Trivia Time: Missouri’s National Parks
We all know the Thanksgiving holiday is a time for family and friends and mashed potatoes and gravy. It’s also a time to be thankful – and it’s safe to say that we’re very thankful for our national parks.
If you’re looking for a unique way to spend your Thanksgiving holiday weekend, look no further than making a visit to Missouri’s national parks. Between their beautiful sights and rich history, they are Missouri’s best-kept secrets.
- Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, St. Louis: This memorial includes the Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse, two iconic St. Louis landmarks.
- Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, St. Louis: The site features White Haven, the home of our 18th president.
- Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Ozark Highlands, Van Buren, Missouri: The first national park to protect a river system.
- Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, Republic, Missouri: The site of the first major Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River.
- George Washington Carver National Monument, Diamond, Missouri: The site where young George Washington Carver grew up.
- Harry S Truman National Historic Site, Independence, Missouri: It includes Truman’s home, the family farm and more.
How well do you know our state’s six national parks? Test your brain power with these trivia questions:
Q: What does the “S” in Ulysses S. Grant stand for?
A: Grant himself said it didn’t stand for anything.
Q: What does Jefferson National Expansion Memorial encompass?
A: The 90.96-acre park is comprised of the Gateway Arch and park grounds, Old Courthouse, and Luther Ely Smith Square.
Q: What is the largest national park in Missouri?
A: Ozark National Scenic Riverways in south-central Missouri consists of 134 miles of crystal-clear, spring-fed rivers.
Q: What was George Washington Carver’s childhood nickname?
A: The Plant Doctor.
Q: What does Truman’s middle initial “S” stand for?
A: Nothing, but it was likely chosen to acknowledge both of his grandfathers’ names, Shipp and Solomon.
Q: On what date was the battle of Wilson’s Creek fought?
A: August 10, 1861.
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service by taking the Missouri National Parks Passport Challenge, an adventure that will take you to all six of Missouri’s national parks and reward you for doing so! Find out more information at www.monationalparks.com.
Find more trivia at http://www.monationalparks.com/trivia-questions.
Please note that many of our national parks’ visitor centers are closed Thanksgiving Day. We encourage you to call the national park to find out their holiday hours of operation prior to your visit.