National Parks Quiz

The United States National Park System encompasses over 420 sites managed by the National Park Service, including 63 designated National Parks. The system was established with the creation of Yellowstone National Park in 1872 - The world's first national park. President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Park Service Organic Act in 1916, creating the agency to preserve these special places 'unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.' The National Parks are sometimes called 'America's best idea' - A phrase attributed to writer Wallace Stegner.

America's Greatest Parks

The National Parks span an extraordinary range of landscapes. Yellowstone (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho) sits atop a supervolcano and features geysers, hot springs, and abundant wildlife. The Grand Canyon (Arizona) is one mile deep and offers incomparable views of geological history. Yosemite (California) features dramatic granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias. Glacier (Montana) contains active glaciers rapidly melting due to climate change. Everglades (Florida) is the largest subtropical wilderness in the US. Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park. Hawaii Volcanoes features two active volcanoes. The Parks collectively see over 300 million visits annually and contribute billions to local economies.

Explore more geography with our 50 States Quiz or our Earth Science Quiz.