A National Treasure in our National Parks System – 5 Things You May Not Have known beyond Yellowstone

We’ve all heard of the big ones, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon National Park. But did you know there’s more to the National Park System than these large spaces of wilderness? Here are 5 things you may not have known about the National Parks System.

Monuments & Memorials

The National Park System also includes monuments, memorials, battlefields and historic sites. Chances are, no matter where you live, you’re not far from an area run by the NPS. There are over 400 National Park Service locations, which also include lakeshores, seashores, preserves and more. If you’re interested in American History, the National Park Service is a fantastic place to start your travels.

Ellis Island Run by the National Park System

Museums

Speaking of history, many of the National Parks & Monuments include museums, bringing you more information than just visiting the monument alone. Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are run by the NPS, as are a number of historic sites in Boston, Philadelphia, and more.

Accommodations

Staying in a National Park ranges from backcountry camping to luxury lodges, and everything in between. No matter what your preference is, you can find a National Park to suit your lodging style.

Education

The NPS works hard to provide education throughout the parks and monuments through guided ranger tours and talks, preservation efforts, and more. Additionally, if you have kids, the NPS offers has a program called, Every Kid in a Park. This encourages 4th graders and their families to visit the National Parks for free.

Another fun program is the Passport System. Adults and kids alike can purchase a passport at any NPS store and get it stamped with each location they visit. Nearly all of the 400 locations offer a stamp. That’s a lot to collect!

Costs

There are costs to visit the National Parks and Monuments, however not all parks have fees. Great Smoky National Park for instance is free to drive through. And there are fee free days throughout the year. Additionally, if you’re planning to visit more than one park, an annual pass might be the way to go.

There’s a diverse world waiting at the US National Parks. Do you have a favorite? Need help deciding where to go? Comment below and share your NPS experiences.