Why National Parks Should Be on Your Bucket List
Did you know that there are over 423 national park sites in the U.S.? Of those, 63 are designated as official “national parks.” These protected gems, managed by the National Park Service (NPS), were established under President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 and are often referred to as “America’s best idea.”
Before moving to Colorado, I didn’t fully grasp the appeal of national parks. My home state of New Jersey has several national park sites, but no official national parks. The closest one is Acadia National Park in Maine, which I highly recommend! Maine is a nature lover’s dream, with its diverse landscape ranging from majestic mountains to sandy beaches. Its Lakes & Mountains region is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering charming towns and endless adventure.
It wasn’t until I moved to Colorado—a state with four national parks—that I really started to appreciate the magic of these natural wonders. My first national park experience was Rocky Mountain National Park, which we visited not long after settling here. The rugged mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and the first sightings of moose, elk, bighorn sheep, and deer completely captivated me. That moment sealed my love for national parks and sparked a desire to explore more.
Since then, Matt and I have made it a tradition to visit a new national park at least once a year. In just two years, we’ve already explored eight amazing parks: Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, Arches, Canyonlands, Theodore Roosevelt, Wind Cave, and Badlands National Parks. Looking back, I’ve traveled more in the two years since moving to Colorado than I did in over thirty years in New Jersey!
Next on my list is Glacier National Park in Montana. Montana has always intrigued me with its vast, open spaces and tranquil beauty—a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of New Jersey. The stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife make it the perfect destination for my next adventure. I’m hopeful I’ll be crossing this one off my bucket list soon!
If you’ve never experienced the wonder of a national park, here are ten compelling reasons to add them to your travel plans:
Curious to see more of our adventures? Check out my post about our 5-day Midwest road trip, where we explored monuments, landmarks, and national parks in surrounding states. From the breathtaking Badlands to the stunning sights of Arches, it was a trip we’ll never forget!
