Celebrating America’s National Parks

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate nature and wildlife than to experience one of our 61 national parks. Millions of acres spread across 29 states and 2 territories. Sounds like great vacation spots to me. Summer may be nearing a close for rich growth. Yet imagine many of these parks in vibrant fall colors. Or snow! Or sand!

Many of you are on an adventure to visit all the national parks. Some of you have achieved this amazing feat. Congratulations!

Celebrating America’s National Parks

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The National Park Service was created as a part of the Department of Interior in 1916 under President Woodrow Wilson. However, President Ulysses S. Grant established the Yellowstone National Park in 1872. Others were added under various administrations.

This site offers a ton of information about the National Park Service.

The location of parks in each state and territory, as well as a description of each one. I encourage you to find the parks in your state.
How to plan a trip
Virtual park experiences
Things to do
Fun for kids
COVID guidelines per each park
Much more!

Ten Oldest National Parks

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, 1872.
Sequoia National Park, California 1890.
Yosemite National Park, California 1890.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington 1899.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon 1902.
Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota 1903.
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado 1906
Glacier National Park, Montana1910
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado 1915
Haleakala National Park, Hawaii 1916

Four Newest National Parks

Great Sand Dunes National Park Colorado 2004
Pinnacles National Park, California 2013
Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri 2018
Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana 2019

The largest national park is Wrangell St. Ellias, Alaska with over 13.2 million acres.
The smallest National Memorial is Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Pennsylvania with .02 acres and is currently closed.
Most Popular National Parks
10 Most Visited National Parks
Number of Visits to National Parks 1904-2019

I could go on with more stats and info about the Unites States National Parks. But the links above will help you plan your physical or virtual trip. One of my favorites is Rocky Mountain National Park. Here’s a picture of a recent hike approaching a subalpine lake called Dream Lake — one of many views where God’s creation is on display everywhere you look.