Time spent outdoors be deepened by adding more than just appreciation of the natural beauty around us. Don’t just connect with the ground you’re walking on, connect with the countless souls who have walked them 100s of years before you. Appreciate the fierceness of a turbulent river, as well as the grit and determination of those who crossed it in search of a better life. Stand in awe of the massive forests standing tall, then admire the pioneers who tamed the foreign wilderness to build the civilization we enjoy today.
Sometimes connecting with history brings excitement, joy, and wonderment. Other times, it brings weariness, grief, and regret. All of these are important emotions that truly connect us with those that came before us. They allow us to appreciate their impacts or motivate us to be better. But most importantly, it connects us through the one thing we all share no matter if we lived in 2024 or 1024 – the Earth we stand on.
Below is a sampling of locations, activities, or practices you can implement in your next outdoor adventure that can bring that type of fulfillment and connection to our history on Earth.
Go Camping in History
Perhaps the most straight-forward approach to engaging with history on your next camping trip is to camp somewhere with historical significance. This could be somewhere near or on a battlefield, close to a city with great museums, or on an off-beaten path that older explorers once discovered long ago.
Generally, state parks are ideal if you’re camping in a historically significant location as they usually include more interpretive signage and information than a privately-owned operation. Just google your state and “state parks” for all the options. Generally, your state government’s website will have a master list of all opportunities with amenities, costs, etc. that can help you further define your ultimate destination.
But if you’re looking to go somewhere special across the United States, here is a list of some of the best locations.
Hike with History
Sometimes sitting around history isn’t enough to feel truly connected with it. Interpreting the history by literally walking in the same footsteps as those that came before you can add another level of engagement. It allows you to understand the emotion of a soldier walking a battlefield or an explorer engaging the wilderness.
Thankfully, many important places in American history have trails today that allow you to engage in this way. Again, state parks are a great resource as they often have interpretive signage every so often to signify historic elements or specific places with importance. But also consider searching for and downloading audio tours on specific hikes which may add ambience and first-hand accounts re-told that will make you feel as if you’ve transported to the past.
If you’re looking for some options, check out the ones below which cover some broad events in American history where you can traverse trails that are now famous.
Become an Archaeologist
If you’re want to physically engage with history, you may be able to find areas where you can legally excavate historical materials. You would be surprised how many people are able to find old coins, arrowheads, and other pieces of history just by digging around in the dirt.
Oftentimes historical societies, universities, or other non-profit groups will host archaeological digs in certain areas. These are wonderful opportunities to meet other history-loving individuals and also learn some skills from full-time archaeologists. While you are often not allowed to leave with the history you’ve discovered, you will be able to hold it and know you contributed a small piece to uncovering history and telling its tales to future generations.
But if you aren’t able to join a dig for whatever reason, here are some other activities you may be able to find which will let you physically engage with historical artifacts in an interesting way.
Find Arrowheads Near Creekbeds
Find a Quiet Beach and Great Book
On the other hand, maybe you need to relax and quiet your mind to truly connect. Appreciation of the still and quiet is why many of us go outdoors, after all. Sometimes a connection to our history can also be found in this way.
For me to truly engage with any piece of written work, I need total peace and quiet. So maybe find a nice, serene beach and set up a tent and chair for a day full of reading.
There are hundreds of books on historic topics, so you’re sure to find one in an area important to you. But don’t limit yourself just to books written by professors on historic topics. While they are my bread and butter, I like to intersperse diaries, newspaper articles, and historic works to get a first-hand account of what people from history really felt and thought.
If you’d like some suggestions on historic novels, places to find first-hand accounts, and other potential reading materials, here is a small sampling I’ve enjoyed –
Sapiens, The Wager, and Devil In the White City are all well-reviewed books.
Harper’s Weekly and the Library of Congress are great free archives for your favorite subjects.
Common Sense, The Communist Manifesto, A Vindication on the Rights of Woman, and Meditations are historic works that still hold up today.
Play a Blast From the Past
One reason that so many people have trouble truly connecting with history is that it’s boring. To correct that, playing games that have been popular in different cultures throughout history can be unique way to engage with the past.
This is where getting children or not-so-intrigued family members involved can provide a gateway to sharing history with others. While in the moment you may only be focused on playing and beating your opponent – you quickly begin to put yourself in the shoes of the players of these games from hundreds of years ago. How did they play? What did they make the pieces out of? What did the game mean to them?
Some games we play today, like chess, have been around for centuries. But try these unique games you probably have never heard of which go all the way back to Ancient Egypt.
Chess was actually invented in India
Go is an east asian game invented 4,000 years ago
Mehen/Senet was played in Ancient Egypt, as was Nine Men’s Norris.
Shove Ha’Penny is a European tradition.
Quoits is the centuries old game that eventually became horsehoses in America.
Cook like it’s 1777
There is definitely one thing that every human throughout history has shared – a love for food. Early on, humans found food to be a way to express ourselves beyond just supplying energy to our bodies. In fact, when you go to an Italian restaurant it is simply modern recreations of historic dishes made in Italy. So why not dive in headfirst and make food the way our ancestors did?
While outdoors, it’s very easy to cook meals the ways they did hundreds of years ago. After all, you’re left without a microwave or basic stovetop. Cooking over a fire is the first kitchen humans’ ever invented, so it is a natural way to begin connecting with our past. Just pick a recipe, a cuisine, or a technique you connect with and try it out!
If you don’t know where to start, here are a few options.
Barbecue is really just an evolved cooking process from older times. Cook a pork butt.
Hercules was an enslaved chef who cooked for George Washington, with this being a meal he served.
What is more rustic and historic feeling than a good loaf of artisan bread over a fire?
Become an Old School Artisan
Maybe the most rewarding of all the outdoor activities I have listed is making a tool using your hands and the materials you find outside. Throughout history what have made humans unique is their ability to forge tools from the natural resources that Earth provides. Today, we have largely gone away from that. Reconnecting by making a tool from things lying around can give you an appreciation for the toolmakers and bring some self-satisfaction of creating something from nothing.
Most people think this is extremely difficult, but there are many simple tools you can make rather easily. A rock, some wood, and leaves can make anything from a weapon to eating utensils. With a little practice and patience, you might be surprised what you are able to create.
Try looking at a list of prehistoric tools and then make one that catches your eye. Or if you want a more guided instruction, try out the below.
Here are some very early stone age tools you can mimic.
Dreamcatchers have become modern decor from historic beginnings
Necklaces have always been a part of human fashion.