National Parks: Our Heritage
The National Park System of the United States is provided for by the National Park Service, which was organized by President Woodrow Wilson in the year 1916. The United States Park System was started with the goal of protecting various "special" areas throughout the United States so that these area would always remain as they presently were.The National Park System started out small, with the introduction of Yellowstone National Park, located in the state of Wyoming as the first official protected area. Also in Wyoming was the first protected National Monument, Devil"s Tower.
There are 392 protected areas under the jurisdiction of the National Park System and the system employees 22,000 people. The parks all have different sizes and popularity. The largest park is over 13 million acres and the most popular park, Yellowstone, receives nearly 4 million people a year.
So, still looking to vacation this year to a place not too far from home? That should be no problem with the National Park System. With 58 National Parks in the United States it should not be hard to find one near your home.
For residents of California there is Yosemite, Sequoia and Redwood. If you live in the desert southwest then you are probably not too far from the Grand Canyon or Mesa Verde. Residents of Utah can spend time exploring Arches or Zion. Residents of North Carolina and the surrounding area can take time to visit beautiful Shenandoah and last, but certainly not least, is Yellowstone, where you can be one of close to 4 million annual visitors.
Entrance fees to National Parks are very affordable. Most parks charge from $3-$20 to enter. If you plan on seeing more than one park on your trip you may want to consider purchasing a national park pass for $80.
We hope that this short article has motivated you to take some time to considering visiting at least one of our national parks. If you like it can only be a short trip, lasting less than a full day, or you can spend more time, weeks even, backpacking and camping in the backcountry (permit required). No matter what you decide, we wish you the best of luck.