, the 16-story presidential faces carved into the granite in the famous black hills themselves. Can you name all four? I guarantee you’ll always be able to if you see it even once. The figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are completely recognizable in their detail. They are beautiful and almost seem animated, or lifelike, in the sunlight.

This National Memorial is more, of course, than just some landscaping and the famous sculpture. You’ll find a museum, the sculptor’s studio, walking paths, various viewing spots, and the Avenue of Flags with one for each state, commonwealth, and US territory.

This memorial is just a great choice for students, and it is smack dab in the middle of the beautiful black hills/national parks territory – making it a great choice for this week’s theme.

(photo by bcmom on Flickr).

Related posts:

1. Black History and Boston
2. The National Mall
3. Yosemite