List of areas in the United States National Park System

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Cascade pass

Haleakala National Park 05

Barker Dam Nature Trail (17081448532)

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Under the sea at Dry Tortugas National Park (6021858381)

North from Little Stony Man - panoramio

List of Areas in the United States National Park System

The United States National Park System encompasses a wide range of natural and cultural landmarks across the United States. Managed by the National Park Service (NPS), a bureau of the United States Department of the Interior, the system includes not only national parks but also monuments, preserves, historical parks, historic sites, lakeshores, seashores, recreation areas, scenic rivers and trails, and the White House. This article provides an overview of the various categories within the system and highlights some of the notable areas within each category.

National Parks

National parks are large natural or historical areas protected for their scenic, inspirational, educational, and recreational value. As of the last update, there are 63 national parks in the United States, including iconic parks such as Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the world, and Yosemite National Park, known for its stunning granite cliffs and waterfalls.

National Monuments

National monuments are designated to protect significant natural, cultural, or scientific features. They can be created by the President of the United States through the Antiquities Act without the need for Congressional approval. Notable examples include Statue of Liberty National Monument and Bears Ears National Monument.

National Preserves

National preserves are areas with similar characteristics to national parks but where certain natural resource extraction activities such as hunting, fishing, and mining are allowed. An example is Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida, which protects over 729,000 acres of swampland.

National Historical Parks and Historic Sites

National historical parks and historic sites preserve places of historical significance. Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, which includes Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, is a prime example. Historic sites tend to be smaller and focus on a single subject, such as Ford's Theatre National Historic Site.

National Battlefields and Military Parks

These areas preserve the sites of significant battles and military history. Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania is a well-known site where the pivotal battle of the American Civil War took place.

National Memorials and Cemeteries

National memorials are designated to commemorate a historical person or event. The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., is one of the most famous. National cemeteries, such as Arlington National Cemetery, honor military service members.

National Seashores and Lakeshores

National seashores and lakeshores offer protection to coastal and Great Lakes areas while allowing for some recreational activities. Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan are examples.

National Recreation Areas

Created in areas with reservoirs formed by dams, these areas provide extensive water-based recreation opportunities. Lake Mead National Recreation Area is one such area, offering activities in the desert landscape of Nevada and Arizona.

National Rivers and Trails

This category includes national scenic and wild rivers, such as the Missouri National Recreational River, and national scenic trails, like the Appalachian Trail, which extends from Georgia to Maine.

The White House

The White House is also part of the National Park System, serving as both the home of the President of the United States and a museum of American history.

Conclusion

The United States National Park System is a testament to the country's commitment to preserving its natural beauty, historical heritage, and cultural landmarks for future generations. Each area within the system offers a unique experience and an opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes and stories that make up the United States.