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Summer is just around the corner—and so are summer road trips! A family favorite is visiting one of our legendary national parks. From breathtaking landscapes to captivating wildlife, these natural sanctuaries offer a feast for the senses and a respite for the soul. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or a curious newcomer, there's something for everyone to discover.
Masterpieces in Nature & Culture
Prepare to be awestruck as you traverse rugged trails and gaze upon towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and vast expanses of wide-open spaces. We have a total of 63 national parks in 30 states, plus the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa.
The largest national park is Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias, which encompasses more than 13 million acres (that’s bigger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Switzerland combined!). The smallest is Missouri’s Gateway Arch National Park, which covers less than 200,000 acres. This is one of our handful of national parks that are more culture-focused than nature-focused. It highlights the stunning Gateway Arch in St. Louis, a tribute to Thomas Jefferson’s role in opening the West. It also features the Old Courthouse, where Dred and Harriet Scott sued for their freedom from slavery in a lawsuit that eventually failed in the infamous 1857 Dred Scott Supreme Court decision.
In contrast, the majority of our national parks protect unique natural wonders, such as Old Faithful in Yellowstone and the Everglades in Florida. These parks are a living testament to the raw power and beauty of the natural world, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
To learn more about our fascinating national parks, check out National Geographic’s Discover the Beauty of All 63 U.S. National Parks.
Wildlife
While you’re exploring the national parks, keep your eyes peeled as you venture through habitats teeming with biodiversity. From graceful deer grazing in meadows, bears traversing fields, alligators on the riverbanks, bison and elk along the road (and many more iconic animals!), these encounters offer a rare glimpse into the lives thriving within the parks’ boundaries.
Under NO circumstances should you approach any wildlife. Not only can some wild animals be very dangerous, but interactions with humans can have a devastating impact on them. The National Park Service and Colorado State University both put together guides on how to safely view wildlife in national parks.
Planning Your Adventure
Embarking on your national park adventure is easier than ever. Start by researching the National Park Service website for information on all of the parks, camping, trails, programs, openings/closings, and more. You can also check out all 18 national park audio tours on TravelStorys™.
Share Your Experience
We’d love to hear about your experience taking any of our national park tours. Share your photos, stories, and travel tips with the TravelStorys community on social media using the tag #TravelStorysNationalParks. You may inspire others to plan a vacation to one of our national parks!
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