National Parks and Forests Resources
Here is a list of national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, forests, grasslands, trails, heritage areas, and more. Trails and Heritage Areas are in their own sections since many of them have multiple states within their boundaries. Parks are organized by where their central office is located, but I tried to note what states are included.
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Before using any Internet resource, it is important that you evaluate it to make sure that it is relevant and appropriate for your research. Click here for more information about evaluating websites.
Please report any dead links to Mr. Andrusyk. Do you know of a great site to add to this site? Click here to suggest it.
General |
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- The Alliance of National Heritage Areas In 1984 President Reagan and Congress designated the Illinois & Michigan Canal as the very first National Heritage Area. A National Heritage Area is a region rich with historical, natural, and culture significance. This alliance links them all together.
- Biodiversity in National Parks Lists the different species that can be found in our National Parks.
- The Hidden World of National Parks Explores Kenai Fjords National Park, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Parks, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Bryce Cannon National Park, and Dry Tortugas National Park.
- More Than Just Parks Filmmakers and brothers, Will and Jim Pattiz explore 59 national parks and their wonders, includes Badlands, Death Valley, Grand Tetons, Rocky Mountain, Smokey Mountains, and more.
- The National Parks: America's Best Idea The companion website to PBS's six episode series by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan.
- National Parks Conservation Association This nonprofit organization strives to protect and preserve our national parks and monuments. Here you can learn about our parks as well as issues such as energy, climate change, park funding, and more.
- National Parks from Space NASA shares images of national parks taken from space.
- National Parks Maps A collection of maps of national parks and historic sites.
- National Park Podcast Explore our national parks with this podcast.
- National Park Service The agency that manages the national parks, monuments, and historic sites.
- Open Parks Network Collects digital images and artifacts from the National Parks.
- Park Ranger John John has been a park ranger for the National Park Service since 1994 and provides highlights of some national parks, hiking trips, and more.
- U.S. Forest Service A part of the Department of Agriculture, this service manages all the of the national forests, grasslands, prairies, and more.
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Alabama |
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- Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument Describes the struggle for Civil Rights in Birmingham, Alabama. Housed at the A. G. Gaston Motel where the civil rights leaders set up their headquarters.
- Freedom Riders National Monument Tells the story of the Freedom Riders who hopped on buses and traveled to the South to help African Americans register to vote in 1961.
- Horseshoe Bend National Military Park Site where on March 27, 1814, Major General Andrew Jackson led his 3300 troops and attacked 1000 Red Stick Creek warriors led by Chief Menawa killing over 800 warriors.
- Little River Canyon National Preserve Located in the Southern Appalachians, this preserve centers on the Little River which flows mostly on Lookout Mountain, and is full of waterfalls, canyons, pools, bluffs, and sandstone cliffs.
- National Forests in Alabama Provides information about Conecuh, Talladega, Tuskegee, and William B. Bankhead National Forests.
- Russell Cave National Monument Thousands years ago a portion of the entrance to Russell Cave collapsed. In doing so, the cave preserved clues to ancient primitive life in the United States.
- Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site Tells the story of the first African American airmen.
- Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site Describes the institute built by Booker T. Washington in 1881 and where George Washington Carver taught.
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Alaska |
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- Alagnak Wild River Discover the wilderness, wildlife and culture of southwest Alaska along the Alagnak River.
- Aleutian World War II National Historic Site Depicts the Battle for the Aleutians and the only spot on American soil that was occupied for a time by the Japanese.
- Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve One of the least visited parks because of its remote location in southeastern Alaska.
- Bering Land Bridge National Preserve There are no roads leading to this preserve. You have to go there by plane, but once there you can explore how early humans migrated into North America.
- Cape Krusenstern National Monument Protects over 70 miles of shoreline that humans have inhabited for over 5000 years.
- Chugach National Forest Stretches across south-central Alaska including Prince William Sound and Kenai Peninsula.
- Denali National Park and Preserve Features the tallest mountain in North America, Denali, (formerly Mount McKinley).
- Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve This unspoiled land has no trails but is fill with mountains and valleys and wildlife.
- Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Contains glaciers, rugged mountains, fjords, temperate rainforests...
- Katmai National Park and Preserve Protects area with 14 active volcanoes as well as salmon filled rivers and brown bears.
- Kenai Fjords National Park Features the Harding Icefield with glaciers, fjords as well as plenty of wildlife.
- Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Chronicles the days when prospectors rushed to Alaska after gold was discovered.
- Kobuk Valley National Park Here you'll find the Kobuk River, the Baird and Waring mountain ranges, sand dunes, and caribou.
- Lake Clark National Park and Preserve You have to travel by boat or plane to get to this park but it's full of spectacular views of Lake Clark and volcanoes Mount Redoubt and Mount Iliamna.
- Noatak National Preserve Located above the Arctic Circle in Northwest Alaska, this preserve can only be accessed by small aircraft but there are virtual tours on the website.
- Sitka National Historical Park Preserves the area where the Battle of Sitka between Russians and the Sitka Tlingit.
- Tongass National Forest The largest national forest in the United States covering Southeast Alaska.
- Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve The largest national park in the United States. This park covers coastline all the way to Mt. St. Elias.
- Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve Discover old gold rush remnants, float down the Yukon River, or paddle through the rapids on Charley Rivers.
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Arizona |
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- Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Two million acres of east-central Arizona including the Mogollon Rim desert and eight cold-water lakes.
- Canyon De Chelly National Monument Explore the Tsegi where ancient American Indians built homes in the walls of the canyon. Co-managed with the Navajo Nation.
- Casa Grande Ruins National Monument View ruins from the Hohokam Indians at this Arizona national monument.
- Chiricahua National Monument Venture into this "wonderland of rocks" and learn how people lived in the area at the Faraway Ranch.
- Coconino National Forest A diverse national forest with pine forests, deserts, small lakes and an alpine tundra.
- Coronado National Forest Includes parts of New Mexico, this forest is home to Mount Graham and the Cave Creek Canyon.
- Coronado National Memorial Explore the history of the Coronado Expedition in 1540-1542 and the park in Arizona.
- Fort Bowie National Historic Site Discusses the conflict between the United States military and the Chiricahua Apaches.
- Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Features Lake Powell, the Orange Cliffs, and Lees Ferry. Incorporates parts of Utah.
- Grand Canyon National Park Canyon cut by the Colorado River known for its overwhelming size and breathtaking landscape.
- Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site Peer into the oldest operating trading post in the Navajo Nation which first opened in 1878.
- Kaibab National Forest In Northern Arizona where you can see Sycamore Canyon Falls, stone and steel dams, and more.
- Montezuma Castle National Monument Discover this limestone cliff dwelling over 800 years old and built by the Sinagua people.
- Navajo National Monument View Ancient Puebloan homes in the sandstone walls of the canyon.
- Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Explore the Sonoran Desert at this park near the Mexican border.
- Petrified Forest National Park See petrified wood that is millions of years old, the Painted Desert, and more.
- Pipe Spring National Monument This desert oasis was used by American Indians and Mormon ranchers for its precious water.
- Prescott National Forest Full of Ponderosa pines, juniper, and pinon pines and desert.
- Saguaro National Park In the Sonoran Desert, this is where the famous Saguaro cactus resides.
- Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Sunset Crater erupted in 1085 but you can still see when lava flowed and the life that is all around it.
- Tonto National Forest Three million acres ranging from deserts with Saguaro cacti to pine forests at the edge of the Mogollon Rim.
- Tonto National Monument Chronicles the desert life of American Indians from 1250 to 1450 including Salado-style cliff dwellings.
- Tumacacori National Historical Park Jesuit missionaries founded the Tumacacori Mission in 1691. Discovered how the Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries worked (or didn't work) with the American Indians.
- Tuzigoot National Monument Explore an ancient Sinagua village on top of a desert hilltop.
- Walnut Canyon National Monument Website contains virtual tours of the park including pueblos and the bottom of the canyon.
- Wupatki National Monument Discover how the Wupatki lived in the desert.
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Arkansas |
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- Arkansas Post National Memorial This park has a lot of history beginning with a Quapaw village. Henri de Tonti built a trading post in 1686. The only skirmish in Arkansas during the Revolutionary War took place here. The Confederates built Fort Hindman here.
- Buffalo National River Discover the history and nature of the Buffalo River.
- Fort Smith National Historic Site Tells the story of Fort Smith which was in service from 1817 until 1896.
- Hot Springs National Park Features thermal pools and historic bathhouses.
- Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site Tells the story of nine African American students who desegregated Little Rock Central High School in 1957.
- Ouachita National Forest 1.8 acres in central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma.
- Ozark-St. Francis National Forest Covers 1.2 acres in the Ozark Mountains in northern Arkansas.
- Pea Ridge National Military Park Chronicles the Civil War battle that occurred on March 7-8, 1862 that kept Missouri in the Union.
- President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site Profiles the early childhood of President Bill Clinton in Hope, Arkansas.
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California |
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- Alcatraz Island Everyone seems to know that Alcatraz was a prison where Al Capone and other infamous inmates resided, however it was also a military fort from 1850-1933.
- Angeles National Forest Covers 700,000 acres outside of Los Angeles and includes the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.
- Cabrillo National Monument In 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo set sail from Navidad, Mexico and set sail northward. He was the first European to set foot on the West Coast. Here and on the website, you can learn about his expedition.
- Castle Mountains National Monument In this 21,000 acre park, you can find some unique features of the Mojave Desert including forests of Joshua trees, rare grasslands, and more.
- César E. Chávez National Monument Chronicles the life of Cesar Chavez and his fight for the rights of farm workers in the 1960s and 70s. The park is at his Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz.
- Channel Islands National Park Encompasses five islands off the coast of Southern California: San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara.
- Cleveland National Forest Located in Southern California with 460,000 acres.
- Death Valley National Park The lowest, driest, and hottest area in the United States, but also full of sand dunes, rock formations and wildflowers.
- Devils Postpile National Monument Contains unique 60 foot columnar basalt and 101-foot Rainbow Falls with a breathtaking mountain backdrop.
- Eldorado National Forest Located in the central Sierra Nevada in California.
- Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site Explore the life, writings, and the estate of Eugene O'Neill.
- Fort Point National Historic Site Built in the 1850s to protect the San Francisco Bay, it was in service until after World War II. The Golden Gate Bridge was constructed so the fort could be preserved.
- Golden Gate National Recreational Area This park has historic and natural significance to the San Francisco area from Spanish explorers, military forts, bird watching or whale-watching, and including the Presidio of San Francisco.
- Inyo National Forest Here is where you can find Mr. Whitney, Mono Lake, Mammoth Lakes, and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.
- John Muir National Historic Site Learn about conservationist John Muir, his writings, and his California home, from the National Park Service.
- Joshua Tree National Park Explore where the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert meet up.
- Klamath National Forest 1.7 million acres located in Siskiyou County, California and Jackson County, Oregon.
- Lake Tahoe Basin Management Area Over 154,000 acres around Lake Tahoe including beaches, trails, historic estates, and more, managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
- Lassen National Forest 1.2 million acres in Northern California in the Sierra Nevada.
- Lassen Volcanic National Park Discover the world of volcanoes. Home of Lassen Peak, an active volcano.
- Lava Beds National Monument Volcanic activity created more than 700 lava flow caves. This is was also the site of the Modoc War between Modoc Indians and the U.S. Army took place in the winter of 1872-1873.
- Los Padres National Forest Covers over 1.7 millions acres along the coast including Big Sur Coast.
- Manzanar National Historic Site In 1942, 110.000 Japanese Americans and immigrants were forced to leave their homes and be relocated to remote relocation camps. Manzanar is one of them.
- Mendocino National Forest Over 900,000 acres in Mendocino County.
- Modoc National Forest Located in the Northeast corner of California, the Modocs called this land “The Smiles of Gods.”
- Mojave National Preserve 1.6 million acres of mountains, canyons, and mesa with abandoned mines, homesteads, sand dunes, fields of wildflowers, and lots more.
- Muir Woods National Monument This forest of redwoods was established as a monument by President Theodore Roosevelt and was named after conservationist John Muir.
- Pinnacles National Park Multiple volcanic eruptions and lava flows created the unique land-forms.
- Plumas National Forest Over 1.1 million acres of the Northern Sierra Nevada.
- Point Reyes National Seashore Over 71,000 acres of shoreline, salt marshes, coniferous forests, and wildlife.
- Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial In July of 1944, 320 men were killed when 5000 tons of munitions exploded as they were being loaded onto two ships. Two weeks later, when men were ordered to return to the port to continue work, they refused citing unsafe conditions. They were later courtmartialed for mutiny.
- Redwood National and State Parks Three state parks and one national park come together to protect the tallest trees in the world.
- Rosie the Riveter / World War II Home Front National Historic Park Describes how American civilians contributed to the war effort during World War II.
- San Bernardino National Forest Encompasses the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountain Ranges.
- San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Contains one of the largest collections of historical ships in the world including schooners, tugs, ferryboats...
- Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Find beaches, hiking trails, historic buildings and even the Paramount Ranch where many movies and television shows were films.
- Sequoia National Forest Contains thirty groves of Sequoia trees, the world’s largest tree.
- Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park These two national parks are next to each other and have some of the oldest and biggest sequoia trees as well as mountains and deep canyons.
- Shasta-Trinity National Forest The largest national forest in California.
- Sierra National Forest Located near Fresno, California, this national forest includes the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness, Arch Rock, Fresno Dome, and more.
- Six Rivers National Forest The Smith, Klamath, Trinity, Mad, Van Duzen, and Eel Rivers flow through this national forest.
- Stanislaus National Forest On the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, there is plenty of artifacts and remnants from the Gold Rush.
- Tahoe National Forest Located east of Sacramento in the Northern Sierra Nevada.
- Tule Lake National Monument This at first Camp Tule Lake, a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, but then became the Tule Lake Segregation Center, a center to hold Japanese Americans during World War II.
- Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Discover the history of the Gold Rush, hike one of the many trails, see waterfalls, or enjoy Whiskeytown Lake.
- Yosemite National Park Located in the Sierra Nevada, this park is full of giant sequoia trees and breath-taking waterfalls.
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Colorado |
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- Amache National Historic Site The site of one of the ten relocation center for Japanese Americans during World War II.
- Arapaho National Forest, Roosevelt National Forest, & Pawnee National Grassland These two national forests and national grassland is located in north central Colorado.
- Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site Explores the Santa Fe Trail and fur trade fort built by William and Charles Bent in 1833.
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park The Gunnison River has carved out a deep canyon that the canyon walls block out the sunlight giving its name the Black Canyon.
- Colorado National Monument Discover the Colorado Plateau with red rock cliffs, canyons, and desert life.
- Curecanti National Recreation Area Features Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal Reservoirs rich in salmon and more.
- Dinosaur National Monument See dinosaur fossils still embedded in the rock and pictographs from the Fremont people 1000 years ago. Also in part of Utah.
- Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument Contains fossils of plant life and insects and petrified stumps from trees that stood in prehistoric times.
- Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests Describes the three national forests on the western slope of the Colorado Rockies.
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve The largest sand dunes in North America (over 750 feet tall) can be found here.
- Hovenweep National Monument Preserves the ruins of six prehistoric villages that was once home to 250,000 people.
- Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland These two national forests cover north central Colorado and central Wyoming. Thunder Basin National Grassland covers northeastern Wyoming between the Big Horn Mountains and the Black Hills.
- Mesa Verde National Park Preserves cliff dwellings, pueblo villages, and pit-houses from ancient American Indians.
- Pike and San Isabel National Forests, Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands Covers the two national forests and two grasslands in Colorado and Kansas.
- Rio Grande National Forest Encompasses over 1.8 million acres in south central Colorado.
- Rocky Mountain National Park With elevations between 8,000 to 14,000 feet, this park is full of spectacular views.
- San Juan National Forest Located in the southwestern corner of Colorado, this national forest contains 1.8 million acres.
- Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site Memorializes the 160 Cheyenne and Arapaho that were killed in a raid by the U.S. Calvary on November 29, 1864.
- White River National Forest Contains 11 ski resorts, 8 wilderness areas, 10 mountain peaks, and thousands of miles of trails.
- Yucca House National Monument Over 700 years ago, the Ancestral Puebloan people had a village here.
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Connecticut |
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- Coltsville National Historical Park Samuel Colt started his revolver factory on the banks of the Connecticut River in Hartford in 1847.
- Weir Farm National Historical Park Explore the farm of American Impressionist painter, J. Alden Weir.
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Delaware |
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- First State National Historical Park Encompasses seven sites in the Brandywine Valley: Beaver Valley, Fort Christina, Old Swedes Church, New Castle Court House, The Green, John Dickinson Plantation, and Ryves Holt House. Includes parts of Pennsylvania.
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Florida |
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- Big Cypress National Preserve Created in 1974 as the first national preserve, this park protects the Big Cypress swamp and its inhabitants.
- Biscayne National Park Located just outside of Miami, this park contains 181,500 acres of shoreline, shallow bay, islands, and coral reefs.
- Canaveral National Seashore Preserves Barrier Island, artifacts from the Timucuan Indians, and the abandoned town of Eldora.
- Castillo de Sans Marcos National Monument The oldest European fort in the United States, this site explores the history of the fort, the various clashes of culture, and more.
- De Soto National Memorial In 1529, Hernando De Soto landed here and began a five year expedition ending up in present day Arkansas. This park chronicles the expedition as well as preserve four different ecosystems.
- Dry Tortugas National Park Tour Fort Jefferson, a nineteenth century brick fort, explore the seven islands, and snorkel to view the marine wildlife and coral reefs.
- Everglades National Park The only subtropical preserve in North America includes sawgrass prairies, mangrove and cypress swamps, and more. Home to manatees, American crocodiles, Florida panthers, American alligators, wading birds, and many more.
- Fort Matanzas National Monument Built by the Spanish in 1742 to protect the inlet of the Matanzas River, this was the site of the Spanish massacre of French troops in 1565. The history of the fort and the massacre are described on the website.
- Gulf Islands National Seashore Stretching 160 miles along the Gulf shores of Florida and parts of Mississippi, this park is not only full of tranquil beaches, bayous, and coastal forests, but also full of history. Chronicles the history of Fort Barrancas, Fort Massachusetts, Fort McRee, and Fort Pickens.
- National Forests in Florida Describes the Apalachicola National Forest, Ocala National Forest and Osceola National Forest.
- Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve This coastal wetlands is full of history with Fort Caroline, Kingsley Plantation, and more. Named after the Timucuan Indians.
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Georgia |
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- Andersonville National Historic Site Camp Sumter military prison at Andersonville was the largest Confederate prisons for Union prisoners of war. 45,000 soldiers were confined here and over 13,000 of them died here.
- Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Preserves over 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River.
- Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Covers 867,000 acres across 26 counties, this national forest includes hiking trails, picnic grounds, campgrounds, and historic areas.
- Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Tells the story of the battles fought in the fall of 1863 to gain control over the Chattanooga River. The Confederate forces won at first but Union troops would later push them back. Includes parts of Tennessee.
- Cumberland Island National Seashore Describes the largest barrier island off the coast of Georgia and its rich history.
- Fort Frederica National Monument Chronicles the battle between British and Spanish troops in 1733 resulting in the British taking over the colony.
- Fort Pulaski National Monument Located on Cockspur Island at the mouth of the Savannah River in Georgia, For Pulaski's masonry walls were no match to the Union's rifled cannon when it came under attack in 1862.
- Jimmy Carter National Historical Park Explores the boyhood home of Jimmy Carter and his 1976 campaign headquarters.
- Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Sherman's troops battled with Johnston's troops from June 19 through July 2, 1864 resulting in Sherman marching into Atlanta.
- Martin Luther King Jr National Historical Park Profiles the life of Martin Luther King Jr. along with his boyhood home and the Ebenezer Baptist Church.
- Ocmulgee National Historic Park Explores the history and culture of the Ocmulgee Indians and the prehistoric people before them.
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Hawaii |
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- Haleakala National Park Explore the Hawaiian culture and features the Haleakala Crater.
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park View volcanic activity.
- Honouliuli National Historic Site Honauliuli was an internment camp during World War II where Japanese Americans were held.
- Kalaupapa National Historical Park When Hanson's Disease (leprosy) hit the Hawaiian islands, those infected where sent to this peninsula of the island of Molokai.
- Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park Celebrates the Native Hawaiian culture and lifestyle.
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial The final resting pace for the USS Arizona and other ships that were sunk when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Also discusses other battles in the Pacific during World War II.
- Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park The name means "Place of Refuge" and was the place to go for those who broke the kapu (sacred laws), disgraced soldiers, etc. This park is full of Hawaiian history and culture.
- Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site Visit a heiaus, a Hawaiian temple, and discover the park's rich history.
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Idaho |
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- Boise National Forest Northeast of Boise, this 2.5 million acre forest includes the North Fork Payette River Canyon and Trinity Mountain.
- Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Curlew National Grassland This forest stretches across southeastern Idaho and also incorporates the Curlew National Grassland.
- City of Rocks National Reserve Those on the California Trail saw these pinnacles, fins and domes of rock and gave it the name.
- Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve Volcanic activity and lava flows from long ago created cinder cones, spatter cones and lava tube caves.
- Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument Thirty different complete skeletons of Hagerman horses were discovered in this park along with saber-toothed cat, mastodon, beaver, bear, camel, and ground sloth.
- Idaho Panhandle National Forests Describes the Coeur d'Alene National Forest, Kaniksu National Forest, and St. Joe National Forest.
- Minidoka National Historic Site After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States entered World War II. During that time, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 forcing Japanese Americans into internment camps. Minidoka is one of those camps.
- Nez Perce National Forest and Clearwater National Forest Located in north central Idaho, these two forests are known for its “wild character.”
- Nez Perce National Historical Park Explore the history and culture of Nez Perce people. Park includes parts of Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.
- Payette National Forest Contains 2.3 million acres with dry desert grasslands and Hell’s Canyon, the deepest river gorge in the North America, carved by the Snake River.
- Salmon-Challis National Forest Covers over 4.3 million acres of east-central Idaho including Frank Church--River of No Return Wilderness and the tallest peak in Idaho, Borah Peak.
- Sawtooth National Forest Over 2.1 million acres in central Idaho make up this national forest.
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Illinois |
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- Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument This monument has two units: one in Illinois and the other in Mississippi. The Mississippi unit includes the Tallahatchie County Courthouse where the trial of Emmett Till's murder took place and Graball Landing where Emmett Till's body was pulled from the Tallahatchie River. The Illinois unit is the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago where Till's funeral took place in September of 1955.
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site This is the official site for Abraham Lincoln's Home in Springfield, Illinois, by the National Park Service. There's a lot of information about Lincoln including his speeches, essays, photos, family, other links, and more.
- Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Just north of Wilmington, this was once the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant and is now being restored as a tallgrass prairie.
- New Philadelphia National Historic Park Former enslaved man, Free Frank McWorter founded and legally registered New Philadelphia in 1836 making him the first African American to found a community.
- Pullman National Historical Park Chronicles the history of the community built by George Pullman's company to house his workers.
- Shawnee National Forest Located in Southern Illinois between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers contains oak-hickory forests, wetlands, canyons, and more.
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Indiana |
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- George Rogers Clark National Historical Park Chronicles George Rogers Clark's capture of Fort Sackville from the British on February 25, 1779 assuring the United States future westward expansion.
- Hoosier National Forest 203,000 acres of rolling hills and back-country trails.
- Indiana Dunes National Park This 15,000 acres contains, bogs, dunes, and the shoreline of Lake Michigan.
- Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial Dig into the fourteen years Abraham Lincoln spent on this Indiana farm growing up.
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Iowa |
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- Effigy Mounds National Monument Investigate the Effigy Mounds built by American Indians a thousand years ago.
- Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Profiles the life of President Herbert Hoover, the two-room cottage where he was born, and more.
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Kansas |
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- Brown vs. Board of Education National Historical Park Located at the Monroe Elementary, a former all African American school, profiles the landmark case that challenged segregation in public schools.
- Pike National Forest, San Isabel National Forest, Cimarron National Grassland, and Comanche National Grassland Covers the two national forests and two grasslands in Colorado and Kansas.
- Fort Larned National Historic Site Established in 1859, it was on the Santa Fe trail and played a role in "Hancock's War" in 1867 when General Winfield S. Hancock battled with the Cheyenne.
- Fort Scott National Historic Site Describes the history of the fort, especially its role during "Bleeding Kansas" when abolitionists and slave owners battled over the debate whether or not Kansas would be a free state or a slave state.
- Nicodemus National Historic Site After the Civil War, some African Americans went westward to seek out a new life. Nicodemus is one of the settlements that were established by African Americans.
- Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve 11,000 of preserved prairie land gives us an example of what the Great Plains looked like before the land was taken over by agriculture.
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Kentucky |
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- Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park See the first Lincoln Memorial and the symbolic birth cabin with biographies of Abraham Lincoln and his family.
- Camp Nelson National Monument Camp Nelson played a big role during the Civil War as a supply depot for the Union as well as a recruitment station for African Americans.
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Park is in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia and celebrates the natural gateway to the west which was discovered in 1750. Daniel Boone blazed the Wilderness Trail through it.
- Daniel Boone National Forest Located just west of the Appalachian Mountains and contains rugged terrain, three large lakes, ravines, and more.
- Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area 170,000 acres between Kentucky Lake and Barkley Lake in western Kentucky and Tennessee.
- Mammoth Cave National Park Tour the longest cave system in the world.
- Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument Preserves the battlefield where the Union Army had its first major victory on January 19, 1862.
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Louisiana |
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- Cane River Creole National Historical Park Describes the Creole culture on two Creole plantations along the Cane River.
- Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve Discusses the Battle of New Orleans as well as Cajun traditions, and more.
- Kisatchie National Forest Encompasses 604,000 acres with vistas, caves, scenic trails, and more.
- New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Looks into the history of jazz and profiles key jazz musicians like Louis Armstrong, Charles Bolden, George Vetiala Laine, and Sidney Bechet.
- Poverty Point National Monument Investigate the earthen mounds along the Mississippi River that were built by an ancient culture.
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Maine |
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- Acadia National Park The only national park in New England, this park covers 47,000 acres of lakes, ponds, granite dome mountains, forests, and ocean shoreline.
- Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Established in 2016 with Mount Katahdin in the backdrop, this park preserves the waterways that the Wabanaki people used to travel on and loggers transported logs to the lumber mills. It is full of geological features and diverse forests.
- Roosevelt Campobello International Park Franklin D. Roosevelt loved to come to Campobello Island during the summer. More information about the park can be found at Roosevelt Campobello International Park: A Legacy of Friendship.
- Saint Croix Island International Historic Site Chronicles 79 French settlers spent the winter in 1604-1605. Thirty-five died.
- White Mountain National Forest Located in eastern New Hampshire and western Maine, this national forest contains hardwood forests, alpine mountain peaks, clear mountain lakes, and more.
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Maryland |
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- Antietam National Battlefield Tells the story of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. In September of 1862, General Lee led his troops north. On September 17, he met George McClellan's troops here. 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing within 12 hours of fighting.
- Assateague Island National Seashore The barrier island off the coast of Maryland and Virginia has two herds of wild horses. Learn more about these horses as well as the sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests, and coastal bays.
- Baltimore - Washington Parkway Opened in October, 1954, this parkway connects Fort Meade, Maryland with Washington D.C. The 29 mile parkway is dedicated to Congresswoman Gladys Noon Spellman (D- Maryland)
- Catoctin Mountain Park During the Great Depression, President Roosevelt began a series of programs including the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps. These two programs came to Catoctin Mountain and gave it new growth. The presidential retreat, Camp David, is located within the park's boundaries but is not open to the public.
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park Park stretches along the 184 mile canal and describes how important the canal was to early transportation.
- Clara Barton National Historic Site Explores the life and achievements of the founder of the Red Cross, Carla Barton.
- Fort Foote Park Built in 1863 to improve defenses of Washington D.C., made of earth and logs to prevent Confederate cavalry, infantry, and artillery from entering the capital.
- Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine Describes the history of Fort McHenry including the battle that took place in September, 1814, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write the infamous poem and the fort's role in the Civil War and the World Wars.
- Fort Washington Park Describes the history of the fort and how it changed with technology. It was built in 1809 and was in service until 1946.
- Glen Echo Park Built in 1891 as the National Chautauqua Assembly before it became an amusement park in 1911. It closed in 1968.
- Greenbelt Park Discusses the role President Roosevelt's New Deal played in developing the town of Greenbelt, Maryland.
- Hampton National Historic Site This Georgian style mansion was built in 1790. It tells the story of the history of the estate including the wealthy who resided there and the slaves who worked there.
- Harmony Hall Chronicles the history of the estate that was built in 1769.
- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Located between the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, this quaint town has been the center of a number of historical events including John Brown's Raid in 1859, a Civil War battle, and a meeting place for the Niagara Movement in 1906.
- Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park Created in 2014, this Maryland plantation, where she was born, tells the story of Harriet Tubman and her role in the Underground Railroad.
- Monocacy National Battlefield In 1864, the Confederacy planned to influence the 1864 election by taking Washington D.C. On July 9, 1984, Confederate troops were met by Union troops at Monocacy, Maryland. This battle allowed enough time for reinforcements to reach Washington D.C. preventing a Confederate assault on the Capital.
- Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm Describes the history of the farm and its time as Godding Croft, a theraputic hospital.
- Piscataway Park Located across the Potomac from George Washington's Mount Vernon, this park contains a historic farm that demonstrates farming during Colonial times.
- Thomas Stone National Historic Site Profiles Thomas Stone, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and his Maryland farm.
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Massachusetts |
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- Adams National Historic Park Explore the home of two U.S. presidents and learn about the Adams family.
- Boston African American National Historic Site Describes the history of African Americans in Boston including the Museum of African American History, the Black Heritage Trail, the African Meeting House, the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial, and more.
- Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area Consists of 34 islands and peninsulas in Boston Harbor with lighthouses, Fort Warren, hiking trails, and more.
- Boston National Historical Park Learn about sites such as Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere's home, Old North Church, Bunker Hill, and more.
- Cape Cod National Seashore Protects 43,000 acres of shoreline from Chatham to Provincetown and includes the Three Sisters lighthouses and more.
- Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site Profile the life and estate of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted who is most well known for designing New York City's Central Park.
- John F. Kennedy National Historic Site The birthplace of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy and where he spent the first few years of his childhood.
- Longfellow House/Washington's Headquarters George Washington used this Cambridge home as his headquarters during the Revolutionary War during the Boston siege. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow also lived here during his adult life. Site includes biographies, property history, virtual tour, and more.
- Lowell National Historical Park Explore the industrialized town that used canals to power the textile mills and employed mostly immigrants and women.
- Minute Man National Historical Park Explores the opening battle of the American Revolution at Lexington and Concord. Also profiles the Wayside Home where the Alcotts, Hawthornes, and Lothrops lived at some points.
- New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Consists of the largest whaling museum in the world and historic buildings where Herman Melville was inspired to write Moby Dick and Frederick Douglass rose to fame as an abolitionist.
- Salem Maritime National Historic Site Discover a colonial wharf including a 1797 trade ship.
- Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site Chronicles the history of the Iron Works that was built in the 17th Century when Massachusetts was a young colony.
- Springfield Armory National Historic Site Looks into the history of firearms in the United States with one of the biggest collections of historic firearms.
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Michigan |
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- Hiawatha National Forest Located in the Upper Peninsula, this national forest is along the shores of Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan.
- Huron-Manistee National Forests This national forest can be found between the shores of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.
- Isle Royale National Park Explore this remote island on Lake Superior.
- Keweenaw National Historical Park Chronicles 7000 years of copper mining on the Keweenaw Peninsula in upper Michigan.
- Ottawa National Forest Rolling hills, rivers and waterfalls highlight this national forest that stretches from the south shore of Lake Superior to the Wisconsin border.
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Explore Lake Superior's southern shoreline with sandstone cliffs, beaches, and the Au Sable Light Station.
- River Raisin National Battlefield Park Describes the battles fought during the War of 1812 where the British and American Indians overpowered American troops in January, 1813 and was later liberated in September, 1813.
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Glaciers created these sand dunes along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan near Traverse City.
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Minnesota |
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- Chippewa National Forest Located in Northern Minnesota and contains more lakes and wetlands than any other national forest.
- Grand Portage National Monument Tells the story of fur trading between the French, English, and Ojibwa people during the 1700s.
- Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Examines the history and the science behind the Mississippi River. The park is located in St.Paul/Minneapolis.
- Pipestone National Monument Preserves the sacred sites and pipestone quarries in Minnesota that American Indians have used to carve pipes which are used for prayer.
- Superior National Forest This is the national forest where the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is located.
- Voyageurs National Park Forty percent of this park is covered by four lakes: Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, and Sand Point. Here water flows north to the Hudson Bay.
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Mississippi |
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- Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site On June 10, 1864, Confederate Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest won the battle at this site against Brigadier General Samuel D. Sturgis.
- Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument This monument has two units: one in Illinois and the other in Mississippi. The Mississippi unit includes the Tallahatchie County Courthouse where the trial of Emmett Till's murder took place and Graball Landing where Emmett Till's body was pulled from the Tallahatchie River. The Illinois unit is the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago where Till's funeral took place in September of 1955.
- Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument Established as a National Monument in 2020, this is the home of civil rights leaders Medgar and Myrlie Evers. Medgar Evers was assassinated in his driveway in 1963.
- Natchez National Historical Park Describes the history of Natchez, Mississippi with three sites: Melrose Estate, an Antebellum cotton plantation; William Johnson's townhouse, a freed slave who would become a barber; and Fort Rosalie, built in 1716 by the French and later occupied by the British and the Spanish.
- Natchez Trace Parkway This 444 mile parkway follows the Natchez Trace trail that was used by the Choctaw, the Chickasaw, and later by European settlers, traders, and more. It also goes into parts of Tennessee and Alabama.
- National Forests in Mississippi Describes the six national forests in Mississippi: Bienville, Delta, DeSoto, Holly Springs, Homochitto, and Tombigbee.
- Tupelo National Battlefield Narrates the Union attack on Confederate troops on July 14-15, 1864 in Tupelo, Mississippi.
- Vicksburg National Military Park Discusses Grant's 47 day siege of Vicksburg which resulted in the Union gaining control over the Mississippi River.
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Missouri |
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- Gateway Arch National Park Presents information about Thomas Jefferson's role in westward expansion, St. Louis in 1804, the Dred Scot case, and the Virginia Minor case.
- George Washington Carver National Monument Describes the life and birthplace of scientist George Washington Carver.
- Harry S. Truman National Historic Site Explore the lives of President Harry S. Truman and Bess Truman and their home in Independence, Missouri with oral histories, online exhibits (see Truman's Tropical Sport Shirts), and more.
- Mark Twain National Forest Missouri’s only national forest with over 1.5 million acres.
- Ozark National Scenic Riverways Protects the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers.
- Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park Preserves the first European settlement in Missouri by French Canadians in 1750.
- Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site White Haven was the Missouri home of the Dents. Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia Dent, lived here 1854 - 1859. Profiles Grant and his wife and discusses slavery on the property.
- Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Describes the first major battle to take place west of the Mississippi River took place here on August 10, 1861.
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Montana |
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- Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest The largest national forest in Montana covers 3.3 millions acres of southwest Montana.
- Big Hole National Battlefield Describes the events that took place on August 9, 1877 when U.S. troops attacked a Nez Perce camp killing 60-90 men, women, and children.
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Contains Bighorn Canyon and Bighorn Lake.
- Bitterroot National Forest Consists of 1.6 million acres in southwest Montana and parts of Idaho with the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains and the Selway and Salmon Rivers.
- Custer Gallatin National Forest Three millions acres that encompasses Montana near Yellowstone National Park and parts of southeastern Montana and northwestern South Dakota.
- Flathead National Forest Located in northwest Montana and incorporates five areas: Kalispell Area, Whitefish Area, Columbia Falls Area, Hungry Horse Area, and Bigfork Area.
- Glacier National Park Known as the Crown of the Continent since many waters start here and flow to Pacific, Gulf of Mexico or Hudson Bay.
- Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site This cattle ranch was owned by Conrad Kohrs who once had over 50,000 heads of cattle.
- Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Straddles the Continental Divide in central Montana in the Rocky Mountains.
- Kootenai National Forest Located on the Canadian border on the northwestern corner of Montana and the northeastern corner of Idaho.
- Little Bighorn Battlefield Describes the battle that took place on June 25-25, 1876 between Lakota and Cheyenne warriors and U.S. troops led by Lt. Col. George A. Custer.
- Lolo National Forest Covers two million acres at the west central Montana.
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Nebraska |
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- Agate Fossil Beds National Monument Numerous fossils from the Miocene Epoch have been found here.
- Homestead National Historical Park Discusses the Homestead Act of 1862 and the national park honoring it in Beatrice, Nebraska.
- Missouri National Recreational River Preserves a 100 mile stretch of the Missouri River including parts of South Dakota.
- National Forests and Grasslands in Nebraska Describes the nationals forests, grasslands, and visitors centers in Nebraska including Buffalo Gap National Grassland, Fort Pierre National Grassland, Hudson-Meg Education & Research Center, Nebraska National Forest at Chadron, Nebraska National Forest at Halsey, Ogala National Grassland, Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest, Toadstool Geological Park, and Charles E. Bessey Tree Nursery.
- Niobrara National Scenic River Protects 76 miles of the Niograra River that flows through central Nebraska.
- Scotts Bluff National Monument This was a landmark to pioneers on the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails.
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Nevada |
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- Great Basin National Park Here you can find the Lehman Caves and Wheeler Peak.
- Humboldt-Toijabe National Forest At 6.3 acres, this is the largest national forest in the lower 48 states.
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area Over 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons, valleys, Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. Incorporates parts of Arizona.
- Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument Here fossils of mammoths, saber-tooth cats, bison, and other prehistoric animals have been found.
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New Hampshire |
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- Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park Discover the home, studio, and gardens of American sculptor, Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
- White Mountain National Forest Located in eastern New Hampshire and western Maine, this national forest contains hardwood forests, alpine mountain peaks, clear mountain lakes, and more.
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New Jersey |
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- Great Egg Harbor Scenic and Recreational River Preserves the Great Egg Harbor River.
- Morristown National Historical Park General Washington chose this spot for the Continental Army's winter encampment during the 1779-1780 winter.
- New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve Consists of farms, forests, and wetlands in seven southern New Jersey counties.
- Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park Established in 1791, Paterson was the first planned industrial city and where cotton, silk, locomotives, paper, and more products are produced. The original mills were powered by hydropower.
- Thomas Edison National Historic Site Here you can learn about Thomas Alva Edison and all of his inventions.
New Mexico |
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- Aztec Ruins National Monument Explore Pueblo ruins that are over 900 years old.
- Bandelier National Monument Discover petroglyphs, cliff dwellings, and more in this canyon and mesa filled park.
- Capulin Volcano National Monument Tells the history of the Capulin Volcano and how it transformed the land around it.
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park Contains 83 separate caves including the deepest limestone cave in the United States.
- Carson National Forest Wheeler Peak, the highest peak in New Mexico, can be found at this national forest.
- Chaco Culture National Historical Park Discusses the culture of the Chaco including five "great houses" which were used for trade, converse, and celebrate special events.
- Cibola National Forest, Black Kettle National Grassland, McClellan Creek National Grassland, Kiowa National Grassland, and Rita Blanca National Grassland The Cibola National Forest is in New Mexico. The Grasslands are located in northeastern New Mexico, western Oklahoma, and northwestern Texas.
- El Malpais National Monument Consists of lava tube caves, lava bridges, natural arches, petroglyphs, and ancient ruins.
- El Morro National Monument Describes the historic waterhole under a sandstone bluff that has been used by Pueblo, Spanish, and American travelers for over 700 years.
- Fort Union National Monument Chronicles the history of Fort Union in New Mexico that served to protect the Santa Fe Trail and the Southwest.
- Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Tells the story of the Mogollon people who built homes in the Gila Cliffs in the late 1200's.
- Gila National Forest Full of history with forested hills, magnificent mountains, and more.
- Lincoln National Forest Located in southeastern New Mexico, this forest cover three mountain ranges: Sacramento, Guadalupe and Capitan.
- Manhattan Project National Historical Park Narrates the story of the making of the atomic bomb. Park includes sites in Los Alamos, New Mexico; Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and Hanford, Washington.
- Pecos National Historical Park Discover the Pecos Pueblo which was a trading post for Pecos farmers and nomadic Plains Indians. There's also a Spanish mission.
- Petroglyph National Monument Presents over 20,000 petroglyphs from the Ancestral Pueblo Indians.
- Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument Features the ruins of the Franciscan mission from the 17th Century and later abandoned.
- Santa Fe National Forest Where the Pecos, Jemez, and Gallinas rivers begin.
- Valles Caldera National Preserve The Valles Caldera was created by a volcanic eruption that left a 13 mile depression in New Mexico’s Jemez Mountains.
- White Sands National Park This park is well known for its gypsum rich sand dunes making it look like mounds of snow in the desert.
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New York |
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- African Burial Ground National Monument Discusses the history of slavery in New York and the discovery of this 17th Century burial ground in 1992.
- Castle Clinton National Monument Describes the many roles Castle Clinton has played since it was built in 1813 as a fort during the War of 1812.
- Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site President Franklin D. Roosevelt bought this land in 1911, but Eleanor Roosevelt made it her permanent home after his death and where she wrote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- Federal Hall National Memorial Tells the story of the site where George Washington was inaugurated and the Bill of Rights were written.
- Finger Lakes National Forest Over 16.000 acres between the Seneca and Cayuga Lakes.
- Fire Island National Seashore This barrier island is full of history, dunes, forests, and the home of William Floyd, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
- Fort Stanwix National Monument Narrates how the Continental Army was able to repel a 21-day siege of this fort in August, 1777.
- Gateway National Recreation Area Contains three units: Jamaica Bay, Sandy Hook (in New Jersey), and Staten Island. Many different forts, lighthouses, airfields, a wildlife refuge, and more.
- General Grant National Memorial Profiles Ulysses S. Grant and the history of his final resting place.
- Governors Island National Monument Chronicles the history of the military posts on Governors Island.
- Hamilton Grange National Memorial Profiles the life and estate of Alexander Hamilton.
- Harriet Tubman National Historical Park Tells the story of Harriet Tubman and her activities with the Underground Railroad and civil rights for African Americans and women.
- Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt Explore Springwood, the home of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt in Hyde Park, New York.
- Lower East Side Tenement Museum National Historic Site Built in 1863 in New York City's Lower East Side, this apartment building was home to 7000 working class immigrants from 1863 to 1935.
- Martin Van Buren National Historic Site Portrays the life of President Van Buren, his home in New York, and life in antebellum America.
- Saint Paul’s Church National Historic Site One of New York's oldest churches that served as a hospital during the Revolution.
- Sagamore Hill National Historic Site The official site of Theodore Roosevelt's home in Oyster Bay, New York.
- Saratoga National Historical Park Describes the Battle of Saratoga where the tide of the American Revolution turned an the British Army surrendered for the first time in world history.
- Statue of Liberty National Monument On October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was dedicated. This site, provided by the National Park Service, describes the history of the statue.
- Stonewall National Monument Depicts the week long uprising in 1969 about LGBT rights at the Stonewall Inn.
- Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site Discusses the people and other influences in Theodore Roosevelt's childhood that helped mold his "strenuous life."
- Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site Tells the story of the inauguration of Theodore Roosevelt at the Ansley Wilcox home on September 14, 1901 after President McKinley's assassination.
- Thomas Cole National Historic Site Discover the life, works, and estate of Thomas Cole, one of America's first artists, known for his portraits and Catskills landscapes.
- Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site Explore the Hyde Park estate of railroad tycoon, Frederick W. Vanderbilt.
- Women's Rights National Historic Park Describes the first Women's Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, New York on July 19-20, 1848 and where the Declaration of Sentiments was signed.
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North Carolina |
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- Blue Ridge Parkway This 450 mile parkway connects the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee going through the Blue Ridge Mountains and exploring the regions rich history and culture.
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore This was the first national seashore in North Carolina's Outer Banks with 70 miles of beaches, dunes, marshes and woodlands. Also tells the story of the Bodie Island lighthouse, Cape Hatteras lighthouse, and the Ocracoke Lighthouse.
- Cape Lookout National Seashore Visitors get here by ferry and explore the historic buildings including the Cape Lookout Lighthouse or observe the wildlife including 100 wild horses on the island.
- Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site Profiles the poet and author, Carl Sandburg, his family, and his North Carolina home.
- Fort Raleigh National Historic Site Explores the first English settlement at Fort Raleigh and Roanoke Island.
- Guilford Courthouse National Military Park Major General Nathanael Greene faced General Lord Charles Cornwallis on March 15, 1781. This site takes a look at the battle and its influence on the rest of the war.
- Moores Creek National Battlefield Describes the battle between North Carolina Patriots and Loyalists on February 27. 1776. The battle lasted about three minutes ending with Loyalists either surrendering or running away.
- National Forests in North Carolina Tells about the Croatan National Forest, Nantahala National Forest, Pisgah National Forest, and the Uwharrie National Forest.
- Wright Brothers National Memorial Discover Kitty Hawk, North Carolina where two brothers from Daytona, Ohio, achieved the first flight on December 17, 1903.
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North Dakota |
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- Dakota Prairie Grasslands Describes the four grasslands in North and South Dakotas: Little Missouri National Grasslands, Sheyenne National Grasslands, Cedar River National Grasslands, and Grand River National Grasslands.
- Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site The American Fur Company ran this trading post from 1828 - 1867 trading fur with the Assiniboine and other Plains Indian nations.
- Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site Takes a look at the culture and customs of the Plains Indians at the site that was once a major trade center.
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park With badlands, open prairies, bison, and other animals, this park honors our 26th president and his dedication to conserving our natural treasures.
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Ohio |
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- Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument Profiles the life of Charles Young, the third African American to graduation from West Point.
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park Preserves 22 miles of the Cuyahoga River includes Brandywine Falls and a scenic railroad.
- David Berger National Memorial Profiles the American weightlifter who went to the Munich Olympics for Israel and discusses the crisis during the 1972 Munich Olympic Games where Palestinian terrorists took Israeli athletes hostage, including Berger, and later killed them.
- Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park Profiles the lives of aviator pioneers Wilbur and Orville Wright and writer Paul Laurence Dunbar.
- Fallen Timbers Battlefield and Fort Miamis National Historic Site Describes the battle fought on August 20, 1794 between U.S. troops and Native Americans.
- First Ladies National Historic Site Honors our First Ladies with the childhood home of First Lady Ida Saxton McKinley and the First Ladies Education and Research Center housed in a 1895 City Bank Building.
- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park Explores 2000 years of history with the Hopewellian people who created these earthen mounds.
- James A. Garfield National Historic Site Explore the home of President James A. Garfield in Mentor, Ohio.
- Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial Describes the history of the Battle of Lake Erie, the key figures of the War of 1812, and the monument honoring the peace between the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
- Wayne National Forest Located on the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in southeastern Ohio.
- William Howard Taft National Historic Site Explore Mt. Auburn, the birthplace of President Taft.
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Oklahoma |
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- Chickasaw National Recreation Area Full of lakes, springs, and streams, this park attracts anglers, swimmers, hikers, and boaters.
- Cibola National Forest, Black Kettle National Grassland, McClellan Creek National Grassland, Kiowa National Grassland, and Rita Blanca National Grassland The Cibola National Forest is in New Mexico. The Grasslands are located in northeastern New Mexico, western Oklahoma, and northwestern Texas.
- Oklahoma City National Memorial Remembers the 168 people who were killed in the Oklahoma City Bombing at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on April 19, 1995.
- Ouachita National Forest 1.8 acres in central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma.
- Washita Battlefield National Historic Site Preserves the battlefield where Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer attacked a Cheyenne village on November 27, 1868 killing 30 to 60 Cheyenne and 20 cavalrymen.
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Oregon |
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- Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Protects the gorge that was carved from the Cascade Mountains by the Columbia River, managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
- Crater Lake National Park Crater Lake was formed when Mount Mazama erupted and collapsed over seven thousand years ago.
- Deschutes National Forest Located in the Cascade Mountains in central Oregon and is also home to the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
- Fremont-Winema National Forest Next to Crater Lake National Park, this forest covers 2.3 million acres.
- John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Once in the Pacific Ocean, they have found fossils of prehistoric alligators, bears, dogs, pigs, horses, cougars, and hippopotami at this monument.g
- Lewis and Clark National Historical Park Tells the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Site encompasses the Columbia River and their final destination: the Pacific coast. Includes part of Washington.
- Malheur National Forest 1.7 million acres in the Blue Mountains with beautiful desert grasslands.
- Mount Hood National Forest Just twenty miles east of Portland, this forest contain Mt. Hood, Timothy Lake, the Clackamas River, and more.
- Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland In central Oregon, Ochoco National Forest has terrific view of the Blue Mountains on Lookout Mountain. Crooked River National Grassland has an isolated plateau known as The Island and a juniper savanna.
- Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve In the Siskiyou Mountains, explore the “Marble Halls of Oregon” created by acidic water.
- Rogue River-Siskyou National Forest 1.8 million acres in southwestern Oregon and portions of California in the Cascade and Siskyou Mountains.
- Siuslaw National Forest Along the Pacific coast, this forest includes the beaches, lush forests, dunes, and more.
- Umatilla National Forest Located in the Blue Mountains in southeast Washington and northeast Oregon.
- Umpqua National Forest Over 900,000 acres on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains, here you can find waterfalls like the 293-foot Watson Falls, high mountain lakes, raging rapids, and peaceful ponds.
- Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Stretches from the Blue Mountains and the Wallowa Mountains to the Snake River along the border with Idaho.
- Willamette National Forest In Western Oregon with scenic byways, waterfalls, the Dee Wright Observatory, and more.
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Pennsylvania |
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- Allegheny National Forest Pennsylvania's only national forest in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
- Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site Preserves the Allegheny Portage Railroad which was the first railroad that went through the Allegheny Mountains and was in service between 1834-1854.
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area A scenic wonder of the world, the Delaware River slices between two mountains creating a gap
- Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site Profiles the author and poet and his family one of his residences when he lived in Philadelphia.
- Eisenhower National Historic Site Home and farm of President Dwight D. Eisenhower in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
- Flight 93 National Memorial This site explores what happened on Flight 93 on September 11, 2001 and the memorial where it crashed in Pennsylvania.
- Fort Necessity National Battlefield Describes the opening battle of the French and Indian War in 1754 resulting the George Washington's only military surrender.
- Friendship Hill National Historic Site Friendship Hill is the home of Albert Gallatin who served as Secretary of the Treasury during the Jefferson and Madison administrations.
- Gettysburg National Military Park Tells the story of the Battle of Gettysburg where Union troops met up with General Lee's invading army July 1-3, 1863.
- Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site Before the Pennsylvania colony, the Swedes founded New Sweden in 1638. This church began construction in 1698. Its is still in use today with the official site: Gloria Dei: Old Swedes' Episcopal Church.
- Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site Chronicles the history of this iron mining business which was in service from 1771-1883.
- Independence National Historic Park Independence Hall is where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and voted on. This is also where the Liberty Bell is housed.
- Johnstown Flood National Memorial On May 31, 1889 the South Fork dam broke unleashing over 20 million gallons of water onto Johnstown, Pennsylvania, killing 2209 people.
- Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River Explores the natural and historic aspects of the lower Delaware River. Includes parts of New Jersey.
- Steamtown National Historic Site Presents the history of railroads from 1850 - 1950.
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial Profiles Thaddeus Kosciuszko who came to Philadelphia from Poland in 1776 and helped the Continental Army build fortifications and defenses including Fort Mercer. The smallest national park is at the place where he stayed in 1789 during his second visit to the United States after the Revolution.
- Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River Contains the Delaware Aqueduct, the oldest wire suspension bridge that was built in 1847 and designed by John A. Roebling.
- Valley Forge National Historic Park Provides information about Valley Forge and the training the Continental Army went through during the bitter winter of 1777.
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Rhode Island |
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- Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park Discusses the textile mill built by Samuel Slater and became operational in 1790 sparking the Industrial Revolution in the United States. Includes parts of Massachusetts.
- Roger Williams National Memorial Profiles the founder of Rhode Island colony and champion of religious freedom.
- Touro Synagogue National Historic Site Built in 1763 in Newark, Rhode Island, this is the oldest synagogue in the United States. It is still has an active congregation and it's website has more information about its history.
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South Carolina |
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- Charles Pinckney National Historic Site Profiles the life of Charles Pinckney who was a signer of the Constitution of the United States and his estate, Snee Farm.
- Congaree National Park The largest old-growth floodplain forest in North America full of bald cypress, water tupelo, cedar, and loblolly pine trees.
- Cowpens National Battlefield Discusses the American victory in the Battle of Cowpens on January 17, 1781.
- Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park Describes the fort in Charleston, South Carolina where the first shots of the Civil War were targeted on April 12, 1861.
- Francis Marion National Forest and Sumter National Forest Encompasses over 629,000 acres throughout South Carolina and includes the Yellow Branch Waterfall, the Carolina Bays, interpretive trails and boardwalks, and more.
- Kings Mountain National Military Park Introduces the Battle of Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780 which was the American's first victory after the British invaded South Carolina back in May, 1780.
- Ninety-Six National Historic Site Named Ninety-Six because it was 96 miles from the Cherokee town, Keowee, this settlement had a rough existence with attacks from the Cherokee, and two battles during the Revolution.
- Reconstruction Era National Historical Park Discusses the aftermath of the Civil War in South Carolina: its return to the Union, adapting to the end of slavery, and rebuilding.
- Savannah River Site 170,000 acres along the Savannah River, managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
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South Dakota |
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- Badlands National Park A park with buttes, pinnacles, spires, and prairies. The views are spectacular.
- Black Hills National Forest 1.2 million acres of forested hills and mountains in western South Dakota and parts of northeastern Wyoming.
- Buffalo Gap National Grassland Divided into two areas: Hot Springs and Wall, South Dakota.
- Dakota Prairie Grasslands Describes the four grasslands in North and South Dakotas: Little Missouri National Grasslands, Sheyenne National Grasslands, Cedar River National Grasslands, and Grand River National Grasslands.
- Fort Pierre National Grassland 116,000 acres of grassland just south of Fort Pierre, South Dakota.
- Jewel Cave National Monument Explore the third largest cave system in the world.
- Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Discusses the Cold War and the Minuteman II Defense System.
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial Provides a history of Mount Rushmore and the carving which began in 1927 and took 14 years to complete.
- Wind Cave National Park Contains a prairie, ponderosa pine forest, and one of the longest, most complex caves in the world.
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Tennessee |
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- Andrew Johnson National Historic site The official website of President Andrew Johnson's home from the National Park Service provides a timeline of his life, his views on slavery and Reconstruction, his impeachment, and more.
- Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area Explore the Cumberland Plateau and the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River including natural arches, gorges, and sandstone bluffs. Includes parts of Kentucky.
- Cherokee National Forest This 650,000 forest extends along the Tennessee-South Carolina border and includes Ocoee River, Tellico River, Unaka Mountain and Watauga Lake.
- Fort Donelson National Battlefield On February 2, 1862, Confederate General Simon B. Buckner surrendered to Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant paving the way for the Union Army to take Clarksville and Nashville.
- Great Smokey Mountains National Park On the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, this parks main feature is the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
- Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area 170,000 acres between Kentucky Lake and Barkley Lake in western Kentucky and Tennessee, managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
- Obed Wild and Scenic River This river provides adventure for canoeists, rock climbers, hikers, and more.
- Shiloh National Military Park Chronicles the battle that took place at Shiloh on April 6-7, 1862 when Confederate General Johnston attacked Grant's forces. Park includes parts of Mississippi.
- Stone River National Battlefield Tells the story about the Union victory at Stone River on December 31, 1862 - January 2, 1863.
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Texas |
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- Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument Discusses how American Indians mined Alibates Flint found in the Texas panhandle to make their tools.
- Amistad National Recreation Area Contains the Amistad Reservoir near the U.S.-Mexico border.
- Big Bend National Park Along the Rio Grande River, this hidden gem has canyons, deserts, and the Chisos Mountains.
- Big Thicket National Preserve In the 112,000 acres this preserve has a number of different ecosystems including swamps, deciduous forests, grasslands, pine savannas, sandhills, and more.
- Blackwell School National Historic Site Blackwell School was built in 1909 and was used as a segregated school for Hispanic students in Marfa, Texas.
- Chamizal National Memorial Delves into the border dispute that lasted 100 years between Mexico and the United States until the 1963 treaty.
- Cibola National Forest, Black Kettle National Grassland, McClellan Creek National Grassland, Kiowa National Grassland, and Rita Blanca National Grassland The Cibola National Forest is in New Mexico. The Grasslands are located in northeastern New Mexico, western Oklahoma, and northwestern Texas.
- Fort Davis National Historic Site This frontier fort was established in 1854 and was in service until it was abandoned in 1891.
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park Features the four highest points in Texas.
- Lake Meredith National Recreation Area This lake is an oasis from the dry grasslands of the Texas Panhandle.
- Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park This national park includes President Johnson’s boyhood home in Johnson City, Texas and his ranch in Stonewall, Texas.
- National Forests and Grasslands in Texas Describes the four national forests (Angelina National Forest, Davy Crockett National Forest, Sabine National Forest, and Sam Houston National Forest) and the two grasslands (Caddo National Grassland and Lyndon B. Johnson Grassland) in Texas.
- Padre Island National Seashore Explore the barrier island off the coast of Texas which is also the breeding ground for the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle and many different species of birds
- Palto Alto Battlefield National Historic Park Describes the battle between U.S. and Mexican troops on May 8, 1846.
- Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River Incorporates 196 miles of the Rio Grande River going through canyons, desert, and more.
- San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Explore four Spanish Colonial missions built in the 1700s that are still active today.
- Waco Mammoth National Monument Here at least 24 Columbian mammoths have been discovered. Established as a national monument in 2015.
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Utah |
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- Arches National Park View over 2000 sandstone arches at this 76,519 acre park.
- Ashley National Forest Over 1.3 million acres in Utah and Wyoming with Flaming Gorge Dam, byways, the Uinta Mountains, and more.
- Bryce Canyon National Park Erosion has carved out interesting spires, fins, and pinnacles into the limestone and sandstone at this park in southwest Utah.
- Canyonlands National Park The Colorado River and its tributaries have carved out canyons, mesas and buttes.
- Capitol Reef National Park Protects the Waterpocket Fold and preserves the petroglyphs and other artifact from that Fremont people who lived in the area from 700 to 1300 AD.
- Cedar Breaks National Monument American Indians called this area the "Circle of Painted Cliffs" with geological features such as arches, spires, pinnacles and hoodoos.
- Dixie National Forest Encompasses almost 2 million acres in southern Utah including Uinta Mountains, the Twisted Forest, Cottonwood Forest, and more.
- Fishlake National Forest Features aspen forests and the largest natural mountain lake in Utah.
- Golden Spike National Historical Park This is the site in Utah where the transcontinental railroad came together.
- Manti-La Sal National Forest This forest in southeastern Utah contains deep sandstone canyons, mountaintops, meadows, lakes, and streams.
- Natural Bridges National Monument Explains the geology behind how the three natural bridges at this monument were formed.
- Rainbow Bridge National Monument One of the largest natural bridges in the world, Rainbow Bridge is sacred to the Navajo and the Paiute.
- Timpanogos Cave National Monument Located in the Wasatch Mountain Range, discusses how this cave was formed and the Legend of Timpanogos.
- Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Over 2.1 million acres in northern Utah and parts of Wyoming with scenic byways and the American Fork Recreation Area.
- Zion National Park Mormon pioneers gave the name to this national park because of its spectacular views of cliffs and canyons. The Kolob Arch the largest natural stone arch is here.
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Vermont |
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- Green Mountain National Forest The only national forest in the state is in western Vermont.
- Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Tells the story of the history of conservation where environmentalist George Perkins Marsh was born and conservationists Frederick Billings, Mary French Rockefeller, and Laurance Spelman Rockefeller resided.
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Virginia |
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- Appomattox Court House Discusses the final campain between Lee and Grant and Lee’s surrender.
- Arlington House: The Robert E. Lee Memorial Explores the history of the Arlington House and the life of Robert E. Lee.
- Booker T. Washington National Monument The birthplace of Booker T. Washington who was born a slave at this Virginia plantation and was freed at the end of the Civil War to later become the first president of Tuskegee Institute.
- Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park Chronicles the history of the Shenandoah Valley especially the Battle of Cedar Creek. On October 19, 1864, Confederate forces led by Lt. Gen. Jubal Early surprised Union forces with an attack putting them in retreat. Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan counterattacked and was able to take back ground and pushed the Confederates back.
- Colonial National Historical Park Incorporates Historic Jamestown, which the first permanent English settlement established in 1607, and the Yorktown Battlefield, where the Americans and French forced the British to surrender ending the Revolution. The two are connected by the Colonial Parkway.
- Fort Monroe National Monument At the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, during the Civil War this fort became known as the "Fortress of Freedom" after May 23, 1861, three slaves escaped and went to the Union held fort. General Benjamin Butler refused to hand them back over claiming they were "contraband of war." More than 10,000 African Americans escaped to Fort Monroe during the war.
- Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park Profiles the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania.
- George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Located in the Virginia Appalachian Mountains and in parts of West Virginia and Kentucky and includes parts of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
- George Washington Birthplace National Monument Explore the grounds where our first president was born.
- George Washington Memorial Parkway This parkway connects 22 historic sites including Arlington Memorial Cemetery, U.S. Marine Corps Memorial, Claude Moore Colonial Farm, Great Falls Park, Theodore Roosevelt island, and Mount Vernon. Also incorporates parts of Maryland and Washington D.C.
- Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site Profiles the civil rights advocate who was the first African American woman to found a bank and her Virginia home.
- Manassas National Battlefield Park Depicts the two battles that took place during the Civil War on the the fields of Manassas: July 21, 1861 (the very first battle of the war) and August, 1862.
- Petersburg National Battlefield Park Discusses the nine and a half month siege of Petersburg, Virginia.
- Prince William Forest Park Explore this 15,000 acres of piedmont forest with structures built by the Civilian Construction Corps in the 1930s.
- Richmond National Battlefield Park Richmond was the capital of the Confederacy, so numerous times during the war it was a target. After its fall, President Lincoln and his son, Tad, paid a visit to Richmond. The park highlights Chimborazo Hospital and battlefields including Cold Harbor, Drewry's Bluff, Fort Harrison, Chaffin's Farm, Totopotomoy Creek, and New Market Heights.
- Shenandoah National Park Highlights the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah River.
- Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts The only national park dedicated to the performing arts, this park contains three stages, hiking trails, and more.
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Washington |
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- Colville National Forest 1.1 million acres in northeastern Washington and is home to the Kettle River, Selkirk mountain range, and parts of the Columbia River.
- Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Explores what life was like to live in 19th Century northwest including American Indians and the early settlers.
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Chronicles the history of the Hudson's Bay Company and the settling of the northwest.
- Gifford Pinchot National Forest In southwest Washington, this forest contains the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
- Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historic Park Discusses Seattle's role in the 1897 stampede to the Klondike after gold was discovered.
- Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area Lake Roosevelt was created when the Grand Coulee Dam was built along the Columbia River.
- Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Located between the Canadian border and Mt. Rainier National Park, this forest includes Mt. Baker, lookouts, scenic byways, and more.
- Mount Rainier National Park Not only is Mount Rainier a volcano, it is where six major rivers begin.
- North Cascades National Park Known as the North American Alps, this park is full of mountains and valleys carved out by glaciers, waterfalls, and numerous glaciers.
- Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Over 4 million acres of the east slope of the Cascade Mountain Range where the Naches River flows, Boulder Cave, and more.
- Olympic National Forest Located on the Olympic Peninsula with temperate rainforests, waterfalls, saltwater beaches, snow-capped mountains, and more.
- Olympic National Park Discover three different ecosystems in one park: a wild Pacific coastline, a temperate rainforest, and glacier-capped mountains.
- San Juan Island National Historical Park Once jointly claimed by both the United States and Great Britain. Find out how in 1859, war almost broke out due to the death of a pig.
- Whitman Mission National Historic Site Investigates the 1847 American Indian attack on the Whitman Mission where 15 missionaries were killed and 54 were kidnapped.
- Wing Luke Museum This historic hotel turned museum explores the Asian-American experience and culture in the Pacific Northwest.
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Washington D.C. |
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- African American Civil War Memorial Honors the 200,000 African Americans who served in the U.S. Army and Navy during the Civil War.
- Anacostia Park This 1200 park is along the Anacostia River. Site describes the park's history.
- Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument The home of Alice Paul served as the headquarters for the National Women's Party in 1916. The party played a key role in the passing of a number of women's rights legislation including the Nineteenth Amendment.
- Capitol Hill Parks Describes the parks east of the United States Capitol including Folger Park, Lincoln Park, Stanton Park, Marion Park, and more.
- Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site Profiles Carter G. Woodson who dedicated his life to documenting African American history. He started Black History Month in February.
- Civil War Defenses of Washington Describes the 19 out of 68 forts that were built to defend Washington D.C. during the Civil War.
- Constitution Gardens Explains the history of the gardens which used to be in the Potomac River, then Munitions buildings during World War I before becoming a garden in honor of the Constitution.
- Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Opened in 2020 on the National Memorial, this memorial honors the World War II general and U.S. President, Dwight D. Eisenhower.
- Ford's Theatre National Historic Site Incorporates Star Saloon, where John Wilkes Booth had a drink before going to the theatre; Ford's Theatre, where John Wilkes Booth shot President Lincoln; and the Petersen House, where Abraham Lincoln died.
- Fort Dupont Park Fort Dupont served as one of the 68 forts built to protect Washington D.C. during the Civil War.
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial The National Park Service provides biographies of Franklin D. and Eleanor Roosevelt and a bit of history of the 1930's and 1940's.
- Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Profiles Frederick Douglass who escaped from slavery to become an influential abolitionist and civil rights advocate.
- Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens Started as a private garden by Walter Shaw, this park contain rare and exotic water lilies and lotus flowers.
- Korean War Veterans Memorial Honors those who served in the Korean War.
- Lincoln Memorial Profiles the life of our 16th President of the United States and history of the memorial.
- Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove on the Potomac President Johnson came to this island when he needed to unwind from the stresses of the White House. His wife selected this spot as his memorial after he died.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Profiles the life and accomplishments of civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site Chronicles the history of the National Council of Negro Women and its founder Mary McLeod Bethune.
- National Capital Parks Incorporates thirteen parks in Washington D.C. that are managed by the National Park Service.
- National Mall and Memorial Parks Discusses the history of the National Mall and the memorials around it.
- Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site The avenue that connects the White House to the Capitol and has seen presidential inauguration parades, protests, and more.
- President's Park (White House) Documents the monuments, memorials, and statues on the grounds of the White House, the history of the National Christmas tree, and more.
- Rock Creek Park Established in 1890 as the third national park, these 1754 acres of woodlands provides an escape from the bustle of the city.
- Theodore Roosevelt Island In the 1930's, Mason's Island was an overgrown farmland that was turned into an 88 acre forest as a memorial to President Theodore Roosevelt.
- Thomas Jefferson Memorial Profiles the life of Thomas Jefferson and the history of the memorial.
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial Honors those who served during the Vietnam War.
- Washington Monument Construction for the Washington Monument began in 1848 but it wasn't completed until 1884. It was officially dedicated on February 21, 1885.
- World War I Memorial Honors those who served in World War I and General John J. Pershing.
- World War II Memorial Dedicated in May, 2004, this site describes the monument that honors those who served and those who gave their lives in World War II.
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West Virginia |
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- Bluestone National Scenic River The Bluestone River gets its name from the blue limestone that can be found in its riverbed.
- Gauley River National Recreation Area This 25 miles of the Gauley River is known for its whitewater rapids.
- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Located between the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, this quaint town has been the center of a number of historical events including John Brown's Raid in 1859, a Civil War battle, and a meeting place for the Niagara Movement in 1906.
- Monongahela National Forest West Virginia’s only national forest includes the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, Seneca Rocks, the Highland Scenic Highway, and more.
- New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Incorporates 53 miles of the rugged, whitewater New River and a deep gorge.
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Wisconsin |
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- Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Encompasses the 21 islands in Lake Superior that were created by Ice Age glaciers.
- Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Wisconsin’s only national forest includes more than 1.5 million acres of the state’s northwoods with lookouts, Cathedral Pines, Morgan Falls, and St. Peter’s Dome.
- Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway Discover the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers. Incorporates parts of Minnesota.
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Wyoming |
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- Bighorn National Forest Located in north-central Wyoming, this diverse forest contains grasslands, alpine meadows, and more.
- Bridger-Teton National Forest 3.4 million acres of western Wyoming with scenic byways, wild and scenic rivers, Periodic Springs, Snake River Canyon, and more.
- Devils Tower National Monument This unique geological feature was considered sacred to the American Indians.
- Fort Laramie National Historic Site Describes the history of Fort Laramie which was built in 1834 as a fur trading fort and later a stop on the Oregon Trail.
- Fossil Butte National Monument Fossils of a variety of plants, insects, fish, bats, horses, tapirs, sheep, otters, lizards, snakes, turtles, crocodiles, and more have been found here.
- Grand Teton National Park Home of the Teton Mountain range, lakes, moose, deer, elk, bison, bears, and more.
- Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland
- Shoshone National Forest The first national forest in the United States includes over 2.4 million acres.
- Yellowstone National Park The very first national park, established in 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant, and encompasses parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. This park is home of geyser, Old Faithful, hot springs, waterfalls, and more.
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National Historic and Scenic Trails |
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- Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail This 175 mile trail connects hundreds ancient settlement sites along with Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park and Pu'ukohola National Historic Site.
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail This is the longest national trail with 2160 miles through the Appalachian Mountains and consists of parts of Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia.
- Arizona National Scenic Trail This 800 mile trail starts at the border to Mexico and goes up to Utah and is managed by the United States Forest Service.
- California National Historic Trail Between 1841 and 1869, over 250,000 traveled from Missouri or Kansas to California. This trail follows their route through ten states: California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming.
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail Traces the path John Smith took when he led an expedition to map out the Chesapeake Bay. Parts of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, and New York are a part of this trail.
- Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Follows the Continental Divide which borders between the rivers that flow eastward and the rivers that flow westward. Maintained by the U.S. Forest Service and goes through Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico.
- El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail This 2600 mile trail follows the old Spanish "royal road." It begins at the Rio Grande at the Texas-Mexico border (the original road began in Mexico City), and goes up into Northern Louisiana.
- El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail The Royal Road of the Interior Land began in Mexico City. The U.S. portion begins at the Keystone Heritage Park in Texas and goes up to Santa Fe, New Mexico.
- Florida National Scenic Trail This trail highlights the scenic beauty of Florida starting at the Big Cypress National Preserve in the south and goes to Gulf Islands National Seashore in the western end of Florida’s panhandle. Maintained by the U.S. Forest Service
- Iditarod National Historic Trail This trail in Alaska is 1000 mile and starts in Seward and ends in Nome. Maintained by the Bureau of Land Management.
- Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail Explores the results of series of catastrophic floods that occurred after the Ice Age that made dramatic changes to the landscape. Trail goes through parts of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.
- Ice Age National Scenic Trail This scenic trail in Wisconsin follows the edge of Ice Age glaciers that left kames, eskers, and kettles in the landscape.
- Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail In 1775, Juan Bautista de Anza led 240 people from Nogales, Arizona to the San Francisco Bay where they started a settlement. This 1200 mile trail follows their path.
- Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Follows the path that Lewis and Clark took during their expedition to the West in 1804-1806. Begins at the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford, Illinois and ends at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park in Astoria, Oregon. Goes through parts of Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.
- Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail Follows that trail from Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt Lake City, Utah that 70,000 Mormons took from 1846 - 1869. The 1300 mile trail goes through Iliinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Utah.
- Natchez Trace National Trail Follows the American Indian footpath that goes through Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee.
- New England Scenic Trail This 215 mile trail begins at Long Island Sound and ends in the mountains Of Massachusetts and Connecticut.
- Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail Follows the path the Nez Perce took in 1877 from Wallowa Lake, Oregon to Bear Paw Battlefield in Montana. Goes through Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. Maintained by the U.S. Forest Service.
- North Country National Scenic Trail This 4600 mile trail explores the Northern United States and how glaciers from 10,000 years ago shaped the area. It starts at Lake Sakkawea in North Dakota and ends at Port Henry in New York going through North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.
- Old Spanish National Historic Trail Traces the path pack mule trains took from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Los Angeles, California to trade goods. Also includes Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.
- Oregon National Historic Trail Follow the Oregon Trail that many pioneers followed to the West. Starts in Independence, Missouri and ends at Portland, Oregon. Goes through Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.
- Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Traces the 330 mile path that Virginian minutemen traveled in 1780 from Abingdon, Virginia, to Kings Mountain, South Carolina to prevent British troops from taking Charleston, South Carolina. Goes through Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina.
- Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail This scenic trail goes through California, Oregon, and Washington starting at the Mexican border and ending at the Canadian border. Maintained by the U.S. Forest Service.
- Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest on this 1200 mile trail that begins at the Continental Divide in Glacier National Park and goes through Montana, Idaho, and Washington ending at Cape Alava.
- Pony Express National Historic Trail The Pony Express delivered the mail from Missouri to California until the telegraph was developed. This trail goes through parts of California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.
- Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail This 830 mile trail begins in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and goes through Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia to the mouth of the Potomac.
- Santa Fe National Historic Trail Between 1820-1880, pioneers traveled from Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico. This 900 mile trail goes through Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
- Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail Follow the historic 54 mile march from Selma to Montgomery that was led by Martin Luther King, Jr. to fight for the right to vote.
- Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail A 560 mile trail that connects the War of 1812 historic sites in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C.
- Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Follows the paths the Cherokees were forced to take from their homes to Indian Territory which is now Oklahoma from 1838-1839. Trail includes parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
- Washington - Rochambeau National Historic Trail Follows the troop movements of the Continental Army led by General Washington and the French Army led by General Rochambeau through Massachusets, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington D.C. and Virginia.
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National Heritage Areas |
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National Heritage Areas are not parks. They are rather places that have cultural, historical, and natural significance to be designated a national heritage area. Some areas may have an alliance that helps maintain the area. When possible, the National Park Service site and the alliance site have been included in the heritage areas.
- Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area Highlights the areas were Abraham Lincoln lived for 30 years in central Illinois. More information can be found at Looking for Lincoln.
- Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area Explores the history of this granite monadnock and the Flat Rock, Georgia. Managed by the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area Alliance where you can find more information about the park.
- Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Includes 14 parishes of Louisiana and highlights its bayous, rivers, swamps and rich American Indian, European, African, and Caribbean cultures. More information about the area can be found at the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area: America's Foreign Country.
- Augusta Canal National Heritage Area Explains how the Augusta Canal built in 1845 brought the Industrial Revolution to Georgia and the South.
- Baltimore National Heritage Area Baltimore is the heart of the Chesapeake Bay area full of history, especially during the War of 1812, and culture. More information can be found on the Baltimore Heritage Area Association's site, Baltimore National Heritage Area.
- Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Highlights the "unique character, culture, and natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and foothills in Western North Carolina." (from Blue Ridge National Heritage Area official site)
- Cane River National Heritage Area Explore the Creole history and culture along the Cane River in Louisiana. More information can be found at Cane River National Heritage Area.
- Cache La Poudre River Corridor Chronicles the history and culture of the Cache La Poudre River and how it developed water law.
- Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership Located between the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains, this Heritage Area brings together its history, its waterways (both natural and man-made), and its community. Additional information can be found at Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership.
- Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area Tells fourteen stories about the American Revolution in New Jersey. More information can be found at the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area.
- Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Represents the industrial heritage of coal, lumber, iron, and railroad industries in northeast Pennsylvania. More information can be found at Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.
- Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Twenty 23 counties have a portion of this National Heritage Area that examines the history and the influence of the Erie Canal. More information can be found at the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
- Essex National Heritage Area Consists of 500 square miles of Northeastern Massachusetts with over 10,000 historic places, pristine coastline, and lots more. See Essex National Heritage Area for more information.
- Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area Forty-one counties in eastern Kansas and Western Missouri make up this national heritage area and tells the story of "Bleeding Kansas" and the struggle to determine if Kansas was going to be a free state or a slave state.
- Freedom's Way National Heritage Area This 994 square mile area incorporate parts of Massachusetts and New Hampshire is full of history with Revolution sites, culture, literature such as Thoreau's Walden Pond, and more.
- Great Basin National Heritage Area Consists of White Pine County, Nevada, Millard County, Utah, and Duckwater Shoshone Reservation with their desert valleys and mountains, historic mines and railroads, and more.
- Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Located from Pender County, North Carolina, to St. Johns County, Florida, describes the culture of the Gullah Geechee people. More information can be found at the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor site.
- Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Expands from New York City to Albany sharing its historical, scenic, and cultural sites. More information can be found at Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.
- Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Area Corridor President Reagan signed this as the first National Heritage Area in 1984. Explores the history of the canal and the industry and culture that was created as a result of the canal.
- John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Explores the region where the American Industrial Revolution got its first spark when the Slater Mill in Pawtucket, Rhode Island started using the Blackstone River to power its mill.
- Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area Covers the area from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to Monticello, Virginia and explores the nature, history, and culture. Includes parts of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. More information can be found at The Journey Through Hallowed Ground Official Site.
- Kenai Mountains - Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area Introduces the cultural, historic, and scenic features of the Kenai Mountain area in Alaska.
- Lackawanna Heritage Valley National Heritage Area Located in Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Luzerne counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania, this National Heritage Area explores the importance of anthracite coal and how it powered the Industrial Revolution. Additional information can be found at the Lackawanna Heritage Valley.
- The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor Encompasses thirty-five communities in Eastern Connecticut and South-Central Massachusetts where 77% of the land is forest or farm. More information can be found at The Last Green Valley.
- Maine Acadian Culture Depicts the Acadian culture in Maine's St. John Valley. More information can also be found at Maine Acadian Heritage Council.
- Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area Encompasses eighteen counties along the Mississippi delta and describes the region's history and culture including the birth of the blues, civil rights, and more. Additional information can be found at Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area.
- Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area Made up of seven counties along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and brings together the culture, art, and history of the region with American Indian, Spanish, and French influences. More information can be found at Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area.
- Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area Describes the history and culture of the area where people like Elvis Presley, Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner, Tammy Wynette, John Grisham, Ida B. Wells, and Oprah Winfrey once called home. More information can be found at Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area.
- Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area Preserves the history and culture of the Mormon pioneers.
- MotorCities National Heritage Area Explores the automobile and labor sites of southeastern and central Michigan. More information can be found at MotorCities National Heritage Area.
- Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area Describes the culture and heritage along the Tennessee River in northern Alabama. More information can be found at the University of North Alabama's Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area.
- National Aviation Heritage Area Celebrates the Wright brothers and the early beginnings of aviation in Ohio. Additional information can be found at National Aviation Heritage Area.
- National Coal Heritage Area Explores the history of coal mining and the coal miners culture. More information can be found at the National Coal Heritage Area & Coal Heritage Trail.
- Niagara Falls National Heritage Area Consisting of the area between Niagara Falls to Fort Niagara in Youngstown, New York, this area highlights the significant historical and natural sites. Additional information can be found at Niagara Falls National Heritage Area.
- Northern Plains National Heritage Area Explore the history, culture of the Great Plains of North Dakota.
- Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area Incorporates three northern counties of New Mexico and celebrates the customs and traditions of the Jicarilla Apache, Tew and Tiwa Pueblos, and Spanish influence dating back from the early European settlements.
- Ohio & Erie National Heritage Canalway Describes the history of the Ohio & Erie canal and its influences on the region. The Heritage Area consists of Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas Counties.
- Oil Region National Heritage Area Located in northwestern Pennsylvania where the first successful oil well was constructed, this national heritage area tells the story about oil drilling and production. Additional information can be found at the Oil Region Alliance site.
- Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area Explains how southwestern Pennsylvania played a major role in the steel industry and the industrialization of America. More information can be found at Rivers of Steel.
- Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area Includes three counties in Colorado, this heritage area within the San Luis Valley incorporates cultures from the American Indian, Latino, Mormon, Amish, Japanese-American, Dutch, and more.
- Schuylkill River Valley National Heritage Area Explore the region between Valley Forge and Philadelphia where key events in the American, Industrial, and Environmental Revolutions took place. More information can be found at Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area.
- Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District Eight counties in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley that protects historic Civil War sites.
- Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area Thirty-seven counties in Northeast Iowa are in this area and tells the story of agriculture has played a role in our history, culture, and arts.
- South Carolina National Heritage Corridor Includes 17 counties in South Carolina from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean promoting the historical, natural, and cultural resources. Additional information can be found at the South Carolina Traveler.
- South Park National Heritage Area Southwest of Denver, this area is located up in the Rocky Mountains and is full of history, culture, mountainous beauty.
- Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area Discusses the role Tennessee played during the Civil War and the Reconstruction Period. Additional information can be found at the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area.
- Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area Twenty-six towns in Connecticut and Massachusetts are apart of this heritage area because of the significant historic contributions to industry, literature, the arts, and more. More information can be found at Housatonic Heritage.
- Wheeling National Heritage Area Preserves the history and culture of Wheeling, West Virginia. Additional information can be found at the Wheeling National Heritage Area.
- Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Encompassing the town of Yuma, Arizona, this area is full of history, culture, natural beauty, and more.
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American Samoa |
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- National Park of American Samoa Consists of three islands with rainforests and coral-sand beaches and explores the Samoan culture.
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Guam |
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- War in the Pacific National Historical Park Delves into the battles in the Pacific during World War II including the battles for Guam.
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Northern Mariana Islands |
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- American Memorial Park Summarizes the Marianas Campaign during World War II and honors those who fought.
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Puerto Rico |
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- El Yunque National Forest The only national forest that is a tropical rainforest.
- San Juan National Historic Site
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U.S. Virgin Islands |
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- Buck Island Reef National Monument Protects an uninhabited island and the elkhorn coral barrier reef that surrounds it.
- Christiansted National Historic Site Get a glimpse of what life was like when the Virgin Islands were a Danish colony, including its role in the slave trade.
- Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve Portrays the early indigenous settlements and their clashes with European colonists.
- Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument Protects 12,000 acres of coral reef off the coast of St. John.
- Virgin Islands National Park Explores the history of St. John including plantation life, its white-sand beaches, and coral gardens.