Wonders of the National Park System are in every state. Here's where to find one near you

Wonders of the National Park System are in every state. Here’s where to find one near you Nation Sep 27, 2025 1:45 PM EDT

This article originally appeared on The Conversation .

When people think about national parks, they often think about the most famous ones – places like Yellowstone, Yosemite, Denali, Acadia, Glacier, Everglades and the Great Smoky Mountains. These are among the nation’s most sought-after destinations, with awe-inspiring scenery, abundant wildlife and places for adventure and recreation.

Admission is free at most of them , and at the rest, it’s competitive with the cost of a family meal deal at a fast-food joint.

But there is much more to the nation’s park system than just the 63 places formally designated as national parks . The National Park Service al