National Parks in the United States: Difference between revisions
Truthseeker (talk | contribs) Created page with "{{Infobox US-topic | topic = National Parks of the United States | image = Yosemite_National_Park.jpg | caption = Yosemite National Park in California | category = U.S. National Park System }} The United States is home to some of the most diverse and breathtaking natural landscapes in the world, many of which are protected under the **National Park System**. As of today, there are **63 official national parks**, managed by the National Park Service (NPS), an agen..." |
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The [[United States]] is home to some of the most diverse and breathtaking natural landscapes in the world, many of which are protected under the | The [[United States]] is home to some of the most diverse and breathtaking natural landscapes in the world, many of which are protected under the '''National Park System'''. As of today, there are '''63 official national parks''', managed by the [[National Park Service]] (NPS), an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior. | ||
== Purpose and Mission == | == Purpose and Mission == | ||
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* Preserve natural beauty, wildlife, and ecosystems | * Preserve natural beauty, wildlife, and ecosystems | ||
* Protect historical and cultural landmarks | * Protect historical and cultural landmarks | ||
* Provide public access for | * Provide public access for '''education''', '''recreation''', and '''inspiration''' | ||
The mission of the National Park Service is to " | The mission of the National Park Service is to "'''conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects... for the enjoyment of future generations.'''" | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
* The first national park in the world, [[Yellowstone National Park]], was created in | * The first national park in the world, [[Yellowstone National Park]], was created in '''1872''' | ||
* The | * The '''National Park Service''' was established in '''1916''' | ||
* Over time, the system has expanded to include parks, monuments, battlefields, historic sites, and more | * Over time, the system has expanded to include parks, monuments, battlefields, historic sites, and more | ||
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== Categories of National Park Units == | == Categories of National Park Units == | ||
While “National Parks” refer to 63 specially designated parks, the broader system includes over | While “National Parks” refer to 63 specially designated parks, the broader system includes over '''400 protected areas''', such as: | ||
* National Monuments | * National Monuments | ||
* National Seashores | * National Seashores | ||
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== Fun Facts == | == Fun Facts == | ||
* The largest national park is **Wrangell–St. Elias** in Alaska | * The largest national park is **'''Wrangell–St. Elias'''** in Alaska | ||
* The smallest is **Gateway Arch National Park** in Missouri | * The smallest is **'''Gateway Arch National Park'''** in Missouri | ||
* Over **300 million people** visit U.S. national parks each year | * Over **'''300 million people'''** visit U.S. national parks each year | ||
== List of U.S. National Parks == | == List of U.S. National Parks == | ||
Revision as of 13:11, 13 July 2025
Template:Infobox US-topic The United States is home to some of the most diverse and breathtaking natural landscapes in the world, many of which are protected under the National Park System. As of today, there are 63 official national parks, managed by the National Park Service (NPS), an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Purpose and Mission
National Parks are established to:
- Preserve natural beauty, wildlife, and ecosystems
- Protect historical and cultural landmarks
- Provide public access for education, recreation, and inspiration
The mission of the National Park Service is to "conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects... for the enjoyment of future generations."
History
- The first national park in the world, Yellowstone National Park, was created in 1872
- The National Park Service was established in 1916
- Over time, the system has expanded to include parks, monuments, battlefields, historic sites, and more
Most Visited National Parks
Some of the most visited parks in the U.S. include:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Tennessee/North Carolina
- Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona
- Zion National Park – Utah
- Rocky Mountain National Park – Colorado
- Yosemite National Park – California
Categories of National Park Units
While “National Parks” refer to 63 specially designated parks, the broader system includes over 400 protected areas, such as:
- National Monuments
- National Seashores
- National Historic Sites
- National Battlefields
- National Preserves
Fun Facts
- The largest national park is **Wrangell–St. Elias** in Alaska
- The smallest is **Gateway Arch National Park** in Missouri
- Over **300 million people** visit U.S. national parks each year
List of U.S. National Parks
A few examples of iconic national parks:
- Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
- Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona
- Yosemite National Park – California
- Acadia National Park – Maine
- Everglades National Park – Florida
- Denali National Park – Alaska
➡️ See: List of National Parks of the United States for the full breakdown