Washington and Lee University
The country our ancestors dreamed about still resides in America's national parks. Here where the buffalo roam and the great mountains rise into snow, where rivers thunder into rapids and the eagle soars, you can find breathing space and glimpse the mythic grandeur of our national heritage.
Over the years, we've considered a variety of proposals for family tours of the American West. But we've waited for one that would include overnight stays in several of the historic park lodges that are, in our opinion, essential to the National Parks experience. Here, at last, is a package that combines several of our most beautiful and historic parks-Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Mount Rushmore, The Badlands, and Custer State Park-with such accommodations as the Lake Yellowstone Hotel, Old Faithful Inn, Spearfish Canyon Lodge, and the State Game Lodge in Custer State Park (the Summer White House for Calvin Coolidge). A great trip must by definition include a great place to stay.
In addition to the natural splendor of the National Parks, our tour includes introductions to the lore of the Old West in such places as Cody and Deadwood. We'll witness one of the world's largest free-roaming bison herds and enjoy a chuckwagon cook-out. We'll visit the world's largest mammoth site, where scientists are excavating remains from woolly mammoths, then take a float trip down the Snake River. Our guides are specially trained in wildlife ecology, as well as history and lore, so this will be an educational adventure, as well as a terrific family holiday.
With beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife, hiking, storytelling, and grand old lodges, this is a trip that your children or grandchildren-and you-will remember always.
Download the complete itinerary and registration form (.pdf)
Jim Warren is S. Blount Mason, Jr. Professor of English and now the eldest member of the English Department. He teaches and writes about 19th‑century American literature and environmental literature. He has recently edited the collected poems of Mary Austin and is writing a book about contemporary writer Barry Lopez.
