Celebrate the Journey Through America’s Natural and Cultural Treasures
National Park Week offers an annual invitation to embrace the natural beauty, rich heritage, and diverse ecosystems of America's national parks. This year, the celebration ignites on April 20 with a week-long itinerary crafted by the National Park Service (NPS) to inspire and engage people of all ages. From the towering forests and majestic mountains to the historic sites that tell the story of our nation, there's no better time to explore the great outdoors.
New River Gorge National Park, America's Newest!
A Week of Adventure and Discovery
The festivities kick off with an entrance fee-free day on April 20, providing the perfect opportunity to step into the vast wonders of the national parks without cost. Running through April 28, National Park Week unfolds with a series of special events, themed days, and unique activities designed to connect visitors with the incredible resources and stories preserved in these spaces.
National Park Service Director Chuck Sams encapsulates the spirit of the week, stating, “With countless options of things to do and see, there really is something for everyone in our country’s national parks.” He encourages everyone to explore the multitude of natural, cultural, historical, and recreational offerings available not only during National Park Week but throughout the entire year.
Planning Your National Park Adventure
Ready to dive into the wonders of National Park Week? Here’s how you can make the most of this celebration:
- Begin with a Plan: Utilize the trip planning guide and the official NPS app for detailed information about each park, safety tips, and to craft your perfect national park adventure.
- Explore the Online Calendar: Discover the plethora of activities scheduled for National Park Week and select those that spark your interest.
- Engage on Social Media: Share your experiences and join the broader conversation by using the hashtag #NationalParkWeek.
Daily Highlights to Enhance Your Experience
Each day of National Park Week is dedicated to a specific theme, showcasing the diverse facets of the national parks and the NPS:
- April 20, Discovery: Uncover the expanse of 429 national parks spread across every state.
- April 21, Volunteers: Celebrate the 123,000 volunteers who dedicated their time and talents last year.
- April 22, Earth Day: Learn about the NPS Green Parks Plan and how you can contribute to conservation efforts.
- April 23, Innovation: Discover American ingenuity celebrated in the parks and the NPS’s innovative strides in park infrastructure.
- April 24, Workforce Wednesday: Acknowledge the efforts of thousands working behind the scenes to preserve parks and enhance visitor experiences.
- April 25, Youth Engagement: Get inspired by the next generation of stewards making a difference.
- April 26, Community Connections: Explore the nearly 100 community-based programs supported by the NPS across the nation.
- April 27, Junior Ranger Day: A day for kids and the young at heart to engage in activities and become a Junior Ranger.
- April 28, Arts in Parks: Delve into the ongoing relationship between parks and artistic inspiration.
For more details on how to participate in National Park Week and to plan your visit, head over to NPS.gov/npweek. Don't miss this chance to connect with the stories, landscapes, and heritage that define America’s national parks. Let National Park Week be your gateway to adventure, education, and inspiration in the great outdoors.
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Meet Rob Decker, Creator of National Park Posters
Photographer and graphic artist Rob Decker studied photography with Ansel Adams in Yosemite National Park during the summer of 1979 when he was just 19. It was an experience solidified his love of photography and our National Parks. Now he is on a journey to photograph and create iconic WPA-style posters of all our major national parks as we celebrate the next 100 years of the National Park Service.
"I feel it’s important to protect America’s special places, and to connect people with nature. And it’s up to all of us to pitch in. Perhaps more importantly, we need to inspire the next generation of park stewards. I’m trying to make a difference by giving back to the amazing organizations that support our National Parks. I donate 10% of annual profits, so when you buy one of these original works, you're helping these trusts, conservancies and associations, too."
Click here to meet the artist, Rob Decker.
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