From August 22–30, 2026, America’s national parks will take center stage during National Park Week, an annual celebration of the landscapes, wildlife, history, and cultural treasures protected by the National Park Service. This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as it honors both the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service and the nation’s 250th anniversary. Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or simply looking for a memorable day outdoors close to home, National Park Week is the perfect opportunity to discover why these remarkable places belong to everyone.
Throughout the nine-day celebration, national parks from coast to coast will offer ranger-led walks, wildlife viewing programs, guided hikes, historical reenactments, educational exhibits, children’s activities, campfire talks, volunteer projects, and photography opportunities. Each park creates its own schedule of special events, giving visitors a chance to experience familiar destinations in new ways. The week also includes themed days that celebrate outdoor recreation, conservation, history, wildlife, and the dedicated employees and volunteers who care for America’s parks.
One of the highlights of the week is Tuesday, August 25, the 110th birthday of the National Park Service. Parks that normally charge an entrance fee will waive admission, making it one of the best days of the year to visit iconic destinations. Families can also take advantage of Junior Ranger Day on August 30, when children can participate in fun educational activities and earn an official Junior Ranger badge while learning about nature, history, and stewardship.
If you’re looking for spectacular scenery, some Western parks stand out as unforgettable destinations. Yellowstone National Park offers erupting geysers, colorful hot springs, abundant wildlife, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Yosemite National Park dazzles visitors with towering granite cliffs, giant sequoias, and waterfalls that remain impressive even in late summer. In Grand Canyon National Park, visitors can enjoy ranger programs, and scenic walks along the South Rim. Along the rugged Atlantic coast, Acadia National Park combines rocky shorelines, mountain hikes, and charming nearby villages, while Olympic National Park in Washington features snow-capped mountains, temperate rain forests, and wild Pacific beaches all within one park.
While Oregon has only one National Park, the spectacular Crater Lake, we host vast expanses of lands managed by the US Forest Service. Eleven National Forests feature thousands of miles of scenic trails through old-growth trees, volcanic peaks, and alpine lakes including Mount Hood National Forest, Deschutes National Forest, and Willamette National Forest. Read more about these forests, here. There are 10 National Monuments including the Columbia Gorge, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, and The Painted Hills.
Planning ahead can help make your National Park Week visit more enjoyable. Because many parks experience increased visitation during special events—especially on the fee-free birthday celebration—consider arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds. Reserve campground and lodging accommodations well in advance if you plan to stay overnight, and check whether shuttle systems or timed-entry reservations are required at your destination. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and layered clothing, as weather conditions can change quickly, even during late summer.
National Park Week is more than a celebration of beautiful places—it’s an invitation to connect with America’s natural and cultural heritage. Whether you’re watching wildlife in Yellowstone, hiking beneath giant trees in Yosemite, exploring Revolutionary history in Philadelphia, or discovering a nearby national monument for the first time, every visit helps deepen appreciation for the landscapes and stories preserved for future generations. Gather your family, invite friends, and make plans to celebrate National Park Week by exploring one of America’s greatest shared treasures.
Because of supporters like you, national parks and forests are places where people can discover the night sky, connect with living cultural traditions, and experience the stories that make these landscapes so meaningful.