Three Unique Places with Ties to National Parks

 In my ever-present goal of finding unique places to visit, I've been lucky enough to visit three distinct places with ties to national parks, and in sharing with others, learned that many didn't know about these travel-worthy spots.

1. Grand Canyon Caverns - Arizona

Head west on Route 66 in Arizona toward the tiny town of Peach Springs, and you'll find a hidden treasure tied to the Grand Canyon National Park. Oddly enough, I learned about this place years ago from a fun little map on a McDonald's tray liner and made it a goal to visit this place.

The Grand Canyon Caverns were created over 65 million years ago and are the largest dry caverns in the United States. In 1927, the Caverns were discovered by Walter Peck on a mission to find gold. Over the years, the Grand Canyon Caverns were used for different reasons, including a fallout shelter during the Cuban Missile Crisis. 

While the Caverns are about 65 miles away from the Grand Canyon National Park, a study involving a red smoke bomb released in the Caverns showed the tie to the National Park when the smoke was detected within the Grand Canyon walls.

Today, the Caverns bring fun options for the adventure-minded. From guided tours running 45 minutes to 2 1/2 hours to ghost walks and even a unique lodging option, the Caverns bring a unique adventure for those looking for something different to do.

Note: Right now, the Caverns Tours are closed for safety measures, but be sure to keep an eye out for opportunities to visit them when they reopen. This is one spot not to miss.

2. Tree of Life - Washington

The Tree of Life is often seen in decoration and fashion, including blanket designs, wall art, t-shirts, and even earrings, but most don't realize that the inspiration for this is a real tree in Washington State.  As you head north on the Washington Coastline into Olympic National Park, you'll find a large Sitka Spruce tree that seems to impossibly remain hanging in mid-air.

Over time, erosion cleared away the earth that surrounded the roots, leaving them exposed, and the tree clinging onto the surrounding land. Set along the beach, visitors are treated to a beautiful of the ocean along with sandy beaches of Washington. 

Mother Nature makes for unique visits each time with the weather, the tides, and the driftwood that washes up on the shoreline. On some visits the beach is clear and provides an easy walk to the tree. Other visits bring a bit more of a challenge with tree-sized driftwood filling the beach, leaving visitors with a bit of an obstacle course to get to the Tree of Life. Anyway you might find it, the beauty of the area lends itself to beautiful and unique photo opportunities.

Amid all the beauty and splendor of the Olympic National Park, this is one unique destination that is a must-do on your travel list.

3. Soda Springs Geyser - Idaho

The Soda Springs Geyser, located in Soda Springs, Idaho, has a fun history tied to its creation and to Yellowstone National Park, and more specifically, Old Faithful. In 1937, a well was being drilled in search of hot water for a bathhouse, and drillers unexpectedly unleashed what is known as the Geyser.

According to legend, after the Geyser was created, experts at Yellowstone National Park became baffled when the ever faithful, Old Faithful Geyser stopped erupting on its regular schedule. The story in Soda Springs of the uncovered geyser was printed in the newspaper, and upon further searching, it was discovered that the two had a tie. With the Soda Springs Geyser erupting naturally, it disrupted the regularity of Old Faithful.

To fix the matter, the Geyser was put on a timer to erupt every hour, on the hour, making it the only captive geyser in the world. As the Geyser in Soda Springs erupts, visitors can circle the area on boardwalks and get great pictures of the space along with the bacteria mats similar to those one might find around the water features of Yellowstone National Park.

After checking out the Geyser, take some time to explore Soda Springs as well. Grab a bite at one of the local restaurants, and enjoy Geyser Park and the pretty landscape of the area. It's a great stop to make as you explore the area around southern Idaho and northern Utah.

If you love national parks and enjoy finding some lesser-known spots, these locations are just a couple of options to be sure to visit. What are some secret locations you like to visit in and around the United States National Parks?