While the system of parks currently boasts 409 different units, most tourists head straight for a few crown jewels such as Yellowstone, Yosemite and Grand Canyon; I am by no means immune to the inspiring grandeur of such places, but the smaller, lesser known parks hold a special place in my heart and are just as representative of the US.
In addition to large wilderness areas, the National Park Service preserves places that tell the story of America’s people, of our diverse and ever-changing cultural fabric. As we commemorate our NPS centennial in 2016, we encourage everyone to find a park that sparks a personal connection – and it’s okay to have more than one!
So, why visit a small park? For one, there are often fewer crowds. This means you can have more intimate experiences at the visitor centre, exploring the park, and having one-on-one conversations with our park rangers. Another reason is that small parks are everywhere across the US and often easily accessible from the cities. We have parks in all 50 states, territories and D.C., including in nearly all major metropolitan areas. Lastly, small parks are often free!
For those traveling to these popular national park destinations, I offer some additions to your itinerary.
If your client is visiting the Statue of Liberty in New York City, make sure to include the African Burial Grounds National Monument located in lower Manhattan. In 1991, construction of a federal building revealed a six-acre and formerly forgotten burial ground of free and enslaved Africans. The visitor centre and outdoor memorial pay tribute to the 419 individuals discovered there and offer a place to learn about the complex and on-going history of African Americans.
When visiting Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, consider also going to Rosie the Riveter World War II National Historical Park. While soldiers on the frontlines of war often receive the attention and accolades, there are countless people offering support back at the home front.
This park honors the efforts and sacrifices of American citizens during World War II, and also employs our oldest park ranger, 92-year-old Betty Reid Soskin.
For those visiting Mount Rainier in Seattle, include a stop by Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park located in Pioneer Square. The west coast and Alaskan frontier has inspired countless generations of Americans, perhaps no more so than during the gold rushes of the 1800s. All visitors should step on the scales at the visitor center to determine how much they are worth in gold.
To discover these and other small parks across the US, check out: nps.gov or findyourpark.com
Michael Liang is an eight-year veteran with the National Park Service and currently serves as a visual information specialist at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in Los Angeles.