Tag: Parks

These are the absolute best national parks for seeing animals up close

Don’t forget to bring your camera.

Animal enthusiasts, rejoice! In the United States, there are tons of incredible places for wildlife viewing. If you want to see these critters in their natural habitats, national parks are some of the best sites to explore.

Every year, millions of visitors flock to the parks for birdwatching, wildlife photography, and more. Plus, several national parks make it easy to navigate the land with established wildlife viewing programs. Expect to see all sorts of creatures as you trek through the parks. Bison roam the land at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, bears trundle along at Yellowstone National Park, and seals lounge by the waters at Channel Islands National Park. Discover even more animal experiences in this list of the 10 best national parks for wildlife viewing.

Denali National Park – Alaska

At this park, birdwatchers can seek out 169 bird species. Keep an eye out for golden eagles and more common birds like ravens and mew gulls. Lucky guests may spot moose near the Riley Creek Campground.

A moose and its calves.
Photo via NPS/Mary Lewandowski

Shenandoah National Park – Virginia

Wake up at dawn or stay out until dusk for the best chance at spotting animals here. Shenandoah is home to black bears, white-tailed deer, and many other photogenic creatures.

A black bear hiding in brush.
Photo via NPS/Neal Lewis

Everglades National Park – Florida

Gators are the must-see attraction for many Everglades visitors. See them safely on a guided airboat tour. Or, try the safer wildlife experience of birdwatching.

A baby gator in the water.
Photo via NPS/Federico Acevedo

Theodore Roosevelt National Park – North Dakota

Find feral horses running wild in the park’s South Unit, or spot them from Scenic Loop Drive. Guests can also look for elk in the South Unit.

A wild black and white horse in a grassy valley.
Photo via NPS

Olympic National Park – Washington

Look for everything from goats and bears to birds and marmots at Olympic National Park. The Olympic marmots are an especially great find, so watch for them near Hurricane Ridge.

A marmot on a rock in a meadow.
Photo via NPS/Danielle Archuleta

Channel Islands National Park – California

Seals and sea lions are some of the coolest animals to see at Channel Islands National Park. Look for the rare Guadalupe fur seals near San Miguel Island.

A pile of seals together.
Photo via Dan Richards/NPS

Rocky Mountain National Park – Colorado

A herd of up to 800 elk roams Rocky Mountain National Park. There are also about 350 bighorn sheep in the region.

Several bighorn sheep sitting on a grassy hill.
Photo via NPS

Yellowstone National Park – Idaho/Montana/Wyoming

Yellowstone offers tons of opportunities for animal sightings. Catch grizzly bears at Fishing Bridge, bison in Hayden Valley, and moose near Old Faithful.

Brown bear from neck up looking left.
Photo via NPS

Great Smoky Mountains National Park – North Carolina/Tennessee

Trek through the forest to see turkeys, woodchucks, and bears at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Binoculars can help you spot critters from afar.

A bear cub on a tree.
Photo by Gary Carter

Katmai National Park & Preserve – Alaska

Bear-watching is a fan favorite at Katmai. Roughly 2,200 brown bears live in the park. Watch them from wildlife viewing platforms near Brooks River.

A brown bear sitting in a river.
Photo via NPS

Indiana Dunes National Park shines at these 6 must-see landmarks

Beaches, bogs, and natural beauty.

In 2022, Indiana Dunes National Park recorded almost 3 million recreation visits. Curious why so many people flocked to this stunning region? Here’s what you need to know.

Beaches, hiking trails, forests, and more make the park a fascinating place to explore. Diverse landscapes help capture guests’ attention. In the morning, visitors can hike through one of Indiana’s best trails. When afternoon arrives, they can hide from the hot sun while touring Chellberg Farm. Then, guests can end the day with a showstopping sunset by the beach.

Countless activities and gorgeous scenery keep people coming back to the region. Experience this natural wonder for yourself in the gallery below. These six photos show off the best sights at Indiana Dunes National Park.

Go on a virtual hike through Michigan’s Tahquamenon Falls State Park

You’ve got to see the waterfall.

Take a trip to paradise — Paradise, Michigan, that is. This charming small town near Lake Superior is home to one of the state’s most stunning natural wonders. Tahquamenon Falls State Park welcomes guests seeking peaceful forested hikes and majestic waterfall views. Everyone is welcome to explore this gorgeous landscape. Campers can choose from several campgrounds, daytrippers can lounge at the nearby lodge, and hikers can wander the scenic trails. Additionally, accessible overlooks and a track chair (available to borrow at the park) help everyone get a chance to enjoy the park’s beauty.

Want to experience this destination for yourself? Get a sneak peek of what you can expect to see at Tahquamenon Falls State Park with this virtual hike. The pictures below will take you on a digital trip that hits the park’s top attractions. And before you go, check out this fundraiser supporting Michigan’s state parks track chairs project.

Yellowstone National Park history moments explained in 7 photos

How well do you know Yellowstone?

As America’s first national park, Yellowstone has a long and fascinating history. Since the park’s establishment in 1872, the destination’s boundaries have expanded to encompass 2.2 million acres of land. Today, millions of visitors continue to marvel at the region’s hot springs, waterfalls, canyons, and historic sites. And those historic sites have plenty of interesting stories to tell.

History buffs have a lot to explore when diving into Yellowstone National Park history. While official park history dates back to the 1800s, there are traces of people living in the area earlier than 1500 CE. The seven photos below explain some interesting moments in Yellowstone history. Want to learn more? Peruse this timeline on the Yellowstone website.

Here’s why you need to visit Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains

A natural wonder inside a national treasure.

South of Top of the World, Tennessee, the stunning Cades Cove area sits nestled within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While many of the park’s sights appeal to visitors, Cades Cove is especially deserving of attention.

Perfect to explore on both warm spring days and rainy fall afternoons, this region features lush valleys surrounded by the iconic Great Smokies. The land here thrums with activity. Wildlife roams the area, hikers explore the trails, and historic landmarks welcome visitors. See some of Cades Cove’s best sights in this gallery. And if you’re planning a trip to the area, check out this roundup of cool places to explore at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Here’s why Cuyahoga Valley National Park is worth visiting

Wildlife, rivers, and trails await you.

Tucked away in the Ohio wilderness just outside Cleveland, Cuyahoga Valley National Park calls to city dwellers seeking a break from the busy streets. This national park’s rivers, hills, and trails offer guests a breath of fresh air and a moment of tranquility. Countless natural wonders make Cuyahoga Valley a delight to explore.

With all these stunning sights, it’s no wonder the park charted over 2.9 million recreation visits in 2022. Curious to see the landscapes that make this region so popular? Explore six of Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s top landmarks in the gallery below. You can also see where the site ranks in this list of the top 10 most visited national parks of 2022.

Plan a peaceful spring picnic at these picturesque national parks

Unwind for an afternoon.

As the spring season brings bright, warm weather to the United States, many people are itching to get outside again. Soon, national parks will fill with crowds looking to get active and enjoy the best spring scenery. After all, hiking, biking, and camping do get a little easier when cold temperatures subside.

If you want to celebrate spring in style, try having a picnic at the park. Fresh air and stunning scenery are the perfect sides for any meal, and national parks have both in abundance. Find the best national parks to plan a picnic at with this gallery of gorgeous photos.

Go on an adventure through the desert at Big Bend National Park

Serving just deserts.

Though not quite in the heart of Texas, Big Bend National Park is still a state icon. The site includes over 800,000 acres of mountains, canyons, and deserts. Nature enthusiasts can marvel at the park’s fascinating ecosystem, where leopard frogs, rattlesnakes, black bears, and hawks roam free. Even the local flora will intrigue visitors who hike along trails lined with agave plants, wildflowers, and cacti.

If you’re planning a trip to this beloved national park, make a plan that prioritizes sights and activities you enjoy. For pre-made itineraries and trip ideas, visit the Big Bend National Park website for detailed information. You can also explore the gallery below for a sneak peek of the region’s most scenic landmarks.

These are the 9 best national parks to visit in winter

Cold weather won’t stop these parks from shining.

Some of us are lucky enough to have memories of summertime family trips to national parks. In those warm summer months, the most popular parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite can feel as crowded as Disneyland. But now that kids are back in school, you might be able to have some parks to yourself. A few of these destinations even offer pleasant weather during winter. Of course, other parks may leave you shivering, but the solitude, bare trees, and dramatic snowy beauty are a fair tradeoff. If you want to explore some of the country’s charming cold-weather scenery, check out this list of the best United States national parks to visit during winter.

Go on a sight-seeing adventure at the 5 Navajo Tribal Parks

Have you ever visited these parks?

Every year, magnificent rock formations and gorgeous gorges draw millions of tourists to the western United States. Some travelers seek spectacular photo ops at these landmarks, while others simply wish to experience the breathtaking views in person. Grand Canyon National Park may be the country’s most well-known destination for rock-spotting, but it’s not the only beautiful park that welcomes adventurers. If you explore outside the National Park System, you’ll find incredible sightseeing locations like those at the Navajo Nation Tribal Parks.

Overseen by Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation, the five Navajo Tribal Parks include Monument Valley, Lake Powell, Tseyi Dine’ Heritage Area – Canyon de Chelly, Four Corners Monument, and Little Colorado River Gorge. Peruse the gallery below to see what each site offers, and learn more about these dazzling locations on the Navajo Nation Parks website.