National Parks
Our national parks host millions of people a year, sustain countless species, and safeguard some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet. They preserve natural and cultural resources “for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.” Here’s how to make the most of your next national parks trip.
top activities
featured videos
How can the U.S. National Parks attract more minority visitors? America's national parks were created as free spaces for all to enjoy, but in both visitors and employees, they have struggled with diversity. A poll done by the National Parks Service in 2008-2009 found that 78% of visitors were white, even though they comprise only 63.7% of the U.S. population. Grassroots organizations like African American National Parks Event are now trying to help diversify the parks by encouraging minorities to get out and enjoy the spaces.
Now Playing- Up Next
- Now Playing
- Now Playing
- Now Playing
- Now Playing
Go Further
Animals
- Meet ‘The Baroness’—the world’s longest wild snakeMeet ‘The Baroness’—the world’s longest wild snake
Environment
- The desert is getting too hot for Joshua trees. Can we move them?The desert is getting too hot for Joshua trees. Can we move them?
- Scientists record coldest ocean temperature in Earth's historyScientists record coldest ocean temperature in Earth's history
- Inside spogomi, the growing competitive sport of picking up trashInside spogomi, the growing competitive sport of picking up trash
- The uncertain future of the world's most expensive spiceThe uncertain future of the world's most expensive spice
- A marine scientist explains why she eats seafood—even octopusA marine scientist explains why she eats seafood—even octopus
- What is black ice? The science behind the winter threatWhat is black ice? The science behind the winter threat
- See a ghost 'fairyland' forest reemerge in FloridaSee a ghost 'fairyland' forest reemerge in Florida
- Searching for life across the planet’s frigid frontiersSearching for life across the planet’s frigid frontiers
- Busting the 5 biggest myths about renewable energyBusting the 5 biggest myths about renewable energy
- How this photographer captured 129 portraits of fire survivorsHow this photographer captured 129 portraits of fire survivors
- How smart cities are being reinvented after natural disastersHow smart cities are being reinvented after natural disasters
History & Culture
- London’s most notorious thief was also a hero of the peopleLondon’s most notorious thief was also a hero of the people
- Why Ramadan is the most sacred month in Islamic cultureWhy Ramadan is the most sacred month in Islamic culture
- Why Lunar New Year prompts the world’s largest annual migrationWhy Lunar New Year prompts the world’s largest annual migration
- The female songwriter who saved Stevie Wonder's careerThe female songwriter who saved Stevie Wonder's career
Science
- This is how autism looks different in girls and womenThis is how autism looks different in girls and women
- The science behind some of the world’s fastest iceThe science behind some of the world’s fastest ice
- Winds of change: Reinventing sails for the modern age
- Paid Content
Winds of change: Reinventing sails for the modern age - An up-close look at NASA's mission to return humans to the moonAn up-close look at NASA's mission to return humans to the moon
Travel
- The best places to hear zydeco music in LouisianaThe best places to hear zydeco music in LouisianaTwo hours west of New Orleans, the town of Opelousas is one of the best places to experience this irresistibly toe-tapping music genre created by Louisiana’s Black Creole community.
- Are you brave enough to spend a night on this Welsh mountain?Are you brave enough to spend a night on this Welsh mountain?