Plan Your Next Trip: Complete List of National Parks.

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The United States is home to over 400 national park areas, including 63 designated national parks stretching from Death Valley's deserts to the forests of the Great Smoky Mountains. This protected land network encompasses monumental landscapes, historical sites, and cultural areas, reflecting America's diverse tapestry. If you want to explore some of the most stunning U.S. places, you're in the right place. Planning a trip to these natural wonders can be as exciting as the adventure itself. The ones that are bolded are the ones we have been to. We cannot wait to explore more.

Origins of the National Park System.

The story of America's national parks is as expansive and varied as the landscapes they protect. It's a tale woven into the nation's fabric, beginning with Yellowstone, the world's first national park, in 1872. This pioneering act marked a commitment to preserving the majestic and wild and sparked a movement that would echo worldwide. The creation of Yellowstone set a precedent, establishing the idea that natural beauty should be preserved for public enjoyment and future generations.

As more Americans began to appreciate the value of their natural heritage, the call to protect other unique landscapes grew louder. This culminated in the formation of the National Park Service (NPS) in 1916, tasked with a mission as clear as the waters of Crater Lake: safeguarding America's natural and cultural resources. Hence, they remain untouched for those who follow.

The creation and evolution of America's national parks testify to the country's enduring love of its natural landscape. These parks guard America's environmental and cultural treasures and symbolize democracy and collective stewardship. They remind us of what we've achieved as a nation and the continuous journey to protect these wonders for future generations.

So, whether you're into hiking, camping, or just a laid-back day trip, let's dive into the complete list of the 63 National Parks.

Northeast

Acadia National Park: Maine

Southeast

Biscayne National Park: Florida

Congaree National Park: South Carolina

Dry Tortugas National Park: Florida

Everglades National Park: Florida

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: North Carolina & Tennessee

Hot Springs National Park: Arkansas

Mammoth Cave National Park: Kentucky

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: West Virginia

Shenandoah National Park: Virginia

Virgin Islands National Park: U.S. Virgin Islands

Southwest

Big Bend National Park: Texas

Carlsbad Caverns National Park: New Mexico

Grand Canyon National Park: Arizona

Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Texas

Petrified Forest National Park: Arizona

Saguaro National Park: Arizona

White Sands National Park: New Mexico

Midwest

Badlands National Park: South Dakota

Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Ohio

Gateway Arch National Park: Missouri

Indiana Dunes National Park: Indiana

Isle Royale National Park: Michigan

Theodore Roosevelt National Park: North Dakota

Voyageurs National Park: Minnesota

Wind Cave National Park: South Dakota

Grand Teton National Park

West

Arches National Park: Utah

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Colorado

Bryce Canyon National Park: Utah

Canyonlands National Park: Utah

Capitol Reef National Park: Utah

Channel Islands National Park: California

Crater Lake National Park: Oregon

Death Valley National Park (also extends into Nevada): California

Glacier National Park: Montana

Grand Teton National Park: Wyoming

Great Basin National Park: Nevada

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: Colorado

Joshua Tree National Park: California

Kings Canyon National Park: California

Lassen Volcanic National Park: California

Mesa Verde National Park: Colorado

Mount Rainier National Park: Washington

North Cascades National Park: Washington

Olympic National Park: Washington

Pinnacles National Park: California

Redwood National and State Parks: California

Rocky Mountain National Park: Colorado

Sequoia National Park: California

Yellowstone National Park: Wyoming

Midway Geyser Basin at Yellowstone National Park

Yosemite National Park: California

Zion National Park: Utah

Alaska, Hawaii, and American Samoa

Denali National Park and Preserve: Alaska

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve: Alaska

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve: Alaska

Haleakalā National Park on Maui: Hawaii

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawaii: Hawaii

Katmai National Park and Preserve: Alaska

Kenai Fjords National Park: Alaska

Kobuk Valley National Park: Alaska

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve: Alaska

National Park of American Samoa: American Samoa

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve: Alaska

The National Park Passport Stamp Book.

My National Park Stamp Book

The National Park Stamp Book is fun for children and adults. A ranger in Yellowstone told us about it. You can purchase it here or at any of the park stores. I also wrote a blog on the book that you can read here:

Visit a National Park.

Visiting a national park connects you with nature, offering health benefits, adventure, and a chance to learn about cultural and historical heritage. It's an enriching experience that combines relaxation, education, and the beauty of untouched landscapes, appealing to everyone from adventurers to those seeking peace and introspection.

We have been to a few and plan to see more. Each is unique and amazing; sometimes, you can’t believe this place is real.