National Park Week is here, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the beauty and wonder of America’s great outdoors. While many of us are familiar with the iconic national parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite, there are some lesser-known facts and features that make these parks even more fascinating.
According to the National Park Service (NPS), there are 15 surprising facts about the national parks that may come as a surprise. For example, did you know that the National Park Service protects over 85 million acres of natural resources and historic sites across the country? This includes the largest national park, Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, which is the same size as Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Switzerland combined.
Another interesting fact is that America’s second national park, Mackinac National Park, was founded in 1875 but returned to the state of Michigan in 1895. Today, it is known as Mackinac Island State Park.
In Death Valley National Park, one of the hottest temperatures ever recorded on Earth occurred in 1913 when Furnace Creek reached a scorching 134 degrees. And in Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida, there is an abundant sea turtle population that nests annually in the area.
These are just a few of the fascinating facts about America’s national parks. From the longest cave system in the world at Mammoth Cave National Park to the deepest lake in the U.S. at Crater Lake National Park, each park offers its own unique wonders and surprises.
So, this National Park Week, why not take some time to explore these incredible natural treasures and discover the hidden gems that make them so special? Whether you’re a seasoned park enthusiast or a first-time visitor, there’s always something new and exciting to learn about our national parks.
