Visiting Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Chaco Culture National Historical Park near Farmington, New Mexico, is a place that must be seen to be believed. It’s not easy to get to, but it’s definitely worth the trip. Located in the high desert of Northwest New Mexico, Chaco Culture is the site of the largest buildings built in the United States prior to the 19th century.

In addition to being a national park, Chaco Culture National Historical Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the USA’s most important and comprehensive examples of pre-Columbian architecture.  Thousands of people lived and worked in these massive pueblos between 850 and 1250 A.D.  Chaco Canyon was the center of the ancestral Puebloan world with dozens of great houses connected to roads leading to 150 more throughout the region.

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Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

Recently, my husband and I took a 1600 mile road trip from our home in Northeast Ohio to Denver, Colorado. After a few changes in plans, mainly due to Dennis’s work schedule, we decided to take the northern route along Interstate 80. I was excited because this would be my first time traveling through Iowa and Nebraska. While most people aren’t as excited about the plains states, I was happy because of my goal to visit all 50 states. Driving through isn’t good enough though.  I actually have to stop and visit an attraction to count the state. In the interest of time and convenience, I chose a place right off I-80, the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, the two room cottage where he was born

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