The Evolution of National Parks

As Americans grew up and saw the natural beauty of their country through a variety of experiences, they began to take an interest in protecting places that were important to them. That interest culminated in the creation of the first national park, Yellowstone, which was established in 1872.

The movement for national parks reflected a wide range of factors, including the intellectual, social and economic changes of the 19th century. It also reflected a growing awareness that nature should be preserved for the benefit of future generations.

In the early days, many people traveled to national parks by train, steamship or automobile to experience awe-inspiring landscapes firsthand. They hoped to escape from the urban world, which was becoming increasingly built-up and dominated by factories.

Some people went to national parks simply to enjoy the wilderness and the wild animals they saw there, but others did so to learn about history, culture or natural resources in a way that wasn't available in their towns. They also wanted to create memories with their families that would last forever.

With the arrival of the automobile in the early 20th century, park managers had to find new ways to get more people into the parks. That meant promoting the car camping craze that was blossoming at that time, and it also meant developing facilities to serve large numbers of visitors.

One of the most successful strategies was to develop modern-day museums and exhibits, so that visitors could learn about the history and cultures of these places. These new attractions made parks into more than just places where people could exercise and relax.

Today, more than 400 sites have been designated as national parks. The National Park Service (NPS) is the federal agency that manages these lands, but it is the nonprofit National Park Foundation that generates private support for them and builds strategic partnerships to protect and enhance America's national parks for present and future generations.

While national parks provide an important place for the public to connect with nature, they face many challenges today, from maintenance backlogs to climate change. These challenges make it even more important to ensure that parks stay open and accessible for people of all ages and walks of life, while also making them attractive enough to attract more visitors.

The most popular parks in the country are those in the West, with national treasures like Grand Teton and Yosemite leading the pack. Other top spots include Alaska's Denali National Park and Katmai National Park, a coveted spot for its animal encounters, including seeing grizzly bears, moose and caribou.