Lake and Peninsula Burough, AK < Back Katmai Lake and Peninsula Burough, AK 1980 Established: Size: 4,093,077 acres Visitors: 37,818 in 2015 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next

230 mi S of Salt Lake City, UT < Back Arches 230 mi S of Salt Lake City, UT 1971 Established: Size: 76,679 acres Visitors: 1,460,652 in 2022 Summary Arches National Park, located in eastern Utah, USA, is renowned for its stunning natural rock formations, particularly its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Established as a national monument in 1929 and later designated as a national park in 1971, Arches spans over 76,000 acres of high desert terrain. The park's landscape is characterized by its red-rock canyons, towering pinnacles, and balanced rocks, all sculpted by millions of years of erosion and weathering. Delicate Arch, perhaps the park's most iconic feature, stands as a symbol of Utah and is depicted on the state's license plates. Wildlife Mule deer Western scrub jay Bighorn sheep Spadefoot toad Arches National Park hosts a diverse array of wildlife, adapted to the harsh desert environment of southeastern Utah. Mammals such as mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, and coyotes roam the rugged terrain, while birds including golden eagles and red-tailed hawks soar above. Lizards like the collared lizard and various snake species are common sightings, along with desert amphibians such as the canyon tree frog. Invertebrates such as desert beetles and tarantulas add to the park's biodiversity. Visitors can appreciate these fascinating creatures while exploring the park, remembering to observe from a respectful distance and to avoid disturbing the natural balance of this unique desert ecosystem. Sounds of the Park Things to Do Visitors at Arches National Park can partake in hiking, biking, camping, backpacking, horseback riding, or stargazing. Note that reservations are required to enter between April 1 and October 31. When to Visit Arches National Park has a semi-arid climate with cold winters and hot summers. Precipitation is rare year round. To avoid extreme temperatures, the best time to visit is either the spring or fall, though these are also the most crowded times of the year. Due to the park's popularity, it is best to arrive early in the day and to plan your visit in advance. Ties to Stephen Mather Though Arches became a national park in 1971, it was first established as a national monument in April 1929, just a couple months after Stephen Mather resigned as Director of the National Parks Service. The area was made into a national monument after Frank A. Wadleigh suggested such to Stephen Mather. Fun Fact The park's Delicate Arch is commonly seen as a symbol for the state of Utah, and is on its license plates and postage stamps. Previous Next

Everglades City, FL < Back Everglades Everglades City, FL 1934 Established: Size: 1,508,976 acres Visitors: 1,155,193 in 2022 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next

Bettles, AK < Back Gates of the Arctic Bettles, AK 1980 Established: Size: 8,472,506 acres Visitors: 2,872 in 2020 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next

American Impressionism < Back Artscapes - April 19, 2023 American Impressionism Previous Next

The Mather Homestead is bringing history to life through educational programs designed for all ages. Come for an event or tour to learn more about the rich history of the Mather family and their home. HOMESTEAD HAPPENINGS There's lots happening at the Homestead! We are bringing history to life through lectures , literary workshops , kids learning & fun , family events including historic reenactments , art-at-mather , music-at-mather , field trips and more! Fall Harvest Festival, Presented by BMW of Darien Oct 24, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM More info RSVP Lecture from Former National Park Service Director Chuck Sams and the Official Unveiling of the Stephen Mather Plaque Oct 29, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM More info RSVP Election Day Camp for Young Creators, K-5 Nov 03, 2026, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM More info RSVP Field Trip to Hamilton Grange National Memorial Nov 12, 2026, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM More info RSVP Holiday Ornament Homesteading Finishing Class Nov 15, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM More info RSVP Our National Parks: Past, Present, and Future Panel Discussion Nov 19, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM More info RSVP Holiday Wreath Making at 5:30 PM or 7:30 PM Dec 02, 2026, 5:30 PM More info RSVP Watch The Mather Legacy: An American Story Multiple Dates and Times More info Details Book a Tour T-Th 9a to 2p More info RSVP Vinyasa Yoga with Mary Ann Wednesday/Saturday 9:30a More info RSVP Past Events

Denali Borough, AK < Back Denali Denali Borough, AK 1917 Established: Size: 4,740,911 acres Visitors: 427,562 in 2022 Summary Denali National Park and Preserve, formerly known as Mount McKinley National Park, is a national park and preserve located in Interior Alaska, United States, centered on Denali, the highest mountain in North America. The park and contiguous preserve encompass 6,045,153 acres (9,446 sq mi; 24,464 km2) which is larger than the state of New Hampshire. On December 2, 1980, 2,146,580-acre (3,354 sq mi; 8,687 km2) Denali Wilderness was established within the park. Denali's landscape is a mix of forest at the lowest elevations, including deciduous taiga, with tundra at middle elevations, and glaciers, snow, and bare rock at the highest elevations. The longest glacier is the Kahiltna Glacier. Wintertime activities include dog sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. The park received 594,660 recreational visitors in 2018. Wildlife Caribou Golden eagle Grizzly bear Wolf Sounds of the Park Things to Do Visitors at Denali National Park can hike, hike, camp, birdwatch, or go mountaineering. In the winter, visitors can snowmobile, cross-country ski, or dog sled. When to Visit Denali National Park has a subarctic climate with long, cold, snowy winters and short, mild summers. Due to the greatest number of activities being offered in the summer, it is the best time of year to visit. Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact About 16% of Denali National Park's area is covered by glaciers. Previous Next

75 mi SE of Rapid City, SD < Back Badlands 75 mi SE of Rapid City, SD 1978 Established: Size: 242,756 acres Visitors: 1,006,809 in 2022 Summary Badlands National Park, situated in southwestern South Dakota, is renowned for its striking landscape of rugged rock formations, deep canyons, and expansive prairies. Established as a national monument in 1939 and later designated as a national park in 1978, Badlands spans over 244,000 acres of unique terrain shaped by millions of years of erosion and geological processes. The park's iconic features include colorful sedimentary layers, towering spires, and fossil-rich badlands, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's ancient history. Badlands is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and various bird species. Visitors can explore the park's scenic drives, hiking trails, and interpretive programs, immersing themselves in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the American Midwest. Wildlife Badlands National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, adapted to the unique environment of the South Dakota prairie. The park's iconic species include bison, which roam freely across its grasslands, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the American West's past. Bighorn sheep navigate the rugged terrain, while prairie dogs create bustling communities in the park's grasslands. Visitors may also encounter mule deer, coyotes, and black-footed ferrets, among other mammal species. Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting golden eagles, prairie falcons, and a variety of songbirds soaring above the expansive landscape. Additionally, the park's night skies offer opportunities for stargazing and the chance to observe nocturnal creatures such as bats and owls. With its rich biodiversity and varied habitats, Badlands National Park provides visitors with countless opportunities to connect with nature and witness the beauty of the American prairie ecosystem. Sounds of the Park Things to Do Visitors to Badlands National Park can go hiking, camping, horseback riding, stargazing, and more. Note that certain outdoor activities may depend on the season. When to Visit Badlands National Park has a continental climate with cold, snowy winters and hot summers. Given the park's location in the Northern Plains, weather can be erratic and unpredictable year round. Despite this, temperatures are typically mild in the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). It is recommended to visit during the middle of the week to avoid crowds. Ties to Stephen Mather Badlands National Monument was first authorized on March 4, 1929, less than two months after Stephen Mather resigned from the National Park Service. Despite this, it was not formally established as a national monument until 1939, and not established as a National Park until 1978. Fun Fact Badlands National Park hosts the largest undisturbed mixed-grass prairie in the United States. Previous Next

235 mi S of Midland, TX < Back Big Bend 235 mi S of Midland, TX 1944 Established: Size: 801,163 acres Visitors: 463,832 in 2019 Summary Big Bend National Park, located in southwest Texas along the border with Mexico, is a vast and diverse wilderness area renowned for its dramatic landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural history. Established in 1944, the park encompasses over 800,000 acres of Chihuahuan Desert terrain, encompassing the sweeping Chisos Mountains, the rugged canyons carved by the Rio Grande, and the vast desert expanses dotted with unique flora and fauna. Visitors to Big Bend can explore a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, birdwatching, and river rafting along the Rio Grande. The park is also home to a rich cultural heritage, with evidence of human occupation dating back thousands of years, including Native American rock art sites and historic structures from the region's ranching and mining past. With its stunning natural beauty and abundant recreational opportunities, Big Bend National Park offers visitors an unforgettable experience amid the remote and untamed landscapes of the American Southwest. Wildlife Big Bend National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, adapted to the rugged and varied landscapes of the Chihuahuan Desert and the Rio Grande corridor. Mammals such as desert bighorn sheep, javelinas, and mountain lions roam the park's remote mountain ranges and desert valleys, while smaller mammals like foxes, rabbits, and coyotes are also common sightings. Birdwatchers can spot over 450 species of birds, including colorful songbirds, majestic raptors like golden eagles and red-tailed hawks, and the endangered peregrine falcon. The park's waterways, including the Rio Grande and its tributaries, provide habitat for diverse aquatic species, including fish, turtles, and river otters. Reptiles such as rattlesnakes, lizards, and desert tortoises thrive in the arid desert environment, while amphibians like toads and frogs can be found near water sources. With its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems, Big Bend National Park offers visitors unparalleled opportunities to observe and appreciate the wonders of the natural world. Sounds of the Park Things to Do Visitors to Big Bend National Park can go hiking, kayaking in the Rio Grande, biking, camping, stargazing, birdwatching, and more. Though most activities are open year-round, be prepared for extreme heat if visiting during the summer, and don't over exert. When to Visit Big Bend has a hot desert climate, with hot summers and mild to warm winters. Precipitation is rare year-round. Warm, pleasant weather tends to occur most in the spring (March-April) and fall (October-November), though crowds also tend to be highest at this time. To avoid crowds, the best time to visit during these seasons would be in the middle of the week rather than on weekends. Ties to Stephen Mather Big Bend National Park has a Stephen Mather plaque located on the Window View Trail in the Chisos Basin. Fun Fact The Chisos Mountains, located in Big Bend National Park, are the only mountain range in the U.S. to be located entirely within the confines of a National Park. Previous Next

Connecticut or New York, 1730-1760. Cherry; white pine. 26 ¾" h. x 16" w. (50” open) x 47" d. < Back Gate-Leg Table with Oval Top First Floor - Keeping Room Furniture and Hard Furnishings Connecticut or New York, 1730-1760. Cherry; white pine. 26 ¾" h. x 16" w. (50” open) x 47" d. The oval top over a rectangular frame on four legs with baluster and ring turnings, all joined by turned stretchers in a box plan. Two framed swinging supports or “gates” support a hinged leaf, which joins the fixed center section with tongue-and-groove molded edges. Iron butt hinges replace earlier strap hinges, evident in filled holes in leaves. Stretchers are worn with use marks in appropriate spots. Previous Next

The Power of Scenery, online discussion - April 14, 2021 < Back Dennis Drabelle - April 14, 2022 The Power of Scenery, online discussion - April 14, 2021 Previous Next

Billings County, ND < Back Theodore Roosevelt Billings County, ND 1978 Established: Size: 70,446 acres Visitors: 668,679 in 2022 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next