Explore Go Lists
Find your next adventure with our quick lists of inspiring experiences.
For a Haunted Good Time
It was a dark and stormy night... America is filled with spooky little hidden corners and old colonial towns accompanied by legends, ghost stories and the like. Old spirits, energies, tales, impressions - whatever you want to call them - even inhabit our wide open spaces. So if you're itching for a little rush of adrenalin and a few bone-chilling history lessons this Hallow's Eve, or any time of year for that matter, you may want to look into one of these American "haunts" (pun intended). Halloween Haunts
Fall Colors
The New England States are famous for their fall colors, but just about every state - with the exception of Hawaii - has somewhere to view the golden colors of autumn. Even if you're in an area without many broadleaf trees, autumn is a great time to get outdoors! Enjoy a walk, a hike, or a bicycle or canoe trip in the apple-crisp air or take a scenic drive under sunny blue skies. The quality and angle of light around the fall equinox makes this a perfect time to take photographs. Vibrant Colors Await
Fall is the Time for Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is more than just another form of bicycling. It is off-road cycling using specialized bikes adapted for rough terrain. Mountain bikers often possess stamina, core strength, great balance, bike handling skills and self-reliance, since many trails are remote. You can mountain bike almost anywhere from a back yard to a gravel road, but we think you’ll agree that some of the best mountain bike trails are on federal public lands. Enjoy these exciting rides
Northern Lights
To watch the aurora borealis feels downright otherworldly. Shimmering and swirling, somewhere between smoke and paint, this glowing green phenomenon, though natural, creates a surreal experience for any viewer. But your chances of viewing the Northern Lights greatly increase the more north you travel - think: Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia. However, during a year when the aurora is particularly strong, you've actually got a shot at seeing this magical occurrence in the northernmost states of the lower 48. And though there are no guarantees, fall is the perfect time to try, with its dark skies and warm weather. Some scientists assert that the aurora ring is most active during the equinoxes (September 21 and March 21, approximately). Find nature's light show
California's Best Beaches
Perhaps there are as many songs written about California as there are grains of sand on the beaches there. Where does that inspiration come from? Witness the Golden State’s natural beauty firsthand and it’s hard to contain your awe. The 31st state is probably best known for her beaches from San Diego to the Oregon border. Here’s our list of California’s best beaches, and the federal lands and recreation opportunities that beckon you west. See why everyone loves the California sun
Day Hikes for Weekend Warriors
We define a "weekend warrior" as someone who must spend all week indoors, but gets outside and physical on the weekends! If you’re a weekend warrior, the perfect trail might be one that provides great scenery or even a physical challenge, yet is not too far from home. You’ll experience the solitude of wilderness, spot wildlife in a natural setting, feel the satisfaction of reaching a mountaintop or a secret fishing spot and still be home for supper! Discover these rejuvenating day hikes
Car Camping for Beginners
Beginners can ease into the outdoors with car camping. Car camping allows you to haul your favorite creature comforts – coolers, lawn chairs, lanterns, board games, fishing poles, toys, etc., and pitch your tent right next to your car. Try car camping at one of these great campgrounds
Wildlife and Bird Festivals
Picture a sky blanketed with birds erupting into flight, filling the air with calls and the sound of thousands of wings beating together. Do you want to know where to find wildlife and catch a glimpse of that rare bird you’ve had on your life list for years? For a fun, inexpensive way to find out more about birds and other wildlife, go to a wildlife or birding festival at one of your National Wildlife Refuges or other federal lands. Attend one of these wildlife or birding festivals
Scout Out Civil War Places and Events
The 150th Anniversary of the Civil War is an unparalleled time to discover, discuss, and commemorate America's greatest national crisis, and explore its relevance to today’s world. More than 70 national parks across the U.S. preserve sites and stories where this epic struggle took place from 1860 to 1865. Here are some historic sites and events worth seeing
Water Sports that Make a Splash
Did you know the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the largest provider of water-based outdoor recreation in the nation, with 422 lake and river projects in 43 states? Sure, everyone knows about motor boating and fishing, but why not consider cooling off with a different kind of water sport like flat water paddling, whitewater rafting or even scuba diving? Check out some of these places to make a splash
