Park stories

How to Plan Your Trip to Washita Battlefield National Historic Site

Looking to deepen your understanding of Indigenous heritage on the Southern Plains and reflect on the history of the American West? Washita Battlefield National Historic Site preserves the location of a Cheyenne winter village that was destroyed in a...

A Visitor's Guide to Bats in National Parks

If you’ve been outside during dawn or dusk, you may have been lucky enough to spot a bat on the wing. These fascinating creatures are the only mammals in the world that fly, and more than 1,400 different species can be found throughout the world...

Skip the Crowds with These Lesser-Known (but Still Stunning) Parks

America’s national parks are getting unbearably crowded. Here are a few throng-free alternatives that we adore. Emily Pennington // Western National Parks Association As someone who spent a year on the road traveling to and writing about every...

National Parks to Visit if You Love Fossils

Sea creatures a quarter of a billion years old. Massive prehistoric mammals. Footprints from some of the first humans to walk the continent.These fossils tell the ancient stories of our national parks, and bring us back to times well before recorded...

Plan Your Trip To Chamizal National Memorial

Are you interested in history? Are you looking for a distinctly urban, but uniquely educational, national park experience? Are you curious about different cultures? Chamizal National Memorial in El Paso, Texas, should be the next park on your list...

Experience the Wonder of Big Thicket National Preserve

A place like nowhere else on Earth . by Kevin Goodwin, Interpretive Ranger at Big Thicket National Preserve Big Thicket National Preserve is like no other place on Earth. A hallmark of extraordinary biodiversity in east and southeast Texas, the...

How to Experience National Parks during the Shoulder and Off Seasons

National parks are amazing, and they make perfect spots for family vacations, solo escapes, weekend getaways, and week-long adventures. However, with more people visiting national parks each year, this can lead to crowded trails, fully booked...

Five Spectacular Things to Do in National Parks This Fall

Make it a national park fall Who doesn’t love a hike on a brisk fall morning? Or sitting around a campfire stargazing with their loved ones? Autumn brings cooler temperatures, unique wildlife and photography opportunities, and festivities to many...

Explore the Unique Value of National Monuments

When it comes to exploring America’s natural and cultural heritage, national parks often steal the spotlight. With their breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and iconic landmarks, it’s easy to see why they are celebrated. However, nestled...

How to Plan Your Perfect Trip to Padre Island National Seashore

Looking to spend a fun-filled day at the beach with family and friends – or maybe score some alone time listening to the rhythm of splashing waves and bird calls? If you love sun, sand, and solitude, Padre Island National Seashore is a great place to...