Just How Many National Parks, Historic Sites, Scenic Rivers, Monuments and Recreational Areas Are There?

Denali National Park (Photo Credit: Lisa Miller)

We may not have as lengthy of a national history as some other countries, but our ancestors had a great foresight to set aside millions of acres of land for us to enjoy today.

According to the National Park Service, there are:

• 58 National Parks
• 129 National Monuments
• 141 National Historic Sites
• 20 National Preserves
• 10 National Parkways
• 15 National Battlefield Sites
• 9 National Military Sites
• 30 National Memorial Sites
• 4 National Lakeshores
• 15 National Scenic Rivers
• 18 National Recreation Areas
• 10 National Seashores
• 3 National Reserves

Park Rangers are almost always eager to help. If you don't know where to start, the Visitor Center of the park you're visiting is usually a good bet. Grab a map, fill up your water bottle (please no plastic single use bottles... reuse and refill!) and browse some of the locally made crafts in the gift shop. Participate in a free ranger-led hike or just take in the view.

The National Park Service has several programs that make the parks even more accessible:

• Every Kid In A Park - If you have a 4th grader in your family, you get a free pass for the entire year that allows your whole family to experience the parks. Seriously. Go get your pass now!
• Junior Ranger Program - Meander your way through a park with a worksheet that teaches kids how to be good stewards of the parks. Turn in your completed worksheet and get a junior ranger badge! Maybe pick up a piece of litter or two that some Rude-y Rudersons left behind. 
• Senior Pass - Up until this year (thank you, Congress... grrrr...) the Senior Pass for lifetime access to all parks was only $10. Well, now it's $80. Still, it's an amazing deal and available to anyone over 62 years of age.