What we do

Archaeologists excavating a site in a desert landscape.

National parks are American treasures that help tell our national story and protect our natural and cultural legacy. Western National Parks believes all Americans deserve to experience their national parks.

WNP connects people to parks by creating products, programs, and services. We support our 70+ partner parks to enhance the visitor experience. It’s through that experience that people can appreciate these important places and feel they need to be protected. Since 1938, we’ve provided more than $162 million in aid to national park sites.

Books lined up on white shelves, featuring various national parks.
Learn how WNP supports national parks from actor and environmental activist Ted Danson and NPS staff!
A woman in historical attire talks to attentive children by a fire pit.

Our stores in national parks

When you step into a WNP national park store at a partnering national park, you’re doing more than shopping for a memento. You’ll learn about area artisans, the culture and history of the land, and what makes the geography, plants, and animals unique. Plus, you will support parks!

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Four colorful landscape photo books on a wooden surface.

Publishing got us started

WNP was founded in 1938 as a nonprofit publishing partner to help the National Park Service connect people with their parks. We continue that tradition with award-winning, well-researched, beautifully engaging books to help visitors learn more about our partner parks.

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Two children with painted faces examine fossils on a table.

Make learning fun

WNP-developed and ranger-approved interpretive programs, events, videos, books, and more reveal what can be learned from national parks—history, culture, and nature, to start.

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Lush green valley with a winding river and distant hills under a bright sky.

Our work is strengthened by support from national park fans. Become a WNP member, make a donation or buy from our stores and help preserve our parks.

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We’re part of your community

WNP reaches out to celebrate our national parks online and in person. Find us participating in community events, conducting engaging presentations, and developing ways to bring the park experience to local groups. We reach out to reach underserved populations, especially young people. 

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Cozy bookstore with wooden shelves, rustic decor, and a high wooden ceiling.

Research engages visitors

Meaningful inquiry in parks helps shape the national park experience for every visitor. We fund scientific research to interpret findings into engaging, informational, and entertaining narratives.

Read about research 

Special contributors

Two men exchanging a framed award at a ceremony.

Invaluable partners for WNP’s mission

Individuals and organizations make remarkable contributions to national parks and increase awareness of WNP’s mission and work. It’s our honor to recognize them with awards and scholarships.

Our partners