List of National Parks By State

Alabama National Parks

The first on our list of national parks by state is Alabama. It’s pretty clear locals can easily find parks by simply searching state parks near me in Alabama. Outdoor Alabama is nothing like the rest, though, with over five national parks listed down here for your wild adventure.

Little River Canyon National Preserve

The Little River Canyon is a national park based on the Southern Appalachians. It’s wedged between Cherokee County and Delkeeb County. The park was named after the Little River inside it that flows from the top of some of the park’s mountains. The water in the Little River also comes with a high sedimentary value.

Russel Cave National Monument

Russell Cave isn’t just a pretty place to have a picnic. It’s been acknowledged as one of the places with a high amount of archeological discoveries. The cave surrounding the park gives insight into the prehistoric ancestors of modern-day Indians. It currently hosts the Birds of Prey Program as well.

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park

The place includes Glen Canyon and is the sight of a war that happened back then between Major General Andrew Jackson and Chief Menawa. The General Major attacked Chief Menawa with an overpowering 3,300 soldiers, in comparison to Chief Menawa’s 1,000. It currently trains military soldiers for future battles.

Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site is a national park dedicated to African Americans and their heritage. The history behind Tuskegee Airmens stems from the word “Tuskegee Experiment”, which talks about the training for African Americans in the airforce. The Tuskegee Institute, which was created for African American civilians, focused on aeronautical engineering. The Tuskegee Airmen became key players in World War II.

Natchez Trace Parkway

This national park is located conveniently at the west of Tennessee. Natchez Trace Parkway is named after a woodland path located inside it that has been used in the 18th and 19th centuries. It’s currently a hiking spot, and popular for fishing.

Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail

The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail is an important national park where the historic march for the 1965 voting rights of African Americans has taken place. Non-violent supporters of the cause were led by none other than Martin Luther King Jr. himself.

Alaska National Parks

Alaska has a lot of wide-open spaces as the biggest state of the US. It’s also one of the coldest areas of the country. This place gives national parks a different kind of view.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a six-million-acre park that’s got one straight road cutting in the middle. The park experiences all four seasons, and is home to taiga forests with high alpine tundra and snowed-down mountains. North America’s tallest peak, which reaches up to 20,310 ft, is found in this park.

Gates of the Arctic

People have used the Gates of the Arctic for over thirteen thousand years back when nomads and gatherers crossed the slope as a means of travel. Robert Marshall called it the Gates of the Arctic because of the two peaks named Frigid Crags and Boreal Mountains. In fact, the Gates of the Arctic reaches as far as the north of the Arctic.

Glacier Bay

Glacier Bay is the home of the Huna Tlingit. They were exiled for a hundred years and returned to their home in 2016. Glacier Bay is their homeland that benefits not only their spiritual needs but preserves their culture. This national park is also a great place to study the Earth’s geological progress. Its abundance of flora and fauna thrive because of its solitary location. It’s also considered a World Heritage Site.

Katmai National Park

Katmai National Park protects a lot of brown bears and salmon. It’s also preserved for the 9,000 years of human history within it. Katmai Volcano is a stratovolcano that is one of the most active volcanoes in the United States. Katmai National Park also surrounds the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and Novarupta.

Kenai Fjords

The Kenai Fjords meets the ice age at the corners of its end. The Sugpiaq people used to live with nature in this national park. Meanwhile, the Harding Icefield is the Kenai Fjord’s most breathtaking view. It has over forty glaciers, flowing with unique wildlife, that survive on the forests and waters.

Kobuk Valley

The Kobuk Valley has sand dunes called the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, which have been created naturally by the grinding of old glaciers carried by water and the wind. It’s also the place of discovery for many Ice Age fossils. In fact, a sight to see is the caribous that migrate twice in one year.

Lake Clark

Lake Clark National Park is home to a culturally rich group of Dena’ina. There is a National Park Service stationed in Lake Clark that helps preserve the wildlife and forests of the park. The Dena’ina live off the salmon, caribou, beavers, and other wild animals that inhabit the land. The place also has steams of volcanoes.

Wrangell-St.Elias

Wrangell-St. Elias boasts a 13.2 million-acre spread. It is the largest national park in the United States, covering four tall mountain ranges: Wrangell, St. Elias, the eastern parts of the Alaskan Range, and the Chugach mountains. Mountain climbers enjoy the ranges with the help of guides or can choose to climb alone at their own risk.

Arizona National Parks

Arizona is one of the sunnier states of the United States. It goes without saying that the sunniest places can still have parks that thrive in those areas. Here we have three examples of national parks in Arizona for you.

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most famous places in America. The rocks are a summarization of years of Earth’s history. The canyon contains thousands of caves, including the Colorado River. This national park is one of the biggest tourist spots in America, hitting over 6 million visitors in a year.

Petrified Forest

The Petrified Forest can be found along Highway 180. The place is quite famous for hikers and cyclists. Scientists also intensively research the forest for its fossils. Meanwhile, an interesting superstition has developed surrounding the park since the 1930s. It is said that if you take a rock from the Petrified Forest, you will experience bad luck.

Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park is a sight to behold for any tourist or local. The national park is home to the largest group of cacti in America. Saguaro is the ultimate symbol of the wild Wild West, and those living in this park are large and have lived for as long as two centuries. The park is also home to the Tono O’odham natives who pick saguaro fruits every year.

Arkansas National Park

Arkansas is the 25th state of the United States of America. It’s also the only state where there are diamonds. But the abundance of precious stones isn’t the topic. The famous Hot Springs park is.

Hot Springs National Park

Along the Ouachita Mountains is a geothermal spring protected by the National Park Service. This is Hot Springs National Park with over forty-seven hot springs located inside. All of the springs have a temperature of 143°F. If you were ever to visit the park, you should know that most of the springs are free to swim in.

California National Parks

Yosemite is the first thing that pops in most people’s minds when we talk about national parks in California. That and some parks in San Jose, as well. But did you know that there are eight more other parks available for you to go to?

Channel Islands

The unique wildlife that lives in the Channel Islands makes it a national park. Moreover, the isolation of these islands has given way for the flora and fauna to prosper. In addition, a lot of people enjoy fishing along the Channel Islands. Foxes also live along the islands and are not afraid to interact with people.

Death Valley

There’s nothing less with the intensity in Death Valley National Park. It’s the location of North America’s highest temperatures, as well as the driest area around. Ironically, it also has mountains covered in snow. The place rarely receives rain, but the ecosystem in the area isn’t as dead as the name suggests.

Joshua Tree National Park

If you were ever a fan of U2, the Joshua Tree National Park would be familiar to you. The Joshua trees that you find here aren’t actually trees, but succulents. You’re also warned not to touch them. They were named by 19th century Mormons who felt that the succulents guided them on their journey. Joshua Tree National Park is also the site of a clash between two deserts: the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert.

Kings Canyon National Park

Kings Canyon National Park is named after a valley that was carved by glaciers measuring up to 1,660 meters deep. The truth is that Kings Canyon is actually deeper than the Grand Canyon with a total of 8,200 ft. In fact, the best part is that you can take a drive to the scenic byway to see the bottom of the canyon.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for the hydrothermal features inside its territory. Inside you can find plopping mud pots, steam vents, and even pools of water that bubble. It’s home to the largest plug dome volcano on Earth. Despite the random events surrounding the park, Lassen Volcanic’s wildflowers are quite beautiful, and the ecosystem is a reminder of a time when there have been active volcanoes everywhere.

Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park was the site of a historical volcanic eruption. In fact, pieces of the ancient explosion can still be seen today. The park is also known for the diverse wildlife and wildflowers that can be found there. Pinnacles National Park was declared a national park in 2013 by President Barack Obama.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is home to the largest and tallest trees on earth. At the same time, Redwood is also home to several Native American tribes. The Yurok, Chilula, Wiyot, Karok, and the Tolowa all reside inside the park. These tribes had wars against the gold rush greed that had spread around in 1850. During that time, the trees, lives of the natives, and the ecosystem were heavily damaged.

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is home to the famous Sequoia trees. They’re bigger than Redwood trees, if you measure by circumference. Hikers and nature lovers can enjoy the park and take pictures with them as well. Some people even drive up to the park and go camping under the trees. The park is also the country’s second official national park.

Yosemite National Park

The famous Yosemite National Park is home to various natural wonders, and a village filled with food and shopping. The place can be found in Sierra Nevada Mountains. You can do rock climbing, hiking, trekking, and many other outdoor activities in the park. People recommend a three-day trip to see everything Yosemite can offer.

Colorado National Parks

Colorado is a mixture of mountains covered in snow, rivers surrounded by canyons, and deserts. That is why it’s no surprise that its national parks are just as diverse.

Black Canyon of Gu

The Black Canyon of Gunnison was officially declared a national park in the year 1999. It was named Black Canyon because of the shadows that constantly cast against its walls. There are Precambrian rocks exposed in the area as well. The Black Canyon is great for scenic drives, camping, and hiking.

Great Sand Dunes

The Great Sand Dunes is a national park that lives up to its name. Some of the tallest dunes in the area can reach up to 750 ft tall. The place is riddled with fun activities like four-wheel drives, horseback riding, and even sledding. There’s even a mysterious creek named Medano, that appears or disappears from time to time.

Mesa Verde

The Mesa Verde is the ancestral home of the Puebloan people. The government declared Mesa Verde as a national park in 1906 to preserve its archeological heritage. However, the cliff dwellings of the Puebloan people are especially cherished. It’s also considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Rocky Mountain National Park

The Rocky Mountain National Park is mostly considered wilderness, compared to the other parks listed here. It’s one of the top places to watch an untouched ecosystem in America. There’s even a museum with artifacts regarding its history. The Rocky Mountains is also known for being shaped by glaciers, and as the home of the Utes.

Florida National Parks

Florida goes by another name, “The Sunshine State.” It is also the home of Disneyworld, resorts, and retirement homes. The State of Florida boasts 130 airports in its territory, and is the third most populated state in the country. It’s also home to three national parks!

Biscayne National Park

The Biscayne National Park is near the popular Miami City, but its atmosphere is the total opposite. The place is considered a haven for the many corals and fishes that reside there. It’s home to many historical artifacts such as shipwrecks and prehistoric tribes. It’s also home to the third-largest off-shore reef in the world.

Dry Tortugas

The Dry Tortugas was once filled with pirates, an epidemic, and even prisoners. Nowadays, the national park caters to wildlife. With it once becoming the home of pirates, there were endless stories of hidden treasure in its depths. This allowed the career of “wrecking” (salvaging artifacts) to prosper.

Everglades National Park

The Everglades National Park focuses on the protection of rare or endangered species that take root in the area. Examples of these animals are the manatee, the American crocodile, and the black panther. They have added double protection using the Cartagena treaty for the park as well.

Hawaii National Parks

Everyone associates Hawaii for its beaches, hospitality, and culture. Many Americans and foreigners, alike, dream of traveling to Hawaii for their honeymoon destination. But did you know it’s also home to some of the most beautiful parks?

Hawaii Volcanoes

Hawaii Volcanoes was made into a national park because of its two active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve because of the unique ecosystem surrounding these volcanoes. The park is on the Big Island of Hawaii, and over two million people visit it annually. It’s even possible to see the volcanoes sprouting lava from their craters.

Haleakala

Haleakala is a Hawaiian word meaning “House of the Sun.” It’s also the location of one of the largest volcanic craters in the world. The Haleakala National Park is located on Maui Island, Hawaii, and is home to the endangered goose: nene. The fifty-year budding Silverswords and Yuccalikes also reside in this national park.

Indiana National Park

People know the state of Indiana for its large production of professional basketball players. That’s probably why it’s easy to overlook the beautiful Indiana Dunes National Park if you’re a basketball fan.

Indiana Dunes National Park

The Indiana Dunes National Park can be found alongside the shores of Lake Michigan. It should not be confused with the Indiana Dunes State Park, which is inland. Moreover, the place is famous for bird watching, whereas many exotic birds come to either migrate or nest in the area. An interesting dare in the Indiana Dunes is to become like Diana of the Dunes (Alice Mabel Gray), who has lived inside the park.

Kentucky National Park

Kentucky is famous for its horses, and the activities that go with them. It’s also home to the famous Kentucky Fried Chicken, bourbon, and moonshine. All of these are exciting, but the Mammoth Cave in Kentucky is just as interesting.

Mammoth Cave National Park

There’s nothing like the Mammoth Cave National Park in the world. This is because the caves are the world’s largest cave system in existence. It has unique microclimates, thanks to varying degrees of temperature and light inside its caves. Unfortunately, there have been many deaths inside the Mammoth Cave. Mapping the cave was done by slaves, and one freed slave named Steven Bishop.

Maine National Park

Maine is well-known for its maritime history. The state is close to the ocean, and is also surrounded by rocky terrain. Furthermore, its Arcadia National Park is also quite famous.

Arcadia National Park

Visiting Arcadia National Park is perfect during the fall and spring seasons. The crowds may be alarming, though. In September or mid-September is also a great idea. The place is often used for skiing cross-country and even snowshoeing. It was established as a national park in 1916. Bar Harbor located in Arcadia is a known spot for Victorian-era and rustic aesthetics.

Michigan National Park

Americans have nicknamed Michigan as the Wolverine State. Most people also associate Michigan with the great lakes and bodies of water that surround it. Isle Royale National Park is one of those places.

Isle Royale National Park

The Isle Royale National Park is the home of many wolves and moose in the area. It’s located by the shoreline of Lake Superior, one of the most famous and largest lakes in Michigan State. It’s a national park that’s completely devoid of human interference, which is why it is protected. Unfortunately, the Isle Royale National Park isn’t accessible by driving, and the only way to access the place is by boat.

Minnesota National Parks

Minnesota is the state closest to the neighboring country of Canada. It even has over 10,000 lakes. However, the national state parks surrounding it are also incredible.

Voyageurs National Park

The Voyageurs National Park is a four-seasoned location. Many folks from around the area often do hiking, camping, and houseboating in their leisure time. The highlight of the park is its lake, where people can use their boats (or rent boats) to explore the area.

Pipestone National Park

Pipestone National Park is an important place for Native Americans and their culture. The place is where they quarry red pipestones and carve them into pipes, which they use for their prayers. It’s also the location of the natural tallgrass prairie. Officially declared as a national park in 1937, it has been protecting one of the most important places in Native American culture.

Saint Croix

The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway meets with the Mississippi River in Prescott, Wisconsin. However, it does connect to a part of Minnesota State. It’s also the biggest national park in Minnesota, with sixty-seven state parks within it. People visit Saint Croix to canoe and fish. They also use some of the sandy beaches to swim, or tan in the warmer seasons.

Grand Portage

So much history in the business of trade fills the location of the Grand Portage. There was a time when Grand Portage’s Ojibwe of Anishinaabeg, and the North West Company, traded fur using this location. The National Park Service preserved many of the pathways they once used. Moreover, this place is also nearby Lake Superior.

Mississippi National Parks

The place that gave birth to blues music also has a lot to offer. Mississippi has the most production of catfish in the United States, and is home to many national parks. Listed below are a few of them for you to see!

North Country National Park

North Country National Park doesn’t belong to Mississippi alone. In fact, this particular park crosses over eight states all the way from North Dakota to Vermont. The park consists of ancient glaciers, streams, and lakes, if you trail across it. It also preserves the migration of the first American settlers. However, it’s also 4,700 scenic trails if you’re truly up for the challenge.

Natchez National Historical Park

Natchez National Historical Park is one of the richest locations in terms of historical events. It’s a place dedicated to remembering the African enslavement, European settlers, the American cotton industry, and the Civil Rights battles. You can even visit Melrose Estate, one of the most preserved buildings from the 1800s, as well as Fort Rosalie. On the other hand, the Forks on the Road is the site of the largest slave market in the South.

Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site

Brices Cross Roads is a national park that holds historical significance. It is the place where the confederates have won under the leadership of Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest. Although the confederates lost the entire war, in the Brices Cross Roads, they had won the battle. There’s even a monument located in the area with two cannons still attached.

Missouri National Park

The Show-Me State’s got a lot to offer. It’s the home of the famous Kansas City and snows in early October. Another interesting thing Missouri has to offer is its famous Gateway Arch National Park.

Gateway Arch National Park

The Gateway Arch is a monument that celebrates Thomas Jefferson’s involvement in the opening of the West, and to Dred Scott, who sued for his own freedom in Old Courthouse. Gateway Arch is also the smallest national park in existence. The location covers only ninety-one acres, compared to the rest of the national parks.

Montana National Park

Montana’s mountainous terrain offers a lot of snow and is home to the largest number of mammals compared to any other state in the US. It’s also got the Glacier National Park, which has a uniqueness all on its own.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park rests along Montana’s rocky mountains. These mountains even cross over to Canada. Meanwhile, the best time to visit Glacier Park is around July and August. Visitors are highly recommended to bring bear spray when camping or hiking in the area. To truly enjoy your time viewing the alpine sceneries, it’s also advised to have a minimum of three days to explore the area.

Nebraska National Parks

When you think of the Nebraska game and parks, it’s often easy to think about those that hunt deers, either for sport, or for a good meal. Listed below are the four national parks in Nebraska.

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

The Agate Fossil Beds preserve the friendship, fossils, and history that have led to the place becoming a national park. Paleontologists discovered bones and skulls of Miocene mammals in the area during the 1900s. Before this discovery, there was very little information about the Miocene mammals. During this time, Chief Red Cloud of Lakota formed an unlikely friendship with a rancher named James Cook. In fact, there’s a museum in the park for you to learn more about them.

Homestead National Monument of America

The Homestead National Park gives homage to the westward expansion of the United States of America. The land is a symbolism of freedom and a reminder of the Homestead Act of 1862. The law allowed anyone to own land, including freed slaves and single women. To many Americans, the Homestead Act symbolizes the American Dream.

Niobrara National Scenic River

The Niobrara National Scenic River expands up to seventy-six miles. Most people go there to kayak, canoe, or tube. There are also activities such as biking, hiking, and bird watching. The Niobrara National Scenic River also has a breathtaking waterfall.

Scotts Buff National Monument

Scotts Buff is a national park named after a man named Hiram Scott. Hiram had been abandoned and died alone at the base of a large formation of bluffs along the North Platte River. The Scotts Buff also became a landmark to many Native Americans and emigrants. Today it’s considered a popular destination as a trail.

Missouri National Recreational River

Take in the beauty of the river view at the Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR). This is where you can find part of the longest river in America, as well as the untamed American West. Although camping is not an option in this national park, visitors can still enjoy plenty of other activities, such as bird watching, fishing, kayaking, etc.

Nevada National Park

Many people associate Nevada with Las Vegas‘ wild side and mafia history. Still, Nevada has more to offer than casinos and drinks. An example would be The Great Basin.

Great Basin National Park

The Great Basin National Park has an abundance of natural wildlife. It has a 13,000 ft summit on Wheeler Peak, foothills that are surrounded by sage, and the Lehman caves. The Great Basin is also home to the Rock Glacier, where many fossils have been found. The Great Basin National Park can be found near Baker, Nevada, close to the border of Utah.

New Mexico National Parks

The Spaniards named New Mexico after the Aztec Valley of Mexico. Today, most of the residents speak Spanish. There actually remains a lot of culture in the urbanized locations of the state, including its national parks like Carlsbad and White Sands.

Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad Caverns is a 1.25-mile walk surrounding canyons, sea ledges, desert wildlife, and flowering cacti. There are over 119 caves beneath the beautiful desert view of the Chihuahuan Desert. These caves were created by sulfuric acid that dissolved the limestone in the caves, forming many of them throughout the years. There are even pools of water such as the supposedly bottomless pit, which is 140 ft deep.

White Sands National Park

The White Sands National Park’s desert is very similar to many desert grains of sand, except for the pure white color it has. It is the world’s largest gypsum field and surrounds over 275 miles. It’s a unique geological location, distinct from New Mexico. Nowadays there are several military bases around the area, with the national park sometimes closing due to missile testing. When it’s open, people are free to take on hiking trips with varying difficulties.

New York National Parks

The Big Apple is known all over the world. It’s the place of Wall Street and the Empire State Building. The number of parks here is no laughing matter, either. In fact, there are over twenty-two New York national parks in the area. NYC parks even beat nine of Alabama’s parks. Here are a few you can visit if you’re taking a trip to New York!

Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site

Eleanor Roosevelt’s home is spotted in the Eleanor Roosevelt National Park. The Val-Kill Cottage is a place where she and her husband, President Franklin Roosevelt, entertained state visitors, the press, and friends. Today it exhibits the first Presidential Library. It’s also the only national historic site dedicated to one of the most influential women in history.

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

The Vanderbilt family was one of the first richest families in US history. It was built by the famous architectural firm McKim, Mead, and White. The Vanderbilt family were of Dutch origin that grew financially, thanks to shipping and railways. The Vanderbilt Mansion is considered a national park, and has been originally called Hyde Park.

North Carolina National Park

North Carolina is one of the first thirteen original states of America. The state is covered with marshlands and lakes around the Appalachian territory. There’s also the Great Smoky Mountains, a national park that preserves the beauty of North Carolina.

Great Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains is one of the oldest mountain ranges ever recorded in the history of America. The park was established in 1926. Meanwhile, it’s called the Smoky Mountains because of the fog that appears every morning. The place is also home to the southern Appalachian mountain culture. It is quite a popular place, with countless trails, aquariums, and even the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park.

North Dakota National Park

North Dakota is a state covered mostly by the Great Plains. The first camera ever made was created by David Henderson, and he named his company using the first four letters of Dakota: “Kodak.” It’s also the home of President Theodore Roosevelt, which is coincidentally the name of the national park listed below.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

President Theodore Roosevelt would hunt bison in the badlands of North Dakota. These badlands were named Theodore Roosevelt in honor of the disciplined president. He even began investing in cattle ranches in the area as an attempt to conserve the land. Once he became president, Theodore Roosevelt used his power to protect it. The land was also considered sacred by prehistoric people, and was often used for vision quests. They believed that the buttes were homes of many animal spirits.

Ohio National Park

Ohio state is also known as the Buckeye State. It’s famous for American Football, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the birthplace of the Wright Brothers. As for national parks, Cuyahoga perfectly represents this state.

Cuyahoga National Park

Cuyahoga National Park is a place to protect local flora and fauna. People can take a train ride in the park and have a spectacular view of the park’s overflowing wildlife. You can even have dinner on the train. But if sitting back isn’t your thing, the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath is ready for you to cycle or walk across. People used to use mules to carry passengers and kayaks using this towpath for the river nearby.

Oregon National Park

Oregon is a state with the most ghost towns on the map. It’s also home to the deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake.

Crater Lake

Crater Lake became a lake around 7,000 years ago. Native Americans witnessed an eruption of Mount Mazama, creating the lake itself. It is located on the Cascade Mountain Range, and is one of the most untouched lakes on Earth. The lake is 1,943 ft deep, and is the deepest lake in America.

South Carolina National Park

People relate South Carolina to the peaches they produce, and as the birthplace of barbeque. A fun fact about South Carolina is that it also has its monkey colony. It’s also home to the Congaree National Park.

Congaree National Park

Everyone knows the Congaree National Park for its hardwood trees, and the tall pines located inside it. Many scientists research the wildlife and plant life that reside in the area, as well. It’s perfect for a nature walk and a little bit of sightseeing. Be mindful of the alligators in the swamp, though. It’s rare to find one walking out and about, unless you’re in the deep southern part of the Congaree.

South Dakota National Parks

People also call South Dakota the Rushmore State. This is because Mount Rushmore is located inside South Dakota itself. It’s also famously known for its Badlands National Park.

Badlands

The Badlands of South Dakota is a famous place for its abundance of fossils. Scientists freely research the evolution of many mammals that have once roamed the area. We have more information on rhinos, horses, and even the extinct saber-toothed cat, thanks to this national park. It’s still a thriving location, where many diverse animals live peacefully. Once you plan to take a trip to the badlands, make sure you have at least two days to fully immerse yourself in the natural wonders it has to offer.

Wind Cave

In the year 1888, brothers Tom and Jesse Bingham noticed a small hole with wind echoing from the inside. The sound was similar to whistling, and thus, the Wind Cave was discovered. The Wind Cave is the first cave to ever be declared as a national park. Native Americans, on the other hand, have been aware of the cave for centuries, as well, way before the Bingham brothers. The cave is famous for its boxwork patterns which have been formed by calcite fins.

Texas National Parks

Texas state was once a country. Meanwhile, Houston City is also one of the most diverse cities in the United States. Texas even has Vietnamese as its third most spoken language. That is why it’s only fitting for a state filled with so many different cultures to have interesting parks as well.

Big Bend

Locals and foreigners alike call Big Bend as “Texas’ Gift to the Nation.” Big Bend was named a national park to preserve the culture surrounding the people who have lived in the area. It’s also an excellent archeological site. Artifacts from different people who have come across, and have lived in the area, fill the place. In fact, the Comanche warriors used the Comanche trail to invade Mexico. The trail remains visible even today. You can even find a general store that’s been in business there for 80 years.

Guadalupe MountainsThe Guadalupe Mountains boasts the highest peak in Texas, and a Permian fossil reef. Guadalupe Peak is so high up, that if you look to the southwest side of it you can see Mexico. It is also a popular hiking spot for many adventure lovers since there are many trails available for use in the park. The Guadalupe Peak Trail is moderately difficult because of the steep yet established steps. The Mescalero Apaches spent their days here after discovering the abundance of the land.

Utah National Parks

Utah is a state named after the Native American tribe “Ute”, which means people of the mountains. The State of Utah is a state that covers many mountains. That is why the government declared many national parks in the area. Here are some listed below.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park is famous for the arches that have been naturally formed around the area. There are over two thousand arches that have been accounted for, with the place also having other natural geologic formations, as well. The most famous arch is the Delicate Arch, which is also considered a symbol of the Utah state.

Bryce Canyon

People from all around the world know Bryce Canyon for its extensive number of hoodoos. It is the largest collection of rock formations in the world. It is also a popular spot for hiking and camping. Rangers recommend bringing bear spray at all times because it isn’t uncommon for people to find black bears in the area. Bryce Canyon also holds the Geology festival every year.

Canyonlands

The Colorado River created the Canyonlands naturally. It has four distinctive parts: the Needles, the Maze, the Island in the Sky, and the rivers. The Green River and the Colorado River split these four parts themselves. It’s a beautiful place for stargazing and technical rock climbing.

Capitol Reef

The Capitol Reef is a hidden gem of the Utah state. Inside is a vast land containing a lot of historical value. Fruta is a historical orchard where you can still pick fruits even today. Capitol Reef park also offers information on the miners and settlers of the area. Its highlight would be the Petroglyphs of the Fremont and the Ancestral Puebloans. The artist of the drawings depicted their life on Capitol Reef.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a hotspot for canyoneering fans. Thrill-seekers and adventurous folks are most likely to participate in the activity. Canyoneering involves sliding down slim canyons, extreme hiking, swimming, and rappelling. For those less into the extreme sport, there’s also a chance to spot elusive animals such as the ringtail cats, kangaroo rats, Californian condors, and other animals.

Virginia National Park

There are a lot of parks you can find in Virginia. You can go find things to do in Ashburn, VA and find a park there, but nothing takes the cake like Shenandoah National Park.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park sits in the area of the Blue Ridge Mountains, covering over 500,000 acres. It’s also a place of historical value with Native Americans who have settled there from as early as the 1700s. The place is also home to rare black bears. If you’re not into history, the Shenandoah National Park also offers a lot of fly-fishing and rafting, as well.

Washington National Parks

And the final state in our list of national parks by state is Washington. The state of Washington is home to the White House. It’s also one of the most well-known states of America. The place is where countless US presidents have centered most of their time. That doesn’t mean that the White House is the only place worth visiting, though.

Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier is an active volcano, and the most glaciated peak in the United States. The mountain is over fourteen thousand feet high, and has over twenty-five glaciers. Snowboarders and skiers bombard the park for its various winter activities available. It is also home to numerous world-class resorts for tourists who visit the area. Mount Rainier also has the largest volcanic glacier cave system.

North Cascades

The government established North Cascades as a national park in 1968. The park has two units that separate it. North Cascades’ north unit touches the Canadian border, while the south unit reaches Lake Chelan. It also has Goode Mountain and Mount Shuksan. People enjoy camping and hiking in the area. Remember to be aware of the wolves and bears that reside in it, though.