U.S. National Parks
About the National Park Service:
The U.S. National Park System is a vast and diverse collection of protected areas managed by the National Park Service (NPS), an agency within the Department of the Interior established in 1916. Today, the system includes 433 units spread across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories, covering over 85 million acres. These sites encompass a wide variety of landscapes and cultural resources, from iconic natural wonders like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon to historic battlefields, monuments, and recreation areas. The mission of the National Park System is to preserve these natural and cultural treasures unimpaired for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of current and future generations.
Beyond just scenic beauty, the National Park System protects the nation’s heritage through 20 different types of designations, including national parks, monuments, historic sites, battlefields, and seashores. The system reflects the rich diversity of America’s landscapes and stories, offering opportunities for recreation, learning, and reflection. Managed by about 20,000 employees and supported by hundreds of thousands of volunteers, the NPS balances conservation with public access, ensuring that these special places remain protected while welcoming millions of visitors each year. The National Park System stands as a national legacy, embodying the country’s commitment to safeguarding its environment and history for all.
1864, Yosemite Grant Act:
Signed by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, the act granted Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias to California on the condition that the land remain "inalienable for all time" and preserved for "public use, resort, and recreation"
1872, Yellowstone National Park Established:
President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act, creating the world’s first national park. This act established the precedent for federal protection of natural landscapes for public use and enjoyment, marking the true beginning of the U.S. national park system.
1916, National Park Service Created:
The Organic Act established the National Park Service as a federal agency within the Department of the Interior. The NPS was tasked with managing and protecting the growing number of national parks and monuments.
1933, System Reorganization:
Executive Order 6166 consolidated all national parks, monuments, military parks, cemeteries, and memorials under the National Park Service. This reorganization made the NPS the sole federal agency responsible for all federally owned public parks.
1964, Wilderness Act Passed:
The Wilderness Act established a legal framework for preserving large tracts of undeveloped federal land, many within national parks, and marked a significant expansion of the system’s conservation mission.
2000, Cuyahoga Valley Redesignated:
In October 2000, Cuyahoga Valley in Ohio was redesignated from a national recreation area to a national park. This marked a significant expansion of the national park system into more urban and accessible landscapes, reflecting a broader vision for what constitutes a national park.
2000, NPS Mission Statement Updated:
The NPS updated its official mission statement to emphasize not only preservation and enjoyment but also education and inspiration. The new statement recognized the importance of outdoor recreation and the agency’s role in interpretive and educational activities, reflecting a modernized approach to park stewardship and public engagement.
Top Five Most Visited National Parks in the U.S.
America’s top five national parks—Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon, Zion, Yellowstone, and Rocky Mountain—offer stunning and diverse landscapes. Great Smoky Mountains is known for its misty forests and rich wildlife, while Grand Canyon amazes with its vast, colorful canyon views. Zion features towering red cliffs and famous hikes like Angels Landing, and Yellowstone, the world’s first national park, showcases geysers and abundant wildlife. Rocky Mountain offers high peaks, alpine lakes, and scenic drives, making each park a unique destination for unforgettable outdoor adventures.
Click on each U.S. National Park sign to learn more!
U.S. national parks have seen record-breaking visitation in recent years, driven by post-pandemic demand for outdoor recreation and social media exposure. In 2024, the National Park Service reported 331.9 million visits, the highest since record-keeping began in 1904, following a steady recovery from pandemic-era dips. Social media platforms have amplified park popularity, with studies showing a 16-22% visitor increase at parks heavily featured online. Additionally, cruise tourism (e.g., Glacier Bay in Alaska) and off-season travel (e.g., Joshua Tree) contributed to record numbers at lesser-known parks. While the pandemic initially limited access, it also spurred a long-term surge in hiking and camping, as people sought safe, nature-based activities. However, overcrowding and staffing shortages due to federal budget cuts threaten visitor experiences and conservation efforts. Climate change may further alter visitation patterns, with warmer temperatures extending peak seasons at some parks. Together, these factors highlight both the growing appeal of national parks and the urgent need for sustainable management.
Which of the top five U.S. National Parks should you visit?
Take the quiz to find out which of the top five U.S. National Parks you should visit!
1. What type of scenery do you prefer?
Cliffs, canyons or desertsMountains and forests
Geysers and valleys
2. Which of the following is your ideal activity?
Easy, relaxing walks and enjoying sceneryChallenging hikes with amazing views
Viewing wildlife and natural wonders
3. How much do you enjoy wildlife?
A lot, I love seeing animalsA little, not too big of a deal
Not much, I prefer landscapes
