Self-Guided Tours - NPS App

 

Explore the rich history and scenic beauty of national parks with the official NPS App. Discover self-guided tours, audio programs, and GPS navigation to enhance your visit to Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park and beyond.

NPS

Explore More with the NPS App

Introduction

Enhance your visit to Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park with our self-guided audio and GPS-based tours, available through the official NPS App. These tours allow you to explore the history and sites of Richmond beyond the Visitor Education Center.

Note: The NPS app is updated with new features every so often. This may change the way some of the images look, compared to what you may seen on this website page. We will provide updated instructions, as needed.

Exploring Historic Sites

Discover over 20 historic sites and places of interest around Richmond that are part of the WWII Home Front story. While we currently do not offer shuttle tours, the NPS App provides a convenient way for visitors to explore and learn independently.

Features of the Self-Guided Tours

• Audio Programs: Enjoy detailed information and engaging narratives about various historic sites.
• In-App Map Location Points and GPS Navigation: Easily find and explore significant locations with map placement and GPS navigation through your smartphone.

How to Use the Self-Guided Tours

1. Download the NPS App: Ensure you have the official NPS App installed on your smartphone.
2. Access Audio Programs: The app provides audio programs combined with map placement and GPS navigation.
3. Start a Tour: In the "Self-Guided Tours" section of our park's page in the NPS App, select a tour and click the "Start Audio Program" button to begin your journey.

By using the NPS App, you can delve deeper into the rich history of the WWII Home Front and explore Richmond's historic sites at your own pace.

 

After downloading the app, follow these steps to find our park and the Self-guided tours. 1. After finding the park in the app, click the "Explore Full Park" button if you are new to the app. 2. From our menu, select the "Self-Guided Tours" button and select a tour.

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Installing the App and Finding the Park

1. Download the Free App:

   • Download NPS App: Apple Store
   • Download NPS App: Google Play
     

2. Find a Park:

   • Launch the app once installed.
   • If this is your first time using the app, swipe through the introductory screens until you see the "Find A Park" button.
   • Click on the "Find A Park" button and type "Rosie" in the search bar to find the full name listing for our park.
   • Select our park from the search results.
     

3. Explore the Full Park:

   • After selecting our park, click the "Explore Full Park" button to access our park menu.
     

4. Select "Self-Guided Tours":

   • Look for the "Self-Guided Tours" icon (the icon may change, but the title remains the same).
   • Click on "Self-Guided Tours" to see a list of available tours.
   • Choose the tour you wish to take.

 

How to navigate the tours. 1. Click the "Start Audio Tour" button. 2. Press the green circle with the right-facing triangle to play audio. 3. Swipe left to get to GPS icon screen (far right). Click on the small green icon to launch your navigation app. 4. Swipe left again to continue.

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Navigating Our Self-Guided Tours

Our self-guided tours are designed to work with your smartphone's speakers and navigation app. While some tours involve walking, most include driving components. If your vehicle is equipped with compatible technology, the app can play audio through your vehicle's speakers and assist with navigation using your vehicle's GPS. Not all stops require the use of your navigation app.

Start Audio Tour:

To quickly begin a tour, select the "Start Audio Tour" button at the bottom of the screen.

Playing the Audio:

After selecting the "Start Audio Tour" button, you will see a screen with a map displaying numbered stops corresponding to the audio program. A small window at the bottom will show the title and a play button (a sideways triangle).

Your First Stop:

The first audio program is typically an introduction that you can listen to on your way to the first location or even at home before you leave. The app requires a map location for every audio program, so introductory programs are often located at the Visitor Center or general locations like Shipyard No. 3. After listening to the first audio file, swipe left to see the next directions. If you're driving and want to use GPS, then click on the small green and white icon on the upper right side of the smaller window.

Continue to Swipe Left:

For each additional stop, continue listening to each program and then swipe left for the next set of directions.

 

Important Tips and Safety Information

Your Safety is Our Number One Priority!

Exploring the historic sites of Richmond as part of the WWII Home Front History is an exciting adventure. Before you begin your tour, please review these important safety tips. If you have any questions, feel free to call the Visitor Center.

1. Drive Safely!

   • Accidents can happen when drivers are distracted. Do not interact with the app while driving unless you have a passenger to assist. It is safe to use navigation and listen to audio programs, but engage with the app only when your vehicle is parked. Do not stop in the road to take photos or pull over in prohibited areas. Always find a safe location to stop for photographs.
     

2. Respect Property and Posted Laws

   • The NPS does not own the sites listed in the app. Some locations can only be viewed from the outside, while others have specific open times or require reservations. For example, the SS Red Oak Victory Ship can be boarded on Sundays during posted hours but viewed from the outside during the rest of the week. Many sites are privately owned or are working businesses and schools.
     

3. Mind Your Vehicle and Belongings

   • As with any city or tour, remain aware of your vehicle and surroundings. Keep your belongings with you or securely stored out of sight.

Tips for Enjoying Your Tour

1. Pre-download the App: Download the app and test it before leaving home to ensure it works properly.

2. Learn at Home: Listen to the "Learn at Home" self-guided audio programs before your tour or visit to the Visitor Center. This tour includes map locations but can be enjoyed at home or while traveling.

3. Use Headphones: If you are on a walking tour, use headphones or earbuds to hear the programs clearly.

4. Check for Updates: We regularly add new audio tours, so check the app often for updates.

5. Contact Us with Feedback: We are continually working to improve the tours. Let us know if you enjoyed the programs or have suggestions for improvements.

By following these tips and safety guidelines, you can have an enjoyable and safe experience while exploring the rich history of Richmond and the WWII Home Front.