About National Parks and Beyond
How National Parks And Beyond Started
Welcome to National Parks and Beyond, where our journey into the world of nature and exploration began with a profound personal transformation. Founded by Jeff and Laura Cole, National Parks and Beyond has evolved from a humble inception into a passionate endeavor dedicated to sharing the beauty and wonder of America's National Parks.
Jeff's early exposure to the natural world started through visits to Rocky Mountain and Smoky Mountain National Parks. They instilled a deep appreciation for the outdoors within him and his family. Camping, canoeing, and outdoor adventures were an integral part of his upbringing. In contrast, Laura experienced family vacations in urban settings, where educational and cultural experiences took precedence, largely devoid of outdoor pursuits.
The convergence of these two contrasting backgrounds occurred when Jeff and Laura became a couple and later had four sons. Choosing family vacation destinations became a topic of discussion, oscillating between short weekend getaways to urban centers and locations such as St. Louis or Kansas City. However, the pivotal moment arrived in 2013 when their furniture delivery business necessitated a trip to Phoenix, Arizona.
This fortuitous journey prompted Jeff to introduce Laura to the majesty of the National Parks, forever altering her perspective. The Petrified Forest, the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Zion, Bryce, and Capitol Reef became the canvas upon which Laura painted her newfound love for the great outdoors. The experience was nothing short of transformative, sparking an insatiable desire to explore more National Parks.
Subsequently, National Parks became a focal point for their travels. Jeff and Laura seized every opportunity to visit these pristine landscapes, from the lush Blue Ridge mountains to the iconic beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Notably, the joy their sons found in the simplest of moments, like a breathtaking overlook in the Blue Ridge mountains, illuminated the profound impact of these natural wonders on their family.
The enduring passion for National Parks became a shared sentiment, resonating with friends and family alike. A pivotal moment occurred when Laura's sister and brother-in-law embarked on a journey to the Pacific Northwest, witnessing the awe-inspiring grandeur of Mt. Rainier and Olympic National Park. The joy they experienced kindled a desire in Laura to share this enthusiasm with a broader audience.
As life progressed, changes unfolded. Their furniture business was closed, Laura transitioned to working in healthcare, their sons matured, and then came the extraordinary year of 2020. In the midst of upheaval and change, the seed of an idea took root. Jeff presented Laura with a laptop, for the sole purpose of embarking on a new venture dedicated to the National Parks they cherished.
Thus, National Parks and Beyond was born. An enterprise driven by a profound love for nature and the transformative power of the National Parks, Laura has poured her heart and soul into its creation. With unwavering dedication, she balances a demanding career as a certified medical assistant with the relentless pursuit of her passion, nurturing and growing National Parks and Beyond with each passing day.
Today, the legacy of that fateful trip in 2013 endures. National Parks and Beyond has proudly explored 40 National Parks, instilling a deep appreciation for nature within their sons and taking countless friends and family on their first National Park adventures. Despite the rigors of her dual roles, Laura revels in the joy of her work and the opportunity to share the marvels of the National Parks with an ever-expanding community.
Join us as we invite you to embark on your own journey, exploring the beauty and wonder of America's National Parks. National Parks and Beyond is a testament to the transformative power of nature, where passion, dedication, and love for the great outdoors come together to inspire and enrich the lives of all who seek adventure beyond the ordinary.
Laura Hiking in Wilson Creek National Battlefield
National Parks and Beyond was featured in the Gift Shop Plus Magazine in the Winter 2024 addition.
The Ray House at Wilson Creek National Battlefield
Wilson Creek National Battlefield
At National Parks and Beyond, our commitment to preserving and enhancing the historical and cultural heritage of our nation's treasured landmarks extends beyond our own adventures. Our dedication to safeguarding the legacy of significant sites, such as Wilson Creek National Battlefield, reflects our unwavering commitment to the preservation and promotion of our rich history.
In a remarkable collaborative effort, Wilson Creek National Battlefield recently underwent a substantial visitor center renovation, which presented an opportunity for us to contribute to the preservation of a significant piece of American history. The park authorities reached out to Jeff and Laura, the founders of National Parks and Beyond, with a request to recreate General Lyon's Bed and a dresser, a task we enthusiastically embraced.
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield holds a prominent place in the annals of American history, being the site of the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River. It is also where General Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union general to be killed in action, met his untimely end. One of the focal points of the battlefield is the historic Ray House, a modest farmhouse that served as a hospital for both Union and Confederate forces during the conflict. It was within the walls of this home that General Lyon was placed on the Ray family's bed, an artifact of immense historical significance.
Over the years, this bed has remained a symbol of the Ray House's enduring connection to the Civil War era. To safeguard this invaluable piece of history from the frequent tornadoes and potential disasters of Southwest Missouri, the park authorities sought Jeff’s expertise, given his background in furniture craftsmanship and his proximity to Wilson Creek National Battlefield.
With meticulous attention to detail and historical accuracy, Jeff meticulously recreated the wooden bed and dresser to mirror the specifications of the original pieces. Laura, with her artistic prowess, expertly painted the furniture to impart the appearance of a bed that had witnessed over 163 years of history. This meticulous recreation now graces the Ray House, allowing future generations to appreciate and connect with the past.
Jeff and Laura’s commitment to preserving the historical integrity of national treasures goes beyond personal exploration. It extends to the invaluable partnership we established with Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, where they dedicated their time and expertise to create these enduring pieces of history. The original bed, now preserved, can be viewed in the Visitor Center, while our faithful recreation stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic location.
For further insights into this endeavor, we invite you to explore coverage of the Lyon Bed restoration in the local news, a testament to our ongoing commitment to preserving and enhancing the cultural heritage of our national parks. Join us in celebrating our shared history and the remarkable stories that await discovery in the heart of America's National Parks and Beyond.
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