The Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve in Lee Vining, California, USA was established to preserve the spectacular tufa towers which were formed by the interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water to form calcium carbonate spires and knobs. The ancient Mono Lake is over a million years old, and one of the oldest lakes in America covering over 65 square miles, and throughout the years, salts and minerals have washed into the lake from the Eastern Sierra streams. Freshwater evaporating from the lake each year has resulted in salts and minerals being left behind, making it two and a half times as salty as the ocean and very alkaline, come to Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve for a fascinating visit. Boating and swimming is permitted at the lake and it's the perfect setting for a wonderful hike, also enjoy interpretive programs and bird walks, plus there's a visitors centre.READ MORE

Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park in Cedar Key, Florida, USA is accessible only by boat and well known for both the excellent saltwater and fresh water fishing. With extensive salt marshes and tidal creeks, here you will find saltwater fish, crabs and shellfish, and endangered and threatened species-including West Indian manatees, bald eagles, American alligators, and Florida black bears-live or feed within the preserve. Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park offers several primitive campsite available on a first come first serve basis, and pets are welcome, there's also excellent bird watching and wildlife viewing, plus it's great for canoeing, kayaking and boating, come for an exceptional and memorable visit.READ MORE

Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve in Cedar Key, Florida, USA is located on the Gulf of Mexico with salt marshes giving way to swamps, hardwood forests, pine flatwoods and scrub. This is the perfect place to visit for nature study and wildlife observations, and there are many species of oak and other trees, go birding enjoy hiking and off road biking, there are miles of trails winding through the park. Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve also features shallow waters and numerous creeks perfect for kayaking, canoeing and fishing, plus trails can be used for horse riding, there's a small picnic area with picnic shelter, tables and grills, it's all here and more for a wonderful visit out in nature.READ MORE

Cedar Key Museum State Park in Cedar Key, Florida, USA showcases fascinating exhibits depicting the colorful history of the once thriving port city and its railroad connection. The restored Whitman House in the park reflects life in the 1920's and showcased a collection of sea shells and Indian artifacts collected by Saint Clair Whitman, the founder of the first museum. Cedar Key Museum State Park features a short nature trail where wildlife and birds can be views as well as native vegetation, there's a canoe and kayak launch, restroom facilities, an interpretive exhibit and they are wheelchair friendly. This is the perfect setting for small weddings as the sun sets over the salt marsh, they can cater to larger weddings on the grounds near Whitman House. READ MORE

Crystal River Preserve State Park in Crystal River, Florida, USA features undisturbed islands, inlets, backwaters and forest and is a place of exceptional beauty bordering 20 miles of northern Gulf Coast. There are miles of trails for hiking and biking as well a two mile interpretive trail perfect for the study of native wildlife and plants, and pets are welcome. Crystal River Preserve State Park has a canoe and kayak launch for paddlers to enjoy Crystal River and viewing the park from the water, they allow fishing at the Mullet hole and boat tours, there's an interpretive exhibit, here they protect expansive grass flats that extend miles into the gulf, and the estuarine system is fed fresh water from seven rivers, it's an educational and amazing place to visit.READ MORE

Crystal River Archaeological State Park in Crystal River, Florida, USA is a national historic landmark located over 61 acres of pre-Columbian, Native American land. There are burial mounds, temple platform mounds, a plaza area and midden, and this six mound complex is one of the longest continuously occupied sites in Florida and has for 1600 years served as a ceremonial center for Native Americans. Crystal River Archaeological State Park sits on the edge of an expansive coastal marsh ideal for fresh and saltwater fishing, and other activities include boat tours, geo seeking and an interpretive exhibit, there's also a visitor center museum which exhibits displays of artifacts related to the site, come for an unforgettable and historical visit.READ MORE

Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek, Door County is open year round, and is considered Wisconsin's most complete park with over 468 campsites, three group camps, a summer theater, 18 hole golf course and sandy beach. There are bike trails and a lighthouse, eight miles of beautiful Door County shoreline to explore and a camp store at Nicolet Beach with souvenirs and ice, plus the snack bar open in summer serves pizzas, burgers, soft serve ice cream and more. Come explore the beautiful outdoors at Peninsula State Park, they have seasonal and weather dependent rentals including canoes, kayaks, bicycles, tandems and tagalongs, here you find unique shorelines and spectacular wilderness, plus the White Cedar Nature Center schedules hikes, nature crafts, outdoor skills workshops and more throughout the year.READ MORE

Orman House Historic State Park in Apalachicola, Florida, USA has a long history going back and this antebellum home built in 1838 features details of both Federal and Greek revival styles. There's an adjoining Chapman Botanical Gardens with butterfly garden, walkways and open spaces, and the Three Soldiers Detail is a bronze replica of the Vietnam memorial statue in Washington D.C. Orman House Historic State Park also hosts regular events which include the annual Apalachicola Historic Tour of Homes as well as other ranger programs and events, and the gardens are a wonderful space in which to enjoy a picnic or family event, and the landscaped grounds and large front porch are ideal for special occasions and other celebrations and events.READ MORE

Fort Ebey State Park on Whidbey Island in Coupville, Washington, USA is a a 645-acre camping park which was originally built as a coastal defense fort in World War II with panoramic views of the Puget Sound shoreline and the Olympic mountains. Come exploring there are gun batteries and concrete platforms that mark gun locations from days of old, it's also the perfect destination for paragliding and surfing, freshwater fishing on the lake, and there are miles of hiking and biking trails. Fort Ebey State Park also offers picnic areas and day use facilities at the Gun battery and beach area and there are two large BBQ grills, the Gun Battery picnic shelter can hold up to 150 people and is ideal for events including wedding ceremonies, races and other sporting events, there's also a park store.READ MORE

Fort Casey State Park on Whidbey Island in Coupville, Washington, USA features the Admiralty Head lighthouse and cliff side bunker, it's steeped in the history of young soldiers, officers, mechanics and staff from World War 1 and 2, and Fort Casey was constructed in the late 1800's along with Fort Worden and Fort Flagler to defend the entrance of Puget Sound. Come step back in time and explore the vintage lighthouse, the bunkers batteries and disappearing fins, the additional mounted guns and more, there's also a historic military fort, and interpretive center and gift shop. Fort Casey State Park has a large marine camping park with miles of saltwater shoreline on Puget Sound, and there's a picnic area and hiking trails, activities include boating, diving, saltwater fishing and two boat camps, come for a memorable visit, enjoy beach exploration, bird watching and much more.READ MORE