Which of the U.S. national parks in this image do you think is the most worth visiting? There are three exceptions. - eviltoast

We’re talking about a vacation this summer so we can plan ahead. My mother (who will pay for it) said she’d love to go to Yellowstone, but it looks like it’s about a 24-hour drive for us. Still, I like the idea of going to a national park. We’re in Indiana, so this image shows about the limits of where we’re willing to drive. Maybe 14-15 hours at most, which puts most of the ones in the image in range.

However-

• We’ve already been to Indiana Dunes and Gateway Arch.

• My daughter is scared of caves, so Mammoth Cave is out.

Out of the rest, which would you most recommend so I can suggest it to my mother?

Is there anything not in Indiana that is within this area that you think is more worth visiting than a national park that also would take a decent amount of time to visit and see different things? (Not a city, obviously.)

Any advice appreciated. Thanks!

  • TotallyNotABot@lemmy.worldEnglish
    10·
    11 months ago

    +1 for Smoky Mtns. So much to explore, Clingmans Dome, waterfalls, elk, bears, restaurants close by, but you can get as far away from the tourist-ty stuff as you like. Secluded cabins to downtown hotels. Dollywood for the kids is good. I live in Georgia, but try to get up there with the family every year or two. Also Smoky mountain knife works is worth it if you’re into knives, outdoors, camping…

    • Flying Squid@lemmy.worldOP
      6·
      11 months ago

      It’s looking the most promising right now just due to all the things to do in Gatlinburg as well. We can’t help it, we enjoy a good tourist trap.

      • Nokinori@pawb.social
        5·
        11 months ago

        Adding to the smoky mountain suggestion, the Gatlinburg area has a lot of fun touristy places to go. I haven’t seen the Apple Barn mentioned yet, but they and Cruze Farms Ice cream are both top notch dessert places. And I’ll 2nd The Local Goat for some good food.

      • A_Union_of_Kobolds@lemmy.world
        3·
        11 months ago

        Here’s another for the Smokies. I’m about an hour and change east of Gatlinburg, it’s a great area to spend a few days for sure. Dollywood is surprisingly awesome, the Aquarium is great, mountains like Clingman’s Dome are beautiful.

      • ℛ𝒶𝓋ℯ𝓃@pawb.social
        2·
        11 months ago

        +1 for the apple barn, definitely eat there while you’re in town! Like what cracker barrel should be if it was real food and actually good.