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Tag Archives: Native Americans

Making Friends with the Early Ohio Settlers at Sauder Village, Part 2

31 October 202314 May 2025

I spent the morning visiting the historical buildings located on the Village Green and those in the outer perimeter. The structures built in the early 20th century include the 1920’s Grime Homestead, Building 19 on the Complex Map.  This has been such a fabulous, educational experience learning about the history of each of the buildings as well as exploring the items that are inside relating to the type of building, shop or museum.  I hope you have had the opportunity to read Part 1 of my Sauder Village blog to put this amazing complex in perspective and to understand Sauder Village’s beginnings.

Celebrating forty years as Ohio’s Largest Living History Destination, the Village is an amazing replica of a small town dating between the years 1803 to the 1920s.  From the Natives and Newcomers Exhibit to the Pioneer Settlement there are close to forty buildings that will give you a glimpse of a time in US history with abundant growth and change.

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The 1920s Grime Homestead looks practically like any other farm house that one would see in Ohio. A beautiful representation of our country’s “Modern Era”, this home is very similar to those we would see today without many of the technological advancements.

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Friendly costumed guides are staged throughout the structures, replicating the activities of daily life at this time.  Inventions, such as the gas range reduced the amount of time to prepare family meals.  Our guide explained the process of gathering the ingredients of the meal using items the farm such as flour and eggs.  Using the appliances and kitchen gadgets from that era, she explained the steps to ready her meal and offered samples of the pie she had prepared in advance.

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The dining room, located off of the kitchen also served as a casual family room.  Furniture included a table and chairs, a couch, phonograph and radio as well as wall decorations.    Unlike the prevous rooms,  this floor was carpeted.  I learned that carpeting symbolized the wealth of a family, able to afford some of the nicer things in life and were considered well-off financially.

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Entering the parlor, I was immediately drawn to the upright player piano reminiscent of the one I had as a child.  This space in the house was set aside for entertaining guests and housed the more delicate possessions of the family, such as expensive furniture and family heirlooms.

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The master bedroom, typical of one that you would find in the 1920s, was simple yet functional.  The women loved vanities and dressing tables with benches.   During this era, it was not uncommon to find furniture made out of veneer to help reduce the cost.

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Downstairs, the large cellar served as a pantry and cooler for storing meat and milk.  Because grocery stores were not as readily accessible in the 1920s, the lady of the house would can fruits and vegetables then place them on shelves until she was ready to use them.

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The cellar also housed the laundry for cleaning of the clothes, hanging them out to dry and then ironing them on a regular basis.

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Exiting the cellar into the outdoors was a garden, storage shed and outhouse.  A garden’s size was based on the number of family members in the home as the produce was used to feed the family.

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Before reaching the festival barn, I passed the garage that held the tractor.  This was the first motorized vehicle on the property.  I was so excited to see all of the farm animals and spent most of my time in this part of the village.

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There are horses….

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Cows….

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Pigs…

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Turkeys…

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and chickens…but my favorite of all of the animals was…..

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the baby lambs!

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The Festival Barn is used strictly for entertainment purposes only holding special events, picnics and group lunches for visitors.

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Over the bridge I arrived at Brush Creek Pottery where I found Mark Nafziger, the resident potter creating a bowl.  With so many types of pottery on display,  I browsed through the flower pots, vases, plates and decorative items exploring all of their designs and shapes.

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Building 22 is a storage shed for employees only, but I can’t wait to visit the next building…the Ice Cream Parlor.  A perfect time for a break, I ordered a single, hand-dipped ice cream in cookie dough on a sugar cone, super creamy and delicious.

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Barbara’s Weaving Shop was closed, but on days that it is open, weavers use the barn’s frame loom to create beautiful items out of both threads and rags.

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The water-powered grist mill at Sauder Village is one of the few that remain in the state of Ohio today.  The process for producing corn meal is actually quite interesting.   As the water is released from its source, it rushes over the wheel, turning the millstones inside to produce corn meal.

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What fascinates me about this exhibit is that there are so many products that can be turned into flour or meal.  An in-depth information sheet outlines how the mill works and the  interactive display describes what is needed to ensure the mill runs smoothly.

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I purchased a bag of fresh corn meal to compare the fresh meal with a box for making homemade cornbread.

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About a minute walk from the Grist Mil is the Erie Express.  I decided to board the 15 minute train ride along the north end of the park where I will see glimpses of the Natives and Newcomers as well as the Pioneer Settlement.  The train ride costs $2 for the multiple rides throughout the day.

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Once I disembarked the train and walked the short trip to the Natives and Newcomers exhibit.  Covering the period between 1803 and 1839, I learn more about the pioneers who settled this region known as the Black Swamp area.

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The Native American’s housing is surprisingly different than the teepee structures that I have seen in reading materials and during some of my travels out west.  It seems so large and more rectangular in shape.

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The wigwam was much larger than I had anticipated, but it was used to house two families here.   In the center there was a partition that separatee each family, providing a little privacy.

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During the time that these structures were built, the settlers and the natives were already developing a trading relationship in places that were called trading posts.

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One of the more important items that settlers needed during the cold weather were animal pelts. Other items important for trade included pottery, guns, tobacco, whiskey and other items that were of interest to the trading parties.

From here, the walking path leads to the Pioneer Settlement that covers the years 1834  – 1890 when the Lauber family first arrived to this area.  I am looking forward to reading more about the early settlers of the Black Swamp and to explore more of the personal lives of the residents of Fulton County.  This part of my tour will be covered in Part 3 of my blog.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Sauder Village?  What was your favorite sight or activity while you were here?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many Thanks for reading about my visit to Sauder Village and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Sauder Village Living History and Farm
221611  OH-2
Archbold, OH  43502
Telephone:  419 446 2541

  • Admission Fee:  Adults:  $24;  Students, Ages 4 – 16: $18;  Children, Ages 3 and under: Free; Seniors 60 and over:  $22.   person is permitted.   2-day Admission:  Adults, $38; Students, Ages 4 – 16:  $26;  Valid for 2 consecutive days, non-transferable.  AAA Discount: $2
  • Hours:  Spring (May 3 – 27):  Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 3:30PM;  Saturday 10AM to 4PM; Summer (May 31 – September 2): Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 5PM and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.  Fall Hours (September 6 – October 8); Open Wednesday to Friday from 10AM to 3:30PM  and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
  • Length of the Tour:  From 2 hours to 2 days.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes as you walk through time visiting historical buildings.  Download the map ahead of time and plan your day.   There are several classes and demonstrations that you won’t want to miss.  While there are several small shops to visit, make plans to eat at the Barn Restaurant for down-home cooking.

Where to Stay:

Sauder Heritage Inn
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone:  800 590 9755

If you are traveling by RV, make reservations at the Sauder Village Campground.

Where to Eat:

The Barn Restaurant
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone:  800 590 9755

Select the buffet or order from the menu loaded with down-home recipes.

What to Eat:

  • Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
  • Soups and Salads
  • Fried Chicken
  • Roat Beef Dinners

What to Read:

  • Heritage of the Black Swamp, by Cynthia Covert Harger

Photo Guide to Sauder Village

  • Visit Sauder Village in the spring for newborn baby animals
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Hiking the Blackhand Gorge Trail

1 September 201916 October 2024

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I absolutely love hiking Ohio and the Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve in Columbus is a perfect way to experience nature throughout the year.

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Located off of I-70, west of Columbus, take I-146 West, driving 17 miles until the exit for County Road 273. There will be a sign for Toboso and Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve.  I entered the town of Toboso which led me directly to the park.

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After parking my car, I headed towards the log cabin which was not far from the trailhead.

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Blackhand Gorge was designated as a State Nature Preserve in 1975 by then Governor, James A Rhodes.

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It is easy to find the trailhead with a marker starting at Mile 0.

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Located off of the main trail, there is a Quarry Rim Trail which provides a view of the quarry which was utilized in the 1800s.

I decided to forgo the Quarry Trail and take it on my way back as this trail is an in and out pathway.

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I enjoyed checking out the rocks up close along the gorge to see the protruding tree roots as well as the algae growing within the ridges.

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The name Blackhand comes from an ancient petroglyph, resembling a black hand that was discovered on the “Council Rock”.

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Unfortunately, it was destroyed when workers set the rock to dynamite to create the Ohio-Erie Canal towpath in 1825.

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One of my favorite views includes the narrow passageway where trains would pass through the gorge.

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It is also exciting to see other nature lovers enjoying the path both by bike or on foot.

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Blackhand Gorge State Nature preserve is also considered an interpretive trail, providing an educational overview of the area and its importance to the Native Americans and explorers that once lived here.

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There is a rail system that runs above the gorge that once provided transportation to settlers and hauled rocks away from the gorge.

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I learned from one of the local walkers that the benches are perfectly positioned at the mile markers and help to monitor the distance traveled.

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The pathway is a quiet escape from the fast-paced everyday life and eventually the summertime leaves will block the scenic view of the Licking River.

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The Licking River came into full view.  I learned that there are several large birds that make this area their home, including the magnificent American Bald Eagle.

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About halfway into the trail, I approached a beautiful field with trees overshadowing the backdrop.

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A sign was posted to warn hikers and bikers of a recent washout.  The unpaved trail is a bit rugged but not a challenge for my walk.

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I finally reached mile marker 4 when it began to rain a little.  I was so close to the end of the trail that I was not giving up.  It will be interesting to see if the weather holds for my return trip.

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As I came to the end of the Blackhand Trail, I realized I had completed 4.26 miles.   I will have walked 8 and a half miles total this morning.

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I was happy to capture this shot of this beautiful waterfall on my way back before heading over the Gorge Trail.

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Starting the quarry trail….

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Another set of stairs that took me along the rim of the quarry.

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A beautiful view awaits at the top of the stairs.

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I have finished the both the Blackhand Trail and the Quarry Rim Trail while successfully managing to stay somewhat dry on my hike back.  I noticed some kayakers enjoying the Licking River to my left.  Once I approached the parking lot, I could see them loading their kayaks.

It was a beautiful day to enjoy Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve and I had barely made it to my car escaping the deluge of rain.  I was rewarded with scenic views of the quarry, sandstone outcroppings and even an eagle sighting.  What an amazing way to spend my morning.

Have you visited Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve?  I would love to hear about your hike, so please leave a message in the comments section below!  Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve
2200 Gratiot Road, SE
Newark, OH  43056
Telephone:  1 866 OHIOPARKS

Where to Stay:

Hampton Inn  Heath-Newark
1008 Hebron Road
Heath, OH  43056
Telephone:  740 788 8991

Where to Eat:

The Overlook Restaurant at the Virtues Golf Club
One Long Drive
Nashport, OH  43830
Telephone:  740 763 1100

I couldn’t resist ordering the Ginger Lime Grouper served with wild rice and the vegetable of the day (broccoli).  The ginger lime sauce was full of flavor and added to the tenderness of the salmon.

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Eagle Sightings at Highbanks, Columbus MetroParks

8 December 201531 August 2024

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Hiking in the Midwest, the scenery can change at every season.  From the diversity of plants to its wildlife, the Highbanks Metro Park unveils something new each time I visit.  What draws me here is the spectacular eagle’s nest viewing area, equipped with binoculars for visitors to enjoy watching the eagles and their young.

My hike began at the Oak Coves Picnic Area where I picked up the Overlook Trail and then finished my trek across the Dripping Rock Trails for a total of 4.1 miles in a double loop.  A small connector trail added about fifteen minutes to my hike.  A couple of side trails led to a protected Native American mound, while another provided an overlook to view the Olentangy State Scenic River.

My first stop was the Pool family cemetery, which is believed to be the resting place of the first white settlers in this area. The first evidence of Indian life at Highbanks are the earthworks that cover 1500 feet. The area, shaped like the letter C, is said to be from the  Cole Indians who built this wall to protect their village from attack.

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I reached the fork in the road and decided to take the path that reached the overlook.  I climbed 110 feet to the deck for the panoramic view of the Olentangy River and the sycamore trees below.

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Off in the distance was an eagle’s nest.  During the late winter and early spring months, the park staff set up a telescope for a closer view of the eagles and the eaglets after they have hatched.

The trail reached back around to the start of the loop where I backtracked over the connector that joined the two trails.  Before reaching the Dripping Rock Trail, I managed to see a side trail to the Adena Mound, so I took the detour to explore a bit of American history.

I exited the mound trail and made a right towards the nature center.  While I didn’t make a stop, I learned that it is a great facility for bird watching.

The Dripping Rock Trail is a pretty straightforward loop with a couple of locations to see dripping rocks.  There is an observation deck three miles into the walk, which is a wonderful location to view wildflowers.  After passing under the overpass, climbing a small hill and crossing a bridge, the trail had come to an end.

This trail is considered moderate due to the hills, but it is manageable with some great observation decks and artifacts.  For more information about Highbanks Metro Park and this trail, visit the Columbus Metro Parks website at www.metroparks.net.  Happy Trails!

What to See and What to Do: 

Highbanks Metro Park
9466 Columbus Pike
Lewis Center, OH  43035
Telephone:  614 906 3149

  • Admission Fee:   No admission fee
  • Hours:  Daily from 6:30AM to 10PM from April to September and 6:30AM to 8 PM from October to March
  • Amenities:  Eagle sighting; Adena mounds, hiking, biking, shelters and lodges, canoeing/kayaking, cross country skiing, day camps, fishing, nature centers, picnicking and sledding.
  • Scenic View:  Eagle Observation deck provides an amazing opportunity to view the eagle’s nest at the park.
  • Length of Visit:  at least 1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Camping is not permitted at the park and no person is permitted to feed the park animals.

Where to Stay:

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbus – Worthington
175 Hutchinson Avenue
Columbus, OH  43235
Telephone:  614 885 3334

Where to Eat:

Saigon Asian Bistro
50 Neverland Drive
Lewis Center, OH  43035
Telephone:   740 657 8887

The chicken lettuce wraps (appetizer) was exceptional and had a bit of heat, which suited me fine.

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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From Adena Mounds to Ant Hills, there is so much to see at Highbanks!

Flowers at Highbanks State Park, April 2012 - close up

Delicate Flowers at Highbanks Metro Park, Columbus

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Taking the bridge over the creek

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Sedona, a Spiritual Sanctuary

25 August 201427 October 2024

Sedona Colors, 1999

I’m not certain if I was more exited to visit the Grand Canyon National Park or to stop in the colorful town of Sedona on our travels from Phoenix.  It was the perfect mid-trip stop where we would be staying overnight before taking a few hours to explore and continue on to Flagstaff.

It is no secret that the fascinating draw to Sedona is its intriguing red sandstone formations. They are most beautiful at dusk or dawn when the sun’s light appears to illuminate the rocks with colors of orange and red.

What a view...Sedona, 1999

Evidence of pre-historic Native American life is quite prevalent here.  Archaeologists have uncovered pueblos and cliff dwellings as well as rock art and pottery from tribes of the Navajo and Hopi.

It wasn’t until the late 1800’s that early settlers began making their way west towards Oak Creek Canyon.  Most would be surprised to learn that the area was prime farmland where there is an abundance of water, lots of sunshine and rich volcanic soil.  The nearby creek was used to irrigate crops in addition to peach and apple orchards.

Amazing View of the Red Rocks, AZ, 1999

Sedona was a small town until the 1950s when it grew into a tourist destination and retirement center.  With its mild winters and hot summers, it is no surprise that the area has become popular with snowbirds.    000 The Church in the Red Rock, 1999

In addition to the beauty of Sedona’s natural formations, the man-made structure that also attracts visitors to the area is the Chapel of the Holy Cross.  Completed in 1956, the chapel rises out of 1,000 feet of red rock.

Infamous Red Rocks of Sedona, 1999

Whether it is the natural beauty, the spiritual aura or the perfect weather in Sedona, this scenic town just draws you in and leaves you wanting more.  Visit some of the unique shops in the area or plan for a hike.  Sedona is the perfect destination for an unforgettable experience historically and for some, spiritually.

Have you visited Sedona? What did you think of the area?  I would love to hear about your trip if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks for reading about my short stay in Sedona and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Chapel of the Holy Cross
Sedona, AZ  86336
Telephone:  888 242 7359

Where to Stay:

The Andante Inn of Sedona
2545 W. State Route 89a
Sedona, AZ  86336
Telephone:  928 282 1533

Where to Eat:

Hiro’s Sushi & Japanese Kitchen
1730 W State Rt. 89A #6
Sedona, AZ  86336
Telephone:  928 282 8906

What to Read: 

  • A Window on Sedona, Living in the Land of the Red Rocks, by Dottie Webster
  • Sedona, Treasure of the Southwest, by Kathleen Bryant
  • The Journal of Sedona Schnebly, by Lisa Heidinger
  • Skulls of Sedona, by J.R. Ripley

Photo Guide for Sedona: 

  • Airport Mesa is accessible by taking the airport road to a parking lot where perfect opportunities await.  Popular for taking sunset photos. From Airport Mesa, photographers can capture pics of Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Chimney Rock, Coffee Pot Rock and Courthouse Rock.
  • Cathedral Rock is one of Sedona’s most photographed landmark and one of the best views is from Crescent Moon Picnic Area.  Photograph the rock or hike up for outstanding views of the area.
  • Chimney Rock Loop Hike offers fabulous views of Chimney Rock.
  • Courthouse Butte Loop Trail for stunning views.
  • Devil’s Bridge is one of the most unique locations for capturing the extraordinary scenery of Sedona.  Visitors can walk across the stone arch which provides stunning views of the area.  A four wheel drive is required to access the trail which leads to Devil’s Bridge.
  • Red Rock State Park:  For a fee of $10 per vehicle, this amazing park is home the spectacular red rock for which Sedona is known.  The trails reach gorgeous landscape and beautiful views.
  • Schnebly Hill Road:  Although you will need a four wheel drive vehicle to access this road, there are some amazing views of Sedona in this area.

Cacti in Sedona, 1999

Cacti in Sedona

Incredible Rocks in Sedona, 1999

Incredible Rocks in Sedona

Red Rock Country, 1999

Red Rock Country in Sedona

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Red Rock of Sedona

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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Five Reasons You Should Visit the Grand Canyon This Summer

18 August 201431 August 2024

2016 is a special year for the United States National Park Service as they celebrate their 100th anniversary.  What better way to commemorate this milestone than to visit one of their amazing parks this year?

Maybe you should consider The Grand Canyon National Park located outside of Flagstaff, Arizona.  This is one of my favorite parks to visit in the US for several reasons, but here are my top five:

Colorado River, 1999

The Winding Colorado River, Grand Canyon

The Scenery and Landscapes
How could I even begin to describe the awe that comes from viewing the Grand Canyon?  It seems unimaginable that the power of one river, the Colorado, could carve out something so beautiful over a long period of time. With a length of 277 miles and stretching 18 miles wide, this geological phenomenon attracts close to 5 million visitors each year.

Amazing View of Grand Canyon, 1999

April Snow on the Grand Canyon

In addition to the enormity of the canyon, the layer upon layer of color is the perfect backdrop to a kaleidoscope landscape.  The park is divided into two sections, the North Rim, reaching heights of about 1,000 feet over the South Rim. This difference in elevation means that the North Rim’s temperature is colder and access to this section of the canyon is limited during the winter season.  During one of our visits in April, there was evidence of a recent snowfall.

Depending on the weather, the South Rim is typically open all year round while the North Rim is generally open mid-May to mid-October.

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The Fabulous View of the Colorado River, Grand Canyon

History
The Grand Canyon has been inhabited for thousands of years with its first settlements erected by the Native Americans.  Known by the Indians as “Ongtupqa”, this was a holy site and pilgrimages were made to this canyon and its many caves.  One of the most interesting sites of Indian habitation is located at Nankoweap Creek where ancestral granaries can be found along the Colorado River.  Fast forward a few hundred years and the area would eventually be visited by the Spanish and later the Americans.  It would one day become a preserve established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 and then declared as the 17th US National Park in the year 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson.

Famous Tower in Grand Canyon, 1999

Desert View Watchtower

Driving or Tram Tour
Many of the buildings, sites and attractions are located on the South Rim and are easily accessible from Grand Canyon Village.  The park provides a tram on the grounds which is also very convenient, stopping at the major sites.   Here are some of the points of interest on the South Rim.

  • There are several structures on the South Rim that were designed by Mary Colter to include Bright Angel Lodge, Hopi House, Lookout Studio and one of my favorites, Desert View Watchtower.
  • Considered the most luxurious of all of the Grand Canyon hotels is the El Tovar Hotel.  It was designed by Charles Whittlesely and completed in 1905 in the style of “National Park Rustic”.
  • Verkamp’s Curios was a popular place to pick up souvenirs and local arts and crafts. It was reopened in 2010 as a visitor center dedicated to the history of the Grand Canyon Village.
  • Buckey O’Neill Cabin is the “longest continually standing structure”, built in the 1890s. It is currently open as a popular guest house requiring reservations many months in advance.
  • Kolb Studio was built by two brothers in 1904 as a photography studio on site.   The structure became an art gallery after Emery Kolb’s passing in 1976.
  • One of the most interesting buildings that remains in the park is the Grand Canyon Railway Depot which is said to be one of the last log cabin train stations ever built in the US.

You can also choose to drive the route yourself which will allow you ample time to enjoy the attractions at your own pace.

+000 Fog in the Grand Canyon, 1999

Stairs Leading down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, Hiking

Hiking                                                 
Hiking is one of the most popular activities within the Grand Canyon. There are several trails that follow the rim of the canyon as well as take hikers deep down into the gorge, reaching the Colorado River.   In addition to the strenuous activity of hiking, there are other factors to consider before hitting the trail, such as altitude and weather.  Temperatures can reach over 100° F down in the gorge during the summer months and can fall way below freezing in the winter. Hikers must be aware of such effects as sunburn, dehydration and hypothermia.

Plants and Animals
If you are a lover of plants or animals, the Grand Canyon is your paradise.   According to Grand Canyon National Park, there are “approximately 1,737 known species of vascular plants, 167 species of fungi, 64 species of moss and 195 species of lichen found in Grand Canyon National Park”.  I agree that the plant life is a very important part of the Grand Canyon’s ecology, but I have a greater interest in the wildlife and I am overwhelmed by the number of species that make the canyon their home.  Within the park and its environs are an abundance of mammal species.  In addition there are birds, fish, amphibians as well as reptiles.  Here is an abbreviated list of some of the animals that have been found in the canyon:

·        Abert’s squirrels ·        Feral burros ·        Red squirrels
·        Antelope squirrels ·        Gray foxes ·        Ringtails
·        Beavers ·        Mountain lions, rare ·        Rock squirrels
·        Black bears ·        Mule deer ·        Shrews
·        Bobcats ·        Muskrats, rare ·        Spotted skunks
·        Coyotes ·        Pocket mice ·        Tassel-eared Squirrels
·        Desert bighorn sheep ·        Porcupines ·        Weasels
·        Elk ·        Raccoons

It is always appropriate to remain cautious should you encounter one of the wild animals at Grand Canyon.  Do not feed the animals and stay far enough away to ensure your well-being as well as the animal’s safety.

Although the Grand Canyon is not the deepest canyon in the world, it certainly is spectacular.   From hiking to driving, rafting to camping, there are so many other ways to explore this amazing national park.  And just when you think you have exhausted all possibilities of things to do, don’t forget to catch a glimpse of this magnificent gorge by helicopter.  With its colorful landscape and fascinating geology, it is one of the most interesting of all of the National Parks in the United States.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon?  What is your favorite activity?  I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks for reading about my visit to the Grand Canyon and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Grand Canyon National Park
PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ  86023
Telephone:  928 638 7888

  • Admission Fee:  $35 per vehicle for seven days; $30 per motorcycle for seven days; $20 per individual (biker, hiker, pedestrian) for seven days; Annual pass for Grand Canyon only:  $70
  • Hours:  The South Rim is 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.   The North Rim is closed during the winter, so check the sites website for the most recent information.
  • Amenities:  Shuttle system, picnicking, hiking, camping, guided tours, ranger programs, river trips, mule trips, backpacking
  • Scenic View:  Sunset and sunrise from most anywhere in the canyon are spectacular, but the website provides a great list of stops for enjoying sunrise and sunset.  ;
  • Length of Visit:  Several days
  • Tips for Your Visit:  The park’s website has a few suggestions such as bring an extra set of keys in the event you lock yourself out because it could be a long wait for a locksmith.  Major car repairs in Flagstaff or Williams, Arizona.  Keep your gas tank full as the closest gas station may be quite a distance.  Finally, carry plenty of water in your car, especially during the summer months.

Where to Stay:

Grand Canyon National Park
PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ  86023
Telephone:  928 638 7888

There are several hotels on the South Rim to include Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Kachina Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, Maswik Lodge. There is also an RV park, Yavapai Lodge. For reservations, contact 888 297 2757.   If the onsite accommodations are full, there are several hotels surrounding the Grand Canyon.

Phantom Ranch offers dormitories and  cabins who are exploring the Grand Canyon by mule or by hiking.  Reservations are made through Grand Canyon National Park Lodges via an on-line lottery 15 months in advance.

Where to Eat:

Grand Canyon National Park
PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ  86023
Telephone:  928 638 7888

For a list of restaurants and groceries at The Grand Canyon, select the following link:  https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/restaurants.htm

What to Eat: 

  • Avocado Fries are sliced avocados dipped in spiced bread crumbs and deep fried.
  • Chiltepin Peppers….very hot!
  • Cholla, a cactus found in the area, that is boiled and the gooey acid is removed to eat directly or added to salsas.
  • Cochinitos are a puffy, doughy cookie usually found in the shape of a pig.  This light dessert is seasoned with molasses and cinnamon.
  • Prickly Pear Cactus which is made into a candy and a sweet syrup
  • Sonoran Hot Dog, popular in Phoenix and Tucson, this Mexican creation is topped with beans, onions, and tomatoes along with mayonnaise and mustard.
  • Tamales!

What to Read: 

  • The Emerald Isle: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko
  • Grand Canyon, by Jason Chin
  • The Exploration of the Colorado River and the Canyons, by John Wesley
  • Over the Edge: Death in the Grand Canyon, by Michael P. Ghiglieri and Thomas M. Myers
  • The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey
  • I am the Grand Canyon, by Stephen Hirst

Photo Guide for the Grand Canyon: 

  • South Rim Viewpoints:  Yavapai Point
  • Mather Point
  • Desert View Drive
  • Shoshone Point
  • Yaki Point
  • Grandview Point
  • Navaho Point
  • Desert View Watchtower
  • Hermit Road
  • Horseshoe Bend
  • Bright Angel Point
  • Point Imperial
  • Cape Royal
  • Toroweap / Tuweep
  • Havasu Falls
  • Best places to watch the sunset:
    • Lipan Point
    • Navajo Point
    • Yavapai Point
    • Toroweep
    • Point Imperial
    • Cape Royal

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

+000 Grand Canyon 2, 1999

A view of the hotels at the Grand Canyon

000 What an amazing View of , the Grand Canyon, 1999

Morning Fog in the Grand Canyon

000 The Grand Canyon's Immenseness, 1999

The Grand Canyon Travels Far into the Distance

A Stop off on the Grand Canyon Bus Tour, 1999

Scenic overlook from the Tour Bus

Capturing the Depth of the Grand Canyon, 1999

Capturing the Depth of the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon, AZ, 1999

Trees Growing Through the Rocks of the Grand Canyon

The Colorado River in the GC, 1999

The Colorful Grand Canyon

The Vastness fo the Grand Canyon, 1999

The Vastness of the Grand Canyon

Snow at the Grand Canyon, 1999

Snow in the Grand Canyon

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I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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