Royal Gorge Bridge at Canon, Colorado

This summer, my wife and I visited the Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge with some special friends from our seminary days. The bridge hangs almost 1000 feet over the Arkansas River. We were fortunate to be there on a clear day when we could enjoy the bridge, the cable car and all the other sights. If you walk across the bridge, you can see the river below between the wooden slats and feel the bridge gently sway as groups or motorized vehicles pass you by. 

The St. Louis Arch

I remember riding in the five person bubble to the top of the 630 ft St. Louis Arch as a kid. You could see the courthouse, St. Louis Cardinal Stadium and Illinois countryside. I even remember seeing part of the Arch built in the 1960's when I would visit my grandparents in the St. Louis area. The underground history museum of this stainless steel monument tells of the westward expansion of the United States. 

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park has always been a special place for me. I love the mountain lakes and the continental divide. It is a special place that reminds me how powerful and great is our God. Something this beautiful is not by accident. It is God painting on the canvas of the earth for all to see his artistry. 

Niagara Falls

Dividing Canada from the United States, the falls are a joy to experience. You can walk on an island that divides the American Falls from Horseshoe Falls or even ride in a boat at the base of the falls. Both sides of the falls have a unique flavor to them that makes this a delight to see and experience. 

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is a beautiful city filled with history and charm. From magnificent churches and carriage rides through the city, you find yourself caught in its southern charm. Be sure to visit some of the historical homes and beautiful gardens to get a sense of Charleston's past. 

Pike's Peak, Colorado

Our summer camping trip took us to Colorado where we drove to the top of Pike's Peak. At 14110 ft above sea level, you can see for miles in every direction. The air is clear and the world famous donuts in the gift shop and restaurant are amazing. If you don't want to drive, you can take the cog railway to the top. Here are just a few of the sights we saw. 

Cincinnati Zoo

One of the nation's best zoos is in Cincinnati. A recent visit reminded me of the diversity of the animals and how easy the zoo makes it to enjoy them. 

Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountain Park

Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a great place to get in touch with history and with nature. You can hike, drive or just get out and explore the buildings.  

Mt Rushmore, South Dakota

Mount Rushmore pays tribute to four of the great presidents of the United States. Carved by Gutzon Borglum, this monument has almost three million visitors a year.
 

Cumberland Falls near Corbin, Kentucky

The waterfall is known as the "Niagra of the south" because the 125 foot curved waterfall is special day or night. Yet, it is only at night during a full moon that you can see a moonbow over the falls. It is the only place in the western hemisphere where such a phenomenon exists.

Lincoln's Home

Springfield, Illinois

History comes alive as you walk in the steps of Abe Lincoln. His home shows that the backwoods railsplitter had become a prosperous and influential lawyer in the Illinois capital city. The home will take you back to the day when Lincoln left Springfield to become our 16th president.

 

Arches National Park

Set near Moab Utah, this park boasts over 2000 arches. My favorite was the hike to Delicate Arch (lower right corner) where you felt at the top of the world. Be careful, the arch sits on a sliver of rock with sheer drop offs on both sides.