The United States is home to beautiful forests, mountains, rivers, and deserts. These special places are protected in the National Parks System (NPS.)
The idea of national parks began in the 1800s. As the United States grew, people wanted to protect nature for future generations to enjoy. In 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park. The Park is in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, bordering the Grand Tetons National Park Yellowstone was set aside by President Ulysses S. Grant. The unique geysers, hot springs, and plentiful wildlife are just a few of the highlights of this magnificent park.
Other parks followed soon after. Yosemite in California became a park in 1890. Sequoia National Park, home to the large Redwoods of Northern California, was also created that year.
At first, different groups managed the parks. Some were cared for by the U.S. Army or state governments. In 1916, the National Park Service (NPS) was created. President Woodrow Wilson signed the law. The NPS was made to care for all national parks. It helped protect natural resources and made parks safer for all visitors.
The mission of the NPS is to keep parks “unimpaired for future generations.” That means they protect parks for everyone in the United States, include our foreign visitors and tourists. Today, the NPS manages over 400 sites. These include national parks, monuments, and historic places.
Parks are located all over the 50 United States, totaling 63 parks in all. Each one is different and special in its own way and total 433 “individual units” within the NPS. Everything from seashores to battlefields can be found in the United States National Parks System. Tourists and naturalists visit national parks to hike, camp, fish, and learn about nature. Many parks also teach about the country’s history and regional culture.
National parks are very important to animals and the delicate ecosystems of the land. Providing bears, deer, birds, and other animals a safe place to live and thrive undisturbed.
Let’s look at the top three national parks in the United States, all of which I’ve visited and highly recommend.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is the oldest National Park from a geological standpoint. It has geysers, like Old Faithful, that shoot hot water into the air on schedule hourly. The park is full of roaming wildlife, (but don’t touch them!) Visitors may see bears, wolves, bison, and elk. In addition, unique “Sulphur Pots” bubbling up from the earth’s crust are scattered throughout the park like boiling cauldrons. These along with the bright pools of turquoise water bring visitors from as far away as Japan and Europe. Yellowstone is one of the most popular parks in the United States with over 4 million visitors annually.
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is in Northern Arizona near the town of Williams. It is famous for its huge red rock canyon carved out by the Colorado River over centuries.
The canyon is over one mile deep and 277 miles long. It is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Visitors can hike along the rim or take trails down into the canyon. It is an iconic location to take photos, especially at Horseshoe Bend. (As of publication, September, 2025) The “Dragon Bravo” wildfire has closed the North Canyon Rim this summer. The fire’s containment is a concern along with the above average temperatures and very dry conditions of the forests. Research the open areas of the park before planning your trip.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Finally, the Great Smoky Mountains are located between Tennessee and North Carolina. This park has tall mountains, rolling forests, and lots of animals, plants, and sights to see.
It is the most visited national park in the U.S. 12 million people come each year to enjoy its beauty especially during fall months to view the changing leaves. Visitors love the fog that floats over the mountains. That’s how the park got its name, “Smoky Mountains. The park is also known for its historic cabins and churches from settlers’ past.
National Parks are America’s natural treasures. They help us enjoy nature and learn about the past while preserving our landscapes for the future. Thanks to the National Park Service, these special places are protected for everyone—today and tomorrow.
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