Join us as we celebrate National Park Week this year from April 22 to 30, 2023. Preserving natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, unique geological features, and recreation opportunities across the country, from Arizona’s Grand Canyon, Utah’s Zion National Park, and Redwood and Yosemite National Parks in California, America’s national parks are truly remarkable.

These cherished public lands are home to some of the most beautiful places on earth, and we can’t wait to celebrate them this April. Whether you opt for spending time exploring your nearest national park or simply take our quiz on national parks trivia that covers unique facts about our greatest national treasures, we hope you love celebrating America’s national parks with us.

Table of Contents

What is the history of the National Park System?

America’s first national park, Yellowstone National Park, was created when Ulysses S. Grant signed a bill into law in 1872. Eighteen years later, in 1890, the second national park was created: Sequoia National Park.

Philippe Sainte-Laudy Photography/Moment via Getty Images
In 1916, the Organic Act created the National Park Service in order "to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."
darekm101/RooM via Getty Images
Since then, hundreds of special places have been designated as national parks, including the very first national park established for the purpose of protecting man-made structures: Mesa Verde National Park.

Established in 1906, this Colorado park is home to more than 4,000 archaeological sites of the Ancestral Puebloan people, including cliff dwellings, houses built in alcoves, and rock overhangs along the canyon walls.
franckreporter/E+ via Getty Images
Today, the National Park Service oversees approximately 424 U.S. national park sites, including preserves, seashores, monuments, historic sites, battlefields, recreation areas, and more. It would take a lifetime to explore all of these special places, but luckily, the National Park Service was established to protect these gems for generations to come.

From Death Valley National Park in California to Virginia's Shenandoah National Park (video below), there is no shortage of incredible scenery within our 63 official U.S. National Parks.

What is National Park Week?

While we write about and celebrate the natural wonders found within our National Parks year-round here at OnlyInYourState, there’s something incredibly special about National Park Week, when we celebrate the natural beauty of our national parks and show our appreciation to the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior.

John Baggaley/Moment via Getty Images
The theme of National Park Week 2023 is the Power of Parks, and the National Park Service is encouraging guests to share "your park story" about special connections with national parks destinations. Each day is complete with its own theme, from connection, discovery, accomplishment, and tradition to gratitude, ingenuity, inspiration, fun, and love. Follow the National Park Service's stories on social media using #YourParkStory and share your own using #MyParkStory.

When is National Park Week?

National Park Week tales place from April 22 to 30, 2023. Every April, this presidentially proclaimed celebration run by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation encourages Americans to explore breathtaking places, discover history and culture, and even volunteer to keep these places wild.

Brad McGinley Photography/Moment via Getty Images

How is National Park Week celebrated?

Special events will also take place throughout National Park Week, with unique in-person and virtual events throughout the country, daily themes, and more. Follow your favorite park on social media to discover all there is to do during this annual celebration. Be sure to plan ahead, though. This is a popular time to visit national parks, so be sure to make reservations for lodging, campsites, tours, and activities in advance.

Tetra Images - Erik Isakson/ Brand X Pictures via Getty Images
Special events include guided hikes, wildlife viewing tours, ranger talks, and educational programs. If you can't make it to a national park in person, you can also celebrate virtually with virtual tours, educational resources, and live webcams of national parks across America.

One of the best ways to explore national parks is through the Junior Ranger program and the annual Junior Ranger Day. Held on Saturday, April 29, 2023, this one-day celebration encourages young outdoors enthusiasts of all ages to explore the great outdoors, learn about nature, and protect our incredible parks.

National Park Week is also an excellent opportunity to get involved with conservation efforts. Many parks organize volunteer opportunities, including trail maintenance, habitat restoration projects, and invasive species removal.

Are there any fee-free days during National Park Week?

On the first day of National Park Week, Saturday, April 22, all national park entrance fees will be waived for visitors. With free admission, there’s no reason not to visit your nearest national monument or national historical park. What are you waiting for? Get out there, find your park on the NPS.gov website, and explore!

The National Park Service also offers additional fee-free days throughout the year, including:
  • January 16: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • August 4: Great American Outdoors Day
  • September 23 : National Public Lands Day
  • November 11: Veterans Day

    • These fee-free days are fantastic opportunities to visit some of the country's most iconic natural and cultural landmarks without opening up your wallet. Where will you visit this year? Might we suggest the breathtaking Acadia National Park?

    How are America’s national parks protected?

    While National Park Week coincides with Earth Day, stewardship of these incredible natural wonders occurs year-round. Legislation, hard work, and collaboration with park partners throughout the years have protected these public lands throughout the decades.

    Dean Fikar/Moment via Getty Images
    Passed into law in 2020, the Great American Outdoors Act is a historic investment to address maintenance needs in the protection and stewardship of our national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, recreation, and Native American Indian schools.

    What is some fun National Parks trivia?

    Here at OnlyInYourState, we love learning all about America’s incredible national parks, and we love testing our knowledge even more. Our local travel experts have compiled some of our favorite fun facts into the following national parks trivia questions for your entertainment.

    WerksMedia/ iStock via Getty Images Plus


    These aren’t your typical trivia questions, though: after all, we all know the largest national park in the United States is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve in Alaska and the most visited national park is Great Smoky Mountains National Park (video above), with more than 14 million visitors in 2021.

    How well do you know America’s National Parks? Take our national parks quiz and find out!

    So, tell us, what was your national parks trivia score? Which national park(s) will you be visiting during National Park Week this year?

    OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

    Related Articles