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.
Featured Stories
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
- Hundreds of dogs died in Virginia before the USDA actedHundreds of dogs died in Virginia before the USDA acted
- Shades of dark: the story of night photography, Video Story
- Paid Content
Shades of dark: the story of night photography - Dolphins can identify their friends by taste, study showsDolphins can identify their friends by taste, study shows
Environment
- Next-gen weather station installed near Everest’s summitNext-gen weather station installed near Everest’s summit
- Climate change is eroding a precious resource: sleepClimate change is eroding a precious resource: sleep
- Global food crisis looms as fertilizer supplies dwindleGlobal food crisis looms as fertilizer supplies dwindle
- 13-foot-long stingray found in deep hole in Mekong River13-foot-long stingray found in deep hole in Mekong River
- Their house has stood 130 years. A new fire era may change that.Their house has stood 130 years. A new fire era may change that.
- Tree-planting projects abound. Which should you support?Tree-planting projects abound. Which should you support?
- Mining is a polluting business. Can new tech make it cleaner?Mining is a polluting business. Can new tech make it cleaner?
- Philippines' reefs are some of the most vibrant—but in perilPhilippines' reefs are some of the most vibrant—but in peril
- The biggest living thing on Earth is being nibbled to deathThe biggest living thing on Earth is being nibbled to death
- How the Ukraine war is accelerating Germany's energy transitionHow the Ukraine war is accelerating Germany's energy transition
- 4 eco-friendly ways to keep pests out of your yard4 eco-friendly ways to keep pests out of your yard
History & Culture
- Dionysus, Greek god of wine, was more than just a 'party god'Dionysus, Greek god of wine, was more than just a 'party god'
- What happened to these four lost cities of ancient Africa?What happened to these four lost cities of ancient Africa?
- Hard hit by COVID-19, Black Americans are recovering slowlyHard hit by COVID-19, Black Americans are recovering slowly
- What was the mystery message written on the mummy's wrappings?What was the mystery message written on the mummy's wrappings?
- This woman navigates the Pacific without technologyThis woman navigates the Pacific without technology
- How U.S. abortion laws went from nonexistent to acrimoniousHow U.S. abortion laws went from nonexistent to acrimonious
Science
- Monkeypox cases are rising—here’s what we know so farMonkeypox cases are rising—here’s what we know so far
- These oddball galaxies are missing their dark matterThese oddball galaxies are missing their dark matter
- New therapies revolutionize treatment for hard-to-heal woundsNew therapies revolutionize treatment for hard-to-heal wounds
- Why love and touch were once called ‘dangerous’ to children, Video StoryWhy love and touch were once called ‘dangerous’ to children
- Why it’s important to explore the science of touch
- Magazine
- From the Editor
Why it’s important to explore the science of touch
Travel
- The surprising story of how the Philippines came to VirginiaThe surprising story of how the Philippines came to Virginia
- 10 places where you can ditch your car this summer10 places where you can ditch your car this summer
- Six parks telling surprising stories of the American SouthSix parks telling surprising stories of the American South
- Discover the natural wonders along Georgia’s coastDiscover the natural wonders along Georgia’s coast