Parks Overview

Did you know there are almost 400 parks in the national park system? Use the Park Explorer to find them all, or click on the images below to learn more about some of America's most storied and spectacular places.

Watch a montage of images from all fifty-eight wilderness parks in this video timeline.

Featured Parks:

Acadia

Maine, est. 1919
Biscayne

Florida, est. 1968
Denali

Alaska, est. 1917
Everglades

Florida, est. 1934
Grand Canyon

Arizona, est. 1919
Great Smoky Mountains

Tennessee, est. 1926
Kenai Fjords

Alaska, est. 1980
Mesa Verde

Colorado, est. 1906
Yellowstone

Wyoming, est. 1872
Yosemite

California, est. 1890

For Educators

Check out the lesson plans and other materials for teachers and educators.

Make a Donation

Supporting your local PBS station ensures that Ken Burns's remarkable stories continue to be broadcast. Donate Today.

Watch Video

Watch clips and videos from the documentary.

View with fog in valley and peaks lighted by sunset, winter; Yosemite National Park

Download Wallpapers

Download some of the glorious images from the documentary to enjoy on your desktop.

THE NATIONAL PARKS: AMERICA'S BEST IDEA is a co-production of

and