United States National Parks

California

Yosemite National Park

United States National Parks

United States National Parks

The United States National Parks system preserves some of the most breathtaking and diverse landscapes on Earth. From the towering peaks of Denali in Alaska to the vast canyons of Arizona and the tropical reefs of Florida, these parks protect natural wonders, wildlife, and cultural heritage for future generations. The system began in 1872 with the creation of Yellowstone National Park, the first of its kind in the world, setting an example for conservation efforts everywhere.

Today, the National Park Service manages over 400 areas, including national parks, monuments, historic sites, and preserves. Visitors can hike through ancient forests, watch geysers erupt, explore caves, paddle through wetlands, or learn about the nation’s history at sites like Independence Hall and Mesa Verde. Each park offers a unique story about America’s land and people.

National parks are often called “America’s best idea” because they combine beauty, education, and preservation. They remind visitors of the importance of protecting natural and cultural treasures in an increasingly developed world. Whether you seek adventure, peace, or inspiration, the National Parks provide a window into the incredible diversity and spirit of the United States.

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Fast Facts and Interesting Facts
🗺️ Region Across all U.S. states and territories Interesting Facts
🏞️ Number of National Parks 63 official National Parks (over 400 total sites managed by the National Park Service)
  1. 🦌 Yellowstone, established in 1872, was the first national park not only in the U.S. but in the entire world.
  2. 📚 The idea for national parks was called “America’s best idea” by writer and historian Wallace Stegner.
  3. 🏔️ Denali National Park in Alaska is home to North America’s highest peak, Mount Denali (20,310 feet).
  4. 🏛️ National parks protect over 4.5 million archaeological sites and historic structures.
  5. 🗽 The National Park System includes not only parks but also battlefields, monuments, preserves, and seashores.
  6. 🌉 California has the most national parks of any state — nine in total.
  7. 🐊 Everglades National Park in Florida is the only place on Earth where alligators and crocodiles coexist naturally.
  8. 🌋 Visitors can find active volcanoes in Hawaii Volcanoes and Lassen Volcanic National Parks.
  9. 🧭 The Grand Canyon is over a mile deep and exposes nearly two billion years of Earth’s geological history.
  10. 🚶 Over 300 million people visit national park sites each year, making them some of the most popular destinations in the country.
  11. 🌠 Big Bend and Bryce Canyon are among the top stargazing spots due to their low light pollution.
  12. 🚣 Some parks, like Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota, can only be explored by boat or canoe.
  13. 🐻 Katmai National Park in Alaska is famous for brown bears catching salmon at Brooks Falls.
  14. 🌎 The National Park Service manages areas in U.S. territories such as American Samoa and the Virgin Islands, showing America’s global natural diversity.
  15. 🦋 Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known as the “Salamander Capital of the World,” home to over 30 species.
  16. 🏚️ Mesa Verde National Park preserves ancient cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Pueblo people over 700 years ago.
  17. 🌲 Redwood National Park in California protects the tallest trees on Earth, some reaching over 370 feet high.
  18. 🧗 Yosemite’s El Capitan granite wall attracts world-class rock climbers from around the globe.
📏 Total Area Protected Over 85 million acres
📅 Established 1872 (Yellowstone became the first National Park)
🏛️ Headquarters Washington, D.C.
🦅 Agency National Park Service (NPS), Department of the Interior
🎯 Mission To preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of current and future generations
🚗 Most Visited Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina)
🌋 Largest National Park Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve (Alaska, 13.2 million acres)
🏗️ Smallest National Park Gateway Arch National Park (Missouri, 192 acres)
🏕️ Symbol The Arrowhead emblem, representing nature, wildlife, history, and recreation
🌿 Biodiversity National parks protect over 600 endangered or threatened species
🌞 Highest Point Denali Peak, Alaska – 20,310 feet (6,190 meters)
🏜️ Lowest Point Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park, California – 282 feet below sea level
🚴 Popular Activities Hiking, camping, photography, wildlife viewing, kayaking, and stargazing
💰 Economic Impact National park tourism generates over $40 billion annually and supports nearly 400,000 jobs

Our Content
United States National Parks Interactive Map

United States National Parks Interactive Map and Map Activities

The interactive National Parks map on LearnAboutAmerica.com lets students explore U.S. national parks by clicking on locations across the country. Each park includes a short educational video that highlights its unique history, geography, and wildlife. It also includes an interactive scavenger hunt and a compare and contrast feature built directly into the map.

United States National Parks Literacy and Comprehension Exercises

This section features a variety of literacy and reading comprehension activities, including engaging passages with question sets, cloze reading exercises, and lessons on text elements and structure. These resources are generally appropriate for students in grades 4–8, and many include adjustable Lexile levels and customizable question sets.
John Muir

People of the United States National Parks

This section of LearnAboutAmerica.com includes biographies and activities about important people in the history of America's national parks, including President Theodore Roosevelt, who worked to protect the nation’s natural treasures, and naturalist John Muir, whose writings and advocacy helped inspire the creation of many parks.
Coloring Pages

United States National Parks Printables and Coloring Activities

This section features fun and educational landforms-themed coloring activities and printables.