Illinois-based business advisor and financial consultant Joseph “Joe” Petry, PhD, has been working in the financial sector for over three decades. During this time, he has worked for such firms as Citigroup and Mayfair Financial. The principal of the latter, Joseph Petry maintains a passion for the outdoors and enjoys exploring national parks in his free time.
While national parks like Joshua Tree National Park and Yellowstone National Park are relatively well known, the following national parks, though important in their own right, are often overlooked:
1. Big Bend, Texas: Situated along the Rio Grande at the border between Texas and Mexico, Big Bend National Park covers 800,000 square acres. The biggest region of protected Chihuahuan Desert in the country, it was the first national park established by Franklin D. Roosevelt.
2. Dry Tortugas, Florida: Reachable only by a 2-hour-long ferry trip, Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote destination full of rare endemic birds and coral reefs. Located 70 miles off the coast of Key West, it’s perfect for anglers, snorkelers, and swimmers.
3. Lassen Volcanic, California: Located in northeastern California, Lassen Volcanic National Park features peaceful lakes, conifer forests, plenty of wildlife, and colorful mountains. It also has geothermal hot spots and all four types of volcanoes.
4. Isle Royale, Michigan: This archipelago in the middle of Lake Superior is an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts. Moose and gray wolves populate Isle Royale National Park, and vehicles are banned from all of the park’s 132,000 acres.
While national parks like Joshua Tree National Park and Yellowstone National Park are relatively well known, the following national parks, though important in their own right, are often overlooked:
1. Big Bend, Texas: Situated along the Rio Grande at the border between Texas and Mexico, Big Bend National Park covers 800,000 square acres. The biggest region of protected Chihuahuan Desert in the country, it was the first national park established by Franklin D. Roosevelt.
2. Dry Tortugas, Florida: Reachable only by a 2-hour-long ferry trip, Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote destination full of rare endemic birds and coral reefs. Located 70 miles off the coast of Key West, it’s perfect for anglers, snorkelers, and swimmers.
3. Lassen Volcanic, California: Located in northeastern California, Lassen Volcanic National Park features peaceful lakes, conifer forests, plenty of wildlife, and colorful mountains. It also has geothermal hot spots and all four types of volcanoes.
4. Isle Royale, Michigan: This archipelago in the middle of Lake Superior is an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts. Moose and gray wolves populate Isle Royale National Park, and vehicles are banned from all of the park’s 132,000 acres.
