Celebrate America’s Stories During National Park Week

Do you love our national parks? There’s a holiday for that!

Join the weeklong celebration of National Park Week happening August 22-30, 2026. Wrap up summer by coming out to explore nature and history, join ranger programs, earn your Junior Ranger badge, and more. Entrance fees are waived for U.S. citizens and residents on August 25, 2026, for the National Park Service’s 110th birthday.

This year’s National Park Week theme is “Celebrate America’s Story” in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, highlighting the people, places, and events that shaped the nation. The national parks story begins with a single, radical idea: that extraordinary landscapes should be preserved not for kings or private owners, but for everyone — and protected forever. The modern system grew from early preservation efforts, the creation of Yellowstone in 1872, and the eventual formation of the National Park Service in 1916.

The national park concept emerged in the early 19th century as Americans began to see wilderness as something worth saving. Artist George Catlin, during an 1832 trip to the northern Great Plains, proposed preserving wilderness and Native American culture in a “nation’s park, containing man and beast, in all the wildness and freshness of their nature’s beauty” as a government-protected area.

President Theodore Roosevelt played a crucial role in the establishment of national parks in the United States. He was a strong advocate for conservation and established five national parks during his presidency, including Yosemite and Glacier. Roosevelt also created the U.S. Forest Service and signed into law the Antiquities Act, which allowed him to designate national monuments, further protecting vast areas of land. His efforts laid the foundation for the modern National Park System, ensuring the preservation of America’s natural beauty for future generations.

Today, the National Park System includes over 400 parks covering more than 84 million acres across all 50 states, U.S. territories, and island possessions. It encompasses national parks as well as national monuments, memorials, historic sites, parkways, recreation areas, seashores, scenic riverways, and trails. The system reflects a broad mission: preserving natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural heritage while providing educational and recreational opportunities for the public.

Many of America’s important stories are shared in our national parks. Make your own stories exploring stunning natural landscapes, reflecting on our nation’s inspiring history and rich culture, and enjoying the great outdoors. National Park Week 2026 runs from August 22-30, marking a shift from its traditional timing to span two weekends and allow more visitors to participate.

National Park Week Theme Days