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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
