Summer’s Final Stretch: Celebrating Parks, Community, and Legacy
Summer may be winding down, but there’s still plenty of time to make memories and spend time celebrating parks. Whether you’re chasing invigorating adventures or savoring quiet moments outdoors, these landscapes have a way of keeping us grounded — even as the season shifts.
This month is especially meaningful for parks nationwide. The National Park Service is celebrating parks with a major milestone, new community partnerships are helping Washington, D.C. residents connect with nature, and there’s a simple, lasting way to protect the places you love for generations to come.
Celebrating 110 Years of the National Park Service
A Milestone Worth Honoring
This August marks a historic moment: the National Park Service turns 110 years old on August 25th. Even better, the celebration aligns with National Park Week (August 22–30), giving visitors across the country a full week of special programs, ranger‑led activities, and community events.
Fee‑Free Day on August 25th
To honor the anniversary, all national parks will be fee‑free on August 25th. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore a new park, revisit a favorite trail, or introduce someone you love to the beauty of America’s public lands.
Explore National Parks Across the United States
Celebrating Parks in the Northeast — Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia is full of ocean views, rocky cliffs, and bright summer skies. It’s a great place to watch the sunrise, walk easy coastal trails, and enjoy the fresh sea air. Every corner feels like an adventure.
Southeast — Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN & NC
The Smokies are packed with rolling mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife. Warm August days make it perfect for short hikes, scenic drives, and spotting deer in the valleys. It’s a fun, laid‑back park for all ages.
Celebrating Parks in the Midwest — Badlands National Park, South Dakota
The Badlands look like another world with their sharp peaks and colorful layers. You can drive, hike, or simply stop and stare at the huge open views. It’s a great place for photos and sunset watching.
Celebrating Parks in the Southwest — Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is big, bold, and unforgettable. Stand at the rim and take in the massive views, or walk a little way down the trail for a closer look. Every viewpoint feels exciting and new.
Celebrating Parks in the West — Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite is full of waterfalls, giant cliffs, and peaceful meadows. August is perfect for exploring the valley, seeing huge sequoias, or enjoying a picnic or horseback riding with mountain views. It’s a classic park that always feels magical.
Pacific — Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii
Haleakalā offers sunrise above the clouds and quiet trails through volcanic landscapes. You can explore rainforests, coastal paths, and wide open views. It’s a beautiful mix of adventure and calm.
Celebrating Parks in Alaska — Denali National Park
Denali is wild, huge, and full of wildlife. August brings long daylight hours and bright tundra colors. You might see moose, caribou, or even bears while exploring the open landscape.
Plan Your Visit and Start Celebrating Parks
Whether you’re exploring the mountains of the Smokies or the cliffs of Acadia, National Park Week is the perfect time to reconnect with nature and celebrate 110 years of preservation. Pack your camera, grab your hiking boots, and enjoy the fee‑free day on August 25th — America’s parks are waiting.
Protecting Parks for the Next 110 Years
National Park Trust continues its mission to protect at‑risk land and open doors for the next generation of park visitors. Your support ensures these places — and the stories they hold — remain protected far into the future.
Bridging Communities Through Celebrating Parks
Parks as Common Ground
Through a partnership with Iron Star Foundation and with generous support from the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation, National Park Trust is helping Washington, D.C. communities connect in meaningful ways. Parks are becoming shared spaces where students and police officers can learn, explore, and build trust.
Celebrating Parks with Hands-On Learning & Outdoor Experiences
Participants engage in hands‑on educational programs, outdoor activities, and guided experiences that encourage teamwork and understanding. These moments show what’s possible when parks become places of connection rather than separation.
Make-A-Will Month: A Simple Way to Protect and Celebrate Parks Forever
Your Legacy, Your Parks
August is Make‑A‑Will Month, and National Park Trust is proud to partner with FreeWill to offer a simple, no‑cost way to plan your legacy. In as little as 20 minutes, you can create a legal will — and if you choose, include a gift that helps protect national parks for generations to come.
A Meaningful Gift That Lasts
Legacy giving is one of the most impactful ways to ensure the places you love remain protected long after your lifetime. It’s a thoughtful act that supports conservation, education, and future park stewards.
Keep Supporting Our Parks and Communities
Whatever national or community park you visit, you’re stepping into a place filled with wonder. Every park has its own story, its own views, and its own way of making you slow down and enjoy the moment. Whether you’re hiking a quiet trail, watching wildlife, or taking in a big scenic overlook, these parks make every trip feel special.
Your support helps protect land, strengthen communities, and inspire the next generation of park lovers. Together, we’re ensuring that America’s parks remain vibrant, welcoming, and protected — today and for the next century.
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