OHIO
Malabar Farms State Park near Lucas (419-892-2784; adults are $3 and kids are $1). This 914-acre working farm, preserved as it was in the 1940s, lets families experience farm life firsthand. After the year-round free tour on a 1947 tractor, you can visit the chickens, pigs and sheep (willing guests can pitch in with chores). To take the experience to the limit, stay in the old farmhouse, now converted into a hostel.
CALIFORNIA
La Purisima Mission State Historical Park in Lompoc (805-733-3713). At this living-history park, families can experience mission life as it was in the 1820s--women baking bread outdoors, padres teaching lessons, Spaniards and Indians bartering at the tienda. The entire complex is staffed by costumed volunteers (ask them where the nearest McDonald's is, and they'll look bewildered). The best part about this day-use park, though, is that kids can touch everything, from the blacksmith's tools to the Spanish churro sheep. (Call for schedule.)
DELAWARE
Fort Delaware State Park on Pea Patch Island off of Delaware City (302-834-7941). During the Civil War, this fort won its fame as a prison camp, housing up to 12,000 soldiers. Today, a ferry ride to the day-use island takes you back in time. Kids love to brave their way through tunnel-like powder magazines or watch the 32-pound gun go off. Camp nearby at Lums Pond State Park (302-368-6989).
INDIANA
Lincoln State Park in Lincoln City (812-937-4710). Climb the fire tower to survey 1,750 acres of park land named for the president's sister, Sarah. The area is filled with Lincoln lore: Abe lived here from age seven to 21, and across the road is the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, a living-history farm. Check out the 10 cabins or the Rent-a-Tent program.
MICHIGAN
Fayette State Park in Fayette (906-644-2603). In the late 1800s, Fayette produced pig iron (crude iron refined to make steel) to fuel the Industrial Revolution. Today, this 711-acre park offers a glimpse of that boom. After a stop at the furnace complex, hike up the bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan or set up a tent in one of the 80 semi-modern campsites.
NEW JERSEY
Wharton State Forest in Hammonton (609-561-0024). History and nature meet at this 110,000-acre preserve, the biggest park in the state. At Batsto Village, families can explore a restored agricultural community and hook up with programs about life in the late 1880s. Outdoor enthusiasts can get their kicks on four canoeable rivers, nearly 500 miles of sandy roads and nine campsites.
NORTH DAKOTA
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park in Mandan (701-667-6340). The Seventh Cavalry rides again at this 1,000-acre site, where costumed figures tell about life at the fort, circa 1873. Visit On-a-Slant Village, a recreated settlement of the Mandan Nation, and walk into an earth lodge, which looks as it would have 250 years ago. More than 90 campsites are available for overnights.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in June 1996. Updated April 2004.
