It's National Park Week!

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 19 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 19, providing the perfect opportunity to step into the vast wonders of the national parks without cost. Running through April 27, 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.

With countless options of things to do and see, there really is something for everyone in our country’s national parks. You are encouraged 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.

This year’s National Park Week (April 19–27) has the coolest theme yet: "National Park Playlist"—a celebration of the music, sounds, and stories that make these places so iconic. Think of it like America’s greatest mixtape, blending nature’s rhythms with cultural history:

• April 19, Greatest Hits: Find a national park to visit and learn what makes it great! Each park shines in its own way - through fascinating history, breathtaking natural wonders, or unforgettable experiences. Entrance fees will be waived on April 19, 2025! It's the ideal opportunity to explore these incredible places.
• April 20, Alternative: Embark on a new adventure! Test out an alternative hiking trail, or explore a new park activity you haven't tried before. 
• April 21, Pop: In celebration of National Volunteer Week, make a list of ways you can offer your time and skills as a park volunteer! (Don't forget to check ahead of time if reservations are required for more popular parks and volunteer activities.)
• April 22, Nature Songs: Visit a national park and take in the sounds just as much as the sights! Find a safe space to pause, close your eyes and listen to the amazing sounds of nature. 
• April 23, Classic Rock: Geology rocks! Learn about the vast and ancient origin of park geology, caves and more. These rock features represent profound natural and cultural significance in our national parks. 
• April 24, Heavy Metal: Get inspired in your own neighborhood and at the national parks with a scavenger hunt identifying your favorite metal sculptures, bridges or other metal-based structures that help maintain safety and infrastructure for annual visitors.
• April 25, Rhythm & Blues: Visit a park which offers performances of historical and contemporary music! Explore how the history of the park relates to our unique history as a musically inspired nation. 
• April 26, Dance Music: Dance into your favorite national park for a performance or physical activity! You can find events and athletic activities to participate in on the NPS App. 
• April 27, Walkup Songs: Pick your favorite walk up or hiking trail in a national park, and share a video of your favorite natural wonders and landscapes you can walk up to! 

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.

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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