National Parks

National ParksPaul Williams2025-07-29T22:27:53+00:00

More than 424 parks make up The National Parks system. The first, Yellowstone National Park, was created in 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant. Parks can be found in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and many US Territories. Included in the legislation for the first park, and I believe an unofficial motto for Parks, is a beautiful reminder for us all –

“For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People.”

National Park Blogs

George Washington Birthplace National Monument is a great spot to explore while visiting the Northern Neck of Virginia. As you walk through the grounds, you are transported to another time and can imagine what life may have been like for George growing up.

George Washington Birthplace National Monument Virginia — Missy’s Guide | The Parks Podcast

Pompeys Pillar National Monument

Pompeys Pillar National Monument

Photo of the visitor center and museum at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park

Image of Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site home with the pond in front.

Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site

Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site Hyde Park New York — Missy's Guide | The Parks Podcast

Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site Hyde Park New York — Missy’s Guide | The Parks Podcast

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park

Overlook at Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park Virginia — Missy’s Complete Guide | The Parks Podcast

Photo of the entry sign to Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park Arkansas — Missy’s Complete Guide | The Parks Podcast

Photo of the front of Little Rock Central High School

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site Arkansas — Missy’s Guide | The Parks Podcast

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Trail Review: Angels Landing

Trail Review: Angels Landing

Trail Review: Sullivan's Knob Trail

Trail Review: Sullivan’s Knob Trail

Trail Review: Tower Trail

Trail Review: Tower Trail

Devils Tower National Monument

Devils Tower National Monument

The Parks Podcast Episodes

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 with John Garrison (Episode 63)

National Park of American Samoa is a paradise that celebrates the coral, rainforests, fruit bats, and American Samoa culture.

National Park of American Samoa (Episode 62)

Voyageurs National Park is 40% water with vast conservation of water, animals, and land.

Voyageurs National Park (Episode 60)

Redwoods National State Park is home to the largest trees in the world as well as amazing rivers, oceans, and animals.

Redwood National & State Parks (Episode 58)

Skmaqn-Port-la-Joye-Fort Amherst National Historic site was home to Mi'kmaq, French, Acadian, and British over its long and rich history. Skmagn, meaning

Skamaqn-Port-la-Joye-Fort Amherst National Historic Site – Parks Canada (Episode 45)

Prince Edward Island National Park stretches along the northern shore of Prince Edward Island Province. It's sandy beaches are home plant and animal conservation efforts as well as summer recreation and fun!

Prince Edward Island National Park – Parks Canada (Episode 42)

The journey of Lewis and Clark stopped in, what is now, Oregon for the winter. The Lewis and Clark National Historical Park holds the environmental and historical conservation so that we can all continue to learn and understand their journey.

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park (Episode 36)

Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument shares the story of one of the few winter battles held during the Civil War and how Kentucky's commitment to. neutrality eventually shifted to have them fighting for the Union.

Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument (Episode 35)

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is one of the country's youngest National Parks. Natural environment, industrial innovation, and the rights of workers all take center stage in this park. And one weekend a year, so does jumping off the bridge.

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve — America’s Newest National Park (Episode 34)

Step into the rhythmic hum of America’s first planned industrial city—Lowell, Massachusetts. In this episode of The Parks Podcast, host Missy Rentz speaks with Park Ranger Aubrey Brown to uncover the surprising ways Lowell shaped American industry, empowered generations of women, and became a hub for activism and innovation.

From textile mills to canal boat tours, boarding houses to bobbins, this episode brings the Industrial Revolution to life with stories that are deeply human and still relevant today.

Lowell National Historical Park (Episode 31)

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are home to two of the largest trees in the world. The parks host large conservation efforts and incredible recreation activities.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (Episode 30)

Pearl Harbor National Monument honors the lives lost, and those affected, during the attack on December 7, 1941. Planning a trip to Hawaii and Pearl Harbor starts in advance. This episode will help prepare you for your visit.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial (Episode 28)

Biscayne National Park, off the coast of Miami, is 95% water with a rich history in farming, fishing, and conservation.

Biscayne National Park — 95% Underwater and 100% Extraordinary (Episode 22)

Pompeys Pillar is located just outside of Billings, Montana. This stop will show your a geological wonder, the signature of William Clark, and stunning vista of the eastern Montana plains.

Pompeys Pillar National Monument — William Clark Was Here (Episode 21)

Recreation.gov is your go to website for planning trips to our nation's public lands. You can book campsites, reserve passes, and learn more about what's going on in the parks.

How to Use Recreation.gov — Your Guide to Booking Public Lands (Episode 19)

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site was home to President Hoover in his youth. He reconstructed the space as a way to show American's that anyone can be successful. His home, prairie, blacksmith shop, and more will allow you to walk through history.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site — From Humble Beginnings to the White House (Episode 20)

Saguaro National Park boasts a diverse ecosystem where you can experience saguaros in one area and pine trees in another. The rich cultural history is worth celebrating in this episode of The Parks Podcast.

Saguaro National Park — America’s Sonoran Desert Redwood (Episode 18)

Statue of Liberty National Monument is home to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Learn about the history - starting with the gift from France through the immigration process for so many coming to the United States.

Statue of Liberty National Monument — The Story Behind the Icon (Episode 17)

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park brings to life the story of Harriet and the hundreds of slaves she helped to find freedom.

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad — The Full Story (Episode 15)

Belle Grove Plantation, part of Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, is decking the halls and getting ready to kick off their holiday programs.

Belle Grove Plantation (Episode 10)

Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park was the front line of major battles in the Civil War. Learn the story of the region from Backcountry to Breadbasket to Battlefield and Beyond.

Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park (Episode 9)

The hottest place on Earth, the lowest point in the US, and some of the most stunning scenery you've never imagined. Ranger Abby Wines on Death Valley's history, safety, and how to visit. The Parks Podcast.

Death Valley National Park — The Hottest Place on Earth Has a Lot to Teach You (Episode 8)

Craters of the Moon National Monument was created from lava flow over the past 15,000 years. Learn how you can experience the unique activities in the park throughout the year.

Craters of the Moon National Monument — Earth’s Most Otherworldly Landscape (Episode 7)

Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park is located between Washington, DC and Richmond, VA. Learn about four major battles of the civil war and explore the battlefields and historic homes.

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park — Four Battles, One Story (Episode 6)

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is known as the

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument — America’s Green Desert (Episode 5)

The darkest skies in the lower 48, 450 bird species, and 10,000 years of human history. Tom Vandenberg on why Big Bend is unlike any other national park. The Parks Podcast.

Big Bend National Park — The Park at the Edge of Everything (Episode 2)

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is our first stop for The Parks Podcast. Explore the history and impact of nine children to help spark desegregation, and social change movements.

Little Rock Central High School — Where Nine Students Changed the World (Episode 1)