Sometime in your elementary school days, you had to learn the state capitals. Whether through mnemonics or silly songs, you eventually knew that names like Boise, Helena and Olympia were the places you needed to remember. And while we won’t quiz you, we would recommend you take a trip to visit some of these capital cities on your camping adventures.
Sacramento, California: If you’re camping at Thousand Trails Lake Minden, you’re less than 30 miles from California’s capital, Sacramento. Since 1854, Sacramento has been the Golden State’s capital, and its growth harkens back to the Gold Rush. The California Automobile Museum located here exhibits the evolution of the automobile with plenty of old-time models including a Ford Model T. Another historic transportation museum would be the California State Railroad Museum where the varying exhibits depict the importance of railway travel to the history of the Western US. The Crocker Art Museum, the oldest art museum in the Western US is a must-see as is the California State Capitol building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Nashville, Tennessee: Tennessee has had several state capitals over the years, including Knoxville but in 1843, Nashville became the state’s permanent state capital. Although it is largely considered a tourist destination for its music venues, Nashville has several historic attractions as well including the Belmont Mansion, which was built in 1850 in the Italianate architecture; Cheekwood Estate, another gorgeous mansion, this one Georgian style, that features 55 acres of botanical gardens; and The Hermitage, which was the home of Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the United States. Book a stay at Thousand Trails Natchez Trace to be near Nashville and its historic, and musical, attractions!
Boston, Massachusetts: Whether you’re visiting our Cape Cod resorts in summer or enjoying the woodlands while camping at Thousand Trails Sturbridge in early fall, Boston isn’t too far away. This capital city was named the capital of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1632 by King Charles I of England! Obviously, there’s history to be found here and one great way is to take the 2.5 mile Freedom Trail which takes visitors via a self-guided walking tour to 16 historical sites in the city’s history. While visiting Boston, don’t miss the Museum of Bad Art (yes, that is what it exhibits), the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum for real art, the Mapparium with its 3-story glass globe, lovely Boston Commons and the USS Constitution Museum.
Salem, Oregon: If you guessed Portland as the state capital back in those grade-school testing days, you definitely got that wrong. Oregon’s capital, Salem, is just about an hour’s drive from Thousand Trails Pacific City or Portland Fairview RV Park and you can see what this city has to offer on a day trip from camp. Highlights include the Oregon State Capitol Building, Schreiners Iris Gardens, Riverfront Park and its spectacular carousel and all the outdoor activities found here.
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