National Park Week 2024: Everything You Need To Know

Join us as we celebrate National Park Week this year from April 20 through 28, 2024. Preserving natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, unique geological features, and recreation opportunities across the country, from Arizona’s Grand Canyon, Utah’s Zion National Park, and Redwood and Yosemite National Parks in California, America’s national parks are truly remarkable.

These cherished public lands are home to some of the most beautiful places on earth, and we can’t wait to celebrate them this April. Whether you opt for spending time exploring your nearest national park or simply take our quiz on national parks trivia that covers unique facts about our greatest national treasures, we hope you love celebrating America’s national parks with us.

Table of Contents

When is National Park Week?
What is National Park Week?
Is there free admission during National Park Week?
How is National Park Week celebrated?
What is the history of the National Park System?
How are America’s national parks protected?
What is some fun National Parks trivia?
Not Your Average Bucket List – Podcast Episode

When is National Park Week?

National Park Week takes place from April 20 to 28, 2024. Every April, this presidentially proclaimed celebration run by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation encourages Americans to explore breathtaking places, discover history and culture, and even volunteer to keep these places wild.

What is National Park Week?

While we write about and celebrate the natural wonders found within our National Parks year-round here at OnlyInYourState, National Park Week is a time to celebrate the natural beauty of our national parks and show our appreciation to the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior as well as commit to protecting these incredible places.

Is there free admission during National Park Week?

On the first day of National Park Week, Saturday, April 20, all national park entrance fees will be waived for visitors. With free admission during National Park Week, there’s no reason not to visit your nearest national monument or national historical park. What are you waiting for? Get out there, find your park on the NPS.gov website, and explore!

Enjoy free admission to more than 400 sites managed by the National Park Service on the following days in 2024:

January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
April 20: National Park Week
June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
August 4: Great American Outdoors Day
September 28: National Public Lands Day
November 11: Veterans Day

These fee-free days are fantastic opportunities to visit some of the country’s most iconic natural and cultural landmarks without opening up your wallet.

How is National Park Week celebrated?

Special events will also take place throughout National Park Week, with unique in-person and virtual events throughout the country, daily themes, and more. Follow your favorite park on social media to discover all there is to do during this annual celebration. Be sure to plan ahead, though. This is a popular time to visit national parks, so be sure to make reservations for lodging, campsites, tours, and activities in advance.

Unsure which national park to visit next? Discover what makes each park special below — click on the park’s name for OnlyInYourState coverage, and check out each park’s event calendar and Instagram page for more details. You can also find National Park Week events in parks across the United States on the National Park Service’s Event Calendar. Happy exploring!

National Parks In The Northeast United States

Acadia National Park, Maine: The Crowned Jewel of the Atlantic Coast, the scenic and sprawling Acadia National Park welcomes four million visitors annually. Follow Acadia on Instagram and check out the park’s event calendar.
New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia: Encompassing more than 70,000 acres of land along the New River, this new national park is scenic and offers abundant recreation opportunities – particularly whitewater rafting. Follow this West Virginia park on Instagram and check out its event calendar.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia: Protecting more than 200,000 acres of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park is home to panoramic views from overlooks, cascading waterfalls, fields of wildflowers, and serene wooded hollows. Follow this Virginia park on Instagram and check out its event calendar.

National Parks In The Southeast United States

Big Bend National Park, Texas: Sitting on the U.S.-Mexico border in the state’s most arid region, few places are as rugged, remote, and downright gorgeous as Big Bend. Check out the Big Bend Events Calendar and the park’s Instagram for more information.
Biscayne National Park, Florida: A gem along Florida’s southeastern coast, Biscayne Bay boasts coral reefs, lush mangrove forests, and intricate seagrass beds. Follow this Florida park on Instagram and check out its event calendar.
Congaree National Park, South Carolina: The old-growth bottomland hardwood forests of Congaree are best explored via the park’s network of boardwalk trails. Discover unique events on this calendar and follow the park on Instagram to learn more.

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida: With 100 square miles of mostly open water and seven small islands, Dry Tortugas is one of the most unique eco-attractions in the entire world. Follow this Florida park on Instagram and check out its event calendar.
Everglades National Park, Florida: Encompassing 1.5 million acres of tropical and subtropical habitats, the Everglades are home to 750 different varieties of native plants, over 300 types of birds, and hundreds of animal species. See planned National Park Week events here and follow this Florida park on Instagram.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina/Tennessee: Perhaps the most popular national park in America, the Great Smoky Mountains is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, the beauty of its mountains, and its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture. See planned National Park Week events here and follow Smoky Mountains on Instagram.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas: Often overlooked, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef, the four highest peaks in Texas, and an incredibly diverse collection of flora and fauna. Follow this Texas park on Instagram and check out its event calendar.
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas: Only a fraction of the size of other parks in America, Hot Springs is also considered to be the oldest area protected by the National Parks Service. Follow this Arkansas park on Instagram and check out its event calendar.
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky: The world’s largest-known cave system is home to thousands of years of human history and diverse flora and fauna. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Follow this Kentucky park on Instagram and check out its event calendar.

National Parks In The Midwest United States

Badlands National Park, South Dakota: Measuring 244,000 acres of historical rock formations, Badlands National Park is an unexpected treasure in South Dakota. Follow this South Dakota park on Instagram and check out its event calendar.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio: A refuge for native plants and wildlife, Cuyahoga Valley is home to deep forests, winding rivers, rolling hills, and open farmlands. Check out the Cuyahoga Valley Events Calendar and the park’s Instagram for more information.
Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri: Shimmering against the St. Louis skyline, The Gateway Arch draws visitors from all over Missouri and beyond. Follow this Alaska park on Instagram and check out its event calendar.
Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana: Situated on a 15-mile stretch of Lake Michigan coastline, this natural preserve is one of America’s newest national parks. See planned National Park Week events here and follow this Indiana park on Instagram.
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan: Named after the largest island in Lake Superior, Isle Royale, and containing approximately 400 smaller islands, this waterfront park is truly wondrous. Discover unique events on this calendar and follow the park on Instagram to learn more.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota: Where the Great Plains meet the rugged Badlands, this national park is a habitat for bison, elk, and prairie dogs. See planned National Park Week events here and follow this North Dakota park on Instagram.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota: An International Dark Sky Park near the Canadian border, Voyageurs is home to streams, lakes, and wetlands as well as exposed ridges, cliffs, forests, and some of the best stargazing in the U.S. Discover unique events on this calendar and follow the park on Instagram to learn more.
Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota: Known for its underground cave system with honeycomb-shaped calcite formations, this national park also encompasses prairie and pine forests home to bison, elk, and antelopes. Check out the Wind Cave Events Calendar and the park’s Instagram for more information.

National Parks In The Northwest United States

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon: At 1,949 feet deep, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States; a pristine pool of deep azure, its history as deep as its waters. Follow this Oregon park on Instagram and check out its event calendar.
Glacier National Park, Montana: In Montana’s Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park is home to glacier-carved peaks and valleys running to the Canadian border. Don’t skip Going-to-the-Sun Road. Check out the Glacier Events Calendar and the park’s Instagram for more information.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming: From its rugged mountain views to crystal-clear lakes and the opportunity to stop some extraordinary wildlife, this national park truly has something for everyone. Discover unique events on this calendar and follow the park on Instagram to learn more.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington: America’s fifth national park and the most glaciated park in the lower 48, Mount Rainier is home to rolling hills, awe-inspiring mountains, flowery meadows, and crystal clear lakes. Discover events on this calendar and follow the park on Instagram to learn more.
North Cascades National Park, Washington: A vast wilderness of verdant forests, mountains, glaciers, and lakes, North Cascades is a whopping 500,000 acres and shelters grizzlies, gray wolves, and more than 200 bird species. See planned National Park Week events and follow this Washington park on Instagram.
Olympic National Park, Washington: Covering several distinct ecosystems, from the dramatic peaks of the Olympic Mountains to old-growth forests, you’ll discover new treasures around every corner. Check out the Olympic Events Calendar and the park’s Instagram for more information.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: Atop a volcanic hotspot, this park is home to dramatic canyons, lush forests, alpine rivers, gushing geysers, and hot springs, including its most famous wonder, Old Faithful. Follow this Wyoming park on Instagram and check out its event calendar.

National Parks In The Southwest United States

Arches National Park, Utah: With gorgeous red rock, thousands of natural stone arches, beautiful skies, and dozens of trails to explore, Arches National Park is an otherworldly oasis. Check out the Arches Events Calendar and the park’s Instagram for more information.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison, Colorado: Explore the steepest cliffs, oldest rocks, and craggiest spires in North America at this Colorado National Park. See planned National Park Week events here and follow this Colorado park on Instagram.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah: A sea of red rocks, pink cliffs, and endless vistas, Bryce Canyon is a hiker’s paradise, a fantastic place to camp, and boasts incredible views and top-notch stargazing. Discover unique events on this calendar and follow the park on Instagram to learn more.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah: The least-visited national park in Utah, Canyonlands invites you to explore countless canyons and buttes carved by the Colorado River. Follow this Utah park on Instagram and check out its event calendar.
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah: Filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline extending almost 100 miles, Capitol Reef is unique. Check out the Capitol Reef Events Calendar and the park’s Instagram for more information.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico: Hidden beneath the desert landscapes of New Mexico, this national park is home to more than 119 caves formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone. Discover unique events on this calendar and follow the park on Instagram to learn more.
Channel Islands National Park, California: A beautiful chain of five islands along the Southern California coast, you’ll find unspoiled beauty and rugged scenery everywhere you look in the Channel Islands. Check out the Channel Islands Events Calendar and the park’s Instagram for more information.
Death Valley National Park, California: Record summer heat and steady drought make Death Valley the hottest, dryest, and lowest national park in America. See planned National Park Week events here and follow this California park on Instagram.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona: Considering our Grand Canyon is one of the world’s seven natural wonders, it’s easy to understand why so many people want to see it in person. See planned National Park Week events here and follow this Arizona park on Instagram.
Great Basin National Park, Nevada: Protecting 77,180 acres of the Great Basin Desert and the South Snake Mountains, Great Basin is one of Nevada’s best-kept secrets and one of the least-visited national parks in the U.S. Follow this Nevada park on Instagram and check out its event calendar.
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado: Home to the tallest dunes in North America, discover a treasure trove of grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra in this International Dark Sky Park. Check out the Great Sand Dunes Events Calendar and the park’s Instagram for more information.
Joshua Tree National Park, California: Characterized by stark landscapes, rugged rock formations, and the region’s twisted, bristled Joshua trees, this national park is a desert wonderland. Follow this Nevada park on Instagram and check out its event calendar.
Kings Canyon National Park, California: Discover the world’s most giant trees, huge mountains, rugged foothills, and vast canyons in this beautiful California national park. Follow this California park on Instagram and check out its event calendar.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California: While Hawaii is more famous for its active volcanoes, Lassen is home to steaming fumaroles, crystalline mountain lakes, wildflower-filled meadows, and numerous volcanoes. See planned National Park Week events and follow this California park on Instagram.
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado: Known for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, Mesa Verde offers a spectacular window into the past and is also an International Dark Sky Park. Check out the Mesa Verde Events Calendar and the park’s Instagram for more information.
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona: Known for its Triassic fossils, this 200 million-year-old ecosystem is a surreal landscape with semi-desert shrub grasslands and colorful and eroded badlands. Follow this Arizona park on Instagram and check out its event calendar.
Pinnacles National Park, California: Approximately 23 million years ago, multiple volcanic eruptions formed what would become Pinnacles National Park, an exquisite and unique terrain with 30 miles of trails and awe-inspiring rock formations. See planned National Park Week events and follow this Colorado park on Instagram.
Redwood National Park, California: Home to the tallest trees on earth, vast prairies, wild rivers, and 40 miles of rugged coastline, this verdant landscape is as inspiring as can be. Check out the Redwood Events Calendar and the park’s Instagram for more information.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado: Spanning the Continental Divide, this 415-square-mile national park encompasses a spectacular range of mountain landscapes, from meadows and alpine lakes to towering peaks. Follow this Colorado park on Instagram and check out its event calendar.
Saguaro National Park, Arizona: Near Tuscon and known for its spectacular sunsets, Saguaro is named after the massive saguaro cactus native to this desert environment. Discover unique events on this calendar and follow the park on Instagram to learn more.
Sequoia National Park, California: Adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia is known for its massive trees, including the General Sherman Tree dominating the Giant Forest. Check out the Sequoia Events Calendar and the park’s Instagram for more information.
White Sands National Park, New Mexico: Wave-like dunes of gypsum sand engulf 275 square miles of desert, creating an otherworldly wonder in the Tularosa Basin of New Mexico. See planned National Park Week events and follow this New Mexico park on Instagram.
Yosemite National Park, California: Famous for its ancient sequoia trees, cascading waterfalls, and granite cliffs, Yosemite is a California wonderland just wanting to be explored. See planned National Park Week events and follow this Colorado park on Instagram.
Zion National Park, Utah: Utah’s first national park, Zion preserves 230 square miles of red rocks, natural arches, an expansive canyon, and towering sandstone cliffs. It is also one of the busiest national parks in the country. Check out the Zion Events Calendar and the park’s Instagram for more information.

National Parks Outside Of The Continental United States

American Samoa National Park, American Samoa: Protecting American Samoa’s rich culture and natural resources in the heart of the South Pacific is a national park unlike any other. Follow American Samoa on Instagram and check out the park’s event calendar.
Denali National Park, Alaska: Six million acres of wild land bisected by a beautiful ribbon of road, Denali is home to North America’s tallest peak – a rugged and remote wonder. Discover unique events on this calendar and follow the park on Instagram to learn more.
Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska: Immerse yourself in a landscape where icy giants calve into the sea, wildlife thrives amidst rugged terrains, and every turn reveals a vista that will leave you breathless. Follow this Alaska park on Instagram and check out its event calendar.
Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska: The northernmost national park in America is also the second largest, with glaciers, tundra, mountains, and more. Discover unique events on this calendar and follow the park on Instagram to learn more.
Haleakala National Park, Hawaii: Home to species you won’t find anywhere else, Haleakala is a volcanic landscape above the clouds and is often considered one of the quietest places in the world. Discover unique events on this calendar and follow the park on Instagram to learn more.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii: Protecting unique geological, biological, and cultural landscapes, this national park encompasses the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Check out Hawaii Volcanoes Events Calendar and the park’s Instagram for more information.
Katmai National Park, Alaska: With diverse landscapes, impressive wildlife, and historical significance rooted in volcanic activity, Katmai is the most remote national park in Alaska. Check out the Katmai Events Calendar and the park’s Instagram for more information.
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska: Covering approximately 670,000 acres of icefields, outflowing glaciers, and coastal fjords and islands, Kenai Fjords will make you feel like you’ve been transported to another world. See planned National Park Week events and follow this Colorado park on Instagram.
Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska: Located 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Kobuk Valley is home to dunes, the Kobuk River, and massive caribou migration. Discover unique events on this calendar and follow the park on Instagram to learn more.
Lake Clark National Park, Alaska: Another Alaska beauty, Lake Clark is the deepest lake in Alaska, measuring more than 1,000 feet in depth. It’s also crystal clear and surrounded by mountains. Check out the Lake Clark Events Calendar and the park’s Instagram for more information.
Virgin Islands National Park, U.S. Virgin Islands: Occupying most of St. John, this island park encompasses crystalline beaches fringed by coral reefs and backed by verdant forests. Check out the Virgin Islands Events Calendar and the park’s Instagram for more information.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska: Rising from the ocean to 18,008 above sea level, this 13.2 million acre expanse is a rugged, beautiful landscape filled with adventures. Discover unique events on this calendar and follow the park on Instagram to learn more.

What is the history of the National Park System?

America’s first national park, Yellowstone National Park, was created when Ulysses S. Grant signed a bill into law in 1872. Eighteen years later, in 1890, the second national park was created: Sequoia National Park.

How are America’s national parks protected?

While National Park Week coincides with Earth Day, stewardship of these incredible natural wonders occurs year-round. Legislation, hard work, and collaboration with park partners throughout the years have protected these public lands throughout the decades.

What is some fun National Parks trivia?

Here at OnlyInYourState, we love learning all about America’s incredible national parks, and we love testing our knowledge even more. Our local travel experts have compiled some of our favorite fun facts into the following national park trivia questions for your entertainment.

So, tell us, what was your National Parks trivia score? Which national park(s) will you be visiting during National Park Week this year?

Not Your Average Bucket List – Podcast Episode

Our travel experts and Not Your Average Bucket List podcast hosts, Sara and Marisa, dig deeper into National Parks Week, including the history plus some insights into their favorite national parks they’ve been to. If you’re up for an audio adventure before reading below, this is your chance to get some insight from some OnlyInYourState experts. Click below to listen on Spotify or watch the entire podcast episode on YouTube.

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Explore The Best Natural Wonders Our Country Has To Offer During National Park Week 2024

Megan Shute

Author