National Parks are designated areas established by government to safeguard natural and significant resources. They are managed by the National Park Service (NPS), a federal agency within the Department of Interior. These protected places preserve areas with historical, cultural, ecological and scientific significance, creating sanctuaries for nature and wildlife, and promoting public education, appreciation, and recreation. Most people who visit National Parks draw inspiration from nature, gain new perspectives, and feel moved by the experience. Let’s enjoy 8 intriguing facts about some of America’s most beloved National Parks.
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Together, there are 63 national parks and preserves spanning the U.S. and its extended territories. These parks recorded a whopping 331 million recreation visits in 2024 and thus are a valuable part of the American experience.
Here are 8 intriguing facts about America’s National Parks
Controversy stirs over which park is really America’s first national park. Claims persist that Arkansas’ Hot Springs is really the first national park. NPS.gov sets the record straight. “Set aside in 1832, forty years before Yellowstone was established in 1872, it was actually the nation’s oldest national reservation, set aside to preserve and distribute a utilitarian resource (hot water), much like our present national forests.” Therefore, it existed before the concept of national parks did. It wasn’t until later in 1921 that an act of Congress established Hot Springs as a national park. Since Hot Springs National Park is the oldest park maintained by the National Park Service, in 2010 it was honorably chosen as the first coin issued in the America the Beautiful Quarters commemorative coin series. Today, people visit Hot Springs National Park to enjoy the ancient healing thermal springs and other amazing park features.
Yellowstone was indeed influenced by Yosemite National Park. Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, dramatic valleys and meadows, and giant sequoias. Located in California on the west slope of the central Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite was protected in 1864 ahead of Yellowstone. However, it was a state park until it became a national park in 1890. Per NPS, “As an older state park, Yosemite did have a strong influence on the founding of Yellowstone in 1872 because Congress actually used language in the state park act as a model.” They also share that it’s possible that Congress might have preferred to make Yellowstone a state park “…had it not been for an accident of geography that put it within three territorial boundaries.” They explain that arguments between Wyoming and Montana territories back then affected the decision to federalize Yellowstone.
Yellowstone officials face ongoing problems with visitors who disregard rules.
The 18th president of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant, created the first national park in the world on March 1, 1872. That park is Yellowstone, located in the northwest corner of the state of Wyoming, with small portions extending into Montana and Idaho. The famed park is known for its majestic mountains and fascinating geological features including Old Faithful geyser, a geothermal feature with eruption intervals occurring close to 20 times per day. Yellowstone is also a wonderful place to view wildlife. Visitors to national parks are typically encouraged to respect and maintain distance from wildlife. In a 2016 incident, a tourist concerned with the health of a baby buffalo removed the calf from its herd and loaded it into a car with the intent of bringing it to a ranger station. Something similar occurred again in 2023. This dangerous interference ultimately resulted in the creature being rejected by its mother and euthanized by park rangers due to safety hazards. This underscores the importance of leaving wildlife alone.
Acadia National Park is the ideal place to watch the sunrise! Acadia National Park, frequently called the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast,” protects the highest rocky headlands in the U.S. along Maine’s Atlantic coastline. Park visitors can enjoy close to 30 miles of historic motor roads, over 150 miles of hiking trails, 45 miles of carriage roads, and highlights to include Sieur de Monts, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond, Eagle Lake, and more. The 50,000-acre park is mostly located on Mount Desert Island, the largest island of Maine. A primary attraction is Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard. The area is accessible by vehicles and offers spectacular views of the island landscape and glaciated coastline. Cadillac Mountain is one of the first places in the U.S. to welcome the sun from October 7 to March 6, with access dependent upon weather and reservations.
Florida Congressman wants Ocala National Forest and area springs to become a national park. Central Florida Republican Congressman, Randy Fine, filed a bill in U.S. Congress to create the nation’s 64th national park. Fine’s bill calls for a study of the region to determine which areas should be included and what type of designation they should receive. It will likely include Ocala National Forest and area springs to include Silver Springs and Alexander Springs. Those in favor explain that it can increase environmental protection, ensure funding for the springs, and boost tourism. Per Jonathan Rubin, Executive Director of the Clean Earth initiative, “By merging the borders of more than 40 existing state parks, forests and refuges into a single national park, we protect not just the surface land but everything underground.” The idea of an Ocala National Park doesn’t sit well with some residents, mainly due to fears of unsustainable tourism and commercialization.
Roughly 145,000 Gateway Arch National Parks (the smallest of the national parks) can fit into the largest one! Per NPS.gov, Missouri’s Gateway Arch National Parkcontains only 91 acres, which makes it the smallest national park in the United States. Maintained by the National Park Service, it’s known for its arch structure and includes grass, trees, shrubs and flowers that make it “an urban oasis for St. Louis residents and tourists alike.” The largest National Park in the U.S. is incredibly big, nearly six times the size of Yellowstone. That park is none other than Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, spanning roughly 13.2 million acres. Note that the smallest national memorial is the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorialin Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, not to be confused with the smallest national park.
The second U.S. national park established following Yellowstone was returned to its state. Mackinac National Park was created by the federal government in 1875. According to miPlace, this was “in response to the island’s growing popularity as a summer resort and in order to preserve its historic and natural wonders.” They share that from throughout the Midwest, visitors flocked the island, arriving by train and steamboat. There were some resort hotels, but few could accommodate a rush of visitors to the island in 1870. Over time, the hotel industry expanded and by 1887 the Grand Hotel was in business, securing Mackinac’s status as a premier resort destination. However, in 1895, the federal government turned the national park over to the state, and this created the Mackinac Island State Park. This change occurred because the U.S. Army-run Fort Mackinac was decommissioned, and the park lost its military caretakers.
One national park ranks as the hottest, driest and lowest place in the USA. Can you guess which one? If you answered “Death Valley,” largely located in southeastern California with a small part in Nevada and sitting about 282 feet below sea level, you’re spot on! Death Valley got its name from gold seekers who died attempting to cross the valley during the 1849 California gold rush. Often referred to as the hottest place on earth, setting the record at 134˚F in 1913, this national park is also the driest place in North America. In fact, it boasts an average rainfall of less than 2 inches a year. Per NPS.gov, this is a fraction of what most deserts receive. Unpredictable summer thunderstorms may occur and cause flash floods. Winter storms and summer monsoons can also bring clouds and rain. Wind is common in the desert, especially during springtime. Wintertime weather is more pleasant than summertime extremes. Not only are temperatures milder in low elevations, but there is less haze. Visitors can go to Death Valley year-round, but winter is likely best. Regardless of time of year, visitors to Death Valley should not underestimate the importance of preparedness and the severity of threats in the region.
The national park symbol
The national park symbol represents the diverse work of the national park system. The Sequoia tree and bison are said to represent vegetation and wildlife. The mountains and water embody scenic and recreational values, whereas the arrowhead denotes historical and archeological ideals.
American treasures
U.S. National Parks are iconic American treasures, offering visitors immense beauty, education, and recreation. Preserving land, valuable resources, animals and monuments, protecting cultural heritage, and promoting and encouraging stewardship of the land are some of the many worthy contributions of the National Park Service. Boasting 63 officially designated national parks throughout the U.S., it is fun to learn about them. We hope you enjoyed this article featuring 8 intriguing facts about National Parks. If you have a favorite national park or fun fact you’d enjoy sharing, we welcome your input in the comments below.
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