National Park Service Organic Act the fundamental purpose of said parks, monuments, and reservations, which purpose

is to convey the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such a manner and by such means will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. August 25, 1916

CELEBRATING FREEDOM AT MOUNT RUSHMORE **Important Note to Scout Troops** For the Evening Programs in 2012, Mount Rushmore will be inviting active military personnel and veterans from the audience to participate in the flag folding ceremony. Because of this change, Mount Rushmore will not be accepting applications for flag folding ceremonies from scout troops at this time. The park will evaluate this change during the summer of 2012 and keep the scout community updated on any changes for future summers. We hope that you understand this change and the park's interest to focus on and celebrate the military personnel of our country.

CLASSES AND EVENTS AT THE MEMORIAL Please see our Calendar of Events to learn more about the latest special events occurring at the memorial. For Special Events: To apply for a special event at the memorial, please click here or on the Quicklink above Special Use Permits.

PETS SERVICE ANIMALS ARE ALLOWED Pets (except service animals) are not permitted in any part of the memorial, except in the pet exercise areas located at each end of the main parking facility. Pets are not allowed past these points. The park superintendent established this policy for the safety of park visitors and the cleanliness of the memorial. Visitors are encouraged to use area kennels or pet services found in

local communities if they are planning a lengthy stay.

Black Hills Pine Beetle Infestation For decades, the Black Hills have been experiencing outbreaks of the mountain pine beetle which currently are killing large swaths of forests on private and public lands. The National Park Service has been working with Black Hills partners and developing strategies on how to slow the spread of the infestation by working with the USDA Forest Service, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture, and various local government agencies. more

Write to Mount Rushmore National Memorial 13000 Hwy 244 Bldg 31 Suite 1 Keystone, SD 57751 E-mail Us Phone Visitor Information (605) 574-2523 Cheryl Schreier,Superintendent (605) 574-3131 Fax (605) 574-2307

Climate Weather in and around the Black Hills is highly variable and changes rapidly. Summers are warm with high temperatures between 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit, lows between 50-60. During the spring and fall, temperatures range between 40-60 degrees during the day and between 20-40 over night. Winters are cold, with high temperatures between 20-30 and lows between 10-20. Be prepared for temperatures that may be higher or lower than the averages listed above at any time of year. A local weather forecast is available on the "Plan your Visit" page by clicking on the link to NOAA forecast located on the right side of the page.

more...

History in the USA

Selected Web Sites

Arizona
y

Grand Canyon National Park

California
y y y y y y y y y y

Death Valley National Park Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles Warner Brothers Studio Tour, Burbank Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco Bay Alcatraz Prison, San Francisco Bay The Hearst Castle San Diego Aerospace Museum Yosemite National Park

Connecticut
y y

Mystic Seaport Maritime Museum USS Nautilus Submarine and Museum, Groton

Delaware
y y

Du Pont Nemours Mansion & Gardens, Wilmington Historical Society of Delaware Museums, Wilmington

Florida
y y y y

Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine NASA's Kennedy Space Center Florida Museum of Natural History Winter Estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, Fort Meyers

Georgia
y

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park

Hawaii
y

USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor

Illinois
y y y

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield Lincoln's Home, Springfield Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio, Oak Park

Indiana
y

Abraham Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, Lincoln City

Louisiana
y y

National World War II Museum, New Orleans Oak Alley Plantation, Vacherie

Maine
y y y

Maine Maritime Museum, Bath Museums of Old York Seashore Trolley Museum, Kennebunkport

Maryland
y y y y

Antietam (Civil War) National Battlefield Fort McHenry National Monument Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture, Baltimore Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, Baltimore

Massachusetts
y y y y y

The Freedom Trail, Boston USS Constitution Ship "Old Ironsides," Boston USS Constitution Ship Museum, Boston The Paul Revere House, Boston John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, Boston

y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Harvard University, Cambridge Longfellow National Historic Site, Cambridge Adams National Historic Site, Quincy Minute Man National Historic Park, Concord National Heritage Museum, Lexington Historic Salem Peabody-Essex Museum, Salem Lowell National Historical Park Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge Higgins Armory Museum, Worcester Historic Deerfield Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth Pilgrim Hall Museum, Plymouth Cape Cod National Seashore Battleship Cove, Fall River

Michigan
y y

Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn Gerald R. Ford Museum, Grand Rapids

Mississippi
y y

Vicksburg National Military Park Shiloh National Military Park

Missouri
y y

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library, Independence National World War I Museum, Kansas City

Nevada
y

Hoover Dam

New Hampshire
y

Museum of New Hampshire History, Concord

New Jersey
y y y

Battleship USS New Jersey, Camden Morristown National Historical Park Thomas Edison National Historic Site, West Orange

New Mexico
y y

Bradbury Science Museum, Los Alamos National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, Albuquerque

New York
y y y y y y y y y y y y y

Ellis Island Immigration Museum, New York Harbor Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum, New York Harbor South Street Seaport Museum, New York Empire State Building, New York American Museum of Natural History, New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Pierpont Morgan Library, New York Franklin D. Roosevelt Library and Museum, Hyde Park Martin Van Buren Estate, Kinderhook National Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown West Point (U.S. Military Academy) Fort Ticonderoga

North Carolina
y y y y

Guilford Courthouse, National Military Park Biltmore Estate, Home of the Vanderbilts Historic Latta Plantation, near Charlotte Great Smoky Mountains National Park

South Carolina
y

Fort Sumter

Ohio

United States Air Force Museum, near Dayton

Oklahoma
y

Oklahoma City National Memorial

Oregon
y

Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks

Pennsylvania
y y y y y y y y

Gettysburg Battlefield National Civil War Museum, Harrisburg Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park Independence Hall, Philadelphia National Constitution Center, Philadelphia Valley Forge National Historic Park Pennsylvania Dutch Country Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Strasburg

Rhode Island
y y

Touro Synagogue, Newport Newport Mansions

South Dakota
y y y

Mount Rushmore National Memorial Badlands National Park Black Hills National Forest

Tennessee
y y y y y

The Hermitage, Home of Andrew Jackson, near Nashville Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Shiloh National Military Park National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Texas
y y y

The Alamo, San Antonio Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum, Austin NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston

Vermont
y y y

Shelburne Museum, Shelburne Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Woodstock

Virginia
y y y y y y y

Monticello, Home of Thomas Jefferson Mount Vernon, Home of George Washington Colonial Williamsburg Jamestown Stratford Hall Plantation, Birthplace of Robert E. Lee Museum of the Confederacy, Richmond American Civil War Center, Richmond

Washington D.C.
y y y y y y y y y y y

Washington D.C. Interactive Tourist Map The Lincoln Memorial Ford's Theater (site of President Lincoln's assassination) Smithsonian Museums United States Holocaust Memorial Museum United States House of Representatives The White House Arlington National Cemetery National World War II Memorial Korean War Veterans Memorial Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Washington State
y y

Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks Museum of Flight, Seattle

Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour

Wyoming
y

Yellowstone National Park

Other USA Tourist info

y y y y y

National Trust Historic Sites Historic Hotels of America U.S. National Park Service Home Page Presidential Libraries Do you have a question about U.S. History? Check out this National Park Service page with a list of E-mail links to History experts.

http://www.discoveramerica.com/uk/ this link has got beautiful picha abt usa torism

In short abt all d tourist places in usa

Places to visit in The United States of America are endless and there is something to suit everyone with sporting venues, museums, art beaches, landmarks, monuments, festivals, top entertainment and quality shopping.

there is a wealth of accommodation in the USA to suit all travelers including budget lodging, travel lodges, bed and breakfast and luxury

The USA has a long and rich heritage, with an abundance of places of interest to visit that include Washington DC - the nation's capital president, the White House and numerous places of interest; Boston, MA - a very tourist-friendly city; Chicago, IL - featuring a wealth o Las Vegas, NV - home to the casinos, enormous hotels, wedding chapels and an exciting nightlife; Miami, FL - famous for its beautiful b the Big Apple, offering world-famous landmarks and attractions; and San Francisco, CA - with wonderful beaches, major attractions and Cheap Hotels New York - Book your accommodation at very affordable rates with AnyTrip

WORLD GUIDES TO USA

World Guide to Albuquerque, NM, USA Albuquerque is a sprawling city and New Mexico's only major metropolis. Featuring a population of around half a million, this is a thriving city, with a major strip mall, nearby mountains and a number of important old structures. World Guide to Anaheim, CA, USA Anaheim is a popular tourist city and stands in the Orange County area of California (CA). Near to Los Angeles, Anaheim city is best known for its scenic Orange Groves and enormous Disneyland theme park complex. World Guide to Anchorage, AK, USA Anchorage stands in-between the Cugach Mountains and Cook Inlet, in Alaska (AK). Known for its nearby wilderness, summer hiking trails and winter crosscountry skiing, the city is an appealing mix of both old and new. World Guide to Annapolis, MD, USA Capital city of Maryland state, Annapolis offers a strong colonial heritage, with numerous 18th-century buildings, full of historic character. Annapolis also features many modern elements and is home to a large State House and City Dock harbor. World Guide to Arlington, VA, USA Best known for being home of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington is close to Washington DC, which stands across the Potomac River. Arlington features a distinctive skyline, superb shopping and many impressive landmarks. World Guide to Asheville, NC, USA Asheville is located at the confluence of the Swannanoa River and the French Broad River, in North Carolina (NC). With plenty of 1920s charm, Asheville offers stunning countryside and hiking trails, including the Blue Ridge Mountains. World Guide to Aspen, CO, USA Aspen, Colorado is home to an exceptional ski resort and Aspen, with some breathtaking mountain scenery. Attracting a mixture of serious skiiers, Hollywood celebrities and tourists, Aspen also features a host of summer activities. World Guide to Atlanta, GA, USA Atlanta is an epic city and seems to be continually expanding, with no real barriers to stop it from growing indefinitely. Sited within the state of Georgia, Atlanta is a major business city, filled with excellent shopping districts and skyscrapers. World Guide to Atlantic City, NJ, USA Atlantic City is one of the USA's oldest seaside resorts and is a major tourist magnet. Standing on Abescon Island, in New Jersey (NJ), Atlantic City is a thriving gambling resort with a famous boardwalk lined with attractions.

World Guide to Augusta, GA, USA Augusta is famous around the globe for being host to the prestigious Masters golfing tournament, a major annual event. Standing in the state of Georgia, Augusta features an array of notable historic landmarks and a popular riverwalk. World Guide to Austin, TX, USA The city of Austin lies on the banks of the Colorado River and has been the proud Texan capital since the 1840s. Located in the heart of Texas, Austin is close to many green hills and expansive lakes, and is renowned for its lively music scene. World Guide to Baltimore, MD, USA Baltimore is an exciting city, where historical and contemporary architecture are side by side. Known for its impressive ballpark, the city's Inner Harbor is one of the most popular districts and features numerous waterfront attractions. World Guide to Bar Harbor, ME, USA The town of Bar Harbor is sited on the northeasterly shore of Mount Desert Island. Every year roughly three million tourists head to Bar Harbor to enjoy its summer music festivals and recreational activities in the Acadia National Park. World Guide to Baton Rouge, LA, USA Baton Rouge, capita of Louisiana (LA), is full of history, being founded in the early 18th century. Standing along the banks of the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge features an important port, two large universities and lively districts. World Guide to Big Sur, CA, USA Offering a stunning coastal situation, Big Sur is the ideal spot for nature lovers, being near to a total of three very noteworthy state parks. Close to Big Sur is the Andrew Molera State Park, the Santa Lucia Mountains and a number of beaches. World Guide to Birmingham, AL, USA A visit to Alabama's cosmopolitan of Birmingham is a must, with an array of Art Deco buildings and excellent tourist attractions. Many of Birmingham's tourist hotspots can be found around the Fourth Avenue Historic District and Southside. World Guide to Boise, ID, USA Boise, Idaho's capital city, stands along the Boise River and offers an abundance of tourist attractions. Home of the state university, the city is known for its seasonal activities, such as kayaking, white-water rafting, hiking and even skiing. World Guide to Boston, MA, USA Boston, MA is a relatively compact city and most of the major places of interest are within walking distance of each other. An American travel magazine recently named Boston as the seventh most popular city in the world. World Guide to Boulder, CO, USA An entertaining city and quite different to many other parts of Colorado, Boulder is close to an impressive major mountain parks system, which is directly responsible for its extreme popularity and undeniable appeal. World Guide to Branson, MO, USA Although the population of Branson is only just above 6,000, the city is a massive entertainment destination and attracts over seven million visitors every year. Branson is located in the state of Missouri (MO), near to the Ozark lakes. World Guide to Buffalo, NY, USA Buffalo, home of the spicy chicken wing, is best known for being the gateway to the nearby Niagara Falls. Sited next to Lake Erie in upstate New York (NY), Buffalo is a wealthy city and is separated from Canada by the Niagara River.

World Guide to Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, USA Often going by the official name of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Californian town of Carmel is something of a seaside resort and very Bohemian in character. Carmel lies next to the Pacific Ocean, with the beachfront Scenic Drive being worth a look. World Guide to Charleston, SC, USA Full of traditional Southern charm, Charleston has become known for its striking architecture and tropical climate. The city contains many important antebellum houses and colonial structures, concentrated in the city's Historic District. World Guide to Charlotte, NC, USA Charlotte is situated Piedmont area and is known as the 'Queen City'. One of the most important financial centers in the United States, Charlotte contains many breathtaking skyscrapers and attractions centered around Tyron Street. World Guide to Chattanooga, TN, USA Chattanooga is situated alongside the Tennessee River, with many forested areas, popular hiking trails and riverfront walks. Home to a renovated waterfront district, highlights include the Tennessee Aquarium and Lookout Mountain. World Guide to Chicago, IL, USA Chicago is one of the most important cities in America and is a top tourist destination. With many interesting attractions, historic landmarks, entertainment, sports, beaches and parks, Chicago is located next to Lake Michigan. World Guide to Cincinnati, OH, USA Often nicknamed 'Cincy' by Americans, the city of Cincinnati lies next to the Ohio River and features attractive Art Deco buildings, riverfront districts, plentiful museums, a stunning fountain and a distinctive network of elevated skywalks. World Guide to Cleveland, OH, USA Cleveland's tourist industry has expanded greatly over recent years and the city has become a major tourist destination. Standing in the state of Ohio, on the Lake Erie shores, the city's waterfront area forms an impressive skyline. World Guide to Colorado Springs, CO, USA Colorado Springs is an expanding city and the second-largest city in Colorado. Situated below Pikes Peak and nearby Manitou Springs and the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is a conservative city, home to the Garden of the Gods. World Guide to Columbia, SC, USA Columbia can be found in the Palmetto State region of South Carolina. The capital city, Columbia contains the historic University of South Carolina and the scenic Congaree River, which meanders close to the heart of the city. World Guide to Columbus, OH, USA Columbus is a vast city and capital of Ohio (OH) state, in Franklin County located next to the Scioto River. The city's namesake is Christopher Columbus and highlights include Ohio State University (OSU) and the German Village district. World Guide to Corpus Christi, TX, USA Corpus Christi is often referred to as simply 'Corpus', and is an attractive port town on the southside of Texas, with many interesting features. These include a number of renovated historic buildings, parks, museums and nearby beaches. World Guide to Dallas, TX, USA The city of Dallas, Texas (TX) often known locals as the 'Big D', can be found in the northwestern part of Texas. Dating back to the 1840s, when it became a major financial center, Dallas was made famous by the assasination of John F. Kennedy.

World Guide to Daytona Beach, FL, USA Daytona Beach is perhaps the perfect Florida town, featuring a long coastline of golden beaches, which stretch for more than 20 miles / 32 km. Known for its world-famous motor sports, other attractions include a vibrant nightlife. World Guide to Denver, CO, USA Denver, Colorado, is also known as the 'Mile High City' and can be found between the American West and the Great Plains, near the Rocky Mountains. The city is a friendly metropolis filled with tree-lined boulevards and over 200 city parks. World Guide to Detroit, MI, USA Bisected by the attractive Detroit River, the city is known as the home of the car industry. Detroit is often simply called 'The Motor City' and the city's major attractions include the Henry Ford Car Museum and the Renaissace Center. World Guide to Durham, NC, USA Durham is a popular tourist destination in North Carolina and became a prosperous city as a direct result of its historic tobacco industry. Today, much of Durham has been restored and the city is home to the vast Duke University. World Guide to El Paso, TX, USA El Paso stands on the western edge of Texas, near to Mexico, which can be reached across the Rio Grande River. Full of heritage and a Mexican flavor, El Paso is close to the Franklin Mountains and Chihuahua Desert, with day trips available. World Guide to Estes Park, CO, USA A leading location for short summer vacations, Estes Park can become quite busy during the summer weekends. Tourists regularly stop off at Estes Park on their way to explore the neighbouring Rocky Mountain National Park. World Guide to Fairbanks, AK, USA Fairbanks is an appealing location, with extremely seasonal weather and a friendly community. Located in Alaska, to the south of the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks is centered around the Golden Heart Park area and hosts many annual festivals. World Guide to Flagstaff, AZ, USA Flagstaff stands Arizona's Colorado Plateau and is within easy reach of the nearby Grand Canyon Village. Known for being a lively town, Flagstaff is close to the San Francisco Peaks mountains between California (CA) and New Mexico (NM). World Guide to Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA The popular spring break resort of Fort Lauderdale has recently completely reinvented itself, becoming an upbeat and more cosmopolitan destination for tourists, with impressive beaches, promenades and harbourfront cafes. World Guide to Fort Myers, FL, USA Fort Myers, in Florida, has recently become one of the areas' most up-andcoming cities and is straddled by the Caloosahatchee River. With many popular sandy beach strips, Fort Myers is located next to the Gulf of Mexico. World Guide to Gatlinburg, TN, USA Close to the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg stands in the state of Tennessee. With a rich German history, popular attractions include the Ober Gatlinburg amusement park and skiing resort, and nearby Pigeon Forge. World Guide to Grand Canyon, AZ, USA The vast Grand Canyon is the most spectacular natural attraction in the United States. Formed by the Colorado River, the immense size of the actual canyon is difficult to believe. Every year over five million people visit the Grand Canyon area.

World Guide to Greensboro, NC, USA One of the largest and most historic cities in the state of North Carolina, Greensboro is located in the Piedmont area. Much of Greensboro's downtown district has been renovated and features many green areas and arts venues. World Guide to Hawaii (Big Island), HI, USA Hawaii's Big Island is well named, since it certainly is big. In fact, the Hawaii Big Island is so large that it will take around two hours to drive between the popular tourist resorts of Hilo (east) and Kailua-Kona (west). World Guide to Hilton Head, SC, USA Hilton Head is South Carolina's largest barrier island and offers a range of golf courses, beaches and coastal resorts. Known for its red and white Harbor Town Lighthouse, other highlights include a range of outdoor activities and water sports. World Guide to Honolulu, HI, USA Honolulu, on Hawaii's breathtaking island of Ohau, is the area's economic center. Perhaps best known for its stunning Waikiki beach area, Honolulu features many major shopping areas, five-star restaurants and views of the Pacific Ocean. World Guide to Houston, TX, USA Houston lies in the southeastern part of Texas, near to the Gulf of Mexico in southern USA. The largest city in Texas, Houston was founded in 1836 and oozes with wealth and money, close to Galveston Bay. World Guide to Indianapolis, IN, USA Known affectionately by locals as 'Indy', Indianapolis is capital of America's Indiana (IN) state, in Marion County. The city is famous for its impressive speedway motor racing and the Indianapolis 500, the world's oldest car race. World Guide to Irving, TX, USA Irving is an important city in Texas, near Dallas and Fort Worth. With many popular tourist attractions standing in northern Irving and also in the Las Colinas district, Irving's most famous landmark is the Mustangs of Las Colinas. World Guide to Jackson, MS, USA Standing in southern central Mississippi, the capital city of Jackson offers visitors a wealth of history and impressive buildings. These include Jackson City Hall, governor's mansion and also the imposing old state capitol building. World Guide to Jackson Hole, WY, USA Around the Jackson Hole valley, the endless mountain views are quite overwhelming and truly make this one of the most captivating tourist destinations that Wyoming has to offer. Also of interest is Jackson Hole's Old West heritage. World Guide to Jacksonville, FL, USA Jacksonville is situated in northeast Florida, in the great double loops of St. John's River. Standing next to the Atlantic Ocean, Jacksonville offers miles of beaches used throughout the year, a scenic riverwalk and a Skyway Monorail. World Guide to Kansas City, MO, USA Kansas City is a historic trading post, founded in the 1820s, when the city became a major cattle center. These days, this is a large and open city, situated on the Missouri and Kansas state line, with many boulevards, parklands and fountains. World Guide to Kauai, HI, USA When Kauai is compared to the more popular islands of Hawaii, it becomes immediately apparent that this small island is much less developed. This really is part of Kauai's charm and the island is filled will endless natural beauty. World Guide to Key West, FL, USA Key West is a small island, with many regular cruise shops docking each day. Known for its striking sunsets and views, festivals and parades, Key West also contains some of Florida's best scuba diving, snorkeling and deep-sea fishing.

World Guide to Kissimmee, FL, USA Kissimmee stands on Lake Tohopekaliga, in the Osceola County area of Florida, around the Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway. Closer to Disney World than Orlando, Kissimmee is well placed and features many places of interest. World Guide to Knoxville, TN, USA The city of Knoxville is located in the Great Valley of Knox County, near the Appalachian Mountains. Intersected by the beautiful Tennessee River, highlights include the University of Tennessee, Neyland Stadium and Sunsphere tower. World Guide to Lake Tahoe, CA, USA Lake Tahoe is an extremely picturesque, azure blue expanse of water, and lies between the borders of both California and Nevada. Around Lake Tahoe are a series of very different towns, with casinos being widespread on the Nevada side. World Guide to Lancaster, PA, USA Lancaster is an appealing town, on the western side of Pennsylvania's verdant Amish country. Centered around the Penn Square, Lancaster offers a number of museums, including the Heritage Center Museum of Lancaster County. World Guide to Las Vegas, NV, USA Viva Las Vegas! This famous Nevada city is home to bright neon lights, busy casinos, the famous Las Vegas Strip, enormous hotels, numerous wedding chapels, lively nightlife, an average of 315 days of sunshine each year. World Guide to Lexington, KY, USA Kentucky's city of Lexington is a friendly place to visit, with a notable equestrian history. Other highlights in the Lexington area include the University of Kentucky (UK), surrounding countryside and nearby historic towns. World Guide to Little Rock, AR, USA Little Rock can be found in central Arkansas, near to the spa town of Hot Springs. With a friendly local community and relaxed pace of life, main points of interest include the River Market District, Riverfront Park and the state capitol buildings. World Guide to Los Angeles, CA, USA Los Angeles or 'LA' is a rather complex city, with sumptuous golden beaches, near-perfect surfing conditions and numerous local movie stars. Split into a series districts, popular areas include Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Malibu Beach. World Guide to Louisville, KY, USA Louisville is located on the banks of the Ohio River, in Kentucky. Merged with Jefferson County, the city is famous for its Kentucky Derby, with other highlights including a waterfront walk, national parks and steamboat cruises. World Guide to Martha's Vineyard, MA, USA Martha's Vineyard is a scenic island and part of Massachusetts (MA) state. Close to Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard is the New England's biggest island and features a number of scenic cycle trails, sandy beaches and conservation areas. World Guide to Maui, HI, USA The island Maui is perhaps the ultimate tourist spot, with stunning ocean views, superb facilities, white-sandy beaches and reknowned whale watching. Maui's most popular tourist areas are Lahaina, Kaanapali, and the Kihei Strip in western Maui. World Guide to Memphis, TN, USA Memphis, Tennessee stands next to the Mississippi River and is most famous for being the former home of rock and roll legend, Elvis Presley. Graceland, Elvis Presley's estate in Memphis, now serves as a major pilgrimage for Elvis fans.

World Guide to Miami, FL, USA Miami in Florida is often referred to as the epicenter of 'cool' and is located on the south-east tip of Florida. Famous for many things, Miami is best known for its extremely sunny weather, golden beaches and lively Miami nightlife. World Guide to Milwaukee, WI, USA Milwaukee is known for its thriving arts community and stunning modern art museum. With many attractions close to the scenic Lake Michigan, Milwaukee features a number of popular summer festivals and a strong German heritage. World Guide to Minneapolis, MN, USA Minneapolis, affectionately named the 'City of Lakes', is to be found on the westerly banks of the Mississippi River and is an especially vibrant, busy and clean city. Filled with modern skyscrapers, Minneapolis is close to St. Paul, its 'twin city'. World Guide to Molokai, HI, USA The Hawaiian island of Molokai is the perfect holiday destination for those looking to relax and enjoy a spot of serious tranquility. Molokai's sandy beaches are quite tropical in their appearance and remain relatively quiet all through the year. World Guide to Monterey, CA, USA Located at the edge of the spectacular Monterey Bay area, in the state of California, Monterey dates back to the 1770s. With many historic adobe buildings and a Mexican / Spanish heritage, Monterey is known for its exceptional aquarium. World Guide to Myrtle Beach, SC, USA Myrtle Beach stands on the northeastern side of South Carolina (SC), in the center of the oceanfront Grand Strand area. The city is a popular spring break location with many beaches and attracts thousands of holidaymakers throughout the year. World Guide to Napa Valley, CA, USA California's wine country of Napa Valley has become extremely famous for its many hundreds of surrounding vineyards. Those with even only the slightest interest in wine tasting and vineyard hopping will find Napa Valley a delight. World Guide to Naples, FL, USA Naples is one of Florida's most sophisticated cities and offers a range of tourism, together with miles of beaches and a number of nature preserves. One of the best ways to find out more about the area is onboard the Naples Trolley Tour. World Guide to Nashville, TN, USA The 'Music City' of Nashville, capital of Tennessee, is famous for its country music and is also home to the Grand Ole Opry broadcasts. Nashville contains many live music venues and singers, making this a particularly vibrant city for tourists. World Guide to New Orleans, LA, USA Often referred to as the 'Big Easy', New Orleans is a seductive city in the state of Louisiana (LA). Located between to the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans features many major entertainment venues. World Guide to New York, NY, USA New York, New York, so good they named it twice, is one of the major cities in the world and also one of the top tourist destinations in America. Also known affectionately as the Big Apple, New York is a lively and bustling metropolis. World Guide to Oakland, CA, USA Oakland is one of Western California's biggest ports and is situated in the main bay area. With an important political history, notable points of interest include the waterfront area, Jack London Square, the promenade and Chinatown district.

World Guide to Oklahoma City, OK, USA Oklahoma City, the largest city Oklahoma (OK) state, became the capital in 1910. The city contains countless must-see attractions, including the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum and an enormous Native American festival. World Guide to Omaha, NE, USA Omaha stands alongside the Missouri River, on the eastern side of Nebraska state, close to both Iowa and Missouri. With a historic Old Market area featuring cobbled streets and renovated warehouses, Omaha is steeped in history. World Guide to Orlando, FL, USA Orlando, Florida (FL) is the world's theme-park capital, home to the famous tourist attraction Walt Disney World. Home to numerous state-of-the-art theme parks, attractions include Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and the Kennedy Space Center. World Guide to Palm Springs, CA, USA Palm Springs is known for its many spring breakers, who arrive to enjoy the legendary Californian sunshine and city attractions. With a Spanish and European flavor, Palm Springs features a large selection of golf courses and resorts. World Guide to Panama City, FL, USA Panama City is a popular spot in Florida, with many spring break resorts and activities. Home to a number of magnificent beaches and an outstanding coastline, Panama City includes the popular St. Andrew's State Recreational Area. World Guide to Pensacola, FL, USA Pensacola, nicknamed the 'City of Five Flags', stands in the Escambia County region of Florida (FL). Dating back to the 1560s, Pensacola city contains untouched white-sandy beaches, sparkling gulf waters and magnificent sunsets. World Guide to Philadelphia, PA, USA Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was once the nation's capital and while this is a major, bustling city, it still retains a certain charm and quaintness, with numerous cobbled streets, historic buildings and period colonial houses. World Guide to Phoenix, AZ, USA Phoenix, capital of Arizona, has become one of the fastest growing cities in America and features over 300 sunny days every year. Now the six-largest city in the USA, Phoenix is a major tourist destination, particularly during the winter months. World Guide to Pittsburgh, PA, USA The industrial heritage of Pittsburgh seems firmly in the past when you arrive in this modern, clean and attractive city. Pittsburgh enjoys many scenic riverfronts and is overlooked by Mount Washington, where a funicular railway awaits. World Guide to Portland, OR, USA Portland, Oregon's 'City of Roses', is divided by the Willamette River. Home to countless parks and gardens, such as the famous spreading Washington Park, Portland is full of diverse and historic districts. World Guide to Providence, RI, USA Providence, in the New England state of Rhode Island, is a scenic capital city, with two main rivers and surrounding hills. Home to an important port area, much of central and downtown Providence has recently been thoroughly renovated. World Guide to Raleigh, NC, USA Raleigh, North Carolina's capital city, dates back to 1792, when it was founded. With much of the city life centered around Capitol Square, Raleigh is part of the Research Triangle, together with nearby Durham and Chapel Hill.

World Guide to Reno, NV, USA Reno is famous for being known as the 'Biggest Little City in the World' and features a large concentration of flashy casinos and hotel complexes. Close to Lake Tahoe, Reno also offers a selection of seasonal outdoor sports. World Guide to Richmond, VA, USA Richmond, state capital, is a large independent city which was founded in 1607. With many historic buildings and a true southern charm, Richmond contains a scenic walking trail along James River and the Virginia State Capitol building. World Guide to Sacramento, CA, USA Sacramento, capitol of California (CA), was founded in 1839 and contains a rich, gold rush history. The city has evolved greatly over recent years and features two large universities, a busy riverfront area and notable jazz nightspots. World Guide to St. Louis, MO, USA Standing along the banks of the Mississippi River, St. Louis can be found in the Saint Louis City County, Missouri. Founded in 1764, the city is known for its spectacular Gateway Arch landmark, which dominates the skyline. World Guide to Salt Lake City, UT, USA Salt Lake City is situated between Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains. Despite a fairly small population, the city is one of Utah's most popular destinations and is the head of the Latter-Day Saints (LDS) Mormon Church. World Guide to San Antonio, TX, USA One of America's biggest cities, San Antonio was founded in the early 1700s and is situated in the southeastern part Texas Hill Country. San Antonio is famous for being home of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo and is nicknamed 'River City'. World Guide to San Diego, CA, USA San Diego, one of the most important cities in California, is known for its stunning beaches, natural harbor areas and particularly historical buildings. With many outdoor activities, top attractions include San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld. World Guide to San Francisco, CA, USA San Francisco in California is a spectacular peninsula that is surrounded by water on three sides and grows from the inside out. This modern city is visually spectacular, with many world-famous steep hills and views of San Francisco Bay. World Guide to San Jose, CA, USA San Jose city is the capital of Silicon Valley, standing in the sunshine state of California. The city boasts a number of impressive statistics and is largest city in northern California, averaging more than 300 days of sunshine each year. World Guide to Santa Barbara, CA, USA The city of Santa Barbara is located in the sunny state of California, alongside the Pacific Ocean. Santa Barbara is home to many major sandy beaches, together with restaurants, shops and museums in the busy State Street area. World Guide to Santa Fe, NM, USA One of the oldest cities in the USA, Santa Fe dates back to the early 15th century. Located in the state of New Mexico, Santa Fe offers a range of historic sightseeing opportunities, often clustered around the vibrant downtown district. World Guide to Santa Monica, CA, USA The coastal resort of Santa Monica stands in California's Los Angeles area and has long been a major tourist destination, actively promoting tourism. Santa Monica features a historic pier, sandy beaches and many notable areas.

World Guide to Sarasota, FL, USA Sarasota, one of Florida's most affluent cities, was founded in the 1880s and stands next to Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Popular tourist hotspots include Lido Key, Bird Key, St. Armand's Key, Siesta Key and nearby Tampa. World Guide to Savannah, GA, USA Savannah, in the Chatham area of Georgia, is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the USA, dating back almost 300 years. Close to the coast, Savannah is famous for its Historic District, which contains many notable buildings. World Guide to Scottsdale, AZ, USA Scottsdale has become one of Arizona's top resorts and is known throughout America for its exceptional golf courses and impressive scenery. Close to Phoenix, Scottsdale is home to numerous excellent art galleries, gift shops and museums. World Guide to Seattle, WA, USA Seattle, Washington (WA) is an appealing tourist destination, with the skyline easily recognisable by the Space Needle. Home to the famous Starbucks coffee shops, Seattle lies between Lake Washington and the Puget Sound waters. World Guide to Sedona, AZ, USA Sedona, in Arizona, is surrounded by striking red sandstone formations and is near to the Oak Creek Canyon. Attracting over four million tourists each year, Sedona is home to a large number of resorts, which often feature outstanding views. World Guide to Tallahassee, FL, USA Tallahassee, the capital city of Florida, is an appealing provincial city, with many mature trees. Home to the vast complex of Florida State University (FSU), Tallahassee features a monumental New Capitol building. World Guide to Tampa, FL, USA Florida's small city of Tampa is full of character. Situated on a major estuary halfway down the west coast of Florida, Tampa contains a busy port and lies across the bay from St. Petersburg, with numerous beach opportunities. World Guide to Taos, NM, USA A popular part of New Mexico, Taos began life as an important Spanish Colonial outpost. Taos is close to the Rio Grande River and consists of three main regions, central Taos the Ranchos de Taos, and the Taos Pueblo area. World Guide to Tucson, AZ, USA Tucson offers spectacular desert scenery, with an important Hispanic and Native American heritage. The city features two main historical centers, the downtown district along the Santa Cruz River and the lively University of Arizona area. World Guide to Tulsa, OK, USA Tulsa is situated in Oklahoma (OK), on the northeastern side of the state, adjacent to the scenic Arkansas River. The second-largest city in Oklahoma, Tulsa is a charming city, full of 1920s Art-Deco architecture and stylish buildings. World Guide to Virginia Beach, VA, USA Virginia Beach is a particularly popular tourist spot in Virginia, featuring the longest pleasure beach in the world. Home to a spectacular oceanfront boardwalk and a vibrant beach life, Virginia Beach is the state's largest city. World Guide to Washington, DC, USA Washington DC is situated close to Virginia and Maryland and is one of America's most beautiful cities, full of monuments, memorials, impressive architecture, large public parks, major sporting events and is the home of the president.

World Guide to West Yellowstone, MT, USA An appealing mountain town, West Yellowstone may be small, but its proximity to the Yellowstone National Park is enough to draw tourists here by the thousand. Nearby, the Old Faithful Geyser is just one of the 'must-see' attractions. World Guide to Wichita, KS, USA Standing at the junction of the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers, Wichita is one of the most prosperous city's in Kansas. This large city contains many vibrant features, such as the riverfront area, shopping districts and local museums. World Guide to Williamsburg, VA, USA Home of colonial America, Williamsburg is a major tourist destination with an array of sightseeing opportunities. Williamsburg features notable historic sites and buildings, and also many outstanding family attractions and theme parks.

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Economic Development and Infrastructure

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Economic Development
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Community Planning and Development, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Council of State Community Development Agencies Economic and Community Development Programs, USDA Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce Grants: Business and Commerce Grants: Regional Development Historic Preservation Labor Resources National Association for County Community and Economic Development National Association of Regional Councils National Community Development Association Renewal Empowerment Zones, Enterprise Communities and Renewal Communities (HUD) Report on State Economic Development Policy Small Business Administration U.S. Economy at a Glance

Housing
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Disability Resources on Housing Grants from Department of Housing and Urban Development Healthy Communities Environmental Mapping Office of Intergovernmental Relations, Department of Housing and Urban Development State and Local Resources, Department of Housing and Urban Development

Managing Growth
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Rural and Community Development

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Transportation and Tourism

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American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Bureau of Transportation Statistics Disability Resources on Transportation Federal Highway Administration, Field Offices Local and Tribal Technical Assistance Programs National Traffic and Road Closure Information State Travel and Tourism Sites Tools and Resources for Managing Traffic and Congestion U.S. Department of Transportation