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.
Go Further
Animals
- How to set up a bird feeder to attract your favorite speciesHow to set up a bird feeder to attract your favorite species
- What is causing a mysterious surge in Canadian turtle deathsWhat is causing a mysterious surge in Canadian turtle deaths
- Cow uses tools to scratch self in scientific firstCow uses tools to scratch self in scientific first
- These unearthly whale songs helped save humpbacks from extinctionThese unearthly whale songs helped save humpbacks from extinction
- Rare mountain gorilla twins just born: 'It’s kind of miraculous'Rare mountain gorilla twins just born: 'It’s kind of miraculous'
Environment
- 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
- The industrial waste site that glitters like a glacierThe industrial waste site that glitters like a glacier
- A year after L.A.'s wildfires, survivors share their storiesA year after L.A.'s wildfires, survivors share their stories
History & Culture
- The world’s oldest rock art discovered in IndonesiaThe world’s oldest rock art discovered in Indonesia
- The greatest library in the world was built by this ruthless kingThe greatest library in the world was built by this ruthless king
- Can the basilica that inspired Notre Dame return to glory?Can the basilica that inspired Notre Dame return to glory?
- This Swiss region honors its heritage with a witch's ski raceThis Swiss region honors its heritage with a witch's ski race
- 5,000-year-old harpoons are the oldest direct evidence of whaling5,000-year-old harpoons are the oldest direct evidence of whaling
Science
- How Gregor Mendel’s pea plant experiments created modern geneticsHow Gregor Mendel’s pea plant experiments created modern genetics
- Watch Artemis II roll out aboard the heaviest vehicle on EarthWatch Artemis II roll out aboard the heaviest vehicle on Earth
- Is it raining or snowing? Here's why that's complicated.Is it raining or snowing? Here's why that's complicated.
- Cheetah mummies provide rare genome from a lost populationCheetah mummies provide rare genome from a lost population
- Woolly rhino genome recovered from frozen wolf's stomachWoolly rhino genome recovered from frozen wolf's stomach
Travel
- Flying in 2026? Here’s how to find the cheapest flightsFlying in 2026? Here’s how to find the cheapest flights
- Cruise travel is changing—here are the biggest trends for 2026Cruise travel is changing—here are the biggest trends for 2026
- 7 reasons why Aomori should be on your Japan travel itinerary7 reasons why Aomori should be on your Japan travel itinerary
- These 7 retreats are perfect for night-sky watchingThese 7 retreats are perfect for night-sky watching