Step into the steamy, storied waters of Hot Springs National Park, one of the most unique and historic places in the National Park Service. Nicknamed “America’s First Resort,” this Arkansas gem welcomes over 2.4 million visitors each year to explore its 5,550 acres, 26 miles of trails, and the iconic Bathhouse Row that includes eight turn-of-the-century buildings.

The area has been cherished by Native Americans for over 10,000 years, and today, visitors still come to soak in its healing 143°F waters—though only indoors.

Take a stroll along the Grand Promenade, enjoy a scenic drive (just know some views come with houses!), hike or bike through the surrounding trails, and yes, you can drink the spring water! Whether it’s the science (the rain that feeds the springs fell 4,400 years ago!) or the soul-soothing experience, Hot Springs is more than just a park.

Soak up the history, sip the water, and discover why this place has drawn people for centuries.

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Today we have quite the show to share with all of you! Welcome to America's first National Monument, Devils Tower, which was designated in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt under the Antiquities Act. Rising 867 feet above the Wyoming landscape, this stunning geologic feature is made of phonolite porphyry (igneous rock) and showcases some of the most dramatic columnar jointing on earth. Science explains its formation through ancient magma and ongoing erosion but for over two dozen Native American tribes, is it more commonly known as Bear Lodge and it holds deep spiritual significance.

Visitors can explore the Tower Trail, a 1.6-mile paved loop, or take in panoramic views on the 2.9-mile Red Beds Trail. With around 500,000 visitors annually and thousands of climbers attempting its summit each year, it remains a popular destination. Wildlife like prairie dogs, deer, peregrine falcons, and bullsnakes call the area home, while towering ponderosa pines dot the landscape. Recent $5.2 million accessibility upgrades ensure more visitors can experience its beauty, funded largely by entrance and campground fees. And who could forget the wild tale of George Hopkins, the parachutist who famously landed — and got stranded — on the summit!

Come take a listen!

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Welcome to West Texas, where the desert springs to life right in front of you. Balmorhea State Park, built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, is home to one of the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pools. Fed by 15 million gallons of water daily from the San Solomon Springs, this desert oasis stays a perfect 72 to 76 degrees year-round. With depths up to 25 feet and covering 1.3 acres, it's a swimmer's dream.

Beyond the pool, the CCC also built retro-chic San Solomon Springs Courts motel. Nearby, the San Solomon and Hubbs Cienegas were created to restore critical habitat lost in the 1930s when building the swimming pool and have helped to save endangered desert fish.

Just down the road, the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Research Institute adds another layer of exploration. Established in the 1970s, this 507-acre nonprofit site features over 3 miles of trails, a 20-acre botanical garden with more than 165 native species, and the Maxie Templeton Cactus Museum housing 200+ types of cacti and succulents. With educational programs for students, ADA-accessible bird blinds, a pollinator garden, and even a historic mining exhibit, this center is a must-visit for nature lovers.

Together, Balmorhea State Park and the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center offer a rich blend of history, ecology, recreation, and conservation—all set in the stunning backdrop of the Trans-Pecos region.

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Today, we’re reflecting on a powerful chapter in American history at Minidoka National Historic Site, located in southern Idaho. This site preserves the memory of one of ten incarceration camps where over 13,000 Japanese Americans were unjustly imprisoned during World War II following Executive Order 9066. From 1942 to 1945, families—many U.S. citizens—were forcibly removed from their homes and held at Minidoka under harsh and often dehumanizing conditions. Despite these challenges, the incarcerees built a resilient community, with schools, farms, and even a newspaper. Minidoka is now a place of remembrance and education, known for its preserved structures, honor roll of Japanese American soldiers who served in the U.S. Army, and annual pilgrimages by survivors and their descendants. The site serves as a solemn reminder of the consequences of wartime fear and racial prejudice, urging us to uphold civil liberties and human dignity—especially in times of crisis.

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This episode dives into the rich and layered history of Padre Island, the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world. From its early indigenous inhabitants, the Karankawa, through colonial claims by Spain, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, and finally the U.S., the island has a complex past. Listeners learn about Padre Nicolas Ballí, the island's namesake, and how the land served as a naval bombing range during WWII.

Today, Padre Island National Seashore is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers, boasting over 400 plant species and nearly half of all bird species in North America. It’s also a critical nesting site for the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, with opportunities to witness hatchling releases. The episode wraps with visitor info, including trail tips and accessibility features, encouraging everyone to explore and help protect this ecological treasure.

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From frontier forts to mountain trails, West Texas has it all. Discover the rich history of Fort Davis National Historic Site and the breathtaking beauty of Davis Mountains State Park in our latest blog post. Whether you're a history buff, a hiker, or just love Texas road trips, this one’s for you!

👉 Read more at Two Chicks with Hiking Sticks website.

#FortDavis #DavisMountains #TexasTravel #HistoryMeetsNature #HikingTexas

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