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NATIONAL PARK QUARTERS
The coins release order is dictated by the order in which the honored sites came under the direct control of the federal government. As such, the Hot Springs National Park Quarter was the first to be released as the site was granted federal protection on April 20, 1832. Conversely, the last coin to be released in the program will be the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site Quarter, scheduled for 2021, with that site only being established on November 6, 1998.
All of the sites are honored on the reverse (tails side) of the fifty-six quarter dollars issued in the series with a design emblematic of that location. The obverse (heads side) of each coin will contain the same design, a portrait of George Washington, the first President of the United States. This image of Washington was initially used on the circulating 1932 quarter dollar and was designed by John Flanagan. The same portrait has been used on the quarters ever since 1932, with some modifications occurring in 1999 as part of the 50-State Quarter series.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Quarter – The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Quarter honors the site in Michigan that lays against the Lake Superior shoreline for over 40 miles. Visitors can hike, camp, sightsee, and visit during all four seasons at this national site.
There are interesting sandstone cliffs, beautiful beaches, sand dunes, waterfalls, forests and lakes that offer a variety of outdoor activities. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore was created in 1966, and is the first National Lakeshore ever created.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Quarter – The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Quarter honors the site in Wisconsin where visitors can explore beaches, bluffs, a variety of cultures and history. There are 21 islands and over 10 miles of land that make up this national site, and tourist can stop at one of the many lighthouses in the area.
Not long ago, Native Americans, pioneers, fisherman and other people lived and worked on these islands. Many attempted to farm and fish, while others manned the lighthouses, logged or did other miscellaneous jobs.
Tourists can see some of the old homes and lighthouses, as well as get "lost" in the wilderness surrounding the area, as past meets the present in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Voyageurs National Park Quarter – The Voyageurs National Park Quarter honors the site in Minnesota where, almost 200 years ago, animal trappers called voyageurs brought canoes filled with animal furs down the waterways of this region to trade .Visitors can get a glimpse into the past by traveling the waterways via a variety of boats, such as houseboat, motorboat, canoe, or kayak.
Much of this national site is covered by water and forest. The only form of transportation is by boat, and visitors must leave their cars at the entrance. There is also a variety of wildlife in this region, such as white-tailed deer or black bear.
Visitors also can enjoy camping and fishing when they tour this national park, but they must remember that they are visitors and the wildlife reign here.
Cumberland Island National Seashore Quarter – The Cumberland Island National Seashore Quarter honors the national site in Georgia. Cumberland Island is part of Georgia’s barrier islands, and is the southernmost island in this group. It features several maritime forests, beaches, and marshes.
Native Americans, early explorers and industrialists made their homes on the island long ago. Several ruins are also present on the island and maintained by the park service.
Visitors can get a peek into the history of this area with guided tours. Visitors can also camp, hike, bird watch, bike and take part in several other activities at Cumberland Island National Seashore.
Block Island National Wildlife Refuge Quarter – The Block Island National Wildlife Refuge Quarter the national site in Rhode Island. This wildlife refuge is located on Block Island, which is 12 miles offshore. It is an important safe haven for wildlife and natural environments that wildlife desire. It was established in 1973 and is currently 127 acres.
Block Island National Wildlife Refuge is part of the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex and is home to over 70 species of migratory songbirds. It is also home to an endangered beetle, called the American Burying Beetle.
This wildlife refuge is only accessible by boat.