Cozy (and Fascinating) Yosemite Attractions for a Winter's Day
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Yosemite Museum[/caption]
Yosemite Museum[/caption]
If the winter or early-spring weather in Yosemite is temporarily a bit unappetizing, fear not: There's still plenty to do in the park, even when you're not out skiing or snoeshoeing or hiking!
In Yosemite Valley, several museums and galleries tempt you in from the rain or snow to explore the park's historical, cultural, and natural heritage. In their own way, the sights you see in these thoughtfully designed centers can be as thought-provoking and fascinating as the scenic majesty outside the windows.
If you're staying with us at a Scenic Wonders vacation rental, you're an easy trip from these valley-floor destinations. When you're not luxuriating beside the fireplace at your snug cabin, head out to learn more about Yosemite National Park!
Yosemite Museum & Cemetery
The Yosemite Museum is one of the park's quiet highlights, the perfect place to get a little context for all the splendor you've been enjoying firsthand in this gem of the Sierra Nevada.
You'll learn much about Yosemite's indigenous peoples, notably the Miwok and the Paiute. Visitors of all ages will marvel at the lifeways of these American Indian cultures, for whom Yosemite Valley and its surroundings were critical geographies in the yearly round. See examples of native basketry and beadwork, and step out back to explore the reconstructed Indian Village at Ahwahnee.
The museum also serves up lots of information about Yosemite's many Euro-American stories, from the earliest explorers to the tireless promoters of the national-park concept to whom we owe much thanks. Check out the 19th-century register of the Cosmopolitan Bathhouse & Saloon, a historic hotel in Yosemite Valley; you'll see some mighty famous signatures among the guestbook, including those of several U.S. presidents!
Nearby the museum is the Yosemite Cemetery, in which American Indians, notable park figures, and others are interred. This is another amazing place to sense the magnitude and drama of Yosemite National Park's history.
Other Must-see Spots
Also in the valley, be sure to stop by the Nature Center at Happy Isles. This superb institution provides an in-depth look at Yosemite's native flora, fauna, and ecosystems, making learning fun for all ages with hands-on exhibits and activities. Nature trails on the grounds link the interpretive info in the nature center with the broader wild landscape of the park.
You also won't want to miss the Ansel Adams Gallery, in which you can appreciate how the sublime beauty of Yosemite has inspired photographers and artists across the centuries.
Scenic Wonders Paradise
Of course, just about the perfect place to be when a winter storm is passing through Yosemite National Park is your Scenic Wonders vacation home, cozily tucked amid the serene woods of Yosemite West! You'll love your rustic retreat, complete with all the amenities you could ask for and a splendid view outside the windows. Get in touch with us today to reserve yourself a postcard-perfect cottage!
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