Your digital travel guide to America's public lands, museums, and attractions.

21st Century  Pioneer

Cumberland Gap is a natural break in the Appalachian Mountains at the border between Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park borders three states Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. The park is centered on the Cumberland Gap, a natural break in the Appalachian Mountains. Tri-State Peak is the highest point in the park at 1,990 feet, and offers fantastic views. Along the way, you'll pass a marker denoting the location as being on the "Royal Colonial Boundary of 1665," which the British established as the border between the Colony of Virginia and the Province of Carolina. The park covers 24,015 acres and includes three sections: the Hensley Settlement, the Pinnacle Overlook, and the Sequoya Birthplace. In addition to the historical significance of the area, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is home to a variety of plant and animal life. Over 50 species of trees can be found in the park, as well as 85 species of shrubs and 150 species of herbs. The park is also home to white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, bobcat, elk, and many other animals. There are 24 miles of hiking trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail.

Cumberland Gap

Exploring History: Cumberland Gap NHP

Bandelier National Monument protects over 33,000 acres of rugged but beautiful canyon and mesa country as well as evidence of a human presence.

Bandelier National Monument is a captivating testament to the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the Southwest. Covering over 33,000 acres, this remarkable site showcases the ancestral Puebloan people's architectural prowess. Visitors are greeted by towering cliffs, picturesque canyons, and the remnants of ancestral Pueblo dwellings, including cliff dwellings and multi-story stone structures. The park's main attraction is the Frijoles Canyon, where one can explore trails leading to the stunning Alcove House and the awe-inspiring Long House. 

Bandelier NM

Bandelier: Ancient Ruins & Natural Beauty

In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes.

Death Valley is a land of extremes. This below-sea-level basin is the hottest, driest and lowest park in America. Don't let the name fool you — Death Valley is teeming with life. This diverse landscape supports more than 900 plant species, many of which are only found in Death Valley. Spring brings a colorful wildflower bloom, while summer temperatures can surpass 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite its harsh conditions, Death Valley is home to an array of wildlife including bighorn sheep, coyotes and golden eagles. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow, and the clear night skies offer incredible stargazing opportunities. Don't miss Artists Palette, Zabriskie Point and Badwater basin — the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. Death Valley is truly a one-of-a-kind place.

Death Valley

Experience Death Valley's Unique Landscape

Ever wondered what makes National Parks, Monuments, Memorials, Recreation Areas, Historic Sites, Battlefields, Preserves, etc... different?

The Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior building in Washington, DC, is the home office of the National Park Service.

National Park Service HQ

National Park Service Designations Explained

Zion’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history and enjoy the excitement of present-day adventures.

Follow the paths where native Paiute people and Mormon pioneers walked. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Experience wilderness in a narrow slot canyon. Zion’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present day adventures.

Zion NP

How to Visit this Popular Park

In December 2020, West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park and Preserve became the 63rd National Park in the United States.

A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities.

New River Gorge

Explore New River Gorge: The Ultimate Adventure

From 1851-91 Fort Union functioned as an agent of political and cultural change, whether desired or not, in New Mexico and throughout the Southwest.

Fort Union National Monument, located near the New Mexico-Colorado border, is a historic site where the Santa Fe Trail intersected with the Old Spanish Trail. Originally designed as a symbol of American power, it later became a vital protector of settlers and trade. Beyond its military role, the fort influenced the region's culture and history through interactions with Native American and Hispanic communities. Today, the adobe wall ruins of the largest 19th century military fort in the region stand as a testament to its transformative legacy, offering visitors a glimpse into this unique chapter of American history.

Fort Union 

Fort Union: How to visit & what to see

Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front is a US national historical park located in Richmond, California, near San Francisco.

The Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historic Park commemorates the can-do spirit of the American people during World War II. Located in Richmond, California, the park tells the story of the home front effort through a variety of exhibits and displays. Visitors can learn about the varied roles that women played in the war effort, including factory workers, nurses, and even aircraft pilots. The song “Rosie the Riveter” was written and performed in their honor. The park also features a replica of a Liberty ship, which was used to transport troops and supplies overseas. Centered around the Richmond shipyards, the largest on the West Coast, and the Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant, Richmond became a boomtown during WWII.  Th Ford plant became the largest assembly plant on the West Coast. Approximately 49,000 jeeps and 91,000 other vehicles were assembled at the site. Thousands of women were employed by Ford, a first job outside of the home for many of them. The plant building has been restored and now houses a variety of private businesses along with the NPS visitor center.

Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front

Learn More About the Work of the Rosies

In West Virginia folklore, the Mothman is a humanoid creature reportedly home to the areas surrounding Point Pleasant, WV and the Ohio River valley. 

With a beautiful view of the Ohio River, Point Pleasant Riverfront Park is a great place for a stroll and to learn about local history. Murals and statues along the city's flood wall commemorate the Battle of Point Pleasant, also known as the Battle of Kanawha. On Oct. 10, 1774, the Virginia militia fought Mingo and Shawnee warriors, who were led by Shawnee chief Cornstalk. The Virginians were determined to take over the Ohio Valley, invading with a force of about 1,000. Despite being outnumbered two to one, the Native Americans fought hard. An ancestor of US Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush was killed in the battle, but in the end, Cornstalk and his fighters were defeated. More recently, Point Pleasant has earned fame as the site of the mythical creature the Mothman.

Point Pleasant Riverfront

Do you know about the Mothman of Point Pleasant, WV?

This sculpture was created to honor the memory of an American/Israeli citizen who was one of the 11 Israeli athletes murdered at the 1972 Olympics.

One of 11 athletes murdered at the 1972 Olympic Games, David Berger was an Israeli-American citizen born in Shaker Heights, Ohio. He won the NCAA weightlifting title as a student at Tulane University, then a silver medal at the 1971 Asian Games before winning a spot on the Israeli Olympic team. Ohio Senator Howard Metzenbaum led the effort to create the memorial. Made of a type of steel that oxidizes over time, it portrays the five Olympic Rings broken in half. Each of the 11 segments represents one of the victims.

David Berger National Memorial

David Berger National Memorial דוד ברגר

Cuyahoga Valley National Park lies along the Cuyahoga River and offers more things to do than almost any other National Park.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a natural treasure spanning 33,000 acres of woodlands, waterfalls, rolling hills and open farmland. It is the ancestral home of the Erie, Wyandot and Seneca tribes. The winding Cuyahoga River, notorious for catching fire 13 times in the 20th century due to severe pollution, has since been substantially restored, thanks to the relentless efforts of environmental activists. The Canal Exploration Center is a great place to learn about the history of the Ohio and Erie Canal. Visitors can also take a scenic train ride through the park and see Bridal Veil Falls and Brandywine Falls.

Cuyahoga Valley

Lots to do in Cuyahoga Valley!

Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern US.

Congaree National Park is home to an astonishing variety of plant and animal life. The park's floodplain forest is the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States, and it provides habitat for a wide variety of species. The Congaree and Wateree Rivers that flow through the park support the growth of national and state champion trees, including the tallest tree in North America. Visitors to Congaree National Park can enjoy a variety of activities, such as walking the boardwalk trail, kayaking on Cedar Creek, birdwatching, and fishing. The park's diverse ecosystem is sure to provide an enjoyable and educational experience for all who visit.

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