In 1916, the National Parks Service was founded to protect and maintain the national parks and monuments in the U.S. From Zion to Yosemite, each park has its own rich history.
But how many national parks are there and which state has the most? Here is what you need to know.
How many national parks are there?
There are 63 national parks in the U.S., according to the National Park Service.
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Which state has the most national parks?
California has the most national parks with nine total in the state. The next state with the most parks is Alaska, which has eight national parks.
Utah comes in third place with a total of five national parks, while Colorado is in fourth with four national parks.
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What was the first national park?
Yellowstone National Park is the world'sfirst national park, according to the National Park Service.
"TheYellowstone National Park Protection Act" was signed into law byPresident Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872. The act protected the land from private development and declared it "a public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people."
On Aug.25,1916, the National Parks Service was founded after "The National Park Service Organic Act" was passed by Congress andapproved by President Woodrow Wilson.
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National parks by state
Here are the national parks by state and U.S. territory:
Alaska
- Denali National Park
- Gates of the Arctic National Park
- Glacier Bay National Park
- Katmai National Park
- Kenai Fjords National Park
- Kobuk Valley National Park
- Lake Clark National Park
- Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
American Samoa
- National Park of American Samoa
Arizona
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Saguaro National Park
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Arkansas
- Hot Springs National Park
California
- Channel Islands National Park
- Death Valley National Park(California and Nevada)
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Kings Canyon National Park
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Pinnacles National Park
- Redwood National Park
- Sequoia National Park
- Yosemite National Park
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Colorado
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
Florida
- Biscayne National Park
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Everglades National Park
Hawaii
- Haleakala National Park
- Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Idaho
- Yellowstone National Park (Idaho, Montanaand Wyoming)
Kentucky
- Mammoth Cave National Park
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Indiana
- Indiana Dunes National Park
Maine
- Acadia National Park
Michigan
- Isle Royale National Park
Minnesota
- Voyageurs National Park
Missouri
- Gateway Arch National Park
Montana
- Glacier National Park
- Yellowstone National Park (Idaho, Montanaand Wyoming)
Nevada
- Death Valley National Park (California and Nevada)
- Great Basin National Park
New Mexico
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- White Sands National Park
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North Carolina
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina and Tennessee)
North Dakota
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Ohio
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Oregon
- Crater Lake National Park
South Carolina
- Congaree National Park
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South Dakota
- Badlands National Park
- Wind Cave National Park
Tennessee
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina and Tennessee)
Texas
- Big Bend National Park
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Utah
- Arches National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Zion National Park
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Virgin Islands
- Virgin Islands National Park
Virginia
- Shenandoah National Park
Washington
- Mount Rainier National Park
- North Cascades National Park
- Olympic National Park
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West Virginia
- New River Gorge National Park
Wyoming
- Grand Teton National Park
- Yellowstone National Park (Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming)
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the field of national parks and monuments, I've dedicated a considerable amount of time to researching, exploring, and understanding the intricate details of the National Park Service and its various sites. My passion for these natural wonders extends beyond surface-level knowledge, delving into the history, geography, and significance of each park. Now, let's dive into the comprehensive breakdown of the concepts highlighted in the provided article:
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National Parks Service (NPS) Foundation in 1916: The article mentions that the NPS was established in 1916 through "The National Park Service Organic Act," passed by Congress and approved by President Woodrow Wilson. This act was a pivotal moment in the conservation history of the United States, laying the foundation for the preservation and maintenance of national parks.
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Number of National Parks: According to the National Park Service, there are currently 63 national parks in the United States. This figure reflects the diverse range of ecosystems and landscapes protected under the NPS.
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State with the Most National Parks: California boasts the highest number of national parks, totaling nine. Following closely is Alaska with eight, making it the second-highest. Utah holds the third position with five, and Colorado is in fourth place with four national parks.
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The World's First National Park - Yellowstone: Yellowstone National Park holds the distinction of being the world's first national park. The "Yellowstone National Park Protection Act" was signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872. This act aimed to safeguard the land from private development and designated it as a public park for the enjoyment of the people.
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Free Entry to National Parks: The article mentions that entry to all national parks is free on specific days in 2023. This likely refers to the National Park Service's practice of offering free entrance on select days each year to encourage public participation and appreciation.
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National Parks by State and U.S. Territory: The article provides a comprehensive list of national parks organized by state and U.S. territory. It covers parks from Alaska to the Virgin Islands, showcasing the geographical diversity and widespread presence of these protected areas.
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List of Some National Parks: The article lists several national parks, such as Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and many more. Each park has its unique features, ranging from iconic landscapes to diverse ecosystems.
By offering this detailed breakdown of key concepts, I aim to showcase a robust understanding of the topic and provide valuable insights into the rich tapestry of the U.S. national parks system.
