Browse Parks by Type
From iconic national parks to historic battlefields, explore America's diverse portfolio of protected lands. Each designation serves a unique purpose in preserving our natural and cultural heritage.
Featured sites: Wupatki National Monument, Cape Krusenstern National Monument and 82 more
Explore All National Monuments
Featured sites: Blackwell School National Historic Site, Minuteman Missile National Historic Site and 76 more
Explore All National Historic Sites
Featured sites: Weir Farm National Historical Park, Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park and 62 more
Explore All National Historical Parks
Featured sites: Grand Canyon National Park, Arches National Park and 49 more
Explore All National Parks
Featured sites: Amistad National Recreation Area, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and 16 more
Explore All National Recreation Areas
Featured sites: Oklahoma City National Memorial, Coronado National Memorial and 16 more
Explore All National Memorials
Featured sites: Selma To Montgomery National Historic Trail, Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail and 16 more
Explore All National Historic Trails
Featured sites: Big Hole National Battlefield, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield and 9 more
Explore All National Battlefields
Featured sites: Canaveral National Seashore, Cape Lookout National Seashore and 8 more
Explore All National Seashores
Featured sites: Big Thicket National Preserve, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and 7 more
Explore All National Preserves
Featured sites: Kings Mountain National Military Park, Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park and 7 more
Explore All National Military Parks
Featured sites: Denali National Park & Preserve, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve and 6 more
Explore All National Park & Preserves
Featured sites: New England National Scenic Trail, North Country National Scenic Trail and 4 more
Explore All National Scenic Trails
Featured sites: Richmond National Battlefield Park, Manassas National Battlefield Park and 2 more
Explore All National Battlefield Parks
Featured sites: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and 1 more
Explore All National Lakeshores
Featured sites: Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve, Aniakchak National Monument & Preserve and 1 more
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Featured sites: Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River, Obed Wild & Scenic River
Explore All Wild & Scenic Rivers
Featured sites: Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, Mississippi National River & Recreation Area
Explore All National River & Recreation Areas
Featured sites: Niobrara National Scenic River, Bluestone National Scenic River
Explore All National Scenic Rivers
Featured sites: Saint Croix Island International Historic Site
Explore All International Historic Sites
Featured sites: Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Explore All National Scenic Riverways
Featured sites: Buffalo National River
Explore All National Rivers
Featured sites: Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve
Explore All National Historical Park and Ecological Preserves
Featured sites: Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve
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Featured sites: Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River
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Featured sites: Ozark National Scenic Riverways
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Featured sites: Alagnak Wild River
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Featured sites: Missouri National Recreational River
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Featured sites: Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site
Explore All National Battlefield Sites
Featured sites: Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Explore All National Monument and Historic Shrines
Featured sites: Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail
Explore All National Geologic Trails
Featured sites: Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Explore All National Historical Park and Preserves
Featured sites: Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River
Explore All National Wild and Scenic RiversUnderstanding Park Designations
The National Park Service manages over 400 sites across more than a dozen different designations. Each classification reflects the unique character, purpose, and significance of the protected area. National Parks preserve outstanding natural landscapes, while National Monuments protect objects of historic or scientific interest. National Historic Sites commemorate important people and events, and National Recreation Areas provide outdoor recreation opportunities.
Whether you're drawn to the grandeur of national parks, the solemnity of battlefields, or the scenic beauty of parkways, each designation offers its own distinct experience and insight into America's natural and cultural heritage.
Understanding Park Designations
National Parks: The crown jewels of the park system, featuring significant natural resources, ecosystems, and scenic beauty. Examples: Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon.
National Monuments: Protect significant natural, cultural, or historic features. Can be established by presidential proclamation. Examples: Devils Tower, Bandelier, Dinosaur.
National Historic Sites: Preserve places of historical significance. Examples: Ford’s Theatre, Independence Hall, Manzanar.
National Battlefields: Commemorate important military conflicts. Examples: Gettysburg, Antietam, Shiloh.
National Seashores & Lakeshores: Protect shoreline areas with recreational and scientific value. Examples: Cape Cod, Padre Island, Sleeping Bear Dunes.
National Recreation Areas: Offer outdoor recreation opportunities, often centered around reservoirs. Examples: Lake Mead, Golden Gate, Gateway Arch.
What’s the Difference?
While “National Park” is the most prestigious designation, all park types are managed by the National Park Service and offer incredible experiences. Many National Monuments and Historic Sites receive fewer visitors, making them perfect for those seeking quieter adventures.
Ready to explore? Browse parks by state or find parks near your location.