July 4 is America’s 235th Birthday! Which National Park Celebration Are You Headed To?
Here are the National Park Foundation’s top 10 recommendations for celebrating America’s 235th year:
COLORADO – Colorado National Monument – Come on out on July 4 and watch in amazement as rock climbers scale the Independence Monument and commemorate Independence Day by raising the American flag on the top of the monument, the tallest free-standing rock formation in the park. Enjoy patriotic music resonating throughout the canyons. Ice cream social to follow. Event starts at 10:30a.m.MT.
KENTUCKY – Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park – Gather round to hear Saxton’s Cornet Band in the park on July 4 at 11:00a.m.ET.
MARYLAND – Antietam National Battlefield – Treat yourself to the beautiful sounds of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra’s “Salute to Independence” concert on July 2. Concert starts at 7:30p.m.ET. Fireworks at approximately 9:45p.m.ET.
MASSACHUSETTS – Adams National Historical Park – “Down and Dirty Politics: 1776 Style” to learn how a strange, secret alliance of upscale gentlemen and rowdy street organizers bought about the Declaration of Independence. 1:00p.m. – 2:30p.m.ET. Beale House Lawn, located at 181 Adams Street. Street parking is available.
MISSOURI – Ozark National Scenic Riverways –The “Alley Independence Day Celebration” will be held on July 2 at Alley Spring. Activities will include musical entertainment, old fashioned games and contests, and demonstrations of traditional Ozark skills.
NEW YORK – St. Paul’s Church – Enjoy a traditional July 4th celebration featuring music, speeches, refreshments, reading of the Declaration of Independence, and tolling of the historic St. Paul’s church bell – 13 times. Event starts at 10:30a.m.ET.
PENNSYLVANIA – Valley Forge National Historical Park – Join Park Rangers for a living history demonstration at the Muhlenberg Brigade huts on July 4. Craft activities and a traditional Fourth of July barbecue at the Visitor Center. 11:00a.m. – 4:00p.m.ET.
SOUTH CAROLINA – Cowpens National Battlefield – Fireworks and family fun! Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:00p.m.ET on July 2, two days before Independence Day. Music will be provided by the Spartanburg Community Band.
VIRGINIA – George Washington Birthplace – Celebrate the 235th birthday of the United States with hands-on, colonial-themed children’s activities and costumed interpretation! 10:00a.m. – 4:00p.m.ET.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – National Mall and Memorial Parks – America’s biggest birthday party is taking place on July 4 on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Not only will the event feature incredible performances by some of the country’s best-known personalities and musicians, but it will also boast the most spectacular fireworks display. Event starts at 8:00p.m.ET (gates open to the public at 3:00p.m.ET).
Many more exciting events have been planned across the country and can be found on the National Park Service website.
Find out more about the work of the National Park Foundation and how to help at www.nationalparks.org. Learn more about National Parks tours and vacations.
