The National Park Service Anniversary, August 25th
Robert DeckerImagine the serene coasts of Acadia, the dramatic cliffs of Zion, the timeless allure of Yellowstone, and the mystic airboats gliding through Everglades. Ever since 1916, the National Park Service has been our guide, showing us these hidden gems and crafting adventures that take our breath away. So, as we lace up our hiking boots and prep our cameras each year, let's not just explore - let's celebrate the stories, the memories, and the magic that await in every corner!
The National Park System now comprises more than 400 areas covering more than 84 million acres in 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Saipan, and the Virgin Islands.
Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, it safeguards these special places and shares their stories with more than 330 million visitors every year.
But some of our national parks actually pre-date the National Park Service!
By the Act of March 1, 1872, Congress established Yellowstone National Park in the Territories of Montana and Wyoming "as a public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people" and placed it "under exclusive control of the Secretary of the Interior." The founding of Yellowstone National Park began a worldwide national park movement.
On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act creating the National Park Service to protect the 35 national parks and monuments then managed by the department. The "Organic Act" states that "the Service thus established shall promote and regulate the use of the Federal areas known as national parks, monuments and reservations…by such means and measures as conform to the fundamental purpose of the said parks, monuments and reservations, which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."
An Executive Order in 1933 transferred 56 national monuments and military sites from the Forest Service and the War Department to the National Park Service. This action was a major step in the development of today's national system of parks—a system that includes areas of historical as well as scenic and scientific importance.
Additions to the National Park System are now generally made through acts of Congress, and national parks can be created only through such acts. But the President has authority, under the Antiquities Act of 1906, to proclaim national monuments on lands already under federal jurisdiction.
The National Park Service still strives to meet its original goals, while filling many other roles as well: guardian of our diverse cultural and recreational resources; environmental advocate; partner in community revitalization, world leader in the parks and preservation community; and pioneer in the drive to protect America's open space.
Celebrate the 109th Birthday of the National Park Service — August 25, 2025
This August 25 marks 109 years since President Woodrow Wilson created the National Park Service in 1916. Across the country, parks will be hosting special ranger talks, community programs, and volunteer events to honor the anniversary. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the mission of the NPS — to conserve, protect, and share these treasured places with future generations.
Is August 25 a Free Entrance Day?
Not this year. The August fee-free day in 2025 already took place on August 4 to celebrate the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act. While entrance fees still apply on August 25, there are two fee-free days remaining this year where all entrance fees are waived (see below).
2025 National Park Service Remaining Fee-Free Days
- September 27 — National Public Lands Day
- November 11 — Veterans Day
Note: Campgrounds, lodging, tours, and other services may still require payment even on fee-free days.
Ways to Celebrate the NPS Birthday
- Join a ranger-led program or Junior Ranger activity at your local park.
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Share your park memories on social media with
#YourParkStoryor#FindYourPark. - Download the official NPS App to plan your visit and check real-time alerts.
- Give back by volunteering at a park or supporting a local friends group or conservancy.
🌲 Did You Know?
The familiar NPS Arrowhead logo was authorized in 1951. Its symbols — a sequoia tree, bison, mountains, and water — represent the natural, cultural, and recreational resources the National Park Service protects. You’ll see it on signs, uniforms, and visitor centers across the country!
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