Cue Up Beethoven's "Ode to Joy"!

Olympic National Park

September

What is the name of this park that houses rocks as large as
houses?  

Designated a national park by FDR in 1938, this park was declared a World Heritage Site in 1981. It is currently undergoing the largest dam removal project in U.S. history, to preserve 70 miles of salmon spawning and rearing habitat.

Did you know:

-- This park is known for its melanges (large rocks), which can be as large as houses.

-- The coastal portion of the park is 60 miles long.

-- The western side of the park consists of temperate rainforests, which receive an annual precipitation of about 150 inches.

Death!

Death Valley National Park

August

What is the name of this famous stark and arid valley?

In spite of (or perhaps because of) its harsh, arid environment, this national park has been used as the backdrop for many television and movie productions, including Star Wars. Located in California and Nevada, it is the hottest and driest of all the U.S. national parks, with 95% of it being a designated wilderness area. It is also the largest national park in the lower 48, featuring the second-lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, Badwater Basin, which sits 282 feet below sea level.

It was declared a national monument in 1933 but did not become a national park until 1994, when it was substantially expanded. It got its rather grim name from a group of European-Americans who were stranded there in 1849 while looking for a shortcut to the California gold fields.

Liberty!

Statue of Liberty National Monument

July

Is there a more recognizable dame in the Western Hemisphere?

OK, so this one is an ABSOLUTE no-brainer, but did you know:

-- It is made of copper 3/32 in. thick, equivalent to two U.S. pennies placed together.

-- Its internal structure is made of stainless steel and cast iron.

-- Its official name is "Liberty Enlightening the World."

Holy Smokes!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park