National Parks
The United States has 59 designated national parks and 358 other sites, including national monuments and memorials, that fall under the National Park Service, created by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. The first national park was Yellowstone National Park, created in 1872. For pictures, news and information on national parks, read below.
Latest about national parks
Glaciers in Yellowstone and Yosemite on track to vanish within decades, UN report warns
By Michael Dhar last updated
A United Nations report warns of imperiled glaciers at iconic World Heritage sites — but climate action could save most of them.
Foot floating in a Yellowstone hot spring leaves more questions than answers
By Stephanie Pappas last updated
Authorities have linked the discovery of a foot inside a shoe to a previously unreported death in Yellowstone National Park on July 31.
Three people gored by bison in a month at Yellowstone National Park. Why do these attacks happen?
By Harry Baker published
Park officials say visitors should keep a respectful distance.
Secrets of 'mystery sandwich' beneath Yellowstone revealed in new map
By Harry Baker published
Researchers using a giant electromagnet suspended from a helicopter have created a detailed map of the hydrothermal system underneath Yellowstone National Park for the first time.
Mountain goat kills grizzly bear by stabbing it with razor-sharp horns
By Harry Baker published
The goat's horns pierced the unfortunate bear in the armpit and neck.
Post-pandemic overcrowding of national parks causing bigger problems than just long lines
By Harry Baker published
The number of people visiting national parks is on the rise as pandemic restrictions ease, causing longer lines and putting a strain on the environment.
During Fat Bear Week, bears compete in a battle of the bulge
By Mindy Weisberger published
Who will be the chonkiest bear of all? As bears in Alaska's Katmai National Park bulk up for winter, rangers invite the public to select one thicc beauty as the favored fattest.
Statue of Liberty blueprints discovered, showing last-minute changes
By Laura Geggel published
The blueprints revealed the forethought that went into designing the statue.
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