On August 26, 2015 the National Park Service will turn 100. Is it crazy to try to see 100 National Parks by the time NPS turns 100? It might be. But I’m going to give it a try anyway.
I never paid much attention to National Parks while I was growing up (although my parents actually took me to see more than they realize), but the older I get the more value I see in them. Add a move to a major city and that need is compounded. But factor in that the major city is our nation’s capitol and you’ll realize I’m a bit National Park spoiled.
America’s Best Idea
There are 401 sites in the National Park System. The immediate Washington, DC area is home to 20. The Mid-Atlantic Region (comprised of PA, VA, WV, NJ, DE, MD) contains 54 more. I have day trip access to 74 National Parks. But would I ever go see them all? I’m not sure that I would. Sure I’ve done the National Mall and the Monuments, but by the time the weekend rolls around I’m ready to crash out on my couch and watch some movies, or head to the pool and read a book. I rarely, willingly leave my comfort zone and challenge myself. But within reach are 74 sites where something happened that shaped our nation or the land was naturally so beautiful that Congress decided they needed to protect it. In a country of 2.3 billion acres only 80 million are in the National Park System. Clearly there is something special about this less than 3.5% of our total area. And I want to see for myself what it is.
Trees tower. Mountains rise. Volcanoes erupt. Sky stretches for miles. Battles were fought. Gold was found. History was made. We live in a broad and diverse nation. There’s so much to explore. So I’m asking you to join me in this challenge. How many parks have you already been to? What is your favorite? What needs to go on my “Must See” list? I invite you to follow along on my quest to 100, but also help me out along the way. Encourage me with your stories. Inspire me with your discoveries. Race me to the finish.
Below is a list of the 401 sites in the National Park System, complete with Wikipedia links for more info on each park (though I recommend the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov to get accurate and up to date information). I recently completed my own tally and was shocked to discover I’ve already visited 48. I’ve bolded the parks I’ve visited.
100 By 100
I don’t know if I can accomplish my goal. It will take a lot of travel, effort, and expense to get to 52 parks in 2 years. But it will get me outside, out of my comfort zone, and exploring. That’s a much better goal than 100 “x” on my list.
United States National Park Service List
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