The United States national park system is widely regarded as one of the greatest conservation achievements in human history. These protected landscapes preserve some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth—from towering mountains and geothermal wonders to deserts, forests, and coastlines. But beyond their beauty, national parks also tell a story – a story of evolving attitudes toward conservation, public access, and national identity.
In this brief guide, you’ll learn about the history of U.S. national parks, how new parks are created, the first national park, plus a complete list of all 63 national parks and their locations.
The Origins of National Parks in the United States
The concept of national parks began in the 19th century, at a time when the United States was expanding westward. Early explorers, artists, and writers were captivated by the vast wilderness and believed these landscapes should be preserved for future generations.
One of the earliest advocates was painter George Catlin, who in the 1830s proposed preserving wilderness areas as a “nation’s park.” Later thinkers like Henry David Thoreau supported the idea of protecting nature for both ecological and cultural reasons. (Wikipedia)
However, it wasn’t until the late 1800s that this idea became reality.
The First National Park: Yellowstone
The world’s first national park was Yellowstone National Park, established on March 1, 1872. (Wikipedia)
Signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant, Yellowstone set aside over 2 million acres of land “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” (NPS History)
This was a revolutionary idea at the time – instead of selling or developing land, the government chose to preserve it, permanently. Yellowstone became the model for national parks around the world and marked the beginning of large-scale environmental conservation. (NPS History)
Interestingly, Yosemite Valley had been protected earlier in 1864, but it was managed by the state of California and did not yet carry the formal “national park” designation. (FamilySearch)
The Growth of the National Park System
After Yellowstone, the idea of preserving natural landscapes gained momentum. Parks like Sequoia and Yosemite were officially designated in 1890, followed by many others in the early 20th century. (National Parks)
However, managing these parks was initially inconsistent. Different federal agencies oversaw them until the creation of the National Park Service (NPS) in 1916. (The Library of Congress)
The Organic Act of 1916 established the NPS with a clear mission: to conserve natural and historic bodies while allowing public enjoyment. (Wikipedia)
Today, the NPS manages over 400 sites, including monuments, historic sites, and recreation areas—but only 63 of these are officially designated as national parks. (Wikipedia)
How an Area Becomes a National Park
Becoming a national park is a rigorous process. Unlike national monuments—which can be created by presidential proclamation—national parks require an act of Congress.
Here’s how the process typically works:
1. Evaluation and Study
The National Park Service conducts detailed studies to determine whether an area has national significance, meaning, it represents an outstanding natural or cultural resource.
2. Review by Government Officials
Findings are submitted to the Secretary of the Interior and Congress. Committees review the proposal and hold hearings.
3. Congressional Approval
Congress must pass legislation designating the area as a national park.
4. Presidential Signature
The bill becomes law once signed by the President.
In some cases, areas begin as national monuments under the Antiquities Act of 1906 and are later redesignated as national parks.
Why National Parks Matter
National parks are more than scenic destinations, they:
- protect biodiversity and ecosystems
- preserve cultural and historical heritage
- provide recreational opportunities
- support tourism and local economies
They are often referred to as America’s “crown jewels” because of their extraordinary landscapes and national significance. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
A Complete List of All U.S. National Parks (63)
Below is a complete list of all 63 U.S. national parks and their locations:
Alaska (8)
- Denali — Alaska
- Gates of the Arctic — Alaska
- Glacier Bay — Alaska
- Katmai — Alaska
- Kenai Fjords — Alaska
- Kobuk Valley — Alaska
- Lake Clark — Alaska
- Wrangell–St. Elias — Alaska
California (9)
- Channel Islands — California
- Death Valley — California/Nevada
- Joshua Tree — California
- Kings Canyon — California
- Lassen Volcanic — California
- Pinnacles — California
- Redwood — California
- Sequoia — California
- Yosemite — California
Utah (5)
- Arches — Utah
- Bryce Canyon — Utah
- Canyonlands — Utah
- Capitol Reef — Utah
- Zion — Utah
Colorado (4)
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison — Colorado
- Great Sand Dunes — Colorado
- Mesa Verde — Colorado
- Rocky Mountain — Colorado
Arizona (3)
- Grand Canyon — Arizona
- Petrified Forest — Arizona
- Saguaro — Arizona
Florida (3)
- Biscayne — Florida
- Dry Tortugas — Florida
- Everglades — Florida
Hawaii (2)
- Haleakalā — Hawaii
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes — Hawaii
Montana (2)
- Glacier — Montana
- Yellowstone — Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
South Dakota (2)
- Badlands — South Dakota
- Wind Cave — South Dakota
Texas (2)
- Big Bend — Texas
- Guadalupe Mountains — Texas
Washington (3)
- Mount Rainier — Washington
- North Cascades — Washington
- Olympic — Washington
Other States (one each unless noted)
- Acadia — Maine
- American Samoa — American Samoa
- Carlsbad Caverns — New Mexico
- Congaree — South Carolina
- Crater Lake — Oregon
- Cuyahoga Valley — Ohio
- Gateway Arch — Missouri
- Grand Teton — Wyoming
- Great Basin — Nevada
- Great Smoky Mountains — North Carolina/Tennessee
- Hot Springs — Arkansas
- Indiana Dunes — Indiana
- Isle Royale — Michigan
- Mammoth Cave — Kentucky
- New River Gorge — West Virginia
- Shenandoah — Virginia
- Theodore Roosevelt — North Dakota
- Virgin Islands — U.S. Virgin Islands
- Voyageurs — Minnesota
- White Sands — New Mexico
The Future of National Parks
The newest national park, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, was designated in 2020, showing that the system continues to evolve. (Dirt In My Shoes)
As environmental challenges grow—over-tourism and habitat loss—the role of national parks becomes more important. They are not just places to visit; they are living laboratories and sanctuaries for the natural world.
Conclusion
The U.S. national park system began with a bold idea: that some places are too important to exploit and must instead be preserved for everyone. From Yellowstone’s groundbreaking designation in 1872 to today’s 63 protected parks, this vision has shaped conservation efforts worldwide.
Whether you’re exploring the geysers of Yellowstone, the cliffs of Yosemite, the “American Alps” of Glacier, or the deserts of Utah, each park represents a commitment to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the United States, for generations to come.