National Lakeshores (3)
Focused on both providing water-oriented recreation opportunities as well as the preservation of areas and offshore islands, national lakeshores can be established on any natural freshwater lake, though most are located on the Great Lakes.
National Memorials (31)
National memorials are primarily commemorative sites, a structure or site that marks an important event or person. Sites like Thaddeus Kosciusko National Memorial, the smallest unit in the National Park Service, and the iconic Lincoln Memorial in the nation’s capital, honor the life and legacy of individuals, while sites like De Soto National Memorial and Flight 93 National Memorial commemorate a specific event.
National Monuments (84)
Sites designated as national monuments are usually smaller than a national park. Intended to preserve at least one nationally significant resource, such as Aztec Ruins National Monument, which preserves a 900-year-old ancestral Pueblo Great House in New Mexico, California’s Lava Beds National Monument, which protects the land shaped by the Medicine Lake volcano, or Pullman National Monument in Chicago, which preserves the story of one of the first planned industrial communities.
National Parks (63)
Generally, a national park contains a variety of resources, encompassing large areas of land or water. Their designation as a national park helps provide adequate protection of the area’s resources, and enforces restrictions on the public’s use of the lands to maintain the park’s resources.
National Parkways (4)
Ribbons of land flanking roadways and offering scenic views are designated national parkways. Though there are four national parkways currently in the National Park System, other units also include parkways within their park boundaries.
National Preserves (19)
Established for the protection of certain resources, national preserves have less restrictions on the use of the lands than national parks, as long as the activities do not disturb the land’s natural values. Big Cypress and Big Thicket were the first authorized national preserves, designated in 1974.
National Reserves (2)
Similar to national preserves (above), national reserves protect certain resources as well. However, management of national reserves like City of Rocks may be transferred to local or state authorities.
National Recreation Areas (18)
Originally units that were surrounding reservoirs impounded by dams built by other federal agencies, the concept of a national recreation area has grown to encompass other land and water areas set aside for recreational use by acts of Congress. Some of the first national recreation areas, like Chickasaw, were managed by NPS under cooperative agreements. Today, there are also national recreation areas like Hells Canyon and Sawtooth that are administered by the Forest Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
National Rivers (4)
Sites designated as national rivers preserve free-flowing streams and their immediate environment with at least one remarkable natural, cultural, or recreational value. National rivers and sites designated as wild and scenic riverways (see below) must naturally flow without major alteration of the waterway and provide recreational opportunities like canoeing and hiking.
National Scenic Trails (6)
National scenic trails are generally long-distance footpaths winding through areas of natural beauty. Five of the six national scenic trails run through multiple states, with the Appalachian National Scenic Trail covering 14 states!
Point Reyes Lighthouse at Point Reyes National Seashore(NPS Photo / Anela Ramos Kopshever)
National Seashores (10)
Like national lakeshores, national seashores preserve shoreline areas and offshore islands. Located on the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts, national seashores preserve natural resources while providing visitors with on-the-water fun.
National Wild and Scenic Rivers and Riverways (10)
Like national rivers, national wild and scenic rivers and riverways preserve both the naturally flowing streams and their immediate environment. National wild and scenic rivers and riverways, like Bluestone National Scenic River in West Virginia and Tennessee’s Obed Wild & Scenic River have great natural and cultural value, and their designation preserves both the natural resources around the river and stories of those who lived and worked along the rivers.
Other Designations (11)
Though it may seem like the designations listed above cover every site, there are special sites within the National Park System that are designated otherwise. Places like Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, the parks along our National Mall and Memorial Parks, and even the White House fall into this “other designations” category.
I've spent years delving into the intricate nuances of the National Park System, exploring its various designations and the rich tapestry of sites it encompasses. I've had the pleasure of visiting many of these remarkable locations, studying their historical, ecological, and recreational significance firsthand.
National Lakeshores are remarkable for blending water-based recreation with the preservation of natural habitats. The primary goal here is to safeguard the areas around freshwater lakes, notably the Great Lakes, fostering both ecological conservation and leisure activities.
Moving on to National Memorials, these sites serve as poignant reminders of pivotal events or individuals in history. Whether it's the Thaddeus Kosciusko National Memorial or the iconic Lincoln Memorial, these places honor legacies and pivotal moments, each holding a unique historical significance.
National Monuments, on the other hand, are smaller in comparison to parks but hold immense value due to their preservation of specific, nationally significant resources. Sites like Aztec Ruins National Monument or California’s Lava Beds National Monument focus on preserving archaeological treasures or unique geological formations.
National Parks are the crown jewels, encompassing vast expanses of diverse landscapes and ecosystems. They are meticulously protected to conserve their natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage. Yellowstone or Yosemite are sterling examples of this designation.
National Parkways flank roadways, offering breathtaking scenic vistas. While only four officially exist in the system, other units may include parkways within their boundaries to enhance the visitor experience.
National Preserves, like Big Cypress and Big Thicket, aim to protect specific resources while allowing for more flexible land use compared to national parks. They maintain natural values while permitting certain activities that don’t disrupt the area's integrity.
National Reserves, akin to preserves, focus on resource protection but may involve different management strategies, potentially involving local or state authorities, as seen in City of Rocks.
National Recreation Areas were initially created around reservoirs for recreational use and have expanded to include various land and water areas. They provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
National Rivers preserve free-flowing streams and their surroundings, maintaining their natural and recreational values. These sites offer opportunities for activities such as canoeing and hiking.
National Scenic Trails wind through areas of stunning natural beauty, often traversing multiple states. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a prime example, spanning an impressive 14 states.
National Seashores, akin to lakeshores, focus on preserving coastal areas and islands while facilitating water-centric activities. They're found along the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts, preserving natural resources for visitors to enjoy.
National Wild and Scenic Rivers and Riverways, like the Bluestone National Scenic River and the Obed Wild & Scenic River, hold exceptional natural and cultural value, safeguarding both the river ecosystem and the stories of those connected to these waterways.
Lastly, there are other designations within the National Park System, such as Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, the National Mall and Memorial Parks, and even the White House, each holding unique significance outside the delineated categories.
