Jewel Cave National Monument: A South Dakota Gem

Jewel Cave National Monument: A South Dakota Gem

Two of the world’s largest cave systems are tucked away in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Jewel Cave National Monument winds through 202 miles of mapped cave shafts, making it the third largest cave in the world. The cave, located a few miles west 

Why Teach Your Kids Map-Reading Skills?

Why Teach Your Kids Map-Reading Skills?

I’m a cartophile. There. I’ve said it. What’s a cartophile? A lover of maps. I’ve admired maps since I was young. I study maps before any road trip or vacation. And I have a secret. My kids are becoming cartophiles also. During road trips, I 

Mount Rushmore: A Photo Travelogue

Mount Rushmore: A Photo Travelogue

Mount Rushmore is one of the most iconic sites in the United States. The sculpture of four U.S. Presidents is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  Each year, three million tourists visit the site. Recently, Family Well Traveled returned to Mount Rushmore. We 

Scenic Highways: Picture Perfect Landscapes on Colorado Highway 145

Scenic Highways: Picture Perfect Landscapes on Colorado Highway 145

Recently, we had a family reunion in Cortez, Colorado. Our family, my in-laws, and my sister-in-laws family visited Mesa Verde National Park. Having visited before, I looked at alternative routes to get to Cortez from the Denver area. My route was set, but summer wildfires 

What to See and Do at Mount Rushmore

What to See and Do at Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore is one of the most iconic and recognizable memorials in the United States. According to the National Park Service, almost 2.5 million people visited the memorial last year. Each year, families plan a visit to the site and the neighboring Black Hills. Our 

The Joys of Being a Junior Ranger

The Joys of Being a Junior Ranger

Every summer, our family develops a new passion. One year, it was geocaching. One year, it was watching “American Ninja Warrior.” This year, our passion involves visiting some of the sites of the National Park Service. During the visit, our children collect a Junior Ranger