By Dennis Powell, e-Management

Did you know that the Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park? When is your next trip there?

What federal organization manages more than 400 national parks, conservation and historical lands, and national monuments? If you guess the National Park Service (NPS) you are absolutely correct. NPS is a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior and has been around since President Woodrow Wilson signed a law establishing the organization way back in 1916. NPS, supported by 28,000 workers and professionals, has an annual budget of about $3 billion. More than nearly 2.5 million volunteer for the National Park Service.

Every year more than 275 million people visit the 400+ U.S. national parks every year. Now, that’s a lot of people. The system includes more than 84 million acres of land in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Now, that’s a lot of land. But, wait…did you know that Delaware is the only state without a national park? Who knew? 

What Makes the National Park Service properties so special?
Well, NPS offers something for everyone: breath-taking parklands, recreation, cultural heritage, and history. For your convenience, e-Management has pulled together some of the popular NPS destinations and points of interest.

1. African-American Heritage: As discussed earlier, NPS oversees historical land and monuments. The bureau manages African-American Heritage Sites, which spotlights the roles blacks played in American history. Popular sites include the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, and Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site. The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, D.C., is also part of NPS’ African-American Heritage Sites. Douglass was a 19th century black abolitionist who advised President Abraham Lincoln on issues from emancipation to fair pay for black soldiers who fought alongside whites in the Civil War.
2. Hispanic Heritage: The Hispanic Heritage Sites preserve the history of Hispanic Americans. These sites are comprised of at least 20 properties. Each site spotlights Hispanic heritage. For instance, the popular Chamizal National Memorial in El Paso, Texas is more than a place for recreation or relaxation. The park has become a symbol for reconciliation. Why? According to park’s website, this site represents “the peaceful settlement of a 100-year border dispute between nations.” The park features a museum that provides the history of U.S.A. and Mexico border disputes and eventual resolution. Other parks in the Hispanic Heritage Sites include the De Soto National Memorial in Bradenton (Florida), Presidio of San Francisco, and the San Juan National Historic Site in Puerto Rico.
3. Women’s History: Women’s History Sites throughout the National Park Service feature information on the contributions of women in the U.S.A. Popular sites include the Women’s Rights National Historical Park, the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, and the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site. Another site, the Sewall-Belmont House is considered by some historians to be the birth place of the women’s suffrage movement in the U.S.A. According to its website, the site “is committed to sharing the untold stories of women’s history.”
4. The Grand Canyon: Who remembers the Brady Bunch episode that featured the family’s annual camping trip? Where did they go? The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. This national park is very much a part of American popular culture. Really, the site is featured in numerous movies including the Grand Canyon; Thelma and Louise; and Transformers. So, it should come as no surprise that the canyon was the second most visited NPS property last year. What’s to do there? You can hike, take mule trips into the canyon, and camp. This is the perfect destination for people who love the great outdoors. Perhaps the most interesting aspect to the Grand Canyon is its spectacular sunrise and sunset vistas. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen this spectacular view!
5. The Great Smoky Mountains: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s popularity may come as a surprise to some. Spanning the states of Tennessee and North Carolina, the park is by far the most visited national park—beating out the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, and even Yellowstone National Park. Nearly 10 million people visited the park last year. That’s twice as many as the Grand Canyon! What’s the attraction? The area is a natural and cultural history treasure. The park offers diverse landscapes, plants, and wildlife. The Great Smoky Mountains region also has one of the largest collections of log cabins and preserved buildings in the country. Beyond historical structures, other points of interest and activities include viewing wildflowers, fishing, camping, horseback riding, and bicycling.

What’s Your Favorite NPS Treasure?
The National Park Service’s official mission is to care “for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.” NPS resources are places for monumental learning and fun. As we have seen, NPS is more than just parks. NPS showcases our country’s diverse history. So, (1) when was the last time you visited a national park, monument, or heritage site? (2) What is your favorite NPS destination, treasure, or points of interest?