Clean Water, and How to Make Your Own (Episode 88)
Alison Hill of LifeStraw on how to choose and use a water filter, what dehydration does to your judgment on a trail, and why you can trust the thing in your pack.
George Washington Carver National Monument (Missouri)
I came to George Washington Carver National Monument knowing his name. That was about it. I could have told you “peanuts.” I could not have told you one true thing about the man. I got there really early, before anything had opened. Which turned out to be the right accident, because it meant I did the walk first. [...]
Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site (Alabama)
I stopped at Tuskegee Institute because I was in the area. That is the entire reason. I had zero idea what to expect. My mind was blown. I had pictured a building with some exhibits in it. What it actually is: a working university campus, and the national historic site is spread across it. Tuskegee is the only [...]
Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site (Alabama)
I went to Tuskegee in April 2026, and the reason I went had started more than a year before that. I had been paying attention to arguments about what belongs in the history we teach, and which parts of it quietly get trimmed. It sparked rage. And it took me a year to pull together a trip to go [...]
Gateway Arch National Park (Missouri)
I have been to the Gateway Arch twice, and I have never been up it. The first time, I just did not feel the desire to. The second time I had Tootsie with me and could not have gone up anyway. I am sure there is great storytelling up there. I am sure the views are extraordinary. People clearly [...]
Petroglyph National Monument (New Mexico)
I freaking loved Petroglyph. Start at the visitor center, and I mean it Petroglyph is a in Albuquerque - a monument co-managed by the National Park Service and the City of Albuquerque. The visitor center is separate from all the places you actually go to see the petroglyphs. There are no petroglyphs at the visitor center at all. That [...]
Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona)
Petrified Forest is a perfect stop along Route 66! The shape of the day Petrified Forest is predominantly a driving tour. Twenty-eight miles of road through the park, with stops all the way along where you get out and look at what is there. Be realistic about those 28 miles...it takes quite a while, especially when you want to [...]
Where I Would Actually Take My Dog — Every Park, Ranked by What She Can Do
It annoys me when people say a park like Yosemite allows dogs. It does undefined in the campground, and in your car. This page tells you something more useful: where I would actually take mine. Everything here comes from having been there with Tootsie. Where I have not taken her, I say so. The thing that actually [...]
Save Public Lands: Room for All of Us (Episode 87)
Save Public Lands is a proactive effort to let our state and national representatives know that they matter to us. Sign the petition to help send 1 million signatures to our government officials.
Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument (Mississippi)
I stopped at the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home having only recently heard it existed, and knowing nothing at all about Medgar or Myrlie Evers. It is completely unassuming. It sits in among neighbourhood houses, exactly as it did in 1963. When I arrived I drove a loop around the block, just to be sure I had it [...]
Washington Monument (Washington, DC)
I have never been inside the Washington Monument. I lived in Washington for years. I went to college there. I have driven past it, biked past it and walked around it more times than I could count. And I have never once been to the top. That is the classic hometown problem. You do not do the tourist [...]
World War II Memorial (Washington, DC)
My experience I remember when they were talking about putting this memorial on the Mall. I think it was the first addition in a very long time, and it was quite a political debate about whether it would disrupt what was already there. And now when I walk around it and see hundreds and hundreds of people soaking [...]
Korean War Veterans Memorial (Washington, DC)
My experience The Korean War Veterans Memorial is one I always forget about. And it is really one of the more beautiful spots on the Mall. On a recent visit I walked up and said to my friend, “Remind me what the Korean War was about?” Which led the two of us down a beautiful rabbit hole about [...]
Vietnam Veterans Memorial (Washington, DC)
My experience The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is probably one of the most visited spots on the National Mall. I always find it moving, especially at night. And the further you go into the story of what it means, the more touching it becomes. The names on the wall are in the order of their death. So as you [...]
Save Public Lands: Why Small Businesses Are Showing Up (Episode 86)
Save Public Lands is a proactive effort to let our state and national representatives know that they matter to us. Sign the petition to help send 1 million signatures to our government officials.
United States Capitol Grounds (Washington, DC)
My experience The Capitol is my favorite place in Washington, DC. When I was in college I would go at night and sit on the Capitol steps, when the rest of the Mall was basically empty. Usually after I had been studying, or when I needed a break. This was before they had the barricades. Sitting [...]
Lincoln Memorial (Washington, DC)
My experience The Lincoln Memorial sits opposite the Capitol. It is like Lincoln is watching over the business of America. I think it is one of the more iconic spots in Washington, DC, and certainly the busiest. Have patience for the lines and the activity — and know that this is also a common place for [...]
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial (Washington, DC)
My experience The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is a solemn and a celebratory place at the same time. First there is the structure. You walk through the stone to enter, and then you see his likeness carved out of it, looking out over the Tidal Basin. Just thinking about it sends chills. Once you have [...]
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial (Washington, DC)
My experience One of my favorite things to do in Washington, DC is walk around the monuments at night. They are so peaceful. The crowds are usually gone, and you can stand there and reflect on the meaning of each statue and the story of this amazing country. It was on one of those nights that I first [...]
Frances Perkins National Monument (Maine)
My experience Frances Perkins was a pitstop. I was driving the coast of Maine, and this one was on my list because a historian I had met put it there. She was well versed in Frances Perkins and the impact she had on this country, and she told me to go. The stop is unassuming. A small sign [...]
Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Dakota)
My experience I got to Theodore Roosevelt near the end of my 2021 road trip, and by then I had enough confidence to have no plan at all. Just show up. It worked — a campsite wasn't hard to come by. I hadn't expected the drive in to look like that. I knew badlands as a South Dakota [...]
Yosemite National Park (California)
My experience I was strategic about Yosemite. I wanted shoulder season — late enough that the park was open, early enough to miss the crowds. What I was less strategic about was where I would sleep. My spontaneous side doesn’t mesh well with the big parks, and this one is a beast. Everything inside was long gone, so [...]
No-Bite-Me
I went to bed with bites all over my legs. I'd already tried everything in the house. A shower. Benadryl cream. Absorbine Jr. I decided I'd just tough it out and sleep through it. I woke up in the middle of the night scratching. That's when I got up and went digging through the bag of samples I'd [...]
Rome Pie Iron
Ombraz Sunglasses rethink the functionality of sunglasses by removing the arms and hinges.
Gear Envie – Hikas Gaiters
Ankle gaiters insulated with oyster shells and recycled bottles. What Hikas are, what they keep out, and why I picked hot pink — before I've worn them.
Understanding the Strategy Behind the Chaos (Episode 85)
Save Public Lands is a proactive effort to let our state and national representatives know that they matter to us. Sign the petition to help send 1 million signatures to our government officials.
Save Public Lands – This Land Belongs to All of Us (Episode 84)
Save Public Lands is a proactive effort to let our state and national representatives know that they matter to us. Sign the petition to help send 1 million signatures to our government officials.
Save Public Lands – A Proactive Vision for America’s Public Lands (Episode 83)
Save Public Lands is a proactive effort to let our state and national representatives know that they matter to us. Sign the petition to help send 1 million signatures to our government officials.
The Roadless Rule – An Update & What It Means For You (Episode 82)
The Roadless Rule public comment period is now open. Learn more about the status from Katie Johnson at The Conservation Alliance.
About Missy
Host & Founder Hi, I'm Missy. I got in a van and drove. And somewhere along the way, I fell completely in love with America's public lands. I spent a long time in a career I was good at — building marketing campaigns and brand partnerships for professional sports organizations. I was busy. I was [...]
Save Public Lands — One Million Signatures for National Public Lands Day (Episode 81)
A working farm. A one-room campaign HQ that won a presidency. A garden where they're buried side by side. Jennifer Hopkins, Lead Education Ranger, shares 100 years of history in Plains, Georgia.
Big Bend National Park — What’s Happening on the Ground and How to Help (Episode 80)
A working farm. A one-room campaign HQ that won a presidency. A garden where they're buried side by side. Jennifer Hopkins, Lead Education Ranger, shares 100 years of history in Plains, Georgia.
Jimmy Carter National Historical Park – From a Farm in Georgia to the Oval Office
A working farm. A one-room campaign HQ that won a presidency. A garden where they're buried side by side. Jennifer Hopkins, Lead Education Ranger, shares 100 years of history in Plains, Georgia.
Protect Our Parks: DC Triumphal Arch
⚠️ The public comment period has been reopened. New deadline: July 30th. Submit your comment now — it takes three minutes. When the public comment period on the DC Triumphal Arch opened in June, we had 10 days. Ten days to weigh in on a proposal that would permanently alter one [...]
Protect Our Parks: Utah Monuments
The proclamations are signed. The fight is not over. Here's how to keep the pressure on. I acted quickly on this one because it matters. On July 13th, two proclamations were signed that rolled back nearly 90% of the protected boundaries of two of America's most significant national monuments — Bears Ears [...]
Protect Our Parks: Chaco Culture National Historical Park
The public comment period has closed. Stay informed and keep the pressure on. I hadn't been to Chaco Culture National Historical Park before this episode. I didn't know enough about it. And then I got a flurry of social posts about drilling and mining threats and I knew immediately I needed to [...]
Best Day Ever: The Movie That Will Change How You See the Outdoors (Episode 78)
A six-inch-too-narrow bridge. A community that decided to fix it. Best Day Ever is the film about building the world's first fully adaptive mountain bike trail network — and what happens when the outdoors truly belongs to everyone.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park — The Fight for the Buffer Zone (Episode 77)
The 10-mile protection zone around Chaco Culture — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is about to be revoked. Maude Dinan of NPCA explains what's at stake and how to submit your comment before July 29th.
National Hammock Day — The Art of Slowing Down with ENO’s Anna Rawlins (Episode 76)
July 22nd is National Hammock Day — and we're celebrating from inside My Hammock Summer. Anna Rawlins of ENO on how to hammock safely, sleep in one, and why a hammock is the best invitation to slow down you'll ever accept.
Bears Ears & Grand Staircase-Escalante: What Just Happened and What You Can Do (Episode 75)
President Trump just signed two proclamations removing 90% of the protected boundaries of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante. Katie Johnson of the Conservation Alliance explains what it means — and exactly what you can do right now.
Summer in the Parks (Episode 74)
Too expensive? Too complicated? Too late? Missy and Shannon Jones of KeeKee's Big Adventures debunk the summer vacation myths — and make the case for parks, staycations, and a fortune teller that picks your next adventure.
What Playing Outside Teaches Us — Resilience, Mindfulness, and the Gift of Nature (Episode 73)
What we learn playing outside follows us everywhere. Jesse Tubb of GRIT Adventures on resilience, mindfulness, and why nature is the most powerful classroom we have. The Parks Podcast.
DC Triumphal Arch — What You Need to Know Before June 15 (Episode 72)
A 250-foot arch proposed in the heart of Washington DC threatens one of the most significant viewsheds in America. Architectural historian Priya Jain explains what's at stake. The Parks Podcast.
Cook Park — Atlanta’s Neighborhood Park That Saves a Community (Episode 71)
A 16-acre park in Atlanta's Vine City that holds 10 million gallons of floodwater — and gave a historic civil rights neighborhood the park it always deserved. The Parks Podcast.
Leave No Trace — The Seven Principles Every Outdoor Visitor Should Know (Episode 70)
Leave No Trace is more than "pack it out." Jeanelle Soland and Rob Pelton from the Subaru Leave No Trace traveling team break down all seven principles and why they matter. The Parks Podcast.
The Appalachian Trail — America’s Greatest Footpath (Episode 69)
Appalachian Trail Conservancy President & CEO, Cinda Waldbuesser, explores the history, volunteer spirit, and essential planning tips for hiking the iconic 2,198-mile trail from Georgia to Maine.
LGBTQ Outdoors — Finding Community in Nature (Episode 68)
In this episode of The Parks, host Missy Rentz talks with Justin Yoder, founder of LGBTQ Outdoors, about his journey from starting a simple Instagram page to building a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to creating safe, inclusive community spaces in nature.
Black Hill Discovery Center — Nature Education, Forest Schools, and the Power of Outdoor Childhood (Episode 67)
Black Hill Discovery Center introduces kids of all ages to nature through through school, camps, and programs.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park — A Living, Breathing Community Park (Episode 66)
Cuyahoga Valley National Park not your typical "fenced-off" wilderness; it’s a living, breathing landscape where history, industry, and nature are constantly shaking hands.
Crime Off the Grid — What Park Rangers Really Deal With (Episode 65)
Go behind the badge with the creators of Crime Off the Grid as we explore the reality of law enforcement in America’s most remote and wild places.
Save the Boundary Waters — Fighting to Protect America’s Most Visited Wilderness (Episode 64)
The President's House delves into the history of George Washington and the 9 humans he enslaved in Philadelphia as President of the United States. Listen to the episode and learn more.
Our Story: The President’s House — George Washington, Slavery, and the Exhibit That Was Removed (Episode 63)
The President's House delves into the history of George Washington and the 9 humans he enslaved in Philadelphia as President of the United States. Listen to the episode and learn more.
Introducing Our Story — A New Series from The Parks Podcast (Episode 00)
Welcome to our story, a new series from The Parks Podcast. 've shared that I came to the Parks for nature, but I'm really drawn to the history and the stories that make up our parks. It may be one person whose actions led to the creation or expansion of the park, or maybe a unique or endangered animal that calls the park home. Maybe it's a pivotal event that marks our history in unique and meaningful ways. These people, places, and events make up our collective story.
National Park of American Samoa — The 50th Park, the Birthplace of Polynesia, and 200 Coral Species on One Beach (Episode 62)
National Park of American Samoa is a paradise that celebrates the coral, rainforests, fruit bats, and American Samoa culture.
Face Value — The Battle for the 2026 NPS Park Pass and One Artist’s Solution (Episode 61)
Jenny McCarty, artist and owner of Sage Leaf Studio, created a sticker to help keep nature on the 2026 NPS Park Pass.
Micro spikes
How to use Micro Spikes Have you heard of micro spikes? Other than maybe in a movie when you watch someone walking up a glacier...and those probably aren't the same. Well this piece of gear is your best friend on icy trails and sidewalks. Micro spikes (often called crampons) are chains that you put [...]
Voyageurs National Park — Where You’d Better Bring Your Boat (Episode 60)
Voyageurs National Park is 40% water with vast conservation of water, animals, and land.
History and the Parks — Why Telling the Full Story Matters Now More Than Ever (Episode 59)
This episode of The Parks Podcast explores the deep connection between our national landscapes and the stories that define us. Host Missy Rentz sits down with Beth English, Executive Director of the Organization of American Historians (OAH), to discuss why preserving "unvarnished" history is essential for our future.
Redwood National and State Parks — Tallest Trees, Wild Coast, and the Most Dog-Friendly Park in the System (Episode 58)
Redwoods National State Park is home to the largest trees in the world as well as amazing rivers, oceans, and animals.
First Day Hike 2026 — How to Start the New Year Outside (Episode 57)
Kick off the New Year with First Day Hikes - a day to celebrate in our State Parks all around the United States.
Winter in the Parks – Indiana State Parks (Episode 56)
Indiana State Parks is kicking off winter with hikes, bird watching, light tours, and more.
Winter in the Parks – New York State Parks (Episode 55)
New York State Parks & Historic Sites is celebrating winter with hikes, snow and ice activities, craft & creating activities and more.
Winter in the Parks – Virginia State Parks (Episode 54)
Virginia is for Lovers...and park lovers! This winter, the Virginia State Parks have activities for all ages and abilities.
Hueston Woods State Park — Ohio’s Winter Wonderland Lodge (Episode 53)
Hueston Woods State Park is hosting the holidays with movies, breakfast with Santa, hikes, and more. Learn more in this episode.
Winter in the Parks – Malabar Farm State Park – Ohio (Episode 52)
Malabar Farm State Park is an historic farm, and former home to Louis Bromfield. Visit the park during the holiday season to visit the historic home all decked out in its holiday best.
Winter in Arizona State Parks — Holiday Season Trails & Events (Episode 51)
Arizona State Parks & Trails has some incredible activities this winter. Learn about them and make plans to visit the parks.
Communities in the Park
Parks and and outdoor lovers are a tight community. But a welcoming community. Finding groups that use parks and host activities that you may be interested in is a great way to explore. You get healthy activities and create community filled with laughter and fun. I am constantly meeting people who are in or starting [...]
GirlTREK — Walking as a Civil Rights Issue (Episode 50)
GirlTREK is an organization committed to using nature, movement, and community to save lives around the world.
Winter in the Park – 2025
'Tis the season to visit parks! Winter is a great time to explore our parks. And many have programs the embrace the winter wonderland.
Gratitude with Gravy — Massachusetts Parks After Thanksgiving (Episode 49)
Are you celebrating Thanksgiving in Massachusetts? Join Massachusets DCR for "Gratitude After Gravy" on Friday, November 28.
After the Government Shutdown — What’s Next for Our Parks (Episode 48)
Alan Spears, from National Parks Conservation Association, joins us to talk about the status of our National Parks and public lands after the 43 day shutdown. We also talk about what's next for our beloved places.
Black Hill Regional Park Montgomery County Maryland
Black Hill Regional Park is a hidden gem, just outside of the DC metro area. With hiking & biking trails, water activities, and an inviting beach, this park has a little something for anyone looking to escape the city.
Outdoor Stores – Wyoming
Headwall Sports Kmart Plaza 520, US 89 Jackson, WY 83001 Teton Mountaineering 170 N Cache Street Jackson, WY 83001 If you have a favorite outdoor store in your community, please share it on our contact me page. I'll add it [...]
Outdoor Stores – Vermont
Outdoor Gear Exchange 37 Church Street Burlington, VT 05401 If you have a favorite outdoor store in your community, please share it on our contact me page. I'll add it to the map.
Outdoor Stores – Idaho
Habitat - High Altitude Provisions 18 N Main Street Driggs, ID 83422 Outdoor Exchange 1405 W Grove Street Boise, ID 83702 Yöstmark Mountain Equipment 110 E Little Ave Driggs, ID 83422 If you have a favorite outdoor store in your [...]
Outdoor Stores – Maine
L.L. Bean Flagship 95 Main Street Freeport, ME 04032 If you have a favorite outdoor store in your community, please share it on our contact me page. I'll add it to the map.
Kelty Wayback 20 Degree Sleeping Bag — Missy’s Honest Take
Missy's take on the Kelty Wayback — a flannel-lined square bag that's a throwback to childhood camping. Why comfort beats mummy bags every time.
Shopping Values — How The Landmark Project Gives Back to Our Parks (Episode 47)
Matt Moreau from The Landmark Project joins us to talk about Shopping Values and how his company is committed to giving back to parks, public lands, and our environment. In this episode we talk to Matt Moreau from The Landmark Project. Matt has made giving back a part of their core mission from day one.
Outdoor Stores – Massachusetts
Natick Outdoor Store 38 North Ave Natick, MA 01760 Summit Bound Outfitter 348 Sommerville Ave Sommerville, MA 02143 If you have a favorite outdoor store in your community, please share it on our contact me page. I'll add it to the map. [...]
Outdoor Stores – Montana
The Base Camp 1730 Grand Avenue Billings, MT 59102 The Base Camp 5 E Broadway Street Helena, MT 59601 If you have a favorite outdoor store in your community, please share it on our contact me page. I'll add it to the map. [...]
Outdoor Stores – North Carolina
Take A Hike Mountain Outfitters 100 Sutton Avenue Black Mountain, NC, 28711 If you have a favorite outdoor store in your community, please share it on our contact me page. I'll add it to the map.
Outdoor Stores – Virginia
Casual Adventure Outfitters 3451 Washington Blvd Arlington, VA 22201 REI 2020 Old Brick Rd Glen Allen, VA 23060 REI 3509 Carlin Springs Rd Bailey's Crossroads, VA 22041 Walkabout Outfitters 1560 S. Main Street., Suite 100 Blacksburg, VA 24060 Walkabout Outfitters 90 N. Main Street Harrisonburg, VA [...]
ENO Parkway Adjustable Hammock Stand
ENO's Parkway Adjustable Hammock Stand allows you to relax in a hammock anywhere.
Sierra Club Military Outdoors — Nature as Healing for Veterans (Episode 46)
Sierra Club's Military Outdoors program provides our veterans the chance to get outdoors and opportunities for community, camaraderie, and healing.
Walk, Ride, paddle by Tim Kaine
Senator Tim Kaine gives us a glimpse into his journey to walk the Appalachian Trail, ride the Blue Ridge Parkway, and paddle the James River in his book "Walk Ride Paddle - A Life Outside"
Kelty Highroads Shelter
Kelty Highroad Shelter provides you extra space for car camping and your weekend adventures.
PyreLogs
PyreLogs makes building and maintaining your campfire a breeze.
Farm to Feet Socks
Farm to Feet socks provide the comfort needed for long days outside.
Otterbox 2-in-1 Crossbody Strap
Otterbox 2-in-1 Crossbody Strap is a game changer for my dog walks.
Smokey Bear Puzzle
The Landmark Project Smokey Bear puzzle will bring all ages together to play.
The Landmark Project Playing Cards
The Landmark Project playing cards will keep you entertained and telling stories late into the night.
Smokey Bear Mug
The Smokey Bear mug will tap into nostalgia as you practice what he taught you when you are outside.
Eco Fuego
EcoFuego allows you to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fire, without the mess.
Keepa Magnet
The Keepa magnet provides an extra hand on the trail, campsite, or around the house.
Ruffwear Roamer Leash
The Ruffwear leash allows me to have my hands free on a hike.
NPS and State Park Passes
Park passes make a great gift for your friends and family. The list below links to states and federal parks passes. State Park Passes Alaska Arizona California Colorado Delaware Florida Georgia Idaho Indiana Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New [...]
Park Passes
State & National Park Passes make a great gift for the holidays, and brings joy throughout the year.
Radiant Revolve Rechargeable + Solar Lantern
The Radiant Revolve Light helps illuminate the trail on a night walk.
NutLit Rechargeable Lantern
The NutLit is whimsical and functional. It's easy to hang and provide the perfect light at your campsite, shed, or blanket fort.
NiteDog Rechargeable LED Leash
Nite Ize dog leash provides visibility on your nightly adventures.