What better place to celebrate the nation's birthday than at one of its national parks?
That's what the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's more than 400 national parks, would like to remind people around the nation. To offer some guidance, it has released a list of free events at national parks where people can celebrate Independence Day.
"All 401 of America's national parks teach a lesson, offer an experience, and connect us to our rich history," said Neil Mulholland, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation. "There is no better place to celebrate the founding of our great nation than in our national parks."
The Foundation's five "can't miss" July 4th events across the country are:
FLORIDA : Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, an American Latino Heritage Fund site, will have cannon firing demonstrations commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Starting at 9:30 p.m., watch the City of St. Augustine's fireworks display from the park.
PENNSYLVANIA: Gettysburg National Military Park and the Gettysburg Foundation is marking the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg from now through Sunday, July 7. Activities include ranger-led tours and hikes, the 150th Junior Ranger challenge, and artillery demonstrations.
WASHINGTON: The 50th annual fireworks display at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site will cap a full day of family-friendly games and entertainment.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The National Mall and Memorial Parks will be one of the busiest places in the country on the 4th with fireworks and musical performances. If you want to go someplace a little less crowded, check out Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. At the African American Experience Fund site, there will be a reading of Douglass' speech "What to the Slave is the 4th of July," which he delivered on July 5, 1852 in Rochester, NY.
WYOMING: At Fort Laramie National Historic Site, you can participate in sack races and other games, watch the military flag-raising ceremony and equestrian drill team, hear a cannon fired and the 38-gun salute, and participate in the recreation of a parade from 1876.