Great Smoky Mountains National Park is planning additional airlifts from Oct. 6-9 to remove materials from the demolished LeConte Lodge Recreation Building. The scheduled airlifts are expected to occur between 9 a.m. and noon each day. In the event of hazardous weather, the park may delay airlifts or extend the time beyond the scheduled flight window. The park continues to work around adverse weather conditions, prioritizing the safety of everyone involved.
Crews continue to make good progress in the southern area of the fire, and containment lines are being reinforced. On the west side, the fire continues to slowly back down the slope toward control lines. With wind gust to 20 mph and low relative humidity yesterday, fire activity increased in the northeast area near Bridalveil Creek, and the fire spotted out ahead of itself.
The National Park Service today announced the selection of Jennifer Onufer as its next superintendent of Voyageurs National Park. Onufer will begin her new role this fall, bringing more than two decades of experience in public service, park operations and resource management across NPS and the Bureau of Reclamation.
The National Park Service will temporarily close all southbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway in two sections between Tulane Drive and Alexandria Avenue from Monday, Oct. 5 through Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.Closures will occur during non-rush hour times between 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., one segment at a time, and southbound traffic will detour onto Fort Hunt Road.
This fall, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve will conduct prescribed burns in two designated areas to support ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk in the park and local communities.
THURMONT, Md.- Due to increased security measures, a section of Park Central Road in Catoctin Mountain Park will temporarily close Friday, October 2, at 10 a.m. The road is expected to reopen by 8 p.m. Saturday, October 3, but may reopen earlier.
The iconic Hōlei Sea Arch in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has collapsed into the Pacific Ocean, marking the latest transformation of the park’s remote and rugged coastline.
PORTER, Ind. — Indiana Dunes National Park recently celebrated the release of more than 1,600 native fatmucket mussels (Lampsilis siliquoidea) into the East Branch of the Little Calumet River.
The fire grew 192 acres since yesterday morning, partly from planned backfiring operations. It is 40% contained. Firing operations continue near Glacier Point Road and the Bridalveil Creek Trail. Crews carefully burn dry brush and fallen trees. This adds some acres, but it builds stronger control lines and keeps firefighters safer.
The National Park Service is proposing updates to special regulations for Big Cypress National Preserve that would make way for implementation of the 2010 Addition Lands General Management Plan (GMP). The National Park Service will carefully review public comments before making any final decisions.
Denali National Park and Preserve and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service will continue fuels-reduction work this fall near the park entrance to reduce wildfire risk around park buildings, infrastructure and public-use areas.
Mount Rainier National Park, in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration, will begin construction activities for the Fryingpan Creek Bridge Replacement Project on Sept. 28. The multiyear project will replace the existing bridge, improve visitor access and address long-term infrastructure needs in the area.
The National Park Service has selected Kevin Schluckebier as the next superintendent of Mojave National Preserve. He will begin his new role Oct. 18, 2026.
Grand Canyon National Park will begin modified fall operations at the North Rim on Oct. 15. As part of this transition Cape Royal Road and Point Imperial Road will be temporarily closed from sunset Oct. 15 through sunrise Nov. 3, 2026, to accommodate critical road repair and rehabilitation work in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration. The closure is necessary to maintain a safe work environment for crews while they complete these critical repairs.
From October 16 to 18, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park will celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the Cumberland Gap Tunnel by offering visitors a rare, behind-the-scenes experience.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in partnership with Friends of the Smokies, has completed a full reconstruction of the historic John Messer Barn in Greenbrier following extensive storm damage. Park leadership, Friends of the Smokies leadership and descendants of the Greenbrier community celebrated the milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 28.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Acting Superintendent Joni Seay announced today that the 13-knot vessel speed limit in Queen Inlet and on the eastern side of Lower Bay whale waters will be removed effective October 1, 2026 at 5AM.
Buffalo National River invites visitors to take advantage of cooler fall temperatures and safely explore the park’s many hiking trails surrounding the river.
The fire has grown 177 acres since yesterday morning and is now 34% contained. Containment is increasing. The fire’s growth was slowed on Monday, in part due to cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity. Warmer and drier weather returns to the region through the remainder of the week.
The National Park Service today announced the completion of a more than $100 million rehabilitation of 75 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Western North Carolina.
Hot Springs National Park will host the annual Hot Springs Water Festival on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the Arlington Lawn near historic Bathhouse Row.
Throughout October, White Sands National Park will celebrate National Fossil Day (Oct. 14) with a series of special programs exploring the Ice Age human and mammal fossilized footprints preserved throughout the park. Programs will be offered from Oct. 2 – 28 and will include guided hikes along the new Ice Age Trail, ranger talks, drop-in programming and a special presentation associated with the October Full Moon Night on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 5:30 p.m.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore experienced significant impacts from the recent coastal storm. Dare County has declared a State of Emergency for Hatteras Island. As a result, non-resident travel to Hatteras Island is currently prohibited.
Titus Canyon Road, one of Death Valley National Park’s most popular backcountry drives, will close Oct. 2, 2026, as work begins to repair and strengthen the road following extensive flood damage.
The fire has grown 406 acres since yesterday morning and remains 30% contained. Containment is increasing. The fire’s primary growth has been to the north and northeast at a moderated pace.
Alcatraz Island, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is scheduled to temporarily close beginning on October 26, 2026, while crews replace pilings that secure the ferry dock to the island. Repairs are expected to be completed by Nov. 18, 2026.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument invites the public to attend a volunteer fair on Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Waterworks, 184 San Marco Ave.
The fire has grown 311 acres since yesterday morning and is now 30% contained. The fire continues to move slowly north and northeast into the 2017 Empire Fire footprint, where rocky terrain and natural barriers are helping slow its spread.
The fire grew 240 acres since yesterday morning. Containment has increased to 28%. The fire is moving north and northeast in the old 2017 Empire Fire footprint and is inside the Yosemite Wilderness. Crews are building and widening fire lines near Bridalveil Creek, Empire Meadows and Horse Ridge.
Redwood National and State Parks will conduct a series of prescribed burns this fall in six areas of the Bald Hills: DA Second Growth, Williams Ridge, Schoolhouse, Wooden Gate, Lower Dolason and South Boundary.
The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Subsistence Resource Commission will meet Oct. 9-10 at the Great St. Elias Station in McCarthy, with options to participate virtually or by phone. The McCarthy meeting location is a change from the location published in the Federal Register due to venue availability.
BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, Tex. – In early October, Big Bend National Park and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will initiate targeted wildlife management actions to protect native desert bighorn sheep. The project aims to reduce the population of non-native Barbary sheep, or aoudad, within the park, continuing the annual collaboration between the park and TPWD.
The fire grew 228 acres since yesterday morning. It is 17% contained. Crews are building and widening fire lines near Bridalveil Creek, Empire Meadows and Horse Ridge. No roads, buildings or utilities are under immediate threat.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will complete essential maintenance along the Gatlinburg Spur starting Sept. 28. This work will enhance roadside vistas for visitors who drive on the Gatlinburg Spur. This will require temporary single-lane closures to allow park staff to safely and efficiently complete this work.
Great Basin National Park will celebrate two major milestones Oct. 23: the park’s 40th anniversary and the completion of major improvements to the Lehman Caves lighting system and tour route. The all-day celebration will feature a 2 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center, along with guest speakers, ranger programs, free ranger-led cave tours, an Eskdale High School choir performance, and presentations by cave specialists and historians.
The Dome Fire increased 194 acres from yesterday. Wildland firefighters made progress connecting handlines to the Bridalveil Creek trail system and 2017 Empire Fire footprint and are continuing to place contingency lines off of Glacier Point Road.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park will temporarily close most park areas ahead of Tropical Storm Nolo, which is forecast to bring heavy rain, flooding and strong, damaging winds to Hawaiʻi Island.
Beginning Sept. 24, Cape Hatteras National Seashore temporarily closed all off-road vehicle ramps as deteriorating coastal conditions continue to impact the area. The closures are in place due to hazardous driving conditions and risks that drivers will become stranded at high tides. Additionally, the beach from the northern boundary of Rodanthe to Atlantic Drive in Rodanthe, is closed to all access as multiple threatened oceanfront structures pose risks to public safety.
Beginning September 23, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will close East Brotherton Road, between Alexander's Bridge Road and Jay's Mill Road, for construction within Chickamauga Battlefield.
You don’t have to travel far to find spectacular fall color. National parks across the Washington, D.C., region offer countless ways to experience autumn, from mountain trails and Potomac River views to historic battlefields, urban forests and the National Mall.
Hot Springs National Park today announced a new 10-year concession contract that will expand visitor access to traditional bathing services at Buckstaff Bathhouse, including longer operating hours and advance reservations.
The National Park Service has selected Robert Stewart as the new superintendent of Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site and Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. Stewart began his new role on Sept. 20.
Sand Point Road will be temporarily closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic east of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore boundary from October 1 until October 14 for a culvert replacement project.
The National Park Service’s Lake Clark National Park Subsistence Resource Commission fall meeting will be held in Nondalton on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The meeting is open to the public.
Channel Islands National Park will reopen Water Canyon Campground and designated backcountry beach camping areas in the northwest and southwest quadrants of Santa Rosa Island beginning October 14. The southeast quadrant will remain closed to backcountry camping and no permits will be issued for the remainder of the 2026 recreation season. The burn area will remain closed to visitors.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore is monitoring potentially hazardous coastal conditions expected from Tuesday, Sept. 22, through Friday, Sept. 25, as a strengthening offshore low-pressure system is expected to impact the Outer Banks.
The Dome Fire continued to spread at a moderate rate of growth. Last night, the Dome Fire spread further into the 2017 Empire Fire footprint and the spot fire to the east grew. As the fire moves north into the footprint, heavy dead and down fuels will be receptive to spotting. Fire behavior will remain moderate, with spotting behavior being a big challenge in the full suppression efforts of this fire.
The Dome Fire was active overnight, spreading 283 acres to the northern edges of the fire and continues to grow into the 2017 Empire Fire footprint. There are three areas of concern that firefighters will prioritize today: a spot fire east of Turner Meadow, a spot fire in Empire Meadows, and isolated hot spots identified last night near the Chilnualna Falls area.
Assateague Island National Seashore today announced it will begin a $2.5 million water line replacement project in mid-October to upgrade essential water infrastructure in developed areas of the park’s Maryland Unit. The project will improve water pressure and reliability for visitors and park operations while supporting current needs and future facility improvements.
The Dome Fire grew 149 acres overnight, and containment remains at 15%. The Dome Fire continues to move towards the old and existing fire perimeters of the 2017 Empire and South Fork Fires.
Based upon construction timetables, the National Park Service Incident Management Team projects the park will be able to start pumping water by Nov. 16 from the Bright Angel Creek intake to the new water treatment plan.
East Portal Road, managed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, will reopen on Saturday, September 19, 2026, by 8:00 a.m. The road was closed on September 14 following forecasts of significant rainfall in the region, which increased the risk of mudslides.
East Portal Road, managed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, will reopen on Saturday, September 19, 2026, by 8:00 a.m. The road was closed on September 14 following forecasts of significant rainfall in the region, which increased the risk of mudslides.
The National Park Service reopened a portion of Saline Valley Warm Springs Campground on September 17. The burned area at Lower Springs is closed to public entry by order of the Death Valley National Park superintendent.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is reminding federal subsistence hunters that the additional two-day moose hunting season in Unit 11 applies only to the FM1106 hunt area. The FM1106 season will reopen at 12:01 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21, and close at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026.
The National Park Service has selected Tobin Roop as superintendent of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area. Roop brings 24 years of National Park Service experience in leadership, resource management, park operations, partnerships and major project management.
The National Park Service has selected Tobin Roop as superintendent of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area. Roop brings 24 years of National Park Service experience in leadership, resource management, park operations, partnerships and major project management.
Thanks to recent significant rainfall, the Stage 1 Fire Restriction Order for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area will be lifted effective Friday, September 18, 2026, at 12:01 a.m.
Thanks to recent significant rainfall, the Stage 1 Fire Restriction Order for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area will be lifted effective Friday, September 18, 2026, at 12:01 a.m.
The National Park Service (NPS) signed a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and associated Wetlands/Floodplains Statement of Findings (SOF) to reconstruct the North Entrance Road between Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming, and Gardiner, Montana, in Yellowstone National Park.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will mark the 167th anniversary of John Brown’s 1859 raid on the U.S. Armory with three public programs in October exploring the people, events and consequences of the raid.
Grand Canyon National Park crews are assessing damage after an additional flash flood moved through Bright Angel Canyon Wednesday afternoon, damaging temporary water infrastructure being constructed as part of the park’s ongoing recovery from the Aug. 29 flood.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will temporarily close Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail on Sept. 24 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. to safely complete roadside mowing and other maintenance.
Thurmont, Md. – Due to increased security measures, portions of Catoctin Mountain Park will be closed from approximately 5 p.m. on Friday, September 18. Closures are scheduled to continue through approximately 8 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Ecologist Stacey Kehaulani Torigoe will receive the prestigious National Park Service 2026 Director’s Award for Natural Resource Management. The Director’s Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of National Park Service staff in understanding, protecting, and managing natural and cultural resources in and around national parks.
Search and rescue teams recovered the body of Neil Gehring from the northwest slope of Mt. Appleton on Sunday evening. Searchers located Gehring after receiving and analyzing additional cell phone location data. Gehring was transferred to the Clallam County Coroner’s Office at approximately 8 p.m. on September 13. No additional information is available at this time. Olympic National Park is grateful for all the dedicated search and rescue teams that volunteered to assist with this effort.
White Sands National Park will host its September Full Moon Night event Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. featuring a concert performed by Native American flautist and storyteller Randy Granger.
On Sept. 11, 2026, Jewel Cave National Monument hosted a naturalization ceremony for 12 new citizens in partnership with the United States District Court, District of South Dakota and the Denver Field Office of the Department of Homeland Security.
Niobrara National Scenic River, in partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Outdoor Adventures Program, invites volunteers to celebrate National Public Lands Day by participating in a river clean-up float on Sept. 26, 2026. Participants will paddle the scenic stretch of river from Smith Falls State Park to Rocky Ford, collecting trash and helping preserve the natural beauty and ecological health of the Niobrara River.
Calling all volunteers: Pipestone National Monument needs your help on National Public Lands Day! On Saturday, September 26th, volunteers can get out in the tallgrass prairie with park rangers from 9:00am – 12:00pm to help take care of this important cultural site.
The National Park Service urges commercial truck drivers to use caution when traveling State Route 190 through Death Valley National Park, particularly on the steep descent from Towne Pass. A tractor-trailer caught fire on SR-190 at approximately 7:45 p.m. Sept. 9 after its brakes overheated while descending about 5,000 feet from Towne Pass.
NPS is making enhancements and planning additional improvements at Stateline, Bullfrog, and Antelope Point within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. These efforts are designed to preserve and maximize boating access wherever water levels continue to fluctuate.
The Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel will experience temporary nighttime closures for a Utah Department of Transportation construction project. Closures will take place in late September of 2026.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Acting Superintendent Joshua Scott, under authority delegated by the Federal Subsistence Board, is opening a two-day moose hunting season in the Unit 11 federal registration permit hunt area (FM1106). The season will open at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, September 21 and close at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, unless modified by a subsequent federal special action.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve will use a helicopter in mid-September to support a stabilization project at the historic Erie Mine Bunkhouse. The helicopter will transport personnel, equipment and materials between McCarthy and the remote historic site. Flight dates will depend on weather and conditions.
Denali National Park and Preserve will open the Denali Park Road to private vehicle traffic as far as Teklanika Rest Area at mile 30 beginning Friday, Sept. 18, weather and road conditions permitting.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park reminds visitors to view wildlife safely as elk and black bear activity increases this fall. Autumn offers opportunities to witness elk during their annual breeding season, known as the rut, and to observe bears feeding on fall food sources. While these experiences can be amazing to witness, they also require caution, awareness and respect for wildlife.
Seven local Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) members spent the summer gaining hands-on work experience while helping to preserve and maintain Fort Smith National Historic Site. This opportunity was funded in part by the National Park Foundation, and the crew worked alongside National Park Service staff on projects that introduced participants to preservation trades and maintenance skills.
The National Park Service will accept public bid applications September 15 through October 15, 2026, for twenty-four Agricultural Special Use Permits for haying of specific designated fields located within Buffalo National River in portions of Newton and Searcy Counties.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is planning additional airlifts to from Sept. 14-18 to remove materials from the demolished LeConte Lodge Recreation Building.
The search for Neil Gehring in Olympic National Park will continue as tactics shift. The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone who was in the area or has information that may assist the search is asked to email OLYM_Tips@cloud.doi.gov or call the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch Tip Line at 888-653-0009.
The Acadia National Park Advisory Commission will meet on Monday, September 14, at 1 pm at the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Event Center (119 Eden Street, Bar Harbor, Maine). The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment. A virtual meeting option is available for those who are unable to attend in person.
The Department of the Interior today announced that Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Cameron “Cam” Sholly will conclude nearly three decades of federal service and almost eight years leading America’s first national park.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will close the section of Little River Road between the Townsend Wye and Elkmont for essential road maintenance on September 15 and 17.
PORT ALSWORTH, Alaksa — Visitors at the Port Alsworth Visitor Center are being greeted by a rehabilitated landscape. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve received funding from the National Park Foundation to restore a former fuel tank farm adjacent to the visitor center and improve visitor access.
ST. CROIX FALLS, Wis. — The northernmost parking lot and co-located boat ramps at Osceola Landing will close next week as part of the upcoming Hwy 243 Osceola Bridge replacement project.
Beginning Sept. 14 and continuing through the end of the month, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will conduct multiple projects on the Gatlinburg Spur that will require single-lane closures. Visitors driving between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge during the closures can expect traffic delays. For the safety of park personnel and other drivers, please drive with extra caution.
Arches National Park is excited to welcome the Moab-Arches shuttle service to the park! The new service, initiated by Grand County, hopes to reduce traffic congestion and provide a new way for visitors to experience the park.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area welcome visitors to experience the Hispanic culture of the San Luis Valley through a series of music and dance performances Friday, Sept. 18, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Great Sand Dunes Piñon Flats Amphitheater.
As autumn approaches, Great Smoky Mountains National Park looks forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy its world-renowned fall foliage. The changing leaves, cooler temperatures, wildlife viewing and special events bring in a high volume of visitors, congested traffic and limited parking. Check out the tips below to navigate the crowds and make the most of fall in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Beginning Monday, Sept. 28 through Thursday, Oct. 1, and then again Monday, Oct. 5 through Thursday, Oct. 8, the Glacier Gorge Parking area and Glacier Gorge Trailhead will be closed to all uses including vehicle and shuttle bus access.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. – Going-to-the-Sun Road has reopened after park officials made the proactive decision to close it at 5 p.m. on September 6, 2026, due to heavy rain and possible rockfall that made the road susceptible to flooding and mudslides.
The National Park Service today announced the designation of the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial as an Affiliated Area of the National Park System, formally recognizing the memorial’s national significance and strengthening the partnership to preserve and share the stories of the 184 victims killed at the Pentagon and aboard American Airlines Flight 77 on September 11, 2001.
Grand Canyon National Park continues response and recovery operations following the significant August 29 flash flood in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area. Search operations remain active, while crews continue infrastructure assessments, stabilization work and efforts to restore a reliable water supply to the South Rim.
Capitol Reef National Park will host the return of its popular Reef Ride cycling event on Sept. 19 and 26, offering visitors a rare chance to experience the Scenic Drive free of vehicle traffic. From sunrise until 3 p.m. each day, the road will be reserved for cyclists — including Class 1, 2 and 3 e bikes — along with hikers and runners.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. – Glacier National Park today announced that shuttle service and three-hour time limit for parking at Logan Pass will end for the season. Parking at Logan Pass will return to first-come, first-served availability, allowing the public to park without a time limit until the alpine section of Going-to-the-Sun Road closes for the winter season.
Great Basin National Park will celebrate its dark skies with the 17th annual Great Basin Astronomy Festival from Thursday, Sept. 10, through Saturday, Sept. 12.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. – Glacier National Park is implementing a temporary road closure of the alpine sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road. The closure will extend from Avalanche to Jackson Glacier Overlook at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. – Glacier National Park is implementing a temporary road closure of the alpine sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road. The closure will extend from Avalanche to Jackson Glacier Overlook at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
As the nation continues to celebrate its 250th anniversary, the National Park Service sites across the National Capital Area are inviting visitors to explore the region’s rich military history and the people and events that shaped the country. Throughout September, living history programs, artillery demonstrations, ranger-guided hikes and other events will connect visitors with stories spanning from 1775 through World War II.
TITUSVILLE, Fla. — In the wake of recent hurricane and king tide event damage, Canaveral National Seashore invites public comment on the National Park Service’s plan to strengthen storm resilience and support visitor access in the Playalinda District.
The National Park Service is searching for Neil Gehring, 26, who left the Madison Falls Trailhead in Olympic National Park on August 31. According to his backcountry permit, Neil intended to make a cross-country traverse from Boulder Lake to Appleton Pass, returning to the Madison Falls Trailhead on September 1. He was reported overdue at 6:30 a.m. on September 2. Search efforts began immediately after notification. Anyone who was in the area or has information that may assist the search is asked to call the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch Tip Line at 888-653-0009.
East Portal Road, managed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, will open tomorrow September 4, 2026, by 8:00 am. It closed on July 16, 2026, after a significant mudslide. Crews have been working to clear roadways, culverts, drainages, and visitor use areas.
East Portal Road, managed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, will open tomorrow September 4, 2026, by 8:00 am. It closed on July 16, 2026, after a significant mudslide. Crews have been working to clear roadways, culverts, drainages, and visitor use areas.
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve today announced it has finalized plans to relocate the Fort Caroline Memorial Exhibit. The park will create a new outdoor memorial near the park’s visitor center to commemorate the French settlers who tried to establish a colony in Florida in the 1560s. The project will address damage to the memorial from Hurricane Ian and reduce the memorial’s vulnerability to recurring flooding.
The National Park Service, Federal Highway Administration and project partners today celebrated the completion of the Pretty Rocks Bridge with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Denali National Park and Preserve, marking a major milestone in restoring access to the west end of Denali Park Road following the Pretty Rocks landslide and road closure in August 2021.
Grand Canyon National Park continues response and recovery operations following the destructive August 29 flash flood that caused significant damage in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area. Park staff and partner agencies are conducting damage assessments and beginning repair and stabilization work in areas where trails, bridges, utilities and other infrastructure were damaged or destroyed. Maintaining safe access for response personnel and keeping visitors out of hazardous areas is critical as this work continues.
The National Park Service has awarded a $2.8 million contract to McKenzie Construction and Site Development, LLC (Washington, D.C.) to repair and replace the Munising Falls Trail and improve accessibility to the lower Munising Falls overlook in compliance with Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) accessibility standards.
On Oct. 17 and 18, Congaree National Park will celebrate its 50th anniversary, hosting a series of free events including a commemorative ceremony, interpretive talks, guided hikes, special activities and talks by guest speakers
Effective Friday, Sept. 4, the remaining fishing restrictions on the Firehole, Madison and Gibbon (downstream of Norris Campground) rivers and all associated tributaries will be lifted due to cooling weather and water temperatures. Anglers will be able to fish these rivers, in addition to most other park rivers, streams and lakes, daily from sunrise to sunset as specified in the 2026 Fishing Regulations booklet.
Step into the history as Harpers Ferry National Historical Park commemorates the 164th anniversary of the Battle of Harpers Ferry with four days of special programs from September 12–15, 2026. Programs explore the people and events surrounding the battle, which resulted in the largest surrender of U.S. troops until World War II, as well as the battle’s broader implications.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will temporarily close Kuwohi Road and the trail to Kuwohi Observation Tower the mornings of Thursday, September 10, and Tuesday, September 15, to facilitate special educational programs for students from Swain County and Qualla Boundary schools. The park will close the road and parking lot at 8 p.m. the night before each event and will reopen it by 2 p.m. each day.
Due to lower temperatures accompanied by higher humidity, fire danger has moderated across southeastern Utah. Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday, September 4, Arches and Canyonlands national parks, along with Natural Bridges and Hovenweep national monuments, will rescind fire restrictions.
A dead big brown bat found outside the Curry Village Showerhouse on May 18, 2026, has tested positive for rabies. No known human contact with the bat has been reported. However, anyone who may have had direct contact with a bat in the Curry Village area on or around May 18 should contact the California Department of Health (CDPH) and a healthcare provider promptly to determine whether treatment is needed.
Musician and composer David Boye will present Music Inspired by Our National Parks at Scotts Bluff and Agate Fossil Beds National Monuments on September 14 and 15.
The Kahuku Unit in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park will reopen to visitors on Thursday, September 3 after being closed due to damage from heavy rain and strong winds during Hurricane Lala.
After a multi-day search, Marcin Bachleda-Blaszczak was confirmed safe this afternoon in North Carolina outside of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The National Park Service (NPS) is advising motorists that the existing full northbound closure of the George Washington Memorial Parkway between Spout Run Parkway and Route 123 will continue through September 17, 2026. The northbound closure, which began August 10, will continue Mondays through Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All northbound traffic will be detoured around the closure. Beginning September 21 and continuing through October 29, 2026, all southbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway between Route 123 and Spout Run Parkway will be closed Mondays through Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Crews will conduct tree assessments, pruning and tree removal along the parkway.
The National Park Service has recovered the bodies of two hikers who were caught in a destructive flash flood Aug. 29 in Bright Angel Canyon. The hikers have been identified as John Giusti, 46, and Brent Rosenkranz, 42, both of Granbury, Texas. One member of the hiking group remains missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with teams continuing efforts to locate the missing hiker and account for anyone else who may have been in the affected area at the time of the flood.
Jewel Cave National Monument is changing its operations for the winter season. Starting Tuesday, September 8, the monument will be open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
MONTROSE, Colo. – The National Park Service invites you to discover your local day and night skies at the 2026 Black Canyon Curecanti AstroFest. Minimal light pollution and expansive public lands result in wonderful clear days and dark night skies at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area and. Come celebrate the skies above at the annual astronomy festival.
The National Park Service invites you to discover your local day and night skies at the 2026 Black Canyon Curecanti AstroFest. Minimal light pollution and expansive public lands result in wonderful clear days and dark night skies at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area and. Come celebrate the skies above at the annual astronomy festival.
Initial assessments indicate that 60% to 80% of Santa Rosa Island's iconic Torrey pines may perish as a result of the largest wildfire in Channel Islands National Park history.
The National Park Service has selected Angelita Alvino as the new superintendent of Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas National Monuments. Alvino has served as superintendent of the national parks of St. Croix for nearly five years and brings more than 25 years of NPS experience. She started her official role as superintendent on Aug. 23.
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve seeks public comment on its evaluation of potential flood impacts related to proposed shoreline and seawall repairs at Kingsley Plantation. The project aims to provide future storm resiliency by extending the seawall to the extent of the cultural landscape.
Media outlets and the general public are invited to Fort Scott National Historic Site on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, for a Special Naturalization Ceremony at the fort’s parade ground. Check-in for ceremony participants begins at 9:30 a.m. and the ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. The Honorable Holly L. Teeter, United States District Judge for the District of Kansas, is scheduled to preside.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park continues to search for Marcin Bachleda-Blaszczak who was reported missing on the evening of Aug. 24. With support from partner agencies, search efforts remain active within the park boundary and have expanded beyond the park as the investigation continues.
Saturday through Monday, September 5-7, 2026, Fort Scott National Historic Site will take you on an exploration of the labors and leisure on an 1840s frontier post. Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., enjoy a variety of living history demonstrations as you explore the labors on the fort. Monday will be Artillery demonstrations at 9, 10, and 11 a.m.
Shiloh National Military Park is offering a special bus tour for visitors to learn about the Battle of Shiloh through the eyes of those who experienced it firsthand.
The National Park Service has selected James Raftery as the next superintendent of Harry S Truman National Historic Site. Raftery comes to Harry S Truman National Historic Site from Steamtown National Historic Site in Pennsylvania where he was the Chief of Railroad Operations.
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site will host a series of programs September 17–25 commemorating the 69th anniversary of the Little Rock Nine and exploring themes of constitutional rights, citizenship, civic engagement, and the continuing pursuit of equality.
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park invites the public to participate in a Bio-Blitz from Sept. 12 to 13. Citizen scientists will use iNaturalist to identify aquatic and semi-aquatic species including fish, aquatic insects, freshwater mussels, amphibians, reptiles and crustaceans that live in the park’s creeks and springs.
The public is invited to join the National Park Service to honor and remember the 40 heroes of Flight 93 on the 25th observance of September 11, 2001. A full day of programs, including a morning observance and an afternoon ceremony, will be held at the Memorial Plaza near the Wall of Names.
Cumberland Island National Seashore has finalized a new Visitor Use Management Plan that amends the 1984 General Management Plan and establishes clear, adaptive strategies for visitor access, recreation and resource protection to this historic and ecologically rich barrier island.
Notch Trail and all areas within 100’ of the designated trail. During the closure period, Park staff will be repairing the section of the Notch trail ladder that has become a safety hazard for hikers.
Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 4 water restrictions on the South Rim beginning at noon on August 31 in response to the significant flash flooding that occurred along Bright Angel Canyon on August 29. The flooding caused extensive damage to infrastructure in the inner canyon, including the Transcanyon Waterline, which supplies water from the canyon for use in the park.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with assistance from local agencies, continues to search for Marcin Bachleda-Blaszczak, who was reported missing on the evening of Aug. 24.
The National Park Service is asking the public to provide information for approximately 15 individuals who may be missing or unaccounted for following a significant flash-flood event in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on August 29. Grand Canyon National Park staff, in coordination with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, are continuing evacuation and response efforts and working to account for individuals who may have been in the affected area.
A significant flash-flood event occurred in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on August 29, beginning at approximately 2:30 p.m. As of the morning of August 30, 62 individuals have been evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail. Additional individuals are scheduled to be evacuated this morning from Cottonwood Campground and Phantom Ranch in coordination with the National Park Service and Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with assistance from local agencies, continues to search for Marcin Bachleda-Blaszczak, who was reported missing on the evening of Aug. 24. Bachleda-Blaszczak is described as 5 feet, 6 inches tall and approximately 170 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He is from Illinois.
Restoration Made Possible by Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund - PORTER, Ind. — Indiana Dunes National Park today celebrated the completion of the Good Fellow Camp Lodge rehabilitation project, part of a $25.4 million effort to rehabilitate historic structures across the park.
Most of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is now open following temporary closures due to a hurricane, a tropical storm and heavy rain that reduced fire risk.
More people are visiting Yosemite National Park this year, but they aren't spending more time waiting. Preliminary results from a new peak-season visitor survey found 96% of visitors rated their recreational experience in Yosemite as good or excellent, while 91% reported waiting less than 15 minutes to enter the park or experiencing no entrance delay at all.
The National Park Service has selected Brinnen Carter to serve as the new superintendent of El Morro and El Malpais national monuments. Carter begins this new role on Oct. 4, 2026.
The Southeast Utah Group of parks will accept applications for the 2027 Community Artist in the Parks (CAIP) program September 1 to September 30, 2026.
Andrew Johnson National Historic Site is excited to welcome visitors to celebrate National Junior Ranger Day at the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery on Sunday, Aug. 30.
Isle Royale National Park is closing some tent and group campsites due to continued wolf activity. Starting August 28 and continuing until the park closes on October 31, tent and group campsites and hammock use will be prohibited at Three Mile, Daisy Farm, Moskey Basin and Caribou Island.
Travel back in time and experience Yorktown 1781: Before the Siege — a dynamic living history weekend that transforms Yorktown’s Historic Main Street into a bustling British occupied town on Sept. 12 and 13.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park with assistance from local agencies continues searching for Marcin Bachleda‑Blaszczak. Bachleda‑Blaszczak is described as having brown hair, blue eyes, standing 5’6” tall, and weighing approximately 170 lbs.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will return to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at 12:01 AM on Friday, August 28, 2026. The restrictions are in alignment with multiple state and federal partners in order to reduce the risk of fire in the region. Curecanti National Recreation Area returned to Stage 1 fire restrictions at 12:01 AM on Friday, August 21, 2026.
STRONG CITY, KS.- Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve will host its annual quilt display in the historic barn from September 3, 2026 through September 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
Homestead National Historical Park will present a day of living history activities at the Homestead Heritage Center on Saturday, September 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. As the nation commemorates America's 250th anniversary, the event will explore how the ideals of the nation's founding continued to shape the homesteading experience through music, living history demonstrations, and special presentations.
Applications are open for the 2027 Chesapeake Gateways Grants supporting enhanced outdoor recreation and heritage tourism in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The application period runs from Aug. 27 through Nov. 4, 2026. Visit the National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways website to learn more about the grants and how to apply.
Firefighters extinguished two small lightning fires in Olympic National Park on Tuesday. The Maiden 2 fire had burned 0.7 acres near a ridgeline approximately 1 mile north of Maiden Peak. A single tree fire near Deer Park Campground was also extinguished. Both fires were ignited during last weekend’s lightning storm.
The National Park Service has selected Chris Mather as the next superintendent of Niobrara National Scenic River. He will assume the role in mid-September 2026.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has awarded a contract for the deconstruction and removal of the historic Chequamegon Point Light Tower on Long Island due to structural failure.
Big South Fork NRRA will leave open Blue Heron Campground, located in Kentucky this coming winter season. This pilot project will provide the park an opportunity to determine if there is sufficient winter demand to keep the campground open year-round.
The National Park Service today announced a final rule that expands recreational opportunities for personal watercraft (jet-ski) users at Gulf Islands National Seashore by reducing flat-wake zones in Mississippi and Florida.
On Sept. 1, Blue Ridge Parkway will open a 30-day public comment period for a site management plan to restore visitor access, rebuild storm-damaged facilities and ensure a more resilient future for the Linville Falls area. This project is the latest in a number of federal recovery efforts advancing under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump in response to Hurricane Helene damage across western North Carolina.
The National Park Service is asking for the public’s help in locating Patrick J. Trier, a 71-year-old white male who was last seen in Salina, Utah, on Sunday, August 16.
Beginning Aug. 31, Yellowstone National Park will temporarily close Buffalo Creek, a tributary of Slough Creek in the northern part of the park, for treatment to remove invasive fish as part of ongoing conservation efforts to preserve native species. It will reopen to the public on Sept. 7.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Sequoia Parks Conservancy will host the 13th annual Dark Sky Festival from Sept. 11-13, 2026. The festival invites visitors to explore astronomy, wildlife science and the human experience of wonder beneath some of California's darkest night skies. It will feature programming throughout Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and, for the first time, in the gateway community of Three Rivers. Expanding to Three Rivers increases opportunities for people from nearby communities and the Central Valley to participate in astronomy and dark-sky science programs.
The National Park Service announces the selection of Vance Noles as the new superintendent of William Howard Taft National Historic Site. He currently serves as chief ranger at Richmond National Battlefield Park and Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site in Richmond, Virginia, and will take on his new role this fall.
Forest Road 545 will close to all vehicle traffic starting near the intersection with Highway 89A to the Sunset Crater Volcano entrance kiosk for culvert work. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument remains OPEN and accessible via Forest Road 545 through Wupatki National Monument.
Join staff at Homestead National Historical Park’s Education Center on September 2 at 3 p.m. for the monthly walk with a ranger. All ages and abilities are welcome. During the walk, which will take about one hour and cover about a mile of trail, participants will use the prairie and woodland to inspire conversation, learning and sharing. Butterflies, birds and botany are likely topics to be covered.
Due to continued declining water levels at Blue Mesa Reservoir, located within Curecanti National Recreation Area, the Elk Creek boat ramp is no longer safe for launching or retrieving trailered watercraft. Effective immediately, all developed boat ramps at Blue Mesa Reservoir are limited to the hand-launching of non-trailered watercraft.
Everglades National Park lifted the emergency closure for the Shark Valley District at 1 p.m. on Aug. 24. All public and administrative use of the area may resume after the closure from wildfires in the area.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park continues planning for future improvements to the Oconaluftee River Trail. As part of this planning process the park is inviting public review of the Oconaluftee River Trail Floodplain Statement of Findings. The document will be available for review through September 7.
The National Park Service has lifted campfire restrictions in Voyageurs National Park effective August 24, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., due to cooler weather and a lower risk of wildfire. The lifting of the elevated fire restrictions aligns with changes made by the U.S. Forest Service in the Superior National Forest and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Monocacy National Battlefield is marking America in Motion Monday and the 2026 National Park Week with the opening of a new one-mile Monument Trail at Thomas Farm. The trail gives visitors another way to explore the landscape where some of the fiercest fighting of the Battle of Monocacy unfolded on July 9, 1864.
Starting Friday, September 4 and continuing throughout the Labor Day holiday weekend, the National Park Service (NPS), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will implement a Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over impaired driver checkpoint and high-visibility enforcement campaign.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. – Glacier National Park will host volunteer training for its annual Hawk Watch Program on Sept. 21 and Hawk Watch Open House on Oct. 3.
Experience history firsthand at Eisenhower National Historic Site during the 2026 World War II Weekend, taking place September 18-20. This year’s programs and activities will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States by exploring how the ideals of America’s founding inspired Americans and Allies during World War II. The weekend will feature a living history encampment, guest speakers, ranger-guided walking tours, family activities for visitors of all ages and more.
U.S. Wildland Fire Service firefighters are responding to several fires in Everglades National Park, including the Chipmunk and Vulture fires. The Chipmunk Fire was first reported Aug. 21 and is located about two miles southwest of Shark Valley. The lightning-caused fire is estimated to be approximately 9,232 acres and is 30% contained.
Steamtown National Historic Site will celebrate the past, present and future of American railroading during Railfest 2026, taking place Sept. 4 to 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Step into history at your Fort Union National Monument! On Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, as dusk settles over the historic grounds, the gates of Fort Union will swing open at 6 p.m. for an unforgettable evening.
The National Park Service is excited to welcome visitors to celebrate National Park Week from Saturday, August 22 through Sunday, August 30, as dozens of sites across the region mark the 2026 theme, “Celebrate America’s Story,” highlighting the 250th anniversary of American independence and recognizing our shared American heritage of national parks.
Vicksburg National Military Park has restored public access to Grant Circle and a section of Union Avenue after completing an extensive, multi-year rehabilitation project to repair catastrophic damage caused by heavy rainfall in early 2020. With the project’s completion, the northern section of the park is once again accessible to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Curecanti will return to Stage 1 fire restrictions at 12:01 AM on Friday, August 21, 2026. The restrictions are in alignment with multiple state and federal partners in order to reduce the risk of fire in the region. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will remain at Stage 2 Fire Restrictions until further notice.
The National Park Service has selected Allana Olbrich as the new superintendent of Cedar Breaks National Monument. Olbrich brings nearly two decades of experience in park operations, leadership, administration, and resource stewardship.
Grand Canyon National Park is continuing to ease water conservation measures as water supply levels improve. Water spigots in Mather and Desert View Campgrounds have been turned on. Camper Services, operated by Delaware North, will reopen to the public on Friday, August 21. Fire restrictions at Mather and Desert View Campgrounds have been lifted; however, campfires are only permitted in established campfire rings. Visitors and residents are reminded to use caution and practice responsible fire use at all times.
Grand Teton National Park is entering the next phase of several major construction projects, bringing changes to visitor access at Taggart Lake Trailhead and along the Moose-Wilson Road corridor. Visitors should plan ahead for changing conditions, follow posted closures and allow additional time when traveling through construction areas.
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is offering a 10-year concession contract for the Charit Creek Lodge. Through Oct. 20, the National Park Service is accepting business proposals to operate rustic lodging, food and beverage, alcoholic beverages, retail and stabling at Charit Creek Lodge.
Beginning Aug. 24, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will close Abrams Falls Trail from Monday through Thursday each week to replace aging footlog bridges and improve visitor safety. The work is expected to be completed by October 1. The trail will open to hikers Fridays through Sundays and on Labor Day (September 7) during construction.
The National Park Service has selected Devon Bradley as superintendent of Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. He will assume the role October 4, 2026.
Fire activity has been minimal over the past few days on the Border 2 Fire (estimated 7,296 acres in the United States, 43% contained) due to cooler temperatures, cloud cover, and a heavy smoke inversion.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, including the Kahuku Unit, will temporarily close Friday, August 21 by 5 p.m. ahead of a new storm system that could again bring torrential rainfall and high winds to Hawaiʻi Island as early as Saturday.
The National Park Service (NPS) recently announced a new partnership with the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and three local NPS units to train the next generation of leaders in the fields of outdoor recreation and public land management.
The National Park Service (NPS) recently announced a new partnership with the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and three local NPS units to train the next generation of leaders in the fields of outdoor recreation and public land management.
Mount Rainier National Park, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration’s Western Federal Lands Highway Division, is inviting the public to learn about plans to replace the historic Grove of the Patriarchs suspension bridge and restore trail access to the ancient old-growth forest loop.
The National Park Service invites the public to review and comment on four early concepts for the condition and future of the reconstructed fort at Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site. The concepts and supporting information are available at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/ beolalternatives, and comments will be accepted through October 23.
The National Park Service invites the public to honor the legacy of our 36th president at the annual wreath-laying ceremony marking the 118th anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s birth. This commemorative event will take place at 10:00 am on Thursday, August 27, at President Johnson’s gravesite on the LBJ Ranch. Mark K. Updegrove, noted author and presidential historian, will deliver the keynote address.
Hunters can get a free hunting permit at the visitor center beginning September 1, 2026. Permits will be available first-come, first-served throughout the hunting season.
Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument is opening a temporary visitor center at the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument. The Temporary Visitor center will be open until renovations of the A.G. Gaston Motel are completed.
The National Park Service has approved an amendment to the Record of Decision for the Moose-Wilson Corridor Comprehensive Management Plan in Grand Teton National Park.
Fire activity and growth was minimal over the weekend on the Border 2 Fire (estimated 14,604 acres total; 6,680 acres in the United States, 31% contained) due to cooler temperatures, cloud cover, and a heavy smoke inversion. Aviation support has been limited due to poor air visibility and weather.
Park rangers reopened Crater Rim Drive West from the park entrance to Uēkahuna at the summit of Kīlauea volcano around 10 a.m. Monday morning, August 17, following a multi-day hurricane closure.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park will temporarily close the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail between Boston Trailhead and Lock 29 in Peninsula from August 24 to November 20. The park anticipates re-opening the section between Lock 29 and the railroad tunnel, about 0.75 mile north of Peninsula, by early September. The rest of the section will remain closed for the duration of the project.
Keweenaw National Historical Park is excited to welcome visitors to celebrate National Park Week from Saturday, Aug. 22 through Sunday, Aug. 30. Events and activities will incorporate the 2026 National Park Week theme of “Celebrate America’s Story,” highlighting the 250th anniversary of American independence and recognizing our shared American heritage of national parks.
Beginning Aug. 27, Channel Islands National Park will open the new Prisoners Harbor Campground on Santa Cruz Island, introducing overnight visitors to a new way to experience the park's largest island.
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site will present “Something in the Soil,” a free documentary-style, one-woman performance about the life and work of civil rights icon Daisy Gatson Bates, featuring actress Phyllis Yvonne Stickney, on Wednesday, August 26, at 6 p.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church.
Go fish! Join rangers for a morning of free, family-friendly activities at Collier's Ferry Park in Beaumont on August 29. Kids can fish for free and enjoy a free boat ride on the Ivory Bill.
Fire activity was minimal yesterday on the Border 2 Fire (estimated 14,336 acres total; 6,556 acres in the United States) due to an inversion with cloud cover with slight rain and hail. Aviation was limited due to poor air visibility and weather.
TITUSVILLE, Fla. — Thanks to funding from the fiscal year 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program, Canaveral National Seashore recently completed a major historic preservation project to repair damage caused by Hurricane Milton at three historic properties: Eldora House, Seminole Rest Main House and Seminole Rest Caretaker’s House.
A bat at Jewel Cave National Monument has tested positive for rabies. Trained park personnel collected the live bat along the Historic Lantern Tour route on July 29. No human contact with this bat has been reported.
There are eight new wildfire starts in Yosemite National Park, all attributed to early morning lightning on August 12, 2026. No site closures or evacuations have been implemented at the time of this update.
Throughout the summer, National Park Service staff sample and analyze the Blue Mesa Reservoir water for the presence of blue-green algae containing cyanotoxins. At this time, toxic algae have been detected at low levels in the Iola Basin. These levels are under the State of Colorado toxicity threshold. The Iola Basin has been posted with yellow caution signs—consistent with State of Colorado and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidance.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is planning parkwide closures ahead of Tropical Storm Lala which is forecast to bring heavy rains, flooding and strong damaging winds to Hawaiʻi Island.
The soldier was discovered during professional archaeological excavations conducted in March 2024 at the site of a Civil War field hospital within Manassas National Battlefield Park.
A rabid bat was found at Olympic National Park near Staircase Bridge on August 9th. Anyone who may have had contact with a bat in the area (even if not bitten) should contact a healthcare provider and their local health department promptly to determine whether treatment is needed.
Beginning August 12, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will close Glenn-Viniard Road, between LaFayette Road and Wilder Road, for construction within Chickamauga Battlefield. The project will provide routine road-paving maintenance to improve visitor safety and enhance the overall visitor experience. During this project, all public traffic will be prohibited on the closed portion of the road. The park anticipates completing the project by early September.
Cleanup following an Aug. 6 floatplane accident in Katmai National Park and Preserve has been completed. The aircraft was successfully removed from the site Aug. 11, and no injuries were reported in the accident.
Fire activity is moderate on the Border 2 Fire (estimated 13,604 acres total; 6,052 acres in the United States) with recent growth mainly on the southeast flank of the fire due to hot and dry weather this week. A smoke inversion persists in the Hozomeen area with better visibility on the south end of the fire.
Join Gateway Arch National Park in celebrating National Park Week from Aug. 22–30 with a series of fun and informative park activities and events at the Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse. National Park Week is an annual celebration that invites everyone to discover and enjoy America’s 400+ national parks.
Keweenaw National Historical Park will host a free program exploring how public history can broaden our understanding of what constituted an industrial landscape on Aug. 22 at 1 p.m. at its visitor center.
Join staff at Homestead National Historical Park’s Education Center on August 21 at 3 p.m. to earn volunteer hours as you document the biodiversity of butterflies of the prairie and woodland. All ages and abilities are welcome. During the walk, which will take about an hour and cover about a mile of trail, participants will work together with the ranger to find and identify as many butterflies as possible.
Voyageurs National Park, the Voyageurs Conservancy, and other partners will host the sixth annual Voyageurs Star Party on September 11 at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center and September 12 at the Kabetogama Visitor Center. These free events offer visitors of all ages an opportunity to stargaze, learn about the night sky, and experience a certified International Dark Sky Park.
Fire crews extinguished the Sourdough Mountain Fire on August 10. The fire had burned less than one acre on the southern slope of Sourdough Mountain, approximately 0.5 miles below the Aurora Ridge Trail. Over the weekend, air resources responded to increased activity on the Mount Tom Creek Fire. Water buckets were dropped on the fire on Monday.
Visitors to Bryce Canyon National Park can enjoy sweeping views of the park’s remarkable geodiversity while taking advantage of cooler temperatures at overlooks that sit near 8,000 feet. When surrounding areas reach triple-digit heat, many of the park’s viewpoints can be up to 20 degrees cooler, offering an appealing retreat for those seeking fresh air and dramatic scenery.
Emergency personnel from the U.S. Forest Service & U.S. Wildland Fire Service, are responding to an active wildfire in Mount Rainier National Park designated as the Grand Park 2 Fire.
Join us August 29th from 10am to 3pm at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site for "Forging Freedom"- a full day of excitement, history and hands-on experiences! Kids can become Junior Rangers, enjoy free ice cream and explore interactive exhibits. Families can experience re-enactments, see military vehicles up close and even watch a Black Hawk helicopter land on the Armory Green!
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is seeking public comment on a proposed change to the Superintendent’s Compendium that would modify the use of electric bicycles in the park. The proposed update would make the park’s management of e-bikes consistent with other forms of transportation used to get to Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark. The change would permit e-bike riders to leave bikes at the Shuttle Bus Turnaround just south of the Kennecott Visitor Center (where ATVs, personal vehicles, and bicycles are already allowed to park).
Yesterday there was minimal fire activity on the Border 2 Fire (estimated 6,983 acres) due to heavy smoke and atmospheric stability that moderated fire behavior.
Join Homestead National Historical Park for a National Park Service Founders Day program called Found, taking place Sunday, August 23, at 2:00 p.m. at the park's Education Center.
The National Park Service will temporarily close all northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway between Spout Run Parkway and Route 123 beginning Aug. 10 through Sept. 1, 2026.
Thurmont, Md. – Due to increased security measures, portions of Catoctin Mountain Park will be closed at approximately 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8. Closures are scheduled to continue through approximately 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
The National Park Service (NPS) has approved the transfer of historic Norwood & St. Lawrence Railroad Locomotive No. 210 from Steamtown National Historic Site to the St. Lawrence Power & Equipment Museum in New York, marking the successful completion of a complex, multi-year effort to ensure the locomotive's long-term preservation and interpretation in the region where it spent nearly its entire operating career.
The Sourdough Fire is burning 0.75 acres on a steep, forested slope on the north side of Olympic National Park. A Type 1 K-Max helicopter and eight rappelers are currently working to contain the fire. The Aurora Ridge Trail, North Fork Sol Duc Trail, and Eagle Lakes and Aurora Springs backcountry campsites are closed. There are no evacuation orders in place.
Stephanie Stephens has been selected as superintendent of Gettysburg National Military Park, Eisenhower National Historic Site, and Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument. Stephens currently serves as the acting regional director for the Midwest Region of the National Park Service and will assume her new role this fall.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Acting superintendent Joni Seay announced today a vessel speed limit of 13 knots through the water in Queen Inlet to protect numerous humpback whales that have been feeding in this area.
Best known as “home of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’” for its role in the War of 1812, Fort McHenry has protected and inspired Americans from the country’s earliest years. This year’s Defenders’ Day events will explore 250 years of the fort’s history as an artillery garrison, hospital, training ground, and commemorative landscape.
Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park is implementing water conservation measures on the South Rim following a break in the Transcanyon Waterline. The most recent pipeline break occurred approximately one mile below Cottonwood Campground along the North Kaibab Trail. As a result, water is currently unable to be pumped to the South Rim.
West Nile Virus has been detected in a mosquito sample for the first time this year at the William Floyd Estate at Mastic Beach in Fire Island National Seashore.
Fort Union National Monument proudly announces its annual First Fort and Arsenal Tours Days, offering visitors a rare opportunity to stand where Fort Union’s story began. On Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16, 2026, the park will host special two-hour guided programs that bring this foundational chapter of New Mexico and Western history to life.
Isle Royale National Park and Kaleidoscope invite families with children age 15 or younger to enjoy a free cruise on the Keweenaw waterway on Aug. 20, during Ranger III Family Day.
The National Park Service has selected Jason J. Taylor as superintendent of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, which includes North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.
RICHLAND, Wash. – Manhattan Project National Historical Park will host two “Days of Peace and Remembrance” events in Richland on August 8 and 9 to commemorate and reflect on the atomic bombings of Japan in 1945.
Celebrate America’s Story at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area During National Park Week Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area invites visitors of all ages to “Celebrate America’s Story” during National Park Week, August 22–30, 2026, and to take part in a full season of engaging programs running through September. With hands-on activities, stewardship opportunities, and adventures on land and water, Bighorn Canyon offers a memorable way to experience the landscapes and stories that define our nation.
From approximately August 9-14, 2026, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will conduct air sampling around Winnewissa Falls at Pipestone National Monument. The sampling is part of a partnership between USGS and the National Park Service to understand contaminants in Pipestone Creek and assess public health risks.
Effective at 12:01 a.m. local time on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, Yosemite National Park will implement fire restrictions throughout the park below 8,000 feet in elevation. The restrictions are in place to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires and will remain in effect until rescinded.
Wildland firefighters from U.S. Wildland Fire Service with assistance from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and Florida Forest Service are responding to the Bluegill Fire, which was reported on Aug. 2 at approximately 11:30 a.m.
As the demolition of the LeConte Lodge Recreation Building continues, the National Park Service's Contractor will conduct helicopter airlifts the mornings of Aug.10-15. The Contractor has made significant progress with most of the timber structure demolished and focusing now on the basement, stonewalls, and foundation. During this second set of airlifts, demolished materials will be flown off the mountain via helicopter.
The National Park Service (NPS) has issued a Request for Proposals to lease and rehabilitate three historic properties within Cape Cod National Seashore (CCNS).
Republic, Mo. – From Saturday, Aug. 8 through Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield will observe the 165th anniversary of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek with special programs honoring the Union and Southern soldiers who died in the Aug. 10, 1861, battle for control of Missouri.
The National Park Service invites the public to participate in the Dragonfly Mercury Project, a nationwide citizen science initiative focused on monitoring mercury in aquatic ecosystems. Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is seeking 5–6 volunteers to assist with dragonfly larvae collection for mercury analysis on Aug. 4 and 5, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ninety Six National Historic Site installed a new interpretive wayside exhibit for visitors to experience the Star Fort as it may have appeared during the siege of 1781. Through this outdoor interpretive display, visitors can observe an artistic rendering of the Star Fort, etched in glass and positioned along the Battlefield Trail. The glass panel is set in front of the preserved Star Fort earthworks, allowing visitors to see the historic fort image superimposed on the modern landscape.
The National Park Service will reopen a 15-mile section of the Natchez Trace Parkway on August 3 and begin the next phase of a major road rehabilitation project, requiring a detour around a 24-mile section between state Highway 16 (milepost 135) and state Highway 19 (milepost 159.5).
The Olympic, Crow Peak, and Apache Kid Wildland Fire Modules continue structure protection operations in the Hozomeen area on the Border 2 Fire (estimated 3,500 acres).
Effective at 12:01 a.m. local time on Friday, July 31, 2026, Lassen Volcanic National Park will implement Stage 2 fire restrictions. The restrictions apply throughout the park, including all campgrounds within boundaries, and will remain in effect until rescinded.
Thurmont, Md. – Due to increased security measures, portions of Catoctin Mountain Park will be closed from approximately 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31.
Grand Teton National Park, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Western Federal Lands Highway Division, will begin a roadway rehabilitation project on North Park Road (U.S. Route 89/191/287) starting in early August. The project is expected to take about two months to complete.
Yesterday, fire activity increased on the Border 2 Fire (approx. 2,500 acres). A westerly flow is pushing the fire to the east and northeast. The edge of the fire is within .25 miles of the northern structures nearest to the US/Canada border in Hozomeen. Firefighters used aerial delivered water support by Air Attack and four Scoopers to slow fire progression to the west. Warm and dry weather conditions are expected through Friday.
WILMINGTON, Del. — The National Park Service is proposing to allow bicycle use on approximately 25 miles of designated trails within the Brandywine Valley unit of First State National Historical Park and is seeking public comment on the proposed rule from July 30 through Sept. 28.
While visiting Zion National Park from July through September can bring adventure, it may also include rapidly changing weather. Clear morning skies can quickly build into intense afternoon thunderstorms — transforming the landscape and creating serious hazards. The National Park Service urges visitors to stay informed and be ready for sudden weather changes, including the potential for flash floods.
As the nation commemorates America’s 250th anniversary, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park invites visitors to explore the enduring ideals of liberty, equality and self-government through its Freedom 250 Connections event series. On Saturday, Sept. 26, nationally acclaimed writer and performer Sean Dietrich, better known as "Sean of the South," will bring those themes to life through an evening of music, storytelling and humor. The program begins at 5:30 p.m. EDT at the park's Birthplace Unit.
The National Park Service announced today that Death Valley National Park will begin an $69.5 million infrastructure project this fall to modernize two critical water systems and a wastewater system. Funded through President Donald J. Trump’s Great American Outdoors Act’s Legacy Restoration Fund, the three-year project will improve essential infrastructure responsible for providing safe drinking water and reliable wastewater treatment for park visitors, employees, hotels, campgrounds and the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe.
Fort Laramie, Wyoming. Fort Laramie National Historic Site will spotlight the rich history of the 1830s Fur Trade on Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1, 2026.
Beginning Aug. 17, Cape Hatteras National Seashore will close the Billy Mitchell Airport (HSE) to accommodate a runway pavement rehabilitation project. The closure will occur earlier than the previously announced Sept. 8 date, due to an accelerated construction schedule. The runway closure is expected to last until mid-November.
Superintendent Greg Dudgeon announced today the park will accept Commercial Use Authorization applications through the National Park Service’s online portal starting September 1, 2026 for Bicycle Tours, Camping – Backcountry (formerly Summer Backpacking), Camping – Frontcountry (formerly Drive-in Camping), Guided Motorized Tour – 15 passengers or less, Hiking – Backcountry (formerly Summer Day Hiking), Road-based Commercial Tour, and Transport (non-tour) activities.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial will partner with Manhattan Project National Historical Park Sites to remember the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
The Blue Ridge Parkway is accepting proposals for a concession contract for retail services at the Northwest Trading Post. The Northwest Trading Post is located at milepost 287.7 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Glendale Springs, N.C., and is approximately 45 minutes north of Boone and Blowing Rock, N.C.
Grand Portage National Monument invites the public to discover the mesmerizing wonders of the night sky during a special Star Party, offered in partnership with the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation on Thursday, Aug. 6.
Grand Portage National Monument invites visitors to experience the sights, sounds, and stories of the 18th-century fur trade during the annual Rendezvous Days, taking place Aug. 7-9, 2026. This year’s theme, “Games & Entertainment of the Fur Trade Era,” highlights the lively contests, traditional pastimes, and cultural exchanges that once filled the summer gathering at Grand Portage.
Family Day on Little Rock Nine Way will feature hands-on activities for children and families, student-led programs, community resource booths, and food trucks. The free event is open to the public and will also include performances by local poets, live music, a DJ, and a variety of food truck vendors.
Despite forecasted cooler temperatures and chances of rain, the Border 2 Fire and Luna Fire continue to burn within North Cascades National Park Service Complex.
Beginning Aug. 3, Cape Hatteras National Seashore will temporarily close a small section of beach and swimming area in Buxton. This closure will ensure public safety during a Dare County project to repair the southernmost groin near the former Cape Hatteras Lighthouse site. The Seashore expects to maintain the closure for the duration of the repair work.
Firefighting resources continue fire suppression actions on the lightning-caused Luna and Border 2 Fires within North Cascades National Park Service Complex.
Attention kids of all ages. Come to the Education Center at Homestead National Historical Park on Saturday, August 8 at 10 a.m. and join us in a free ranger-led activity as we talk about the different types of animals that call the park home. Earn a Junior Ranger badge to take home.
The National Park Service has selected Karen Barry as the new Superintendent of Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. She will begin her official role as Superintendent on August. 9.
On July 27, the Blue Ridge Parkway will begin significant rehabilitation of the Deep Gap Bridge over U.S. Highway 421 to improve a section of the Parkway at milepost 276.4. The project is part of the National Park Service’s larger effort to improve visitor safety, protect access to popular destinations, and help preserve historic park infrastructure.
Join Johnstown Flood National Memorial for an Evening on the Lake program highlighting Clara Barton. The free presentation will take place on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the visitor center auditorium. Please note the location was updated from the previous announcement saying it was at the club house.
Grand Teton National Park will temporarily close a section of Moose-Wilson Road on Tuesday, July 28, Wednesday, July 29, and Thursday, July 30 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and the Appalachian Chamber Music Festival invite the public to a dynamic, free outdoor concert on Friday, August 7, at 7:00 p.m., celebrating two iconic forces in American music. Blending the swing innovations of Don Redman with the timeless brilliance of George Gershwin, festival musicians and the Howard Burns Quartet will bring an energetic fusion of jazz and classical traditions to the historic Storer College lawn as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary festivities.
Join staff at Homestead National Historical Park’s Education Center on August 5 at 3 p.m. for the monthly walk with a ranger. All ages and abilities are welcome. During the walk, which will take about one hour and cover about a mile of trail, participants will use the prairie and woodland to inspire conversation, learning and sharing. Butterflies, birds and botany are likely topics to be covered.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park invites visitors of all ages to celebrate Junior Ranger Day Thursday, July 30, with hands-on activities, live entertainment, and opportunities to explore the park and earn a Junior Ranger badge.
An 83-year-old hiker reported missing on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park has been located and rescued. At approximately 6:30 p.m. on July 22, Gerald Guinn of Kanab, Utah, was located during a helicopter reconnaissance flight approximately 2.5 miles from the point where he was last seen.
A design by Fred Anderson of Naknek, Alaska, won the annual Brooks Camp bear pin logo contest in Katmai National Park. Park staff distribute the pins to over 20,000 visitors who complete mandatory bear safety training at Brooks Camp.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will complete essential maintenance along the Gatlinburg Spur starting July 27. This work will enhance roadside vistas for visitors who drive on the Gatlinburg Spur. This will require temporary single-lane closures to allow park staff to safely and efficiently complete this work.
National Park Service personnel and partner agencies are searching for a missing hiker on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. At approximately 5 p.m. on July 21, the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a report from an individual who said he had become separated from his hiking partner. The two were hiking in a remote area of the North Rim near the park's northeast boundary along Forest Service Road 610 (Dog Saddle).
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area invites craft vendors, artisans and food vendors to take part in the Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival on Sept. 19. This annual signature special event celebrates the traditions, stories, music, arts, crafts and food of the Cumberland Plateau.
Beginning Saturday, Aug. 1, people may apply to the 2026-2027 winter lottery for permits to snowmobile in Yellowstone National Park without a commercial guide.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve will temporarily close the area within 20 yards of Sand Creek between the Music Pass Trail and Sand Ramp Trail from July 26 through August 2 while crews conduct a native trout restoration project.
In order to reduce hazards on a popular hiking route, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve has closed an area beneath an unstable hill on the Root Glacier access trail north of Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark.
Join U.S. Camel Corps reenactor Doug Baum, his camels, and park staff at El Morro National Monument from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13, 2026, for the U.S. Camel Corps Commemoration event.
Grand Portage National Monument is temporarily closing the Fort Charlotte Campground effective immediately due to high fire danger and active wildfires across northeast Minnesota.
Federal subsistence registration permits for hunts in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve will be available starting Monday, July 20, at the park’s Visitor Center in Copper Center and at the Slana Ranger Station. Both are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday, September 20.
The 2026 federal subsistence hunt for the Chisana caribou herd was announced by acting Wrangell-St. Elias Superintendent Joshua Scott, the designated federal manager for the hunt. Consistent with the cooperative management plan for the herd, the harvest quota is six bull caribou which has been the same since 2023. The hunt will open on August 10 and close on September 30 or when the quota is reached.
The National Park Service (NPS) is accepting proposals for a concession opportunity at Kettle Falls in Voyageurs National Park. The selected concessioner will provide a range of visitor services, including lodging, retail, food and beverage operations, guest transportation, marina services, and mechanical boat portage.
Due to high fire danger and active wildfires across northeast Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park will implement further fire restrictions effective Monday, July 20, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. The restrictions will remain in effect until rescinded.
On July 18, local observers noted that the level of Hidden Creek Lake had begun to fall. On July 19, rangers observed new, significant releases of water next to the Kennicott Glacier and into the Kennicott River. Residents and visitors should use caution as the river rises and can get updates about its level from the US Geological Survey. These conditions can be dangerous for anyone on the Kennicott River as well as downstream in areas such as the Chitina and Copper Rivers.
Effective Sunday, July 19, at 8 a.m., Stage 2 fire restrictions will be lifted on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Increased monsoonal activity across northern Arizona over the past week has significantly reduced fire danger in the area.
INTERIOR, S.D. — Badlands National Park has officially been certified as an International Dark Sky Park by Dark Sky International. The accomplishment marks the culmination of nearly a decade of work by park staff and partners to protect the night sky and preserve the area’s nocturnal environment.
Grand Teton National Park will temporarily close a section of Moose-Wilson Road on Tuesday, July 21, and Wednesday, July 22, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to allow crews to safely complete a critical phase of ongoing road construction.
Starting today, Friday, July 17, UT 211 will be open to the Canyonlands National Park boundary (The Needles district entrance). Monticello Field Office of Bureau of Land Management Lands north of UT 211 will also be reopened.
Around 5 p.m. on July 16, 2026, a thunderstorm dropped significant rainfall at Curecanti National Recreation Area, triggering at least three major mudslides on the East Portal Road. Extensive debris washed down from drainages above the roadway, covering significant lengths of the roadway with up to six feet of boulders, rocks, and mud. Debris also covered the entire East Portal campground and much of the East Portal picnic area.
Around 5 p.m. on July 16, 2026, a thunderstorm dropped significant rainfall at Curecanti National Recreation Area, triggering at least three major mudslides on the East Portal Road. Extensive debris washed down from drainages above the roadway, covering significant lengths of the roadway with up to six feet of boulders, rocks, and mud. Debris also covered the entire East Portal campground and much of the East Portal picnic area.
Two additional fires have been discovered within North Cascades National Park Service Complex following recent lightning storms across the area this week. The Border 1 Fire (approx. 1 acre) and Border 2 Fire (approx. 0.25 acre) are in close proximity to one another, south of the U.S./Canada border and east of Ross Lake, in steep, rocky, and remote terrain.
The National Park Service is asking boaters at Blue Mesa Reservoir to prepare for changes to marina operations and boat ramp access at Elk Creek and Lake Fork as reservoir levels continue to decrease.
The National Park Service invites additional public comment on the Assessment of Effects Report for the proposed Triumphal Arch within the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Jonathan Dille has been selected as superintendent of San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. He has served as the park’s acting superintendent since July 2025.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve announces a vessel speed limit of 13 knots through the water on the eastern side of the Lower Bay designated whale waters, to protect numerous humpback whales that have been feeding in this area. The attached map shows the boundary of the new Whale Waters area. The updated operating requirements are effective from 5 AM Friday July 17th until further notice.
The National Park Service is inviting the public to review and comment on a draft programmatic agreement that outlines how historic properties will be considered during planning and implementation of fire management activities at Grand Canyon National Park. Public comments will be accepted from July 16-August 14, 2026.
Poet Jodie Hollander is leading three free poetry workshops and readings in Katmai National Park and Naknek from July 26 to 31, 2026. The two-hour workshops begin at 2 pm on July 26, 2026, at the Bristol Bay Historical Society Museum in Naknek, and at 7 pm on July 29, 2026, at the Brooks Camp auditorium in Katmai National Park.
Three U.S. hunters who illegally crossed into Canada to poach two Dall sheep have been convicted in both the United States and Canada following a years-long coordinated investigation by the National Park Service, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Yukon Conservation Officer Services and other U.S. and Canadian law enforcement partners.
The National Park Service has selected Jacob “Jake” Ohlson as the next superintendent of Redwood National and State Parks. He will assume the role in mid-August 2026.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [July 15, 2026] – Glacier National Park will begin work in late July to plug the historic Butte Oil Well at Kintla Lake. The well, which predates the establishment of the park, was selected for plugging after monitoring detected leaking gases. Work is expected to continue for several weeks and be completed in fall 2026.
PORTER, Ind. — A newly released federal report highlights both the scale of visitation and the wide range of recreational experiences at Indiana Dunes National Park.
Join Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site for an Evening on the Summit program about the Gallitzin Tunnels. The presentation takes place on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the visitor center auditorium and is free of charge.
Isle Royale National Park closed Duncan Narrows Campground for the second time this month following increased wolf activity at campsites due to improperly stored food. The closure runs from July 13 to July 31, with the possibility of an extension if necessary.
DAVISTON, Ala. — Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is pleased to announce the academic symposium, “Memory and Meaning and the Creek War,” at Auburn University on Aug. 22. Offered in collaboration with Auburn University and the Friends of Horseshoe Bend, the program brings together leading scholars to discuss the Creek War and how generations have since commemorated it.
As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary, partners in one of the nation's most successful wildlife restoration efforts are celebrating another productive nesting season for America's national bird—the bald eagle.
Due to high fire danger and active wildfires across northeast Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park will implement fire restrictions effective Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. The restrictions will remain in effect until rescinded.
Saguaro National Park recently completed restoration work on the Manning Camp Trail, a backcountry route used by hikers, equestrians, park staff and the park’s mule pack string in the Rincon Mountain District.
Isle Royale National Park is temporarily closing individual tent and group campsites and prohibiting tent and hammock use at Three Mile Campground for the safety of our visitors. Off-trail camping zones surrounding Three Mile Campground will also be closed. The shelters at the campground will remain open. The closure begins on July 9 and continues through July 31.
The National Park Service has selected Laura E. Rich Acosta as the new superintendent of Cape Lookout National Seashore. She will begin her assignment on July 12, 2026.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore today announced significant progress in the ongoing restoration of the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Crews have advanced major construction and preservation milestones designed to protect one of the nation’s most recognizable historic landmarks.
On July 27, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will begin mobilizing for construction to replace, raise and rehabilitate the park’s failing seawalls and protect the historic fort and the broader St. Augustine community. Visitor access to the historic fort will be maintained throughout this project, which is expected to take approximately 18 months. Some areas on the fort grounds will be closed to ensure public safety during construction.
The planned closure of Sand Point Road has been postponed until further notice because of unexpected project delays. Sand Point Road and the beach remain open and accessible.
The Warm Springs Wildland Fire Module continues suppression efforts on the Luna Fire (7 acres) within North Cascades National Park Service Complex. Firefighters are being supported by two Type-3 helicopters and a Type-1 helicopter using aerial delivered water.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will begin demolition of the LeConte Lodge Recreation Building on July 14. The concessioner of LeConte Lodge will construct a new recreation building later this year.
Wartburg, Tennessee: Obed Wild and Scenic River will be partnering with Morgan County School Food Services and Frozen Head State Park to offer a “Lunch and Learn” program series that will take place on Fridays starting July 3rd, through July 31st, 2026.
As part of ongoing response efforts to the Babylon Fire, fire suppression aircraft will be scooping water from Lake Powell between Good Hope Bay and Castle Butte to refill tanks as part of ongoing firefighting operations.
The Keweenaw National Historical Park Advisory Commission will convene for its quarterly meeting at 1 p.m. on July 14. The meeting will be held in-person at Keweenaw National Historical Park Headquarters building, located at 25970 Red Jacket Road. This is the corner of Red Jacket Road and Hwy. US-41 in Calumet.
As a part of the Speeding Catches Up With You campaign, Natchez Trace Parkway Rangers and Mississippi Highway Patrol Troopers will be present along the Natchez Trace to protect the public from aggressive speeding violations.
Yellowstone has lifted the remaining temporary trail, backcountry campsite and fishing closures near Old Faithful that were put in place after a May 4 bear incident in which two hikers were injured by an adult female grizzly bear with cubs.
An additional fire has been discovered within North Cascades National Park Service Complex following the June 24 lightning storm across the area. The Luna Fire (approx. 1 acre) is located in a rock scree southwest of Luna Camp along Big Beaver Trail in steep, rough, and remote terrain.
West Glacier, Mont. [June 25, 2026] – The Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center (CCRLC) and Glacier National Park invite volunteers for a day of hands-on learning during the Annual Noxious Weed Blitz on July 9, 2026. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in West Glacier.
New Philadelphia National Historic Site has received a $25,000 grant from Jefferson National Parks Association’s BlueSky Opportunity Fund to support a new community-driven interpretation initiative, “Our Past, Our Voices: Building Community through Citizen Storytelling at New Philadelphia.”
Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest will reopen the Staircase developed area and its access road, FS-24, on July 8. The area has been closed since the human-caused Bear Gulch Fire ignited in Olympic National Forest on July 6, 2025.
On July 1, Great Smoky Mountains National Park hosted a naturalization ceremony in partnership with the United States District Court of Eastern Tennessee and the Nashville Field Office of Department of Homeland Security.
Grand Teton National Park law enforcement rangers will conduct a series of high-visibility enforcement (HVE) operations throughout the summer to promote safe driving behaviors and reduce serious traffic incidents in the park.
Grand Canyon National Park law enforcement rangers are asking for the public’s help identifying an individual involved in damage to a Hopi headpiece inside Desert View Watchtower on Wednesday, June 17.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [July 1, 2026] – Glacier National Park’s “Going Batty” field trip will be held on Thursday, July 9th, 2026, in West Glacier, MT from 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, but participation is limited and requires advance registration.
Canyonlands National Park will continue the temporary closure of The Needles district until further notice due to the Babylon Fire near Blanding, Utah.
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area today announced the reopening of the Island Ford trail system following maintenance and restoration work completed as part of the park’s Comprehensive Trails Management Plan.
Florissant Fossil Beds will move to Stage 2 fire restrictions at 12:01 AM on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The restrictions are in alignment with multiple state and federal partners to reduce the risk of fire in the region.
If your plans for this Independence Day Weekend include visiting Zion National Park, remember to plan for the heat and crowds as much as you’re planning to have fun.
Gateway Arch National Park is gearing up for a busy Fourth of July holiday weekend capped by Celebrate Saint Louis’s “Celebrate 250” event on the Arch grounds on July 3 and 4. With large crowds expected, the National Park Service encourages you to plan ahead and give yourself extra time to visit the Arch with extra security measures in place to ensure a safe celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
As America commemorates the 250th anniversary of its founding, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park invites visitors to connect with the national commemoration through “Connections” events. One event in the series, the Building America challenge, invites youth to explore the people, places, ideas and innovations that have shaped the nation through creativity and brick-building.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways plans to host two managed deer hunts at Big Spring this fall, providing special opportunities for youth and mobility-impaired veterans.
Walk the ground where a small Federal force helped save the nation’s capital. Monocacy National Battlefield will commemorate the 162nd anniversary of the Civil War Battle of Monocacy with four days of free public programs July 9-12.
Black Canyon and Curecanti will move to Stage 2 fire restrictions at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The restrictions are in alignment with multiple state and federal partners in order to reduce the risk of fire in the region.
Black Canyon and Curecanti will move to Stage 2 fire restrictions at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The restrictions are in alignment with multiple state and federal partners in order to reduce the risk of fire in the region.
On July 4, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and the city of St. Augustine will close vehicle access to the main visitor parking for the Florida Freedom Tour and Independence Day events.
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is responding to the Cliff Spring Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire below the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The fire is currently estimated at 171 acres, is zero percent contained, and is burning in grass, brush, pinyon pine, and juniper. There are currently no trail or area closures. The park has temporarily paused issuing permits for trips in the Walhalla Plateau area while fire managers continue to evaluate conditions.
Starting the night of July 3, 2026, the Milford Star will shine again from its perch on top of Milford Knob in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park invites the public to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s independence with programs throughout the park on July 4.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [June 30, 2026] – Glacier National Park anticipates reopening Going-to-the-Sun Road this evening and the Many Glacier Valley tomorrow morning, after heavy rainfall caused significant flooding across Glacier National Park.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore reminds visitors and adjacent homeowners that it is illegal to detonate fireworks, or have fireworks in your possession, on all Seashore beaches, including the beaches on Ocracoke Island and all the beaches in Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village.
Sand Point Road will be temporarily closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic east of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore boundary from Wednesday, July 8 until Friday, July 17, for a culvert replacement project. The closure may be extended if additional time is needed to complete the work.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [June 29, 2026] – Heavy rainfall has caused significant flooding across Glacier National Park, prompting multiple temporary closures. Rising water levels and unstable ground conditions are affecting roads, trails, and infrastructure.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [June 28, 2026] – Due to heavy rain and possible snowfall, Glacier National Park is implementing a temporary road closure in the alpine sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road. The closure will extend from Avalanche to Jackson Glacier Overlook at 2:00 pm on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
Hot Springs National Park will celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a full day of patriotic festivities on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Hosted in partnership with the Friends of Hot Springs National Park and America’s National Parks, the celebration features a community parade along Bathhouse Row, and the “Red, White & YOU” picnic on Arlington Lawn with live performances, games, activities, and more. All events are free and open to the public.
Fire behavior remains minimal on the four fires within North Cascades National Park Service Complex with slight moisture and cooler temperatures across the area.
Celebrate American independence with the sounds of cannon fire and immersion in America’s history while honoring the men and women who have defended the United States through the growth of our nation. On Saturday, July 4th, we will fire artillery, lead Fort tours, and honor all those who have fought for our freedom.
On the 250th anniversary of the United States, Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site will host an event on July 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to celebrate American independence and the anniversary of the founding of Tuskegee University.
Effective immediately, Canyonlands National Park has temporarily closed The Needles district until further notice due to the Babylon Fire near Blanding, UT. The Babylon Fire is located within Bears Ears National Monument and is not currently burning within Canyonlands National Park.
Firefighters responded to a vehicle fire on State Route 190 in Death Valley National Park on June 20, 2026. All six occupants escaped without major injuries, but the van and attached trailer were destroyed.
On Wednesday, June 24, numerous lightning strikes occurred over several areas across North Cascades National Park Service Complex and surrounding areas. On Thursday four fires were observed within the park complex through air reconnaissance: Borderline, Rigby, View, and Little Beaver Fires.
The Miners Falls Trail at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore reopened today, June 26, after a temporary closure on June 23–25 for necessary boring work. The trail will remain open through June 28 before closing again on June 29 through July 2, as crews continue soil boring near the viewing platforms.
The National Park Service is partnering with the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library to loan artifacts and interpretive materials from national park collections as the new library honoring America’s 26th president prepares to open July 4, 2026, during the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.
The Pueblo Parks Group will implement Stage II fire restrictions on June 25, 2026, due to heightened wildfire danger across Bandelier, Fort Union, Pecos, and Valles Caldera. These restrictions prohibit open flames, smoking outside enclosed spaces, off‑road engine use, and explosives, with additional limits on vehicle operations to reduce fire risk.
Due to increase fire risk, Bandelier National Monument, Valles Caldera National Preserve, Pecos National Historical Park, and Fort Union National Monument are entering Stage II Fire Restrictions.
Effective Monday, June 29, campfires or the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans, and barbeque grills, are banned in all portions of North Cascades National Park Service Complex, which includes North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.
White Sands National Park is trying to contact a visitor who handled a dead bat with bare hands and brought it into the park visitor center on Thursday, June 18. The visitor or their parent or guardian should contact a medical provider or local health department right away to discuss whether rabies post‑exposure treatment is recommended. They are also asked to contact White Sands National Park at WHSA_Interpretation@nps.gov.
If you plan to visit Yellowstone National Park this Fourth of July, plan ahead to protect yourself and this wild and awe-inspiring place. Summer is the busiest time in the park, so please pack your patience. Expect crowds at popular areas and lines at entrance stations, construction areas, and roadside wildlife sightings.
Visitors hiking to Delta Lake in Grand Teton National Park this summer should expect temporary delays and work zones as restoration and improvements take place along the heavily traveled route.
Biscayne National Park today announced the reopening of the historic Boca Chita Key Lighthouse to public visitation following more than two years of closure for major repairs and restoration work.
The lightning-caused Mt. Tom Creek Fire is burning on a remote mountain slope on the west side of Olympic National Park. Fire management officials have ordered aviation and ground resources to respond to the fire, including Type 1 and Type 2 helicopters, enhanced reconnaissance aircraft, wildland fire engines, and hand crews. The fire was reported by backpackers on June 24 after a lightning storm moved through the area on June 23.
In honor of the Independence Day holiday and America’s 250th birthday, Shiloh National Military Park will present Civil War cannon firing demonstrations on July 4 and 5.
The National Park Service is asking boaters at Blue Mesa Reservoir to prepare for upcoming changes to marina operations and boat ramp access at Elk Creek and Lake Fork as reservoir levels continue to decline. To maintain safe and operational marina facilities, the NPS will move marina infrastructure to deeper water. As reservoir elevations decrease, trailered watercraft will no longer be able to use existing boat ramps. Hand-launching of non-trailered watercraft will remain available.
Beginning Sept. 8, Cape Hatteras National Seashore will close the Billy Mitchell Airport (HSE) to accommodate a runway pavement rehabilitation project. The project will provide full resurfacing of paved areas, new reflective paint, and new tie-downs and anchors, improving visitor safety and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
As America celebrates its 250th birthday this July 4, Great Smoky Mountains National Park anticipates increased visitation for the holiday weekend. Anyone planning on celebrating America’s 250th anniversary in the Smokies should prepare for warm weather, increased traffic and busy parking lots. Plan ahead and follow these four tips for a fun and safe Fourth of July weekend.
Homestead National Historical Park is hosting the traveling exhibit “The Mask of Lincoln” at the park’s Education Center beginning June 26 and ending September 27.
For the first time, Kalaupapa National Historical Park will offer public tours starting July 9, 2026. The tours will be provided twice a week, and reservations can be made beginning June 26.
Brewster Bridge Road in Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area will temporarily close for repair and re-pavement beginning on Monday, June 29th. The road was heavily damaged from significant rain events in 2022 and 2023.
Beginning Friday, June 26, 2026, until lifted, Mount Rainier National Park will implement a parkwide fire ban. All campfires and the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans, and barbeque grills will be prohibited. This ban is in place to reduce the risk of human-caused wildland fire.
On June 25-27, 2026, the National Park Service, in partnership with tribal nations, elected officials, descendants, historians, and community partners, will honor the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. This commemoration will offer opportunities for reflection, learning, and cultural exchange.
Join Park Guide Tanner Christy at Homestead National Historical Park on Saturday, July 4, at 7 p.m. for a campfire program entitled “Icons of America: The American Story and the Homestead Act – America’s 250th Birthday”. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, we will delve into some of the stories of the United States, the icons that shaped us, and how it all connects to the Homestead Act.
Ninety Six National Historic Site announces the official museum reopening featuring new exhibits that highlight the park's natural, cultural and historical significance.
Fire danger is increasing in southeastern Utah due to prolonged drought and rising temperatures. On Friday June 26, 2026, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and Natural Bridges National Monument will increase fire restrictions.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [June 22, 2026] – Going-to-the-Sun Road is now fully open for the 2026 season. Visitors will be able to drive the entire 50-mile length of the road, and access Logan Pass from both West Glacier and St. Mary Entrances.
Joshua Tree National Park will temporarily close public access to the Covington Flats area from Thursday, July 2, 2026, to Monday, July 6, 2026, to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
This public notice details the temporary closures to be implemented for visitor safety during the Sail250 Baltimore Airshow events taking place on June 26-28, 2026.
Grand Canyon National Park will lift trail closures related to the Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project at 7 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2026, five days ahead of schedule; including, the River Trail - east of the River Resthouse to the South Kaibab Trail junction, the Silver Bridge, and Plateau Point Trail - from the Tonto Trail junction to Plateau Point will reopen on Friday, June 26.
On June 30, 2026, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is celebrating its 50th anniversary, or “Golden Jubilee”. In honor of this milestone, the park is hosting several special events throughout the day. A detailed schedule will be available at the park Visitor Center on Tuesday, June 30. All events are free and open to the public.
From July through October 2026 Voyageurs National Park will continue efforts to restore wetland habitat by removing invasive hybrid cattails form within the park.
On June 17, a wildfire started by lighting in the northeastern area of Everglades National Park. Named the Coptic Fire, it is now 4,793 acres in size with 40% containment. The fire is located approximately five miles south of U.S. Highway 41 and 3.2 miles west of the L-31N Canal and is burning primarily in prairie habitat.
Grand Canyon National Park rangers and emergency personnel responded to two separate heat-related incidents on June 12 and June 16, resulting in three deaths. In both cases, the deceased hikers were hiking trails in the Inner Canyon, where temperatures can exceed 109 F in the shade during midday hours.
Channel Islands National Park will reopen Santa Rosa Island for day use beginning July 1, following preliminary assessments of post-fire conditions on the island.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [June 18, 2026] – The full length of Going-to-the-Sun Road is expected to open to motorized vehicles Monday, June 22, for the 2026 summer season. Rockfalls or other natural events may delay this opening, as conditions can change quickly.
As a result of the high fire danger, Stage II Fire Restrictions are being implemented in El Malpais and El Morro National Monuments, effective June 22, 2026. These restrictions are necessary to reduce the risk of fire to protect public health and safety, and to protect National Park Service lands, resources, and facilities during the current period of increased fire danger.
As a result of the high fire danger, Stage II Fire Restrictions are being implemented in El Malpais and El Morro National Monuments, effective June 22, 2026. These restrictions are necessary to reduce the risk of fire to protect public health and safety, and to protect National Park Service lands, resources, and facilities during the current period of increased fire danger.
Join the National Park Service (NPS) at Adams National Historical Park for Independence 250, a full week of free special programming and events to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the roles of both John and Abigail Adams in the founding of the nation. Events will take place June 26 through July 5.
Grand Teton National Park will reopen the northern section of Moose-Wilson Road between the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and Moose to through traffic on June 19, marking a major milestone in the park’s 2026 construction season.
White Sands National Park will host its first Full Moon Night event of the year on Monday June 29, 2026, at 8 p.m. in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. In partnership with Western National Parks, White Sands is pleased to welcome back the 1st Armored Division Rock Band at the park’s amphitheater for a special performance at the park's June Full Moon Night event.
Grand Canyon National Park is reminding visitors that summer hiking below the rim should be limited to the early morning and evening hours. Due to a recent influx of heat-related incidents and forecast extreme temperatures, visitors are strongly advised to avoid strenuous hiking between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when Inner Canyon temperatures can soar to 109°F (43°C) in the shade.
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park will host a special naturalization ceremony on July 4 at 11 a.m. EST as part of the park’s commemoration of Freedom250, the nationwide celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Thurmont, Md. – Due to increased security measures, portions of Catoctin Mountain Park will be closed from approximately noon on June 19, 2026. Closures are scheduled to continue through approximately 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 21.
Beginning June 22, the Natchez Trace Parkway will detour motorists around a 15-mile section of parkway between state Route 12 (milepost 165) and state Route 413 (milepost 180) in Attala and Choctaw counties as construction begins on a major road rehabilitation project.
On Saturday, June 27, Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park will host its annual Hawaiian Cultural Festival and celebrate the park’s 65th anniversary as a unit of the National Park Service.
Black Canyon and Curecanti will move to Stage 1 fire restrictions at 12:01 AM on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The restrictions are in alignment with multiple state and federal partners in order to reduce the risk of fire in the region.
Black Canyon and Curecanti will move to Stage 1 fire restrictions at 12:01 AM on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The restrictions are in alignment with multiple state and federal partners in order to reduce the risk of fire in the region.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is pleased to welcome this year’s lineup of Artists-in-Residence, whose creativity and passion will help visitors experience the Smokies in new and inspiring ways. Each month from June through November, a new artist will join us and lead hands-on programs which invite visitors to explore the park through art shaped by its landscapes, history and natural wonders.
Join staff at Homestead National Historical Park’s Education Center on July 1 at 3 p.m. for the monthly walk with a ranger. All ages and abilities are welcome. During the walk, which will take about one hour and cover about a mile of trail, participants will use the prairie and woodland to inspire conversation, learning and sharing. Butterflies, birds and botany are likely topics to be covered.
Olympic Interagency Fire Managers have declared the start of fire season due to hot and dry weather conditions. In the last three weeks, firefighter crews have extinguished several small fires that spread from abandoned campfires.
Law enforcement rangers at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site are seeking the public’s assistance for information regarding a recent investigation of an alleged theft of personal items that occurred within the park on June 6.
Join us for an Evening on the Lake program We've Come a Long Way: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site and Johnstown Flood National Memorial Through the Years on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 7 p.m.
The Miners Falls Trail within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore will be temporarily closed to all visitors from Tuesday, June 23 until Thursday, June 25.
Due to extreme fire conditions, all fires at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area are prohibited effective 12:01 a.m., June 20, until further notice.
This 2026 project will replace aging underwater electrical infrastructure to improve reliability, safety and visitor services at the Kettle Falls site in Voyageurs National Park.
Joshua Tree National Park has implemented fire restrictions beginning June 15, due to hot, dry weather conditions and increasing fire danger. The restrictions will remain in effect through October 1, 2026, unless park leadership determines otherwise. The restrictions apply throughout the park, including all campgrounds, backcountry sites, and picnic areas.
On Saturday, June 20, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the park will host “Harpers Ferry’s Impact on the Civil War,” a special day that connects visitors to the people and events that shaped the outcome of the Civil War and the nation’s long journey toward freedom.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park invites the public to attend “Celebrating Cosby: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” community programs at the Cosby Campground Amphitheater. These programs honor the rich cultural and natural history of the Cosby area through storytelling, dance, music and history talks.
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. — Indiana Dunes National Park will reopen the Mount Baldy access site to the public Monday, June 15. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently completed work to move approximately 27,000 tons of sand at Mount Baldy as part of ongoing shoreline management efforts.
Interagency wildland firefighters are responding to the Box Fire, which was reported on June 13 at approximately 7:15 am in Saguaro National Park. The fire is located in the Rincon Mountains in the east district of the park just west of Juniper Basin campground.
Colorado National Monument, along with surrounding public lands, is experiencing hazardous fire conditions with dry fuels, low humidity, and minimal precipitation.
Sitka National Historical Park invites the public to attend an upcoming lecture at Sitka National Historical Park Visitor Center Theater on Tuesday, June 23, at 7 p.m. featuring distinguished Professor of Church History David C. Ford of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary. This event is free and open to the public.
The legacy of early European settlers to the John Day Basin is being safeguarded. Supported by the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund signed by President Donald J. Trump in 2020, the roofs of the historic Cant barn and shearing shed were restored.
From June 11-17, the National Parks of Boston and community partners will host a series of events commemorating the 251st Anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, the first major battle of the American Revolutionary War.
The National Park Service has selected Ashley Pipkin to serve as the next superintendent of Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site. Pipkin will begin her new role June 24.
Friday, June 19, 2026, and Saturday, June 20, 2026, Fort Necessity National Battlefield will observe the Juneteenth anniversary by having programs on Civil War soldiers and 19th century muskets.
DAVISTON, Ala. — Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is excited to offer the opportunity for anyone with a strong interest in history to join the Horseshoe Bend Living History Program. This fun and engaging program provides hands-on training and certifies volunteers to conduct historic weapons demonstrations using reproduction black powder flintlock muskets and cannon. The park is looking for up to 10 volunteers, ages 18 and older, who are interested in gaining experience with public speaking, interpretive programming and participating in special events.
Yosemite National Park has released the Mist Trail Corridor Environmental Assessment (EA) for public review and comment. The project proposes improvements to one of the most heavily visited and iconic trail corridors in the National Park System.
On the morning of June 8, occupants of a vessel on Yellowstone Lake discovered the body of a 41-year-old male, Brandon Rhea of Denver, Colorado, floating in the water near Rock Point on the northwest shore of the lake near Bridge Bay.
Capitol Reef National Park is asking for the public’s help locating Richard Discipio, a 77-year-old male who was last seen at the Days Inn in Torrey, Utah, on June 6.
Human remains discovered in Olympic National Park in 2000 have been identified as Joseph Louis Serrao Jr. Following a decades-long collaborative investigative effort that included the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch, the King County Medical Examiner’s Office and advanced genetic testing and analysis conducted by Othram, a laboratory specializing in forensic genealogy.
The National Park Service has selected Amy Sebring as the next superintendent of Manhattan Sites, a collection of nine national parks related to the American journey. Sebring has served as the acting superintendent since the beginning of February and succeeds long time superintendent Shirley McKinney, who retired at the start of the year.
The National Park Service has selected Amy Sebring as the next superintendent of Manhattan Sites, a collection of nine national parks related to the American journey. Sebring has served as the acting superintendent since the beginning of February and succeeds long time superintendent Shirley McKinney, who retired at the start of the year.
The National Park Service has selected Amy Sebring as the next superintendent of Manhattan Sites, a collection of nine national parks related to the American journey. Sebring has served as the acting superintendent since the beginning of February and succeeds long time superintendent Shirley McKinney, who retired at the start of the year.
The National Park Service has selected Amy Sebring as the next superintendent of Manhattan Sites, a collection of nine national parks related to the American journey. Sebring has served as the acting superintendent since the beginning of February and succeeds long time superintendent Shirley McKinney, who retired at the start of the year.
The National Park Service has selected Amy Sebring as the next superintendent of Manhattan Sites, a collection of nine national parks related to the American journey. Sebring has served as the acting superintendent since the beginning of February and succeeds long time superintendent Shirley McKinney, who retired at the start of the year.
The National Park Service has selected Amy Sebring as the next superintendent of Manhattan Sites, a collection of nine national parks related to the American journey. Sebring has served as the acting superintendent since the beginning of February and succeeds long time superintendent Shirley McKinney, who retired at the start of the year.
The National Park Service has selected Amy Sebring as the next superintendent of Manhattan Sites, a collection of nine national parks related to the American journey. Sebring has served as the acting superintendent since the beginning of February and succeeds long time superintendent Shirley McKinney, who retired at the start of the year.
The National Park Service has selected Amy Sebring as the next superintendent of Manhattan Sites, a collection of nine national parks related to the American journey. Sebring has served as the acting superintendent since the beginning of February and succeeds long time superintendent Shirley McKinney, who retired at the start of the year.
The National Park Service has selected Amy Sebring as the next superintendent of Manhattan Sites, a collection of nine national parks related to the American journey. Sebring has served as the acting superintendent since the beginning of February and succeeds long time superintendent Shirley McKinney, who retired at the start of the year.
The National Park Service is seeking public comments on a proposal by the Grand Canyon Railway to replace a wooden ballast bridge on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The bridge, which carries the Grand Canyon Railway track over Bright Angel Wash, was built in 1926 and is in poor condition. The preferred alternative would replace the existing wooden triple box culvert with three steel pipe culverts.
Cane River Creole National Historical Park and Cane River National Heritage Area will host an open house on June 18 for visitors to explore interactive exhibits, stories and artifacts. The open house will feature brief remarks introducing the renovated depot space, followed by a reservation-only behind-the-scenes tour of the park’s curation facility.
The National Park Service has selected Grand Teton Lodge Company to provide lodging, food and beverage, retail, and other services at Grand Teton National Park.
Picture books, crafts, nature walks and more when you read with a park ranger! “Read with a Ranger” programs are on the third Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. Join the rangers at the Education Center.
Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 3:30 p.m., Fort Scott National Historic Site, American Legion Post 25, and Fort Scott Fire Department will be hosting an official US Flag Disposal Ceremony. Bring your: United States, POW/MIA, State, and Service (U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard) flags to the fort between now and 3:30 p.m. Saturday and we will properly and respectfully dispose of them. Just as there’s etiquette for displaying Old Glory, there’s also etiquette for disposing of flags in a dignified manner.
Middletown, N.J. –The public is invited to the opening reception of Heather Heckel’s exhibit: Ten Summers and 250 Years: Advocating for Our Public Lands through 30 Artists Residences, on June 14 at 1 p.m. at the Fort Hancock Museum, Building 28. This exhibit consists of 250 pieces that will connect the viewer to National Park Service places and stories. Heather Heckel, PhD, has completed over 30 artist residencies in national parks and Bureau of Land Management sites.
The Department of the Interior today celebrated the completion of the George Washington Memorial Parkway North Section Rehabilitation, a once-in-a-generation renewal of one of the region’s most beautiful and heavily used routes into the nation’s capital.
On June 3, 2026, at approximately 1:40 p.m., the Grand Canyon National Park Regional Communications Center received reports of an 18-year-old male experiencing heat-related symptoms below Havasupai Gardens on the Bright Angel Trail. National Park Service rangers responded and located the individual approximately 30 feet below the trail in a remote area near Garden Creek.
Fort Union National Monument will host “Fort Fashions & Pastimes” programs from June 19-21, 2026. The free programs will feature 1800s clothing styles, leisure activities, and how both related to economics and social structures of the time.
A National Park Service employee on a climbing patrol died around 2 p.m. Thursday after falling into a crevasse near 14,000 Foot Camp on Mount McKinley.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will begin a bi-annual inspection of bridges and tunnels on June 8. Visitors can expect single-lane closures at tunnels for the duration of the inspection to ensure the safety of workers and other drivers. To minimize impacts to park visitors, the single-lane road closures will start no earlier than 9 p.m.
Santa Rosa Island, part of Channel Islands National Park, will remain closed to visitors until at least June 30 following the Santa Rosa Island Fire, a human-caused wildfire that burned less than 40 percent of the island.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will close the section of Little River Road between the Townsend Wye and Elkmont for essential road maintenance on June 8 and 9.
Honouliuli National Historic Site opens to the public for the first time as part of the 80th Commemoration of when Honouliuli Internment Camp permanently closed.
On June 2, 2026, the National Park Service reopened Lower Wildrose Road, which was closed for nearly three years due to extensive flood damage. The narrow, unpaved road is restricted to vehicles shorter than 25 feet. Also known as Trona-Wildrose Road, it provides access to high-elevation areas of Death Valley National Park.
Visitors will once again be able to tour historic Chatham beginning June 6, 2026, following a major rehabilitation project that improves safety, preserves the historic house and protects its collections for future generations.
Beginning June 22, 2026, Lipan Point and Lipan Point Road on Desert View Drive (Highway 64) will temporarily close to all visitor use to allow for critical rehabilitation and maintenance work of the overlook. The closure is expected to remain in effect through December 23, 2026.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [June 2, 2026] – WEST GLACIER, Mont.– A 32-year-old man sustained non-life-threatening injuries during a surprise encounter with a grizzly bear on Thursday, May 28, at approximately 12:45 p.m. on the Grinnell Glacier Trail in Glacier National Park.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park invites the community to share feedback on the Comprehensive Site Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (Plan/EA) for the Kahuku Unit.
Learn Native American stories and experience dance performances by the Oklahoma Fancy Dancers. Then create traditional corn husk dolls in Native Plains fashion. All activities are free and open to the public.
The Blue Ridge Parkway announced today a leasing opportunity for the Bluffs Lodge, a historic motor lodge located at milepost 241.1 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Laurel Springs, N.C. The Request for Proposals process invites interested individuals, businesses and organizations to submit proposals for the rehabilitation and long‑term operation of this property. This is the first step in restoring this key visitor service.
Low winter snowpack and limited spring precipitation have resulted in low water levels on the Blue Mesa Reservoir. As the water level continues to drop, boat ramps and marinas Elk Creek, Lake Fork, and Iola will be impacted.
A climber experienced a medical event during a decent from the summit of Mt. McKinley at 18,700-feet around midnight on Sunday. The climber’s mountain guides alerted the National Park Service of the incident, and it remains under investigation. Recovery efforts are ongoing
Four members of a seven-member climbing group have been safely recovered from Mount McKinley in Denali National Park and Preserve as of about 1:30 p.m. local time Friday.
Saratoga National Historical Park is hosting a public open house on June 17, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Stillwater Town Hall, located at 881 N. Hudson Ave. in Stillwater, NY.
To ensure the safety of millions of annual visitors, Shenandoah National Park will conduct a sustained high-visibility traffic safety campaign and periodic checkpoints beginning June 1, 2026, and continuing through Nov. 15, 2026.
Denali National Park and Preserve has temporarily closed the Savage River Campground, located at Mile 13 of the Denali Park Road, due to ongoing wildlife activity in the area
The National Park Service (NPS) approved a plan today to upgrade the water system that supplies and delivers water between the North Rim developed area and Cottonwood Campground in Grand Canyon National Park. The current water system is old, often breaks down, and requires frequent repairs in difficult and sometimes hazardous conditions. NPS Intermountain Regional Director Bert Frost signed a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the North Rim and Roaring Springs Water System Improvements project.
Grand Canyon National Park is welcoming a new, four-legged member to the park’s wildlife management team. “Blue,” a trained Conservation K-9, will work alongside park wildlife staff to help reduce human-wildlife conflicts in busy areas on the South Rim. The Conservation K-9 Pilot Project, now in its first year of a 3-year pilot, uses dogs to encourage animals who are habituated to humans, such as Grand Canyon’s elk and bighorn sheep, to avoid developed areas where interactions with visitors can be unsafe to both visitors and wildlife.
The event will feature an 1800s military encampment, living historians portraying soldier and civilian life, and historic weapon and uniform presentations highlighting the period of the 1850s to 1890s.
This summer, Big Thicket is offering night hikes, canoe trips, free fishing days, nature walks, and free movies. Check our calendar for more information on dates and times.
The National Park Service plans to conduct a prescribed fire in the Miners Beach area of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The prescribed fire is expected to take place no later than June 30, 2026. Weather conditions will determine the specific day. Once burning begins, closures are expected to last one to two days.
Hardy, Va.—Booker T. Washington National Monument will commemorate the 161st anniversary of the emancipation of Booker T. Washington with special anniversary programming, musical performances and activities on June 19-21, 2026.
Yosemite National Park today announced year-round fishing in Yosemite Valley is now available to expand opportunity for anglers and align with California fishing rules. Seasonal closures that previously restricted winter fishing access have been removed.
Thurmont, Md. – Due to increased security measures, portions of Catoctin Mountain Park will be closed from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27.
Johnstown Flood National Memorial will commemorate the anniversary of the May 31, 1889, tragedy with special events, including 2,209 luminaries to honor flood victims. On that fateful day 137 years ago, the South Fork Dam broke sending 20 million tons of water down the Conemaugh Valley to Johnstown.
The National Park Service will resume rehabilitation of the Fort Donelson Visitor Center this summer, advancing efforts to improve accessibility, safety and visitor services at Fort Donelson National Battlefield while preserving one of the park’s most historically significant buildings.
Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is set to come alive with the sights, sounds, smells and excitement of the American Frontier during the annual Rendezvous taking place June 18-21, 2026.
The first Evening on the Lake program of the season, Alleviating Human Suffering in the Face of Emergencies: The American Red Cross’ Response to the Johnstown Flood and the September 11 Attacks is Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 7 p.m.
From July 27 through October 1, 2026, the Grand View Point area of Canyonlands National Park will be closed from 6 a.m. Mondays to 4 p.m. Thursdays to complete Phase Three of a multi-year project to improve vehicle and pedestrian safety.
The Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria has been canceled due to inclement weather. During the luminaria, local scouts light 15,300 candles in white paper bags. The placement and successful lighting of the candles cannot occur in rainy conditions. The safety of our community of attendees, the local scouts who set up the luminarias, and event staff is our top priority. Due to the complexity of event preparation, there is no rain date.
Zion National Park implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions beginning Friday, May 22, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. due to increasing fire danger and dry conditions across southwest Utah.
The National Park Service and the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society are excited to offer a series of night sky events at Florissant Fossil Beds this year. An International Dark Sky Park since 2021, Florissant Fossil Beds provides an excellent setting for viewing night sky wonders including the Milky Way, galaxies, planets, comets, satellites, and much more!
The National Park Service has completed an evaluation of accessibility across Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore—including restrooms, walkways, interpretive exhibits, ranger programs, and other visitor services. Park staff now invite the public to review the draft Accessibility Self‑Evaluation and Transition Plan.
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ — Grand Canyon National Park today announce it has reopened the North Rim for the 2026 summer season, following the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire. Visitors can once again experience the North Rim’s overlooks, trails and visitor services.
The Keweenaw National Historical Park Advisory Commission announces that this year’s Keweenaw Heritage Grant program has awarded $$149,911.67 in funding for various historic preservation, interpretation, education, and curatorial projects covering an area stretching from Eagle Harbor to Ontonagon.
Visitors should expect heavy traffic, limited parking, shuttle bus lines and long waits as the park enters its busy summer season. Advance planning can help make the trip safer and more enjoyable.
Four southern Idaho national parks welcomed a combined total of more than 430,000 recreation visits in 2025, including a record number of recreation visits to the Minidoka National Historic Site.
Four southern Idaho national parks welcomed a combined total of more than 430,000 recreation visits in 2025, including a record number of recreation visits to the Minidoka National Historic Site.
Four southern Idaho national parks welcomed a combined total of more than 430,000 recreation visits in 2025, including a record number of recreation visits to the Minidoka National Historic Site.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore has reopened more than a mile of beach between the south end of Buxton and off-road vehicle ramp 43, following an interim response action by the Army Corps of Engineers, soil testing, and consultations with the U.S. Public Health Service and Dare County’s Department of Health and Human Services.
White Sands National Park and park partner Western National Parks will host a special presentation on Sunday May 31, 2026, at 1 pm, in the visitor center theater. Author and photographer Craig Varjabedian will share observations from his time photographing White Sands National Park and discuss his experiences exploring the park’s dunefield.
As campgrounds, picnic areas and visitor centers open for the season this Memorial Day Weekend, the Blue Ridge Parkway reminds park visitors and neighbors to plan ahead and pack their patience for upcoming visits.
Everglades National Park announced today its continued support and collaboration with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, the South Florida Water Management District and other partners for the 2026 Florida Python Challenge™. The annual python removal competition is a public initiative dedicated to raising awareness about invasive species and providing opportunities for the public to get involved in protecting the Everglades ecosystem by removing invasive Burmese pythons.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore is pleased to announce the locations of its five lifeguarded beaches and offer tips to help summer visitors stay safe in and out of the ocean.
Beginning May 18, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will resume road construction on Brotherton Road within Chickamauga Battlefield. During this construction, visitors should expect the closure of Brotherton Road, between LaFayette Road and Alexander’s Bridge Road. This project will not affect the official Chickamauga Battlefield tour route.
The Yaqui Fire at Coronado National Memorial was contained on the evening of Sunday, May 17, 2026. The fire remains at 61 acres, with very little visible smoke and minimal fire activity.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park expects a high volume of visitors over Memorial Day weekend. Anyone planning a trip to the Smokies over the holiday weekend should expect crowds, traffic congestion and limited parking.
HEREFORD, Ariz. — Interagency wildland firefighters are responding to the Yaqui Fire, reported on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 1:17 p.m. The fire is located within Coronado National Memorial near Montezuma Pass.
The National Park Service invites you to comment on a proposed update to the management plan for the Civil War Defenses of Washington, the historic network of forts, batteries and parkland that protected the nation’s capital during the Civil War.
The National Park Service and DarkSky International are pleased to announce Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument as a Dark Sky Park. This certification recognizes the exceptional quality of the park’s night skies and provides added opportunities to enhance visitor experiences through astronomy-based interpretive programming.
In 2026, Rock Creek Park and its partners will bring history to life with exciting programs and events for all ages. Come hike, explore, discover, volunteer and celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in Rock Creek Park.
The Blue Ridge Parkway announced today that it has selected MM176, LLC for a 10-year concessions contract to provide food, beverage and retail services in the restaurant and gift shop adjacent to the historic Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The new operator is planning interior renovations in 2026 and is planning to open its food and retail services to the public in spring 2027. The Parkway awarded the new concessions contract through a competitive selection process.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (NHP) invites you to join “John Brown and Frederick Douglass: A Legacy of Freedom” on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Discover the powerful connection between Harpers Ferry and two influential abolitionists who shared a commitment to ending slavery, but pursued different paths in their fight for freedom in the United States.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [May 14, 2026] – Glacier National Park will hold a Gateway Community meeting on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This meeting is part of the park’s ongoing commitment to maintain communication and collaboration with gateway communities and local partners.
The National Park Service has selected K. Lynn Berry as the next superintendent of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Berry will begin her new role in June.
The superintendent has determined that there is not adequate snow cover for the use of snowmobiles for traditional activities in the 1980 additions to Denali National Park and Preserve on both sides of the Alaska Range.
This summer, visitors to Yellowstone National Park are being urged to plan ahead – both to stay safe and to help protect one of America’s most iconic wild landscapes.
Firefighters plan to conduct prescribed burning in the foothills of Sequoia National Park on May 21 – 22. Visitors who enter the parks through the southern entrance may notice this work taking place between the entrance and Foothills Visitor Center.
State Route 410/Chinook Pass and SR 123/Cayuse Pass through Mount Rainier National Park will reopen for the season by 8 a.m. Friday, May 22, in time for Memorial Day weekend.
State Route 148 through Cedar Breaks National Monument is scheduled to reopen for the season, with spring conditions still affecting access as the park prepares for full summer operations beginning in late May.
Haleakalā National Park is sharing results from recent water quality testing that detected low levels of a man-made chemical called per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the park’s water system.
Richland, W.A. – Manhattan Project National Historical Park is offering a lineup of free ranger programs this summer, inviting visitors to explore the history, science, and people behind the Manhattan Project.
Yosemite National Park is preparing to welcome visitors for the peak summer season with expanded access across the park, including the reopening of popular trails, climbing areas, and full campground availability.
Grand Teton National Park will open its 2026 summer season with a series of significant infrastructure improvement projects that may impact road and trail access in some areas through mid-November.
Appomattox, Va.— Appomattox Court House National Historical Park will commemorate 250 years of American Independence with series of special events from May through August. These programs will connect the history of Appomattox Court House with the broader stories of American history. All programs are free and open to the public. The program schedule is as follows:
From May 18 through July 15, Cape Hatteras National Seashore will close the parking lot at off-road vehicle ramp 38, located south of Avon, N.C., to accommodate Dare County’s beach nourishment project.
Fort Scott National Historic Site invites the public to help place flags for the annual “Symbols of Sacrifice” Field of Honor at 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 22. Individuals, families and groups are welcome to participate and stay as long as they are available.
On Saturday, May 9, National Park Service personnel recovered a body below the rim near Verkamp’s Visitor Center on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The individual was transported to the rim and transferred to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. The individual was identified as Sandarsh Krishna, 26, who had been reported missing on April 28, 2026.
Grand Portage National Monument will implement Summer hours beginning on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The Heritage Center will be open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and the Historic Depot will be open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. The historic depot will be open seven days a week through Monday, October 12.
WEST GLACIER, Mont.– The body of a missing hiker has been recovered and identified as Anthony Pollio, a 33-year-old man from Davie, Florida. Pollio’s body was discovered by search and rescue crews at approximately 12 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, in Glacier National Park. The National Park Service withholds victim identity until 72 hours after next-of-kin notification.
Titus Canyon Road, one of Death Valley National Park’s most popular backcountry drives, has reopened after an initial phase of flood repairs. The road will close again on October 1, 2026, for additional work, including improvements to reduce damage from future flash floods.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will complete essential maintenance along the Spur starting May 11. This will require temporary single-lane closures to allow park staff to safely and efficiently complete this work.
Jewel Cave National Monument is changing its operations to prepare for visitors this summer season. The monument will be open every day starting Sunday, May 24, with extended hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Valley Forge National Historical Park, the only national park established on July 4, celebrates its 50th anniversary this summer with a three-day commemorative event. “Retreat to Valley Forge” will take place July 3–5, 2026. The celebration honors both the 50th anniversary of the park’s addition to the National Park System and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
A 160-acre grassland restoration project will begin May 9, 2026, in areas surrounding the Pennsylvania Monument and the Eternal Light Peace Memorial of the Gettysburg National Military Park.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. – The body of a missing hiker was discovered by search and rescue crews at approximately 12 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, in Glacier National Park.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park invites visitors to join our 250th anniversary program, Defend and Protect: Arming the American Soldier on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This special event explores the weapons and technology produced at the Harpers Ferry Armory from the 1790s to 1861 and how these innovations shaped the nation and the world.
The North Cascades National Park Service Complex today announced summer 2026 operations at Stehekin Landing will be limited following historic flooding in December that left the area’s wastewater treatment plant inoperable.
The National Park Service is creating the first Comprehensive Plan for the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, a major step toward strengthening connections across this regionally significant trail network.
As we celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, Memorial Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the cost of preserving the ideals first articulated in 1776. Visit Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park this Memorial Day weekend to reflect on the sacrifice of those who lost their lives in service of the United States.
To implement the most effective methods of keeping wildlife safe from human food/food waste, and humans safe from wildlife, Isle Royale park managers continue to evaluate and improve food storage regulations. Updated regulations went into effect April 16, 2026.
The thirty-sixth annual Grand Canyon Star Party will be held from Saturday, June 6 through Saturday, June 13, 2026, on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The event is sponsored by the National Park Service, Grand Canyon Conservancy, and the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [May 5, 2026] – Search efforts are underway in Glacier National Park for Anthony Pollio, a 33-year-old man from Fort Lauderdale, Florida who has been missing since Sunday evening.
The National Park Service has scheduled prescribed fires on federal lands in Mercer County this Spring depending on environmental conditions. These prescribed fires will reduce wildfire risks and enhance wildlife habitat and native plant restoration.
National Park Service officials formally welcomed Ray McPadden as superintendent of Yosemite National Park during an assumption of responsibility ceremony held in Yosemite Valley Thursday April 23.
The National Park Service has scheduled a prescribed fire on federal lands in Williams County this Spring depending on environmental conditions. The current plan is to burn approximately 15 acres of grassland near the maintenance shop.
Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Oak Ridge, Tennessee will offer monthly fishing education programs, Let’s Go Fishing, in June, July, August and September.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is requesting tips from the public to aid in an ongoing investigation of 33 black vultures (Coragyps atratus) dumped on the Foothills Parkway.
Five future canine rangers are already capturing hearts across the country. Born March 30, Denali’s newest sled dog puppies are now live on the park’s beloved Puppy Cam, offering a front-row seat to the next generation of working dogs in action.
After months of fieldwork and scientific analysis, National Park Service researchers have determined that the coyote that drew international attention in early 2026 after swimming to Alcatraz Island likely started his epic swim from Angel Island State Park
Federal subsistence fishing in the Upper Copper River District will open on May 15. This fishing permit allows eligible rural residents to fish for salmon and other fish to feed themselves and their families under federal subsistence regulations. It is not a sport fishing permit or commercial fishing permit.
Beginning May 11, Stones River National Battlefield will implement intermittent road closures to support a utility improvement project by Middle Tennessee Electric.
Andrew Johnson National Historic Site will officially re-open President Andrew Johnson’s historic Homestead in downtown Greeneville on Monday, May 4, 2026.
National Park Service rangers at Grand Canyon National Park are investigating a missing person case involving 26-year-old Sandarsh Krishna. Investigators believe Krishna was in possession of a black backpack prior to his disappearance. A black backpack believed to be associated with Krishna was later turned in to hotel personnel at Bright Angel Lodge on April 28 at approximately 7 a.m.
From May 23 to 25, Shiloh National Military Park will host a weekend of special events and commemorative activities to honor the memory of American military service members who gave their lives in service to the nation. Visitors can experience live demonstrations, historic reenactments, and a solemn Memorial Day ceremony during a three‑day commemoration at Shiloh National Military Park.
Independence National Historical Park and Independence Historical Trust will hold a public ribbon cutting on July 1 to celebrate the multi-year, $43 million renovation of the historic First Bank of the United States.
The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking ideas for potential uses of historic Cook Hall. The NPS invites individuals, educational institutions, government agencies, nonprofit and for-profit organizations to share their ideas by responding to a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI).
Thurmont, Md. – Due to increased security measures, portions of Catoctin Mountain Park will be closed at approximately noon on Friday, May 1. Closures are scheduled to continue through approximately noon on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Beginning May 4, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will close Snodgrass Hill Road for construction within Chickamauga Battlefield. The project will provide routine road-paving maintenance to improve visitor safety and enhance the overall visitor experience. The park anticipates completing the project by mid-June 2026.
The National Park Service and the Washington State Department of Transportation are seeking public input on a proposed project to reduce flooding and erosion risks to a section of State Route 410 adjacent to the White River in Mount Rainier National Park.
The Highway 41 Fire continues to burn and is now approximately 8,500 acres in size with 20% containment. The fire, which started on April 27, is located in the northeastern corner of Everglades National Park, south of U.S. Highway 41 and east of Shark Valley and the airboat concessions.
Due to the heavy snow load this winter, Denali National Park and Preserve is extending prescribed burning of slash piles in the park entrance area to May 1 – 30 dependent on weather and conditions on site.
Beginning April 30, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will transition its backcountry permit reservation system to Recreation.gov. This transition will improve reliability, security and customer support for backcountry users. Visitors with existing reservations do not need to do anything—the park will honor all permits issued before the switch.
Grand Canyon National Park is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing individual last known to be in the park. On April 28, 2026, Grand Canyon dispatch was notified of a missing person identified as 26-year-old Sandarsh Krishna. The last possible known location was along the Rim Trail along Hermit Road between Bright Angel Lodge and Mohave Point between 4 p.m. on April 27 and 12 a.m. on April 28.
Olympic National Park is seeking proposals to provide visitor concession services at Kalaloch Lodge. The new concessioner will provide lodging, food and beverage, retail, campground (group site), firewood, and other related services over a 10-year term. Proposals must be submitted electronically by Aug. 3, 2026.
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area will celebrate the deeply rooted tradition of Decoration Day on the Cumberland Plateau with its sixth annual Cemetery Quest event. The event begins at 9 a.m. ET on Saturday, May 2 at Bandy Creek Visitor Center. Following a guided booklet, participants can visit cemeteries throughout the region in search of site-specific information.
Beginning Oct. 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., a section of the North Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park will close to all public access for critical pipeline rehabilitation work on the Transcanyon Waterline. The closure area will be between Redwall Bridge (2.5 miles north of Manzanita Rest Area) and the northern end of Cottonwood Campground. This hard closure will remain in place through approximately February 2027.
Bighorn National Recreation Area is launching its new “Reel” Fun Adventures program series this summer, offering hands-on fishing experiences for youth, families, and first-time anglers.
On the evening of April 27, a wildfire was reported in the northeastern corner of Everglades National Park. Highway 41 fire burns south of U.S. Route 41.
Sulphur, Okla. – Chickasaw National Recreation Area is seeking one applicant to cut and remove hay from three former agricultural fields within the park.
Denali National Park and Preserve will open the Denali Park Road to private vehicle traffic as far as Mile 30, the Teklanika Rest Area, on Tuesday, April 28.
Stones River National Battlefield employees and community partners learned preservation and maintenance skills while working in historic Lytle Cemetery.
Grand Canyon National Park is continuing to ease water conservation measures as water supply levels improve. Water spigots in Mather Campground and Desert View Campground have been turned on. Camper Services, operated by Delaware North, will reopen to the public on Tuesday, April 28. Fire restrictions on the South Rim have been lifted; however, campfires are only permitted in established campfire rings.
Firefighters plan to burn two small piles of accumulated vegetation, mostly coconut palm fronds and coconuts, in the Kahuku-Pōhue coastal area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park May 5 through May 8, 2026.
Grand Portage National Monument received the Charles S. Marshall Unit Award in March 2026 from Eastern National, a not-for-profit cooperating association that promotes the public’s support of America’s national parks and other public trust partners. The award recognizes Grand Portage National Monument’s excellence in partnership, education, and interpretation across the National Park Service.
National Park Service officials at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve have announced visitor center operating hours for the summer 2026 season.
The National Park Service (NPS) is planning to conduct prescribed burns in Acadia National Park throughout the weekend of April 25, provided weather and fuel conditions are within the prescribed ranges established in the park’s prescribed fire plan. If conditions do not allow for the prescribed burns to take place as planned, NPS will complete them before May 15, 2026.
Beaver Creek Road, also known as Forest Service Road 391, will close May 4 while a new cattle guard is installed on the Wind Cave National Park boundary.
As part of ongoing monitoring efforts to document recovery of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem under the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Geological Survey, in conjunction with Yellowstone National Park, is working to inform the public that pre-baiting and scientific capture operations are once again about to begin within Yellowstone National Park. Agency biologists with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) will begin the field captures May 1 and continue through Oct. 15.
The National Park Service today announced the selection of Treacy Stone as the new superintendent of Vicksburg National Military Park. Stone will begin his new role in June.
The National Park Service will start work Thursday, April 23 to begin resurfacing the George Washington Memorial Parkway and replacing pedestrian crossing medians between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and First Street in Alexandria, Virginia.
Beginning Monday, May 11 through Thursday, May 14, and then again Monday, May 18 through Thursday, May 21, trail access will be closed above Nymph Lake to the Dream Lake/Lake Haiyaha junction for a bridge replacement project.
The National Park Service today announced plans to remove hazardous, storm-generated tree debris from six areas with elevated wildfire risk along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia. This project is the latest in a number of federal recovery efforts advancing under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump in response to Hurricane Helene damage across western North Carolina.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host its annual synchronous firefly event at Elkmont from May 20-27. A lottery for vehicle reservations opens at 10 a.m. April 24 EDT and closes at 11:59 p.m. April 27 EDT.
The National Park Service (NPS) invites you to attend a public open house to learn more about a proposed White-tailed Deer Management Plan for the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area.
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will feature a full day of music, historic demonstrations and Appalachian traditions for the 26th Annual Spring Planting and Music Festival on April 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend. A free shuttle bus will run throughout the day for those who prefer not to walk between festival locations.
Rangers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park responded to three bear‑related incidents at Ramsey Cascades Trail this past weekend, including two encounters in which a bear approached visitors and took two backpacks, and a third in which a bear displayed aggressive behavior and briefly chased a group. Ramsey Prong Road and Ramsey Cascades Trail are closed as rangers monitor bear activity.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the State of Utah, Office of the Medical Examiner, have identified the visitor who died Friday following a fall from the chained section of the Angels Landing trail on April 17, 2026, at approximately 2 p.m.
Beginning May 4, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will close Bullhead Trail from Monday through Thursday each week, excluding federal holidays, through November 19. During this time, the park will continue the rehabilitation of the Bullhead Trail in partnership with Friends of the Smokies.
As the summer season approaches, Glacier National Park is reminding visitors about important changes taking effect for the 2026 season. These changes, first announced in February, include the elimination of vehicle reservations anywhere in the park this year, as well as a new reservation-only shuttle system and three-hour parking limits at Logan Pass.
Beginning April 20, the superintendent of Denali National Park and Preserve will close portions of the preserve to snowmobile use for traditional activities because of inadequate snow cover. The closure applies to the area from the Southwest Preserve to the West Fork of the Chulitna River.
The roads in the Yellowtail Habitat are open and cleared of hazardous trees thanks to the work of United States Forest Service, National Park Service and Wyoming Game and Fish crews.
White Sands National Park, in partnership with the Western National Parks Association, will host Hubbell Trading Post’s Navajo Rug Show in the park’s visitor center courtyard from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26. Visitors can experience the culture and heritage of the Navajo people while browsing and learning about hundreds of handcrafted Navajo rugs from the oldest continuously operating trading post in the American Southwest.
Use caution on Lake Powell this season as low water levels create rapidly changing conditions. Boaters are encouraged to plan ahead and stay informed before and during their visit.
Beginning April 27, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will resume road construction on Dyer Road within Chickamauga Battlefield. The park anticipates completing the project by late May 2026.
Work to replace the deteriorating bridge into Nāhuku lava tube in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park will start Thursday, April 23. The lava tube will remain open, but entrance and exit will be on the east (or “exit”) end only.
Yellowstone entrances and roads scheduled to open at 8 a.m. Friday, April 17 will instead open at noon due to a significant winter storm with heavy snow, low temperatures and strong winds.
Saturday, April 25th, join us at Friendship Hill to learn about Spring Wildflowers of Eastern Woodlands: Photos, Facts and Folklore with author Jack Gates and then participate in a two mile walk around the grounds to look for wildflowers on the property.
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The National Park Service has selected Laurel Racine as superintendent of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park in Massachusetts. Racine assumed her new role on Feb.9, 2026.
Grand Canyon National Park will gradually ease water conservation measures on the South Rim starting Friday, April 17 at 12 p.m., following recent progress in repairing the water pipeline and pumping to the South Rim. Conservation efforts remain critical as the park continues to operate under a constrained, aging, and increasingly vulnerable legacy water system.
Visitors to Homestead National Historical Park are invited to the park’s grounds at the Education Center on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28 to participate in a full weekend of free activities, demonstrations, and performances.
Beginning May 4, 2026, the Isaac Potts House in Valley Forge National Historical Park will temporarily close for a restoration project. Through Sunday, May 3, visitors can tour the historic structure used by General George Washington as his headquarters during the legendary 1777-1778 winter encampment. The house and its surrounding area will close to visitors until restoration is complete in 2027, in time to mark the 250th anniversary of Washington’s 1777 arrival at Valley Forge.
Brewster Bridge Road in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will be temporarily closed for repair and repavement from May to mid-summer. The road was heavily damaged during significant rain events in 2022 and 2023.
Starting April 15, visitors can reserve backcountry camping permits for the U.S. side of the Chilkoot National Historic Trail for the 2026 summer season.
Rocky Mountain National Park, in partnership with Rocky Mountain Conservancy, is pleased to announce that the 2026 Artists-in-Residence have been selected.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is opening additional facilities for the spring and summer season as warmer weather and longer days return. While the park is open year-round, several services that were closed during winter are now available to visitors.
The National Park Service looks forward to welcoming visitors to Acadia National Park this season! We expect the 2026 summer season to be BUSY, so make sure to plan ahead and recreate responsibly while you’re here. Prepare for your trip to Acadia National Park by following our list of the top five tips.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will offer Cades Cove Vehicle-Free Days every Wednesday from May 6 to Sept. 30. These designated days give pedestrians and cyclists an opportunity to experience the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road without motor vehicles.
Join Bighorn Canyon staff and volunteers for the annual Junior Ranger Day scavenger hunt on April 18, 2026. This year the park is celebrating its 60th anniversary and the Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center’s 50th anniversary. The theme of the scavenger hunt is ‘Then and Now’.
Fort Scott National Historic Site will host its Annual Civil War Encampment, April 18 and 19, 2026. Join us each day to experience cavalry, infantry, and artillery troops drilling and preparing for battle in the summer of 1861.
The National Park Service today announced it has awarded the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the construction contract to reconstruct Company Creek Road. USACE’s Rapid Response Team began work this week to rebuild an elevated interim road across federal lands. The interim road will provide similar access to the upper Company Creek area as the hasty corduroy road that has been used since floods in December 2025. Work is expected to last a few weeks.
Homestead National Historical Park invites fiddlers to share their talent and compete in the annual Tallgrass Prairie Fiddle Festival, May 23, 2026. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., a workshop is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m., the jam session will start at 11 a.m., and the competition begins at noon.
The National Park Service broke ground today on an approximately $14 million project to rehabilitate employee housing at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Partners, including the National Park Foundation, joined NPS leadership and elected officials for a ceremonial event marking the start of long-needed improvements.
Fire management staff plan to conduct prescribed burning in the Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park beginning on April 16. Crews expect to broadcast burn about 92 acres on the valley floor. This work builds on 2025 fuels reduction efforts that treated 261 acres and areas affected by the 2024 Happy Fire.
On April 15, Natchez Trace Parkway will close Double Arch Bridge near Nashville and begin construction to install a permanent pedestrian safety barrier. The bridge will be closed to motor vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists until spring 2027.
Thurmont, Md.- During recent white-tailed deer reduction operations and subsequent disease sampling at Catoctin Mountain Park, two deer tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). This is the first CWD-positive detection at Catoctin Mountain Park.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will begin its 2026 season of adaptive programming this spring with ranger‑led experiences designed for visitors with limited mobility and their families.
Grand Canyon National Park will implement additional water conservation measures on the South Rim starting Saturday, April 11, due to a series of significant breaks in the 12½ mile-long Transcanyon Waterline that supplies water from the inner canyon for use in the park. Since mid-March, the park has faced challenges with water supply, and currently, no water is being pumped to the South Rim.
The National Park Service is seeking public input on proposed improvements to the Oconaluftee River Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Through this project, the park would improve connectivity with the gateway community of Cherokee, increase accessibility, repair riverbank erosion and enhance safety and the visitor experience. The NPS will accept comments through April 22.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore urges visitors to use caution from today to April 11 on east-facing beaches. There is the potential for multi-day, persistent northeast winds and breaking waves. This could cause coastal erosion and the partial or full collapse of one or more threatened oceanfront structures in Buxton and Rodanthe.
The Keweenaw National Historical Park Advisory Commission will convene for its regular quarterly meeting at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The meeting will be held in-person at Keweenaw National Historical Park Headquarters building, located at 25970 Red Jacket Road. This is the corner of Red Jacket Road and Hwy. US-41 in Calumet.
The National Park Service (NPS) seeks public input to guide the development of a general management plan for Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (“the Monument”) starting April 29, 2026.
On April 11, Big South Fork NRRA will host a river-based cleanup in partnership with Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning and East Tennessee Whitewater Club. The park will determine which section of stream to paddle based on river flow levels and other factors.
Gettysburg National Military Park staff and U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) staff are preparing to conduct a prescribed fire on March 8, weather permitting. Park and USWFS staff plan to burn portions of the west slope of Little Round Top (52 acres) and the Munshower field (36 acres) immediately north of Little Round Top. Prescribed fire activity will be completed as soon as all safety protocols are met.
Yellowstone National Park reminds boaters and anglers to clean, drain and dry all boats, trailers and equipment prior to arriving in the park to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) into park waters. In 2026, boating season begins May 23 and extends through Oct. 31.
Crater Lake National Park has cancelled the 2026 Ride the Rim event due to major construction projects affecting park roads, trails, and visitor areas.
On April 26, the National Park Service will unveil the newest attraction to the Saratoga National Historical Park Visitor Center, a 266-year-old French Cannon named La Poesie (Poetry). It will remain on display for the next two years as the park observes the 250th anniversaries of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 and the Battles of Saratoga in 2027.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site plans to host an animal adoption event and B.A.R.K. Ranger program at 426 S. 7th Street, Springfield, Illinois on Saturday, April 25.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is preparing for the next eruption of Kīlauea volcano (episode 44), increased visitation, and the potential for lava fountains and a wind shift from the south.
The Old Mine Road, a scenic and historic 375-year-old route on the New Jersey side of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, will undergo significant repairs starting on April 6.
On April 3, the National Park Service will release a report and administrative record file about the former Ridgeland Firing Range on Natchez Trace Parkway for public review and comment.
On April 3, the National Park Service will release a report and administrative record file about the former Port Gibson Firing Range on Natchez Trace Parkway for public review and comment.
New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve will host a free event on April 14 and 15 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.
The National Park Services urges visitors to plan ahead, prepare for changing conditions and know their personal limits while recreating in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Park rangers have been responding to an increased number of emergencies and are reminding visitors that rescue is not a certainty.
TUSKEGEE, Ala. — On April 23, Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site will host a STEM Day in recognition of the generous gift from Gary Webb of Piqua, Ohio. Webb is donating a remote-controlled P-51 Mustang model aircraft to the site.
Thurmont, Md. – Due to increased security measures, portions of Catoctin Mountain Park will be closed at approximately noon on Thursday, April 2. Closures are scheduled to continue through approximately noon. on Monday, April 6, 2026.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore issued a special use permit to Dare County for its upcoming project to repair the southernmost groin, located partially within the boundaries of the Seashore, in Buxton, North Carolina.
Redwood National Park welcomed 1.2 million visitors in 2025. Redwood National and State Parks, including Redwood National Park and Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks, welcomed nearly 2.5 million visitors in 2025
The National Park Service (NPS) invites you to attend a public meeting to learn more about the release of the White-Tailed Deer Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Flight 93 National Memorial, Fort Necessity National Battlefield and Friendship Hill National Historic Site.
The National Park Service (NPS) invites you to attend a public meeting to learn more about the release of the White-Tailed Deer Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Flight 93 National Memorial, Fort Necessity National Battlefield and Friendship Hill National Historic Site.
The National Park Service (NPS) invites you to attend a public meeting to learn more about the release of the White-Tailed Deer Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Flight 93 National Memorial, Fort Necessity National Battlefield and Friendship Hill National Historic Site.
The National Park Service will initiate small, prescribed fires (burning piles of cut material), beginning on Saturday, April 4 for about a week at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve as weather and site conditions allow.
The National Park Service will begin lane closures from the northbound and southbound George Washington Memorial Parkway exits to the Turkey Run Loop Road on April 6, 2026. Detours will be in place to access to Turkey Run Loop Road.
Beginning April 1, Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 3 Water Restrictions due to a break in the water pipeline along the North Kaibab Trail. Until park staff repair the break and water in storage tanks reaches sustainable levels, the park will remain in conservation mode.
National Park Service archeologists have identified the original burial site of Private George Tupper, a 22-year-old U.S. Army soldier and the only known service member buried within the walls of Fort Jefferson on Garden Key.
National Park Service officials announced today that, as hurricane recovery road repairs continue, visitors should use extreme caution along the Blue Ridge Parkway in areas leading to active construction sites. These ongoing road restoration projects are part of the federal recovery efforts advancing under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump in response to Hurricane Helene damage across western North Carolina.
Death Valley National Park welcomed more than 1.32 million visitors to the park in 2025. This was the park’s fourth-highest visitation year, despite extended closures of large sections of the park due to flash flood damage.
The National Park Service will host an annual public science meeting at Historic Rugby Visitor Center, in Rugby, Tennessee. The public is invited to spend the day with scientists who have been conducting research at Obed Wild and Scenic River, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, and other areas on the Cumberland Plateau.
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services are proud to partner in hosting an official naturalization ceremony on Thursday, April 23, 2026, where 150 individuals will take the oath of citizenship.
Park Day is an annual event giving volunteers an opportunity to help with clean-up and preservation projects on some of the nation’s most sacred grounds.
Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park is implementing water conservation measures on the South Rim following a break in the pipeline along the North Kaibab Trail. As a result, water is currently unable to be pumped to the South Rim. All park residents and visitors are required to conserve and reduce water usage wherever possible in homes, hotel rooms and campgrounds.
The National Park Service’s Lake Clark National Park Subsistence Resource Commission spring meeting will be held in Nondalton on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The meeting is open to the public.
Mammoth Cave National Park law enforcement officers will conduct periodic sobriety and safety checkpoints on park roads and riverways throughout the remainder of 2026.
San Juan Island National Historical Park will begin controlled pile burning and hazardous fuels removal the week of April 6 in two areas of the park to reduce wildfire risk. Operations will be led by Olympic Interagency Fire Management personnel.
Voyageurs National Park announces summer visitor center hours and the opening date for 2026 boat tour and North Canoe Voyage program reservations. These hours and dates remain largely consistent with recent years.
The National Park Service today announced that Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and Chilkoot National Historic Trail recently completed an eight-week rehabilitation of the Sheep Camp Ranger Station and adjacent tool shed. Supported by the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund signed by President Donald J. Trump in 2020, the key backcountry hub along the historic Chilkoot Trail was repaired with approximately $400,000 in GAOA funding.
The Department of the Interior, National Park Service, and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) will co-host a community open house to discuss ongoing management of grasslands within 17,000 acres of the headlands and Pierce Point areas of Point Reyes National Seashore.
Firefighters continue to actively suppress the Rabbit Creek and Fox Gap wildfires in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Fox Gap Fire is estimated at 112 acres and is 30% contained. The Rabbit Creek Fire is approximately 48 acres and is 75% contained.
Join us for Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, April 11, 2026! All ages are invited to stop by the visitor center for family-friendly activities and earn a badge.
The Kane Fire is now 75 percent contained, showing strong progress as firefighters continue their work. With fire activity decreasing, the number of personnel assigned to the fire is being reduced, with about half of crews beginning to leave the area today.
On Wednesday afternoon, Great Smoky Mountains National Park received a report of a wildfire in the Twentymile Area. Fire managers are currently working to estimate fire acreage. Additional firefighting resources have been ordered to support suppression efforts.
Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, stories, and artifacts at Monocacy National Battlefield’s redesigned museum. The park will dedicate the new museum at a grand opening ceremony where everyone can learn how the battle there, shaped American history. The event takes place at the park’s visitor center on Friday, April 3, 2026.
Fire crews took advantage of a delay in predicted winds yesterday allowing for continued strong progress on the Kane Fire. Containment has increased to 50 percent and total acreage has been confirmed at 1915 acres.
It’s officially spring at Grand Teton National Park. The 14-mile section of the Teton Park Road between Taggart Lake Trailhead and Signal Mountain Lodge is cleared of snow and open to walking, running, biking and skating.
Fire crews made significant progress on the Kane Fire yesterday, increasing containment to 30 percent. Due to these efforts, firefighters are in a strong position moving forward and will continue working to safely suppress the fire and secure containment lines.
Thurmont, Md. – Catoctin Mountain Park will begin repaving work on Park Central Road on Monday, March 30. The work will include closures of sections of Park Central Road between the Visitor Center and the Hog Rock parking lot. The closures will be in place Monday through Friday. On weekends, the road will be fully open. Work is expected to continue for 4-6 weeks.
Grand Canyon National Park will welcome visitors back to the North Rim for the 2026 summer season beginning at 6 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026. All paved roadways within the park will reopen, including Highway 67, Cape Royal, and Point Imperial Roads. These scenic drives provide access to many of the North Rim’s iconic viewpoints, including Point Imperial, Cape Royal, Roosevelt Point, Walhalla Overlook, and Angels Window. Vehicles over 22 feet in total length are not permitted on the Cape Royal and Point Imperial Roads due to tight turns, limited parking, and narrow roadway conditions.
Firefighters continue to suppress the Rabbit Creek Fire in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The fire is 47.5 acres and is 25% contained. Crews continue to establish and reinforce fire line around the perimeter. No structures are threatened at this time.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park welcomed 1.55 million recreation visits in 2025. Despite a 43-day partial government shutdown – the longest ever – the National Park Service worked to keep parks open and accessible whenever possible so visitors could continue to experience the nation’s natural and historic treasures.
The Kane Fire remains approximately 1900 acres and Wildland fire managers estimate the fire’s containment at 10%. Additional Wildland fire crews from the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Wildland Fire Service, and cooperating agencies continue to assist with suppression efforts.
Beginning May 1, 2026, Theodore Roosevelt National Park will transition to a fully cashless fee system. Entrance fees and other in-person sales will be processed using mobile payments, credit cards, or debit cards at park sales outlets. The transition to electronic payment is safer, reduces transaction times, and improves accountability.
Fire crews are actively suppressing the Rabbit Creek Fire near Rabbit Creek Trail and northwest of Backcountry Campsite 16 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park received a report of the fire on Sunday afternoon.
The Kane Fire grew to approximately 1900 acres Sunday night and fire managers estimate the fire’s containment at 10%. Additional Fire Crews from Forest Service, BLM and cooperating agencies arrived Sunday evening.
Petroglyph National Monument invites the public to share input on proposed visitor enhancements and facility improvements in the Boca Negra Canyon and Lava Shadows areas of the monument.
A wildfire was reported in the Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area on Saturday March 21 at 5pm. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time and an investigation to the cause in ongoing.
The National Park Service plans to burn approximately 180 acres in Wear Cove Gap (north of Metcalf Bottoms) and 243 acres in Lynn Hollow (near the Top of the World community) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Weather permitting, burn operations may begin as early as March 25 and may continue through March 31. These prescribed fires will help to safely reduce fuels, maintain resilient natural systems and protect communities along the park boundary.
The National Park Service will begin lane closures the week of March 23 to resurface sections of the George Washington Memorial Parkway between Spout Run Parkway and Interstate 395 and between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and First Street in Alexandria, Virginia.
The National Park Service is expanding opportunities for qualified volunteers and permitted participants to assist with the management and humane removal of invasive and overabundant species at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve in Louisiana, and Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia.
As spring approaches, Great Smoky Mountains National Park reminds visitors of group size limits during the popular wildflower season at Whiteoak Sink. Individuals and small groups of eight or fewer people may access the Whiteoak Sink area throughout the wildflower season from April 1 through May 3.
The National Park Service will begin historic preservation work along the Memorial Avenue Corridor on March 19, 2026, with work expected to continue through mid- to late May.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Park Service announce the publication of the final commercial air tour management voluntary agreement for Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods National Monument, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, and Point Reyes National Seashore.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is taking proactive steps to maintain uplake boating access at Lake Powell during the 2026 summer season. With lower water levels expected throughout the summer, the park and its partners are adjusting facilities to ensure visitors can continue accessing services in the Bullfrog and Halls Crossing areas. The land-based services at Bullfrog remain open.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park reopened some sections Wednesday morning, March 18, but other areas remain closed until further notice due to major storm and volcanic impacts.
Bandelier National Monument, in partnership with Atomic City Transit, will begin the free shuttle service to Frijoles Canyon on Thursday, March 19, 2026. The shuttle boards at the Frey Trail Parking Lot in the park starting at 10:30am.
Biologists at Point Reyes National Seashore received results of a presumptive positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a dead common murre. Park staff are coordinating closely with wildlife health experts and partner organizations to monitor wildlife health and assess conditions in the park.
Bryce Canyon National Park today announced it welcomed 1,967,367 recreation visits in 2025, reflecting the implementation of a more precise and refined visitor counting method that will significantly enhance future planning and park management.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is accepting Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) applications to provide event services for the Kennecott Recreation Hall in the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark.
To align with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing season and protect wild steelhead spawning grounds, Olympic National Park is closing the upper sections of the Hoh River to recreational fishing on March 16, 2026. The recreational fishing season will reopen on June 1, 2026.
DAVISTON, Ala. — On Saturday, March 28, Horseshoe Bend National Military Park invites the public to commemorate the 212th Anniversary of the Battle of the Horseshoe. This free, family-friendly event highlights the significance of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in U.S. history. Leaders from the Muscogee Creek Nation will share stories from their ancestral lands to highlight cultural effects of the battle. The event will be from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the park visitor center.
The National Park Service is opening public comment on an evaluation of accessibility across Death Valley National Park. The “Accessibility Self‑Evaluation and Transition Plan” includes restrooms, walkways, interpretive exhibits, ranger programs, and other visitor services.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park closed Saturday, March 14 due to severe weather and remains closed through Sunday, March 15 due to power outages, downed power lines, fallen trees, flooding and other storm-related damage.
Both districts of Haleakalā National Park will remain closed through at least sunrise on Tuesday, March 17, due to continuing weather impacts, damage from high winds, flooding, and debris on roadways.
The National Park Service welcomed Charles D. Sellars as the superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park during an Assumption of Responsibility ceremony held in the park on March 4. The ceremony marking the transition of leadership brought together National Park Service leadership, tribal leaders, park partners, community leaders and park employees.
Thurmont, Md. – Due to increased security measures, portions of Catoctin Mountain Park will be closed at approximately noon on Friday, March 13. Closures are scheduled to continue through approximately 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
The National Park Service invites the public to comment on a proposed vista management plan for a 2.65-mile section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway between Spout Run and the Glebe Road Bridge. This plan will guide long-term care of historic scenic views along this stretch of the parkway.
The following closures are in effect at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park due to severe weather forecast to bring heavy rain, strong damaging winds and a flood watch:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking individuals to join the Elk Rover volunteer team for the wildlife upcoming season. Elk Rovers share information with visitors about safe viewing and help keep elk and visitors safe. Elk Rovers will be stationed at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, located near Cherokee, North Carolina.
Join the National Park Service (NPS) at Adams National Historical Park on Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29, for a premier 250th anniversary event commemorating the American Revolution experiences of Abigail Adams and the legacy of her famous "Remember the Ladies" letter to John Adams.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has reopened Crater Rim Drive West from the park entrance to Kilauea Military Camp. Park staff are working with heavy equipment and hand tools to clear major amounts of volcanic ash, rock and glass (tephra) from roadways, overlooks and other areas around the summit of Kīlauea.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is working with the National Park Service Office of Health and Safety and the Hawai‘i Department of Health after a person confirmed to have measles visited the park March 3.
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument is excited to host special programs on March 28, 2026, to celebrate the monument’s paleontology and fossil discoveries.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park will commemorate the 161st Anniversary of the Surrender and Freedom Day with five days of special programs.
On March 6, 2026, National Park Service law enforcement rangers, with assistance from the Carlisle (PA) Police Department, arrested Lucas J. Reisinger, 36, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on two felony counts of destruction of veterans’ memorials in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1369. Reisinger is accused of carving his initials into two monuments at Little Round Top in Gettysburg National Military Park in September 2025.
On March 9, Yellowstone biologists working in the northern part of the park reported seeing the first grizzly bear of the spring season. The bear was observed in the backcountry scavenging on a bull bison carcass.
Kīlauea summit in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is temporarily closed due to hazardous amounts of tephra (volcanic rock, ash and glass particles) falling over Kīlauea summit. Highway 11 is closed between mile markers 24 and 40 due to dangerous road conditions.
The National Park Service projects peak bloom for cherry blossoms at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine to fall between April 3—5, depending on the weather conditions. The park will celebrate the start of spring by inviting visitors to learn about the many historic sites and local attractions in and around Baltimore.
Niobrara National Scenic River is inviting artists to submit original works for an open art show commemorating the river’s 35th anniversary in May 2026.
Buffalo National River is preparing to launch the second step in the public planning process for an updated River Management Plan. The park is seeking a second round of civic engagement during a 30-day public comment period, open March 9 through April 10, 2026.
The National Park Service today announced fireworks will again illuminate the sky above Mount Rushmore National Memorial on July 3, 2026, to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary. Public tickets for the event will be available through a lottery on Recreation.gov from April 8 – 12.
The National Park Service is seeking public comment on an environmental assessment and a programmatic agreement for water system improvements at Grand Canyon National Park. The improvements are part of a proposed Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund project called Rehabilitate the North Rim and Roaring Springs Utility Systems.
The National Park Service has signed a finding of no significant impact for a rehabilitation project at Clara Barton National Historic Site, determining that the planned improvements will not cause significant harm to the environment.
Homestead National Historical Park plans to conduct a prescribed burn treating approximately 60 acres. The prescribed fire will occur on the first day in which favorable and safe conditions exist between now and May 1, 2026.
The National Park Service issued a finding of no significant impact for the Clara Barton Parkway Cantilever Bridge and Glen Echo Overpass Project. The decision confirms the work will not cause significant harm to the environment.
In 2026, the park, the Harpers Ferry Park Association, and partners will host a series of public programs and events that bring these stories to life and connect them to the choices and responsibilities that shape our shared future. We invite you to join us for one event or many and experience how this small town helped shape the course of American history, then and now.
National Park Service officials announced today that work will resume on a multi-year Great American Outdoor Act road project in western North Carolina. Intermittent road closures are set to begin in mid-March from milepost 280 to 285 near Parkway School Road, and also from milepost 291.8, at US 321/221, to milepost 305.1, near Beacon Heights and US221. Park visitors and neighbors can expect various sections within this corridor to be closed intermittently while work is underway. Staggered closures are planned in a way that provides continuous access to popular park recreation areas.
The National Park Service today announced the availability of funding to partially rebuild Company Creek Road in North Cascades National Park Service Complex following significant flood damage in December2025. The NPS is evaluating options to execute this project before spring runoff.
Thurmont, Md. – Due to increased security measures, portions of Catoctin Mountain Park will be closed at approximately noon. on Friday, March 6. Closures are scheduled to continue through approximately 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Kings Mountain National Military Park plans to conduct a series of prescribed burns within the park as conditions allow, beginning this week and continuing through April 30.
During recent white-tailed deer reduction operations and subsequent disease sampling at Gettysburg National Military Park (NMP) and Eisenhower National Historic Site (NHS), two deer tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). This marks the first confirmed case of CWD at Gettysburg NMP.
The National Park Service will conduct a prescribed fire at Chickamauga Battlefield on March 5 and 6. The planned fire will be on approximately 850 acres north of Viniard-Alexander Road east of LaFayette Road and west of Alexander Bridge Road.
A section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from milepost 86 to 89, near Bedford, Virginia, will close on or around March 9, for a needed rehabilitation project. The project includes pavement reconstruction, drainage repairs, signage and safety measures, and work is expected to be complete by summer 2026.
Capitol Reef National Park is seeking input on opportunities to expand recreational access and connectivity and to modernize facilities and infrastructure within the park.
The National Park Service seeks public input on a proposed project to replace the water and wastewater systems within Curecanti National Recreation Area.
National Park Service personnel responded to an incident on Feb. 26 in a closed area on the east side of Kīlauea caldera within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The volcano was not erupting at the time of the incident.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore and its official non-profit partner, Outer Banks Forever, today announced an upcoming partnership project, funded by Outer Banks Forever, that will restore the interior of the Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters.
The National Park Service will hold the winter Subsistence Resource Commission (SRC) Meetings for Kobuk Valley National Park and Cape Krusenstern National Monument during the week of March 10, 2026.
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park invites you to welcome in spring with two outdoor programs this March: Johnson Settlement Ranger Walks and Night Skies Over the LBJ Ranch
The National Park Service invites the public and seeks vendors for the 26th Annual Spring Planting and Music Festival on Saturday, April 25 in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
To provide peregrine falcons adequate space for nesting, the National Park Service temporarily closed areas including Jordan Cliffs Trail, Precipice Trail, and Valley Cove Trail in Acadia National Park until further notice starting March 1. In addition, the parking lot for the Precipice Trail will remain closed to vehicles until further notice. These annual closures protect the peregrine falcons from inadvertent human disturbance or harassment during the nesting period.
The National Park Service announces the inclusion of two institutes of higher learning to the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network. This national network connects sites across the country who provide education, interpretation and research related to the period of Reconstruction. The Reconstruction era, lasting from 1861 to 1900, includes stories of freedom, education and self-determination.
Size: 30,225 acres as of 2/27/2026, 6:15pm Containment: 0% Cause: Unknown, Under Investigation Location: 25 miles east of Naples, Florida; south of I-75, east of SR-29. Start Date: February 22, 2026 Resources: 14 engines, 3 water tenders, 4 helicopters, 3 single engine airtankers (SEATs). Total Personnel: 154
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is preparing for projected low water levels at Lake Powell in 2026. In collaboration with concessioners and state partners, park staff are committed to sustaining visitor access and high-quality services throughout the upcoming season. While lower lake levels are expected, the park and its partners are actively implementing strategies to maintain access, and lake access is not anticipated to be lost this summer.
Stones River National Battlefield will conduct prescribed burns across 40 acres at Fortress Rosecrans and Redoubt Brannan. Some areas of the park will be closed during times needed to complete the burns. The visitor center and main park areas will remain open during regular hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Size: 25,780 acres Location: 25 miles east of Naples, Florida; south of I-75, east of SR-29. Start Date: February 22, 2026 Cause: Unknown, Under Investigation Containment: 0% Resources: 14 engines, 3 helicopters, 3 Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs). Total Personnel: 120
The National Parks of Boston will commemorate the 250th Anniversary of Evacuation Day with a series of events marking the historic departure of British forces from Boston in 1776 and the first major victory of the American Revolutionary War. The event runs March 5 through March 17.
OCHOPEE, FL – Big Cypress National Preserve has issued an amendment to the area closure issued on February 23. The amended closure is in effect immediately and includes all areas and trails within the closure perimeter, as well as perimeter roads within the preserve. During the closure, all recreational use including off-road vehicles, hiking, camping, hunting and commercial activities are prohibited in the designated areas. This amended closure re-opens Burns Lake Campground for reservations and day use.
The National Park Service selected Price Lake Boat Rentals, Inc. to operate visitor services at Price Lake on the Blue Ridge Parkway under a 10-year concession contract. Price Lake Boat Rentals is the current operator, providing boat rentals, snacks and firewood sales on the Parkway since 2013.
OCHOPEE, Fla. – The National Fire remains active as persistent drought conditions and widespread frost-killed vegetation continue to create an unusually heavy and highly receptive fuel bed. Ground crews continue to conduct defensive firing operations along the southern portion of the fire to help establish a perimeter. Aviation resources supported suppression efforts by conducting aerial firing operations to eliminate interior pockets of unburned fuel.
Mount Rainier National Park will not implement a timed entry reservation for any portion of the park in 2026. The park will use parking management strategies to maximize available capacity and remains committed to ensuring visitor access while protecting park resources and maintaining safe, enjoyable experiences.
OCHOPEE, Fla. – Ongoing wildfire activity within Big Cypress National Preserve continues to expand due to persistent drought conditions and recent frost damage that has created an unusually heavy and highly receptive fuel bed. Dry vegetation combined with accumulated frost-killed fuels is contributing to active fire behavior across the preserve.
Tsankawi, the detached unit of Bandelier National Monument, will be closed from Wednesday, February 25, 2026, to Thursday, March 5, 2026, for staging and moving of materials for a trails and visitor improvement project.
VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK, Minn. — Voyageurs National Park has released a Floodplain Statement of Findings for a proposed project to replace an approximately 13-mile underwater power distribution line serving the Kettle Falls area of the park.
OCHOPEE, Fla. – Late on February 22, two fires were discovered within Big Cypress National Preserve. Local ground and aviation crews are actively engaged in fire suppression activities, and additional resources have been requested.
El Malpais National Monument invites you to join us for a Volcano Festival at the El Malpais Visitor Center on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
On March 2, the National Park Service will close a short section of the Tour Road near the Illinois Memorial that provides access to Tour Stops 2 (Shirley House) and 3 (Third Louisiana Redan). This section will remain closed for the duration of the Illinois Memorial Restoration. The project is expected to be completed by September 2026.
On Thursday, Feb. 19, at approximately 11:15 a.m., Grand Canyon National Park received an emergency alert from a noncommercial river trip near Hance Rapid on the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center subsequently received a report that CPR was in progress on an individual.
Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park is implementing water conservation measures on the South Rim following a power outage that impacted the SCADA system at the Havasupai Gardens pumphouse. As a result, water is currently unable to be pumped to the South Rim. All park residents and visitors are required to conserve and reduce water usage wherever possible in homes, hotel rooms and campgrounds.
The National Park Service will conduct prescribed fires to manage vegetation in select areas of Vicksburg National Military Park on Sunday, February 22 and Monday, February 23, depending on weather. Areas for prescribed fires will include large grassy areas in the South Loop, near the Illinois Memorial and Shirley House, the western slope of Fort Hill, along Graveyard Road and at Thayer’s Approach. The area of prescribed burns will include approximately 231 acres.
INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. -- Voyageurs National Park staff will conduct prescribed burns in selected wetlands in and near Black Bay and Cranberry Bay on Rainy Lake in February and March 2026. Additional Sites on Irwin Bay on Lake Kabetogama will be burned if possible.
On Friday February 27 and Saturday February 28, Moores Creek National Battlefield will be commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge.
Denali National Park and Preserve will be conducting prescribed burning of slash piles in the park entrance area between February 19 and May 1, 2026, dependent on weather and conditions on site.
Beginning today through March 1, Great Basin National Park is planning to burn 23 acres of piled fuels, part of the park’s ongoing efforts to reduce the risk of wildfire and restore natural ecosystems.
Pea Ridge National Military Park will conduct prescribed fire operations Friday through Sunday, February 20 to 22, subject to weather conditions falling within the parameters of prescribed fire prescriptions.
In late February, the National Park Service will begin work to replace the Little Yellow Creek Bridge on Bartlett Park Road. Bartlett Park will remain open and accessible, but visitors will see and hear construction activities. The road and areas south of the bridge, including Marsee Cemetery, will not be accessible during construction.
PATCHOGUE, NY – Deer removal operations will resume at Fire Island National Seashore after a pause in January due to winter storm impacts and frigid temperatures. The Seashore’s White-tailed Deer Management Plan will resume between February 23 and 27 on National Park Service (NPS) lands on Fire Island.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [February 18, 2026] – Glacier National Park today announced it will pilot a ticketed shuttle system to Logan Pass in summer 2026, including early morning express routes. Beginning July 1, weather permitting, private vehicle parking at Logan Pass will be limited to three hours. Vehicle reservations will not be required anywhere in the park in 2026.
Arches National Park today announced it will not require advanced timed-entry reservations this year. Visitors may enter the park at any time during operating hours.
Yosemite National Park today announced it will no longer use a timed reservation system in 2026. The decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of traffic patterns, parking availability and visitor use during the 2025 season.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site plans to host a free, public presentation for Black History Month titled "New Philadelphia: Its Connections to Springfield and the 1908 Race Riot.
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site announces a special presentation for Friday, February 27th, 2026, as part of its “Stories from the Borderlands” program series. This presentation will be offered at 2:00 p.m. in the Ed Stafford Theater at Otero College, in La Junta, Colorado.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is expected to open the ice caves near Meyers Beach for visitation beginning on Feb. 16, 2026, if current ice conditions remain stable.
To take advantage of favorable weather conditions, fire managers are planning to conduct a pile burn in Mesa Verde National Park on February 17 – February 19, 2026.
The George Washington Memorial Parkway invites the public to comment on a management plan amendment and environmental assessment for Glen Echo Park in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Effective Saturday, February 14, 2026, the Superintendent has authorized opening the Denali Park Road (the park road) to the Mountain Vista Rest Area (mile marker 12) for travel by private vehicles and commercial vehicles with permits. This opening occurs routinely each season, as weather permits.
The National Park Service selected the Southern Highland Craft Guild, Inc. to operate visitor services at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway under a 10-year concession contract. The Southern Highland Craft Guild is the current operator, providing craft sales at the Folk Art Center since the facility opened in 1979.
Death Valley National Park is pleased to announce the reopening of Salt Creek Boardwalk, three and a half years after it was destroyed by flooding. This wheelchair-accessible trail provides easy access to view Salt Creek Pupfish.
Zion National Park has announced the lottery dates for the 2026 Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program. The spring seasonal lottery is set to open Feb. 13, 2026. Visitors can apply for a permit on Recreation.gov.
Starting Feb. 11, the National Park Service invites the public to comment on Canaveral National Seashore’s draft adaptive management plan addressing changing shoreline conditions for the Playalinda District.
Yosemite National Park is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors for the annual viewing of Horsetail Fall, the natural phenomenon that occurs for a brief window each February when the setting sun can illuminate the waterfall on El Capitan with a striking, firelike glow. The projected viewing period for 2026 is Feb. 10–26, depending on natural conditions.
Obed Wild and Scenic River will be conducting an adaptive climbing program on Saturday, March 28, from 10 am to 3 pm ET. The program is designed for people with a limb difference or mobility challenge, with the goal of improving the accessibility of rock climbing for a wider range of visitors.
Boreal Stargazing Week returns Feb. 9–15, 2026 with in-person stargazing events across Minnesota and free virtual educational programs celebrating one of the world’s largest dark sky regions.
The National Park Service invites public comments on a proposed rule that would amend special regulations for riding bicycles and horses within Mammoth Cave National Park.
Park rangers from Rocky Mountain National Park were contacted late Friday night, February 6, by two male climbers on Kiener’s Route in the Longs Peak area requesting assistance.
Zion National Park’s shuttle service begins on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Shuttles will run from March 7 to November 28, then they return briefly from December 26 to January 2.
Beginning at noon on Monday, February 16, 2026, Haleakalā National Park will temporarily close the Headquarters Visitor Center located 1 mile past the entrance station. Closure of the Haleakalā Visitor Center (summit location) will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in northern California will soon be authorized to designate nearly 80 miles of trails for bicycle and e-bike use under a new National Park Service rule that expands responsible recreation access.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is hosting a volunteer open house on Saturday, February 28 at Happy Days Lodge in Peninsula. Attendees can find out more about various volunteer opportunities.
The National Park Service has completed the Great Falls Area (Maryland) Development Concept Plan, a major milestone that sets the long-term direction for stewardship, visitor experiences and education at one of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park’s most visited places.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area will reopen Government Wash at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, after completing a significant operation to remove long-term encampments and restore safety, environmental stability, and public access to Lake Mead.
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site is excited to announce our program schedule for 2026! There will be something for everyone and a wide variety of programming and topics. Programs will mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, the 150th anniversary of Colorado Statehood, and the 180th Anniversary of the US-Mexican War.
Fire managers are planning to conduct a pile burn in Mesa Verde National Park in February or March. The timing is dependent on the area receiving adequate snowfall prior to ignition.
Grand Canyon National Park will reopen a portion of the North Kaibab Trail on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, marking an important step toward restoring inner canyon trail access following the Dragon Bravo Fire. Accessed from Phantom Ranch, the North Kaibab Trail from the Clear Creek Trail Junction to the Ribbon Falls junction will reopen to public use. The North Kaibab Trail has remained closed since July 13, 2025, to allow for post-fire assessments, safety planning, and trail maintenance.
The National Park Service invites the public to join the annual Cumberland Trail workday on Feb. 14. Obed Wild and Scenic River, Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning and Cumberland Trail State Park will host the event.
The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Subsistence Resource Commission is scheduled to meet on Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28 in Copper Center at the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Visitor Center. Commissioners will consider a range of issues related to subsistence, including proposals related to federal subsistence fishing regulations.
On Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, the National Park Service will begin accepting applications for noncommercial river trip permits to raft the Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park for specific launch dates within calendar year 2027. A total of 478 permits will be available for 12- to 25-day river trips.
The National Park Service is seeking a vendor to provide sales of vended beverages, firewood and ice at the Pinon Flats Campground within Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. These services will be conducted under a Commercial Use Authorization and the agreement period will cover the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
Katmai National Park is hosting a free traditional Sugpiaq qayak model building workshop for the communities of King Salmon and Naknek. The workshop takes place from 5 to 8 pm February 23 to 27, 2026, and from 1 to 4 pm February 28 to March 1, 2026.
The National Park Service is offering the public a special opportunity to experience Everglades National Park at night. The Dark Sky Festival will take place on Feb. 21 from 1 to 10 p.m. in Flamingo, Fla.
Shenandoah National Park will conduct an aerial limestone application to reduce the acidity of Meadow Run, a stream near mile 90 on Skyline Drive, between February 2, 2026, and February 28, 2026.
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) invites you to explore research, monitoring, and management during the Biennial Research Conference “Park Stewardship: From Discovery to Decision” on March 4-5 at The Holiday Inn in Estes Park.
Ahead of an impending winter storm, all National Park Service visitor facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial will be closed this weekend and will remain closed through at least the morning of Feb. 2. The Oregon Inlet and Ocracoke campgrounds are closing at 12 p.m. today.
The park invites Southwest Alaskan residents of all ages to submit a design for the bear pin. The winning design becomes the official Katmai bear pin that tens of thousands of visitors wear this summer
Death Valley National Park, in partnership with the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe, will host a special event on Jan. 30 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Timbisha Shoshone Homeland Act.
Grand Canyon National Park is preparing an adaptive approach for the seasonal reopening of the North Rim, evaluating potential impacts from winter weather to park infrastructure after the Dragon Bravo Fire. The park aims to open popular points of interest, including the North Kaibab Trail, on May 15, weather and conditions permitting.
Due to winter weather impacts, multiple park areas and facilities managed by the George Washington Memorial Parkway will remain closed to ensure visitor safety and allow crews to address hazardous conditions, including snow and ice. Areas will reopen as soon as conditions are safe. For the latest updates, visitors should check www.nps.gov/gwmp and GWMP social media channels.
Death Valley National Park is seeking the public’s help to identify the individuals responsible for illegal off-road driving on Eureka Dunes in Death Valley National Park on Dec. 17. More than five miles of unauthorized vehicle tracks caused significant damage to rare and sensitive desert plants.
BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, Texas – Big Bend National Park will cut down and apply herbicide to invasive tamarisk along the Rio Grande, including the Hot Springs area, February 12-28.
Timber Creek Campground, located on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, will close at noon on Aug.10, 2026, and remain closed through the end of the 2026 summer season, for a sewer system rehabilitation project.
Due to winter weather impacts, multiple park areas and facilities managed by the George Washington Memorial Parkway will remain closed Tuesday, January 27, 2026 to ensure visitor safety and allow crews to address hazardous conditions, including snow and ice. Areas will reopen as soon as conditions are safe. For the latest updates, visitors should check www.nps.gov/gwmp and GWMP social media channels. Next update expected: Tuesday, January 27.
STRONG CITY, Kan.- Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve plans to conduct prescribed fires now through April, weather conditions and moisture levels permitting. For current conditions and trail closures, please call the park, visit the Alerts section on the website, or park’s Facebook page.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve will be hosting a Scientists in Parks paid summer internship program, and a Southwest Conservation Corps paid internship position for the 2026 summer season.
Due to winter weather impacts, George Washington Memorial Parkway is planning to close multiple park areas and facilities starting Sunday, January 25 through at least Monday January 26. Areas will reopen as soon as conditions are safe. For the latest updates, visitors should check www.nps.gov/gwmp and GWMP social media channels. Next update expected: Monday, January 26, once the storm event has concluded.
Beginning on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m., Great Smoky Mountains National Park will close several access points to the park due to an incoming winter storm. These will remain in effect until staff can safely assess conditions.
The National Park Service will close Natchez Trace Parkway between TN Highway 46 (milepost 429) and the northern terminus (milepost 442) south of Nashville, Tennessee at approximately 8 PM Central Standard Time today, Jan. 23. Additional closures along the parkway may occur during the storm.
NC/VA - National Park Service officials are monitoring forecasts for the upcoming winter storm and preparing for a range of potential impacts across the Blue Ridge Parkway. Based on current forecasts, park visitors can expect closures parkwide beginning the evening of Friday, January 23, 2026. Park visitors and neighbors should expect closed gates, as well as barricades in ungated sections.
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is seeking public comments on its vision for rebuilding Whiskeytown Environmental School after the devastating megafire of 2018 and subsequent burn scar flooding.
George Washington Birthplace National Monument officials have been notified of a presumptive positive case of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in a deceased juvenile bald eagle discovered at the park on January 4th. The United States Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center received the eagle for evaluation, and the virus was detected upon initial testing. Samples were forwarded to the United States Department of Agriculture National Veterinary Services Laboratories for confirmatory testing, and updates will be posted to the park website and through social media channels.
Search and rescue operations at Mount Rainier National Park concluded with the recovery of two climbers from the Wilson Glacier area at approximately 9,600 feet in elevation.
Enjoy the cool winter weather at Big Thicket! Join us for a variety of ranger-led programs, a new art exhibit, volunteer opportunities, and feral hog trapping permit registration.
The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Subsistence Resource Commission will hold a special meeting regarding the Secretarial Review of the Federal Subsistence Management Program. The online meeting is scheduled Tuesday, February 3, from 5 p.m. until business is completed. Please note that the meeting time reflects an update and is different from that listed in the Federal Register. The meeting is open to the public, and the public can provide testimony.
The National Park Service continues to seek information from the public to assist in locating Christopher Lee Palmer, 39, who was officially declared a missing person by Arkansas authorities on Jan. 16.
The National Park Service’s Lake Clark National Park Subsistence Resource Commission special meeting to discuss the Secretarial Review of the Federal Subsistence Management Program will be held via teleconference on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 1:00PM.
For many, winter is their favorite time of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). The park is less crowded and for those who are prepared, winter is an enchanting time to explore the scenic beauty of the southern Rocky Mountains. Weather and snow conditions permitting, RMNP will be offering a variety of ranger-led walks, talks and activities this winter. Winter ranger-led programs are available on both the east and west sides of the park through mid-March.
A free seminar will take place on February 15 that explores the efforts of African Americans throughout the Civil War, the Freedmen’s Bureau in central Virginia and the lives and contributions of United States Colored Troops (USCTs) from Franklin County, Virginia.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site plans to host a free, all-day public celebration marking the two hundred and seventeenth anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Events will take place at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site Visitor Center located at 426 S. 7th Street, city, state, on Thursday, February 12; Saturday, February 14; and Sunday, February 15.
Three artists have been selected to participate in the 2026 Artist-in-Residence program in Zion National Park. These selectees include a composer, a multidisciplinary digital artist, and a painter and tattoo artist.
Beginning February 2, 2026, parts of the Barataria Preserve, including the visitor center and most trails, will be temporarily closed for construction projects.
The National Park Service finalized the master plan and environmental assessment selecting the preferred alternative for the Bus Burning Site at Freedom Riders National Monument. The environmental assessment presented a finding of no significant impact.
The National Park Service is seeking information from the public to assist in locating Chris Palmer, 39, who has been reported missing. Palmer is described as Caucasian, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, with blue eyes and strawberry-blond hair. He was last in contact with family members on Jan. 9, 2026.
The Superintendent of Denali National Park and Preserve has determined that there is adequate snow cover for the use of snowmobiles for traditional activities in areas of the 1980 park additions that are south of the crest of the Alaska Range. Areas north of the crest were opened in December.
Grand Canyon National Park has received grant funding from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to support pedestrian and bicycle safety, speed enforcement and impaired driving prevention. The funding helps park rangers purchase equipment, conduct high-visibility traffic enforcement and participate in community outreach aimed at reducing crashes, injuries and fatalities on park roadways.
Denali National Park and Preserve is offering the opportunity for Commercial Dog Sled trips permitted through a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) as a one-year temporary trial.
Recent parking lot construction work in Dinosaur National Monument revealed previously uncovered dinosaur fossils near the Quarry Exhibit Hall, marking the first fossil excavations at this location since 1924.
Deer removal operations will take place at Fire Island National Seashore this month. The park’s White-tailed Deer Management Plan will be implemented in January on National Park Service (NPS) lands on Fire Island and at the William Floyd Estate.
The National Park Service issued a Finding of No Significant Impact on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Everglades Harbor and Channel Dredging Project environmental assessment.
On January 9, 2026, the National Park Service signed a Finding of No Significant Impact and a Floodplain and Wetlands Statement of Finding for the Roswell Gateway and Vickery Creek Unit Access Improvements Environmental Assessment at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
On Jan. 14, 2026, National Park Service South Atlantic-Gulf Acting Regional Director Darrel Echols signed a Finding of No Significant Impact for Fort Raleigh National Historic Site’s Shoreline Stabilization for Erosion Control environmental assessment.
Thurmont, Md. – Due to increased security measures, portions of Catoctin Mountain Park will be closed at approximately 10 a.m. on Friday, January 16. Closures are scheduled to continue through approximately 8 p.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Titusville—Canaveral National Seashore will be temporarily changing operating hours in the Playalinda District (Titusville) to support NASA and the Artemis II launch. Beginning January 12th, Playalinda Beach operating hours will be 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. through January 31st. Beginning January 31- February 6, or until the day of a successful launch, the entire Playalinda Beach District will be closed. The seashore will resume normal operating hours (6:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.) the day after Artemis II successfully launches. For up-to-date information on the seashore visit the park’s Facebook and Instagram page @CanaveralNatlSeashore.
The National Park Service is seeking tips from the public to aid in the ongoing investigation of an assault that occurred in the Deep Creek area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Join the National Park Service and Longwood University on Saturday, February 7, 2026, for a free, day-long seminar in the Jarman Auditorium at Longwood University, Farmville, VA.
The west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, including the restrooms, will close to inbound and outbound traffic from 6 a.m., Jan. 12 through 7 a.m., Jan. 17. Park Boulevard will also close to vehicle traffic for six miles from the west entrance to Quail Springs Picnic Area. This closure includes the Maze Loop and Bigfoot Trailhead parking areas. Visitors may not drive to or park at these trailheads during the closure. All other park roads are expected to remain open.
National Park Service South Florida Fire & Aviation will conduct a series of prescribed fire operations across Big Cypress National Preserve over the coming months, as weather conditions and other parameters permit. The planned treatment areas cover approximately 81,002 acres in 4 separate burn treatment units, strategically placed throughout the preserve as part of a multi-year fuels treatment plan.
The Kīlauea Overlook parking lot is temporarily closed effective immediately to protect a nesting nēnē (Hawaiian geese) family with two goslings. The closure includes the parking lot, surrounding areas, and the pit toilet. The action is intended to prevent vehicle strikes and reduce disturbance to the birds.
Fire managers at Rocky Mountain National Park plan to take advantage of favorable winter weather and conditions to conduct pile burning operations in a variety of locations including Deer Mountain, near Lily Lake, near Moraine and Glacier Basin Campgrounds, off Highway 7 in the Wild Basin area and near Allenspark.
Cumberland Island National Seashore (Park) is providing the public with a final opportunity to comment on the Visitor Use Management Plan from Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, to Friday, Feb. 6, 2026.
The National Park Service (NPS) plans to conduct a prescribed burn in the western portion of Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on January 7 and 8, weather permitting. Fire managers intend to burn approximately 900 acres to restore native meadow habitats, reduce hazardous fuels, prevent the encroachment of woody vegetation and maintain the historic landscape of the cove.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [January 5, 2026] – The National Park Service has selected Belton Chalets, Inc. to provide backcountry lodging, food and beverage, and other services at Glacier National Park under concession contract CC-GLAC004-26. The new contract will begin on Jan. 1, 2026, and has a term of 10 years.
The National Park Service (NPS), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is seeking public input on an environmental assessment (EA) for the reconstruction of the new permanent North Entrance Road in Yellowstone National Park. Goals for the new road alignment include continuing to provide year-round access between Gardiner and Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana, improving the road’s safety, and ensuring long-term visitor access while protecting natural and cultural resources.
Restrictions on large vehicles traveling the historic Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway (ZMCH) in Zion National Park will take effect on June 7, 2026. The change will improve safety, preserve historic features, and reduce delays on this 10.7-mile route.
Big Bend National Park, Texas—On December 23, 2025, the water pumps at Oak Spring failed completely. These pumps supply water to the Chisos Basin developed area from Oak Spring, the only water source for the Chisos Basin. The park immediately enacted Stage 2 water restrictions to conserve the water stored in the Chisos Basin water tanks.
State Route 148 through Cedar Breaks National Monument has entered its routine seasonal winter closure due to snowpack. Snowmobile use is now permitted on the designated, marked route that follows the roadway.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area will begin a significant road improvement project on Willow Beach Road on January 5, 2026, with construction anticipated to conclude by mid-March 2026.
Until March 9th, 2026, we are accepting resumes and references for new commission members to serve on the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Subsistence Resource Commission (SRC). The SRC recommends to the Governor of Alaska and the Secretary of the Interior a program for subsistence hunting within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Since the establishment of the federal subsistence management program in 1990, the SRC also makes recommendations on proposals for regulations affecting Wrangell-St. Elias National Park directly to the federal subsistence Regional Advisory Councils and the Federal Subsistence Board.
The Superintendent of Denali National Park and Preserve has determined that there is adequate snow cover for the use of snowmobiles for traditional activities in all areas of the 1980 park additions that are north of the crest of the Alaska Range.
January kicks off the new year off with a flurry of special events! It’s Volcano Awareness Month, ten 2026 fee-free dates have been announced, and park ranger programs at Kīlauea and Kahuku are going strong. Plan ahead for these events:
RICHMOND, Calif. – The National Park Service recently learned of the passing of retired National Park Service ranger Betty Reid Soskin. Betty passed away peacefully in her home on the morning of Dec. 21, 2025.
As many families, friends, and solo adventurists often take time to enjoy their national parks over the holiday break, this year it is particularly important to double check the weather forecast and updated road conditions prior to arriving at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
The National Park Service reopened several flood-damaged roads in Death Valley National Park in recent days. An upcoming storm may cause new road closures.
On Dec. 10, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a unit of the National Park Service and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, proudly welcomed Kevin Lilly, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, for a visit celebrating the park’s collaboration with Joint Base San Antonio.
The Mica View Trail in the east district of Saguaro National Park will be closed for resurfacing from January 5 through March 7, 2026. EDIT: Effective January 12, Mica View Road and Picnic Area will be closed while work is in progress Monday through Thursday. Both the road and the picnic area will be open Friday through Sunday.
An additional storm system came through the area this week with heavy wind, rains, and freezing temperatures. In Stehekin, crews continue work to stabilize critical infrastructure and road access in preparation for winter conditions.
Beginning in January, the National Park Service (NPS) will begin a multi-year project to improve safety and infrastructure on the Gatlinburg Spur, the scenic road connecting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This project is designed to improve safety and traffic flow for the millions of visitors and local residents who travel this corridor each year.
Public tours of Scotty’s Castle grounds will be available on select Sundays from January through March 2026. Scotty’s Castle, a historic district in Death Valley National Park, has been closed for 10 years while the National Park Service repairs extensive damage caused by a flash flood and a later fire.
The National Park Service recently awarded two major contracts to complete the construction of employee housing at Harden Farm. A $3.4 million contract will connect the site to the town of Bar Harbor’s sewer system, and a $7.4 million contract will construct an additional 28 bedrooms for park employee housing.
The search for 26-year-old “Angel” Alleacya Boulia of St. Louis, Missouri has shifted to the clue-responsive, limited continuous phase. This means search teams will return to the field in response to new clues or developments. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
The National Park Service (NPS) invites you to help shape a plan for safety, trail, and waterfront improvements near the Old Town North neighborhood. Your input will guide future upgrades along George Washington Memorial Parkway, the Mount Vernon Trail, and the Potomac waterfront in connection with the proposed 18.8-acre mixed-use redevelopment district on the site of the former coal-fired power plant.
Grand Canyon National Park is announcing Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL) construction closure-related work for 2026. Rockfalls occurred along a section of the River Trail in August, causing a 50-foot section of the trail to collapse and triggered the need for additional assessments and work to rebuild the trail.
Olympic National Park is in the first stage of planning for a new facility on Hurricane Ridge, and park officials want the public to help shape the design. A public listening session will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 14 at the Field Arts and Events Hall in Port Angeles. Park officials ask that park visitors bring their ideas, questions, and copies of old photos to contribute to a memory board honoring the original lodge.
Due to the low forecasted return of wild steelhead trout, the Queets River will temporarily close to sport fishing on Dec. 16. Anglers can continue to catch hatchery steelhead in the Salmon River through Feb. 28. The Queets River is expected to reopen to recreational angling on June 1.
The Eileen Devinney Award is an award presented annually by Western Arctic National Parklands to a member or group of the Northwest Arctic community. In 2025, the award is presented to Cyrus Naungaq Harris of Kotzebue.
The Superintendent of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is seeking nominations for new members to represent subsistence users on the Lake Clark National Park Subsistence Resource Commission (SRC).
Grand Canyon National Park will reopen hotels on the park’s South Rim beginning Wednesday, Dec. 17 and will begin easing some water restrictions. Park water utility crews successfully completed complex repairs to the Transcanyon Waterline last week and resumed pumping water without identifying any new breaks. The park will continue to operate under enhanced water restrictions until the water storage tanks have adequate capacity to return to routine water conservation practices.
Severe flooding and landslides from recent heavy rains caused unsafe conditions and limited basic services in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and the Stehekin Valley. A Type 3 Incident Command Team is in place to coordinate emergency response. The team, alongside Chelan County Emergency Management, is working to ensure people are safe and have access to supplies and immediate essentials. Visitors should not travel to the Stehekin area; there are no services available.
Rocky Mountain National Park and the Rocky Mountain Conservancy are pleased to announce that the summer 2026 Artist-In-Residence and Scholar-in-Residence Programs will begin accepting applications beginning on Monday, December 15, 2025.
Construction-related closure of the Natchez Trace Parkway between Mississippi Highway 413 (milepost 181) and U.S. Highway 82 (milepost 204) in Choctaw and Webster counties will remain in effect longer than originally anticipated.
Deputy Secretary of the Interior Kate MacGregor joined the National Park Service, community members, and partners today to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the newly redeveloped Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center at Everglades National Park, which is scheduled to open fully to the public later this month. The entire grounds, marina, and canoe/kayak launch have been redeveloped over the past two years into a worldclass facility to welcome visitors to the Gulf Coast side of Everglades National Park.
DAVISTON, Ala. – The National Park Service is excited to announce that Horseshoe Bend National Military Park will be reopening the tour road and portions of the eastern trail system on Dec. 15. Staff will have trail maps available at the park’s Visitor Center. Signage will be posted indicating trail heads and directions for visitor use.
Isle Royale National Park will expand its Artist-in-Residence programs in coordination with America 250 celebrations for summer 2026. The three programs offered will include: Established Artist-in-Residence Program (started 1991), Teen Artist Exploration (started 2016), and Emerging Artist Experience (new for 2026). Applications for these programs will be accepted between January 2 and February 16, 2026.
Mammoth Cave National Park will host a star party for the Geminids meteor shower on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. This free family-friendly event is open to all, from seasoned astronomers to first-time star gazers.
Every New Year’s Day the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area and the Big South Fork Bike Club invite all mountain bikers to ride the annual Big South Fork “Mail Run” event.
Springfield Armory National Historic Site will host a free, family-friendly commemoration on Saturday, January 17, 2026, 12:00–3:00 p.m., marking the 250th anniversary of Henry Knox’s daring “Noble Train of Artillery.” The event honors the 300-mile winter expedition that brought captured artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston, an achievement that helped secure one of the Continental Army’s earliest strategic victories.
Bryce Canyon National Park fire managers plan to conduct pile burning operations this winter and early spring as conditions allow. These pile burns are part of a 55-acre fuel reduction project to minimize wildfire risk and protect park infrastructure, in accordance with the park’s fire management plan.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area will implement typical winter service levels. During annual low staff seasons, the park takes this action to ensure visitor safety. Information on sites that will remain open, receive no winter maintenance, or close until spring outlined.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial will honor the continued service and commitment inspired by the “Greatest Generation” by offering a special boat program for service members of each respective military branch throughout the year.
BEATRICE, Neb. - Homestead National Historical Park’s 2026 Artist-in-Residence Program is open for applications for artists seeking inspiration from Homestead National Historical Park’s rich cultural and natural resources. All visual (painters, photographers, sculptures, etc.), performing (drama, dance, music, composition, etc.) and literary artists are welcome to apply.
SPRINGFIELD, IL: Lincoln Home National Historic Site will host a variety of festive winter programs on Friday December 12th, and Saturday December 13th.
On Dec. 7, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area launches a trail system transformation at the Island Ford unit. Visitors should be prepared for trail closures at Island Ford from January 5 until Spring of 2026.
Embrace the spirit of the season with two festive events at Great Smoky Mountains National Park this December. Visitors are invited to celebrate Appalachian holiday traditions and create new memories during the Festival of Christmas Past, Present and Future on Saturday, December 13, and the Holiday Homecoming on Saturday, December 20.
The 100th Annual Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree event is taking place on December 14th at 2 p.m. at the historic General Grant Tree in Grant Grove, Kings Canyon National Park. The official ceremony will begin at 2:30p.m. This cherished tradition celebrates the Nation’s Christmas Tree, the General Grant Tree, which holds a significant place in our nation’s history. December 14th is a free entrance day at Sequoia and Kings Canyon.
Death Valley has experienced record-breaking rainfall, according to the National Weather Service. The wettest fall (Sept-November) measured 2.41 inches, and the wettest November on record measured 1.76 inches of rain. The November rain broke the previous record of 1.70 inches set in 1923.
Beatrice, Neb. – Homestead National Historical Park is hosting its annual Winter Festival of Prairie Cultures now through January 3, 2026, at the Education and Heritage Centers. Special programs will be offered December 7, and December 14, 2025, at the Education Center.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways and the Ozark Riverways Foundation will host two festive holiday events in December, inviting the public to celebrate the season in the heart of the Ozarks.
Mauna Loa Road past Kīpukapuaulu and Hilina Pali Road beyond the Maunaiki Trailhead are now open due to reduced fire danger. Park managers closed the roads to vehicles in late July due to elevated fire danger during persistently dry weather.
On Dec. 12, Everglades National Park will host a ribbon cutting event for the new Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center in Everglades City at 10:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.
On Saturday, December 13, 2025, the National Park Service will host its annual Holidays at Hampton open house. Join park rangers and volunteers to explore how songs, music, and storytelling shaped and enriched the holiday traditions of all those who lived and worked at Hampton.
A public meeting will be held regarding a proposed limited subsistence caribou hunt for residents of Igiugig and Kokhanok, Alaska. The caribou hunt is tentatively scheduled from January 1 to March 31, 2026.
Grand Canyon National Park will implement additional water restrictions on the South Rim starting Saturday, December 6, due to a series of significant breaks in the 12½ mile-long Transcanyon Waterline that supplies water from the canyon for use in the park. Since mid-November, the park has faced challenges with water supply, and currently, no water is being pumped to the South Rim.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Park Service announce the availability of a proposed commercial air tour management voluntary agreement for Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods National Monument, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, and Point Reyes National Seashore. A 30-day public review period on the proposed agreement begins on December 2, 2025. Public comments can be submitted through the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment website from December 2, 2025, through January 2, 2026.
On Dec. 17 at 8:30 a.m., Wright Brothers National Memorial, Dare County Schools, the First Flight Society and Outer Banks Forever will celebrate the accomplishments of Wilbur and Orville Wright on the 122nd anniversary of their first heavier-than-air, controlled, powered flight. Park entrance fees are waived on this special day.
Olympic National Park is asking for help locating "Angel” Alleacya Boulia, 26, of St. Louis, Missouri. Anyone who has information about Boulia’s whereabouts should contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch Tip Line at 888-653-0009, www.nps.gov/ISB, or nps_isb@nps.gov.
The National Park Service is set to begin winter pile burning operations within the San Antonio Mountain project area of Valles Caldera National Preserve beginning on or shortly after December 2nd, 2025. If conditions are not favorable to begin burning in San Antonio, the team will switch to burning piles on either South Mountain or Cerro Piñon. The area around the burn activities will be closed to public access until operations are completed.
The west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, including the restrooms, will close to inbound and outbound traffic from 6 a.m., Dec. 3 through 6 p.m., Dec. 5.
Great Basin National Park is seeking proposals to provide food and beverage, retail, and other services from the Lehman Caves Visitor Center within Great Basin National Park.
Point Reyes National Seashore is seeking proposals to provide guided horseback rides, horse boarding, and horse camp services at Five Brooks Stables and Five Brooks Horse Camp. The selected concessioner will provide these services over a 10-year term.
Winter is just around the corner in Zion National Park! Every year, the National Park Service (NPS) adjusts shuttle schedules and campground availability to reflect the seasons.
You are invited to attend the Clara Barton Symposium, highlighting new historical research conducted by Georgetown University students. This free event will take place on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Glen Echo Park.
Thanksgiving weekend is typically busy in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, at a time of year when some services and attractions are closed for the winter. Planning will help to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Rocky Mountain National Park staff are beginning a new planning effort to address the decline of wetlands and the growing impact of moose populations on these sensitive ecosystems.
George Washington Birthplace National Monument invites you to experience the warmth and wonder of colonial life during the holiday season with “Welcoming Winter: Rekindling Colonial Traditions” on Saturday, December 20, the day before the winter solstice. This festive event offers a full day of demonstrations to mark the beginning of winter.
The public reopening of an iconic roadway was celebrated today in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of the approximately $51 million South Unit Scenic Loop Road rehabilitation project featured remarks by U.S. Senator John Hoeven, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer, National Park Service Regional Director Bert Frost, and Park Superintendent Rachel Daniels.
Denali National Park and Preserve will be conducting prescribed burning of slash piles in the park entrance area between December 1, 2025, and January 30, 2026, dependent on weather and conditions on site.
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area will be celebrating the participants of the GO BIG 2025 Challenge at the GO BIG Celebration on Saturday, December 6, at 10 AM (ET) at Bandy Creek Visitor Center.
The National Park Service invites interested members of the public to attend an open house to learn more about the upcoming Cable Road Multi-Use Path project in Eastham.
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site announces special presentations—"Separating Legend from Fact: Mountain Men and Bent’s Old Fort," for Saturday, December 6th, 2025, as part of its “Stories from the Borderlands” program series. This presentation will be offered at 10:00 a.m. in the corral at the rear of the Fort, and 2:00 p.m. at Woodruff Memorial Library in La Junta, Colorado.
Mammoth Cave National Park will host the 46th annual Cave Sing celebration on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m. CST. The free holiday event will feature musical performances inside the cave.
The National Park Service invites the public to comment on a Site Management Plan for the Orrs Ferry unit of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
In the early afternoon of Friday, November 21, evidence of buried historic ordnance was discovered by National Park Service preservationists. Following standard operating procedures, the park was immediately cleared and closed to ensure the safety of visitors and staff. Local authorities and NPS personnel were contacted to address the situation. Once the situation has been fully addressed and responders deem the area safe, the park will reopen.
Experience a unique visit during this annual festive event by exploring historic Fort Pulaski by candlelight, firelight, and oil lamps on December 12-13.
Friday, December 12, from 1:00 to 8:00 PM, Longfellow House–Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site, the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, and the Friends of the Longfellow House–Washington’s Headquarters invite the community to a festive, free Holiday Open House.
The Oak Flat and Uplands Trails are now open to the public at the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park after being closed since July 10, 2025.
The Washington-Rochambeau Trail introduces the All-American Road Trip; an America 250 initiative encouraging travelers to experience New Jersey’s Revolutionary War sites and follow the historic 1781 Franco-American march to Yorktown. The campaign launches alongside new national interest from Ken Burns’ The American Revolution.
The National Park Service’s Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route NHT launches the All-American Road Trip, a major America 250 initiative inviting visitors to explore the historic 1781 march of American and French forces to Yorktown. Coinciding with renewed interest from Ken Burns’ The American Revolution, the campaign highlights living history events, educational programs, partnerships, and travel opportunities across the 680-mile trail, beginning in Newport and connecting communities from Rhode Island to Virginia.
Saguaro National Park intends to solicit assistance from the Department of Defense’s Innovative Readiness Training Program (IRT). The assistance will include rehabilitating a garage on a historic property.
The National Park Service has released on November 18, 2025, a business opportunity soliciting proposals to award a new ten (10) year concession contract to operate Guided Water Tours, Food & Beverage, and Retail Services in Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Attachments and additional information at the link provided.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are seeking proposals to provide pack station, guided trail rides, and other services from Cedar Grove Pack Station and Grant Grove Stables within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The new concessioner will provide these services over a 10-year term. The existing contract that has been in place since January 1, 2019, concludes on December 31, 2026. The new contract will provide the same services as those offered under the current contract.
On November 14, Playalinda Beach, Canaveral National Seashore will reopen to the public, with limited parking and beach access. The beach and dune resources were severely impacted by Tropical Storm Imelda, several king tides, and northeaster wind and rain events. Parking areas 8-13 and main road north of Eddy Creek will remain closed to visitation for safety, clean up and resource protection.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is accepting applications for the 2026 and 2027 commercial operating seasons beginning November 19, 2025, through January 19, 2025.
Celebrate the 2025 holiday season at Steamtown National Historic Site with festive train rides, family activities, and community events. Winter hours are Wednesday–Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. All holiday trains will run behind a historic diesel while No. 26 is offline for repairs.
National Park Service firefighters and park cooperators are working to suppress the Bear Den Mountain Fire in Shenandoah National Park, which started late Sunday evening on November 16. Investigators are still determining the cause of the fire.
An endangered freshwater mussel species in the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area is showing signs of natural population increases for the first time. The tan riffleshell (Epioblasma walkeri) is an endangered mussel found in only a few locations within the Big South Fork of the Cumberland and the upper Clinch Rivers.
A storm on November 15, 2025, produced 0.6 inches of rain at Furnace Creek in Death Valley National Park. At just over a half of an inch, this is more than a quarter of the annual rainfall for Death Valley.
Based upon the potential for favorable weather and conditions, fire managers at Rocky Mountain National Park are planning to conduct a prescribed burn on Wednesday, November 19.
The National Park Service plans to conduct a prescribed burn in the Cataloochee Valley area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Tuesday, November 18, weather permitting. Fire managers intend to burn approximately 89 acres across six fields to reduce hazardous fuels, restore native meadow habitats and maintain the historic landscape of the valley.
The National Park Service will conduct prescribed burns along the Natchez Trace Parkway beginning November 17. Fire season along the parkway will run until May 2026.
Tickets are now on sale for the 44th Annual Candlelight Tour at Fort Scott National Historic Site, set for Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5–6, 2025. Tickets are available online at fofs.ludus.com for $5 per person The 45-minute guided tours depart every 15 minutes, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday and 5 to 8:45 p.m. Saturday, and end in the Grand Hall with warm drinks and snacks provided by the Friends of Fort Scott NHS.
The University of Wyoming’s Firearms Research Center (FRC), in collaboration with Springfield Armory National Historic Site, will host its 2025 Fall Conference, “Sparking the Revolution: Flintlocks, Gunpowder, and Policy in America’s War for Independence,” on November 20–21, 2025. The conference is free, open to the public, and available in person or virtually, with select sessions eligible for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit.
Today, Friday, November 14, 2025, Trail Ridge Road (U.S. Highway 34) inside Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) officially closed to through travel for the winter season. Trail Ridge Road is closed on the east side of the park at Many Parks Curve and on the west side of the park at Colorado River Trailhead.
Curecanti National Recreation Area is transitioning to winter operations. Check the park websites for park hours, closures, and current conditions before your trip.
Beginning Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 9 a.m. CST. overnight tent camping reservations and houseboat permits for the 2026 summer season will become available.
Surplus wood in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is now available to the public by permit. Residential firewood permits are free and must be obtained before wood can be removed. There is a limit of six cords per family per year. Firewood is available on a first-come first-served basis until the supply is gone. This wood is a result of tree mortality, and were trees deemed to be a potential hazard to visitors or property within the parks.
Independence Hall will be closed to visitors from November 13, 2025, to January 28, 2026, to enable preservation teams to complete comprehensive interior work to prepare the site for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
Grand Canyon National Park will close the North Rim to all visitor access on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 5:20 p.m. Sections of the North Rim are tentatively expected to reopen to visitors for the 2026 season on May 15, pending weather, trail conditions, infrastructure readiness, and completion of hazard mitigation efforts.
Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 3 Water Restrictions and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning Oct. 31, 2025, in response to limited water availability and construction activities associated with the ongoing Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project. Also, a temporary interruption in water pumping is scheduled for Nov. 4 through approximately Nov. 18 to allow crews to replace and test a critical pipeline segment.
Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground will reopen to visitors on Nov 1, 2025, restoring access to key inner canyon destinations following earlier closures caused by the Dragon Bravo Fire, trail stabilization efforts, and ongoing infrastructure work. In addition to overnight access, the Phantom Ranch area and the lower section of the South Kaibab Trail (from Tipoff to Phantom Ranch) will also reopen to day-use visitors on the same date.
The National Park Service today announced three recent convictions for illegal BASE jumping in Yosemite National Park, underscoring the park’s commitment to visitor safety, resource protection and the enforcement of federal law.
Cedar Breaks National Monument has begun its routine seasonal transition. Several facilities have closed for the season, while park roads remain open until snow accumulation restricts vehicle access.
SPRINGDALE, UT – Wildland firefighters have been deployed to an approximately 25-acre fire in the West Rim area of Zion National Park. The fire was reported to park staff at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. The cause of the fire has been determined to be a lightning strike.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) was notified shortly before 6 p.m. that an unoccupied house collapsed at 23047 G.A. Kohler Court in Rodanthe, North Carolina. Seashore staff are responding to the collapse and plan to begin initial cleanup efforts tomorrow, Oct. 4.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore will deploy about two dozen staff to Buxton tomorrow, Oct. 3, to contribute to the significant cleanup efforts associated with recent house collapses in Buxton.
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area will present the 15th annual Blue Heron Ghost Mine on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Blue Heron Outdoor Museum. This free evening of live music starts at 5:00 PM ET with storytelling beginning at 7:00 PM ET beneath the historic coal tipple.
The moose harvest quota for the winter federal subsistence hunt in a portion of Unit 11 was announced on September 30, 2025, by Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Acting Superintendent Joshua Scott, the designated federal manager for the hunt. For the 2025-26 hunt, the quota is 5 bull moose and is based on the best available science on the size and health of the moose population.
The Gatlinburg Bypass in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is now open following a significant landslide that temporarily closed the roadway over the weekend.
Several upcoming changes to inner canyon operations will go into effect in the coming weeks at Grand Canyon National Park, including trail and campground reopenings and ongoing closures related to major infrastructure repairs and safety concerns. The updates are part of phased recovery efforts following the Dragon Bravo Fire and continued work on the Transcanyon Waterline.
A new National Park Service report shows Manhattan Project National Historical Park had a total of 74,693 recreation visits across its 3 park units in 2024. These visits led to a total of approximately $5.4 million in visitor spending in local communities parkwide.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) was notified this afternoon that five unoccupied houses have collapsed in Buxton, North Carolina. Seashore visitors are urged to stay away from the collapsed house sites and to use caution for miles to the south of the sites, due to the presence of potentially hazardous debris. This is an ongoing incident; further collapses are possible due to the ocean conditions.
Celebrate Manhattan Project National Historical Park's 10th anniversary on Thursday, November 13, 2025, with special events throughout Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
A new National Park Service report shows that 8,580 visitors to Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument in 2024 spent $604,000 in communities near the park. That spending supported the local area.
A new National Park Service report shows that 1.9 million visitors to Valley Forge National Historical Park in 2024 spent $28.9 million in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $44.8 million.
A new National Park Service report shows that 780,000 visitors to Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area in 2024 spent $28.5 million in communities near the park. That spending supported the local area.
A new National Park Service report shows that 262,000 visitors came to Obed Wild & Scenic River in 2024 spent $5.5 million in communities near the park. That spending supported the local area.
A new National Park Service report shows that 552,786 visitors to Cape Lookout National Seashore in 2024 spent $28,925,000 in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $32,033,000.
The National Park Service, in collaboration with the National Park Foundation and Friends of Minidoka, held a special event on Sept. 26 to celebrate upcoming restoration and construction projects at three national parks in southern Idaho
The National Park Service, in collaboration with the National Park Foundation and Friends of Minidoka, held a special event on Sept. 26 to celebrate upcoming restoration and construction projects at three national parks in southern Idaho.
The National Park Service, in collaboration with the National Park Foundation and Friends of Minidoka, held a special event on Sept. 26 to celebrate upcoming restoration and construction projects at three national parks in southern Idaho.
BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, Texas – A new National Park Service report shows that in 2024, 561 thousand park visitors spent an estimated $56.8 million in local gateway regions while visiting Big Bend National Park. These expenditures supported a total of 585 jobs, $17.3 million in labor income, $34.4 million in value added, and $63.7 million in economic output in local gateway economies surrounding Big Bend National Park.
A new National Park Service report shows that nearly 2.4M visitors to parks of the Southeast Utah Group in 2024 spent $421.9M in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $447 million.
A new National Park Service report shows that 729,249 visitors to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park in 2024 spent $23,973,000 in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $24,310,000.
A new National Park Service report shows that 4.72 million visitors to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Rainbow Bridge National Monument in 2024 spent $518.2 million in communities near the park units. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $635.4 million.
A new National Park Service report shows that a record 2,008,962 visitors to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in 2024 spent $192.5 million in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $230.9 million.
A new National Park Service report shows that 263 thousand visitors to Channel Islands National Park in 2024 spent $17.7 million in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $24.9 million.
The National Park Service will conduct prescribed fires at four locations in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, when conditions allow, between October 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026. NPS will burn a total area of approximately 198 acres.
To mark the 250th anniversaries of the American Revolution and the founding of the United States, a coalition of local non-profits and government agencies will present "Washington in American Memory." Through talks by preeminent historians and authors, the series will explore the evolution of the public memory of George Washington.
A new National Park Service report shows that approximately 12.2 million visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2024 spent more than $2 billion in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of more than $2.8 billion.
A new National Park Service report shows that 394,000 visitors to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in 2024 spent $27.7 million in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $38.6 million.
Beginning November 1, 2025, commercial operators offering guided water-based tours, including charter fishing, charter sightseeing, charter transportation, charter scuba diving, and guided kayaking, can apply for a two-year CUA through the updated online CUA portal.
A new National Park Service report shows that 4.1 million visitors to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in 2024 spent $164 million in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $211 million.
A new National Park Service report shows that 819,000 visitors to Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park in 2024 spent $57.6 million in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $78.1 million.
A new National Park Service report shows that 116,537 visitors to Saratoga National Historical Park in 2024 spent $8,200,000 in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $10,383,000.
Effective Monday, Sept. 29, the burn ban is lifted on all lands within North Cascades National Park Service Complex. This includes all National Park Service lands and campgrounds in Stehekin, along State Route 20, and the Ross Lake area.
A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that visitors to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in 2024 spent $2.7 million in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $3.4 million.
Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park will implement water conservation measures for the South Rim of the park. These water restrictions are in response to a broken section of pipeline north of Phantom Ranch. Water conservation measures require all park residents and visitors to conserve and reduce water usage wherever possible in homes, hotel rooms and campgrounds.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore urges visitors to exercise caution this while while traveling and to stay out of closed beach areas and the ocean due to hazardous conditions.
A new National Park Service report shows that 1.3 million visitors to San Antonio Missions in 2024 spent $114,683,000 in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $171,164,000.
A new National Park Service report shows that 747,042 visitors to Mammoth Cave National Park in 2024 spent $73,238,000 in communities near the park. That spending supported the local area.
A new National Park Service report shows that more than 2.9 visitors to Joshua Tree National Park in 2024 spent $179 million in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $214 million.
Road closures/construction will continue on the east section of Dyer Road, between Glenn-Kelly and LaFayette Roads, and will extend onto the west portion of Dyer Road, between Glenn-Kelly and Chickamauga-Vittatoe Roads. During the closures, all public traffic, including motorists, equestrians, pedestrians and bicyclists, is prohibited from using the closed sections.
Great Basin National Park is seeking applicants for the 2026 Artist-in-Residence program. Several residencies are available throughout the year for artists of all disciplines and backgrounds.
Denali National Park and Preserve will be conducting prescribed burning of slash piles in the park entrance area between October 1 and November 30, 2025, dependent on weather and conditions on site.
Great Basin National Park’s Lehman Caves will close to the public on October 20, as park staff and contractors begin work on a six-month, $5.8 million project to replace the cave’s 48-year-old, failing electric lights.
Staff at Gettysburg National Military Park (NMP) report that one of the capstones of the South Confederate Avenue Bridge over Plum Run, best known as “Dinosaur Bridge,” that contains a dinosaur fossil, was vandalized on Thursday, September 25.
A new National Park Service report shows that 83,800 visitors to Appomattox Court House National Historical Park in 2024 spent $5.9 million in communities near the park. That spending supported the local area.
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller and Saint-Gaudens National Historical Parks are proud to celebrate the achievements of three outstanding team members whose work exemplifies the mission and values of the National Park Service.
A new National Park Service report shows that 51,496 visitors to Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site in 2024 spent $3,624,000 in communities near the park. That spending supported the local area.
A new National Park Service report shows that 3.8 million visitors to park name in 2024 spent $598 million in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $754 million.
A new National Park Service report shows that 377,061 visitors to Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River in 2024 spent $19,931,000 in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $24,211,000.
A new National Park Service report shows that 24,200 visitors to Booker T. Washington National Monument in 2024 spent $1.7 million in communities near the park. That spending supported the local area.
A new National Park Service report shows that 1,003,081 visitors to Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park in 2024 spent $70,550,000 in communities near the park. That spending supported the local area.
Beginning Oct. 1, 2025, Grand Canyon National Park will partially reopen select areas of the North Rim to public access following the Dragon Bravo Fire. The partial reopening will include Highway 67 to the Cape Royal Road, (approximately at mile marker 10), providing access to both Point Imperial and Cape Royal. Additionally, Fire Point and Swamp Ridge will reopen. These areas will be open daily from official sunrise to official sunset.
TOPEKA, Kan. – The National Park Service (NPS) hosted a New Citizen Ceremony, September 25, 2025, in collaboration with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. District Courts.
A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 732,477 visitors to Haleakalā National Park in 2024 spent $56 million in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $70.2 million.
A new National Park Service report shows that 108,400 visitors to Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller and Saint-Gaudens National Historical Parks in 2024 spent $7.3 million in communities near the parks. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the Vermont and New Hampshire economies of $9.6 million.
A new National Park Service report shows that 1,440,484 visitors to Death Valley National Park in 2024 spent $146 million in communities near the park.
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area received the 2025 Excellence in Volunteerism Innovation Award for its Woolsey Fire Recovery Camera Project, a volunteer-driven initiative launched in response to the 2018 Woolsey Fire. The project, led by park scientists and educators, trained over 4,300 volunteers to deploy wildlife cameras and analyze over one million images, documenting the recovery of mammal populations across the park. The effort revealed both common and rare species, contributing valuable data for long-term ecological monitoring. Now in its sixth year, the project continues to engage the public through educational events and partnerships, highlighting the role of community science in post-fire wildlife research.
Effective Monday, October 6, 2025, Assateague Island National Seashore will launch a major paving project. The National Park Service will repave hard-surfaced parking lots in the Seashore’s Maryland District, Old Ferry Landing Road and all Bayside Camping Loops.
Planning is underway to burn 2500 acres of land near Sheep Mt. Table this week. Timing for the prescribed fire will depend on preparedness levels, fuel moisture, weather forecasts, and resource availability, however the anticipated date is 9/25/2025.
LEONARDTOWN, Md. – The National Park Service invites the public to a community meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 15, to share ideas and help shape the future of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Southern Maryland.
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area will host the 15th annual Blue Heron Ghost Mine on Saturday, October 18, 2025, celebrating Kentucky’s rich tradition of storytelling at the historic Blue Heron Mining Community.
FORT WASHINGTON, Md. — The National Park Service invites the public to commemorate 250 years of the United States Army with a day of historical reenactments, immersive tours, and special presentations highlighting the fort's rich history. Visitors will gain insight into the lives of soldiers who lived and worked at Fort Washington through historical music, reenactors, cannon demonstrations, and more. Celebrate this significant milestone with a variety of activities and history-focused programs that bring the past to life.
The National Park Service has acquired approximately 676 acres of James River Island within the 59-Mile District of the Missouri National Recreational River.
The National Park Service awarded a $14 million contract, funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund, to start a multi-year effort to breathe new life into the historic buildings at Hampton National Historic Site.
It’s beginning to feel like fall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Autumn is a beautiful—but busy—time in the Smokies. Visitors should plan ahead and be prepared for incredible fall colors, but also crowds, traffic congestion and limited parking throughout the park.
Tens of thousands of volunteers across the country will join in trail maintenance, planting projects, trash pick-up, and other activities aimed at restoring and caring for public lands to celebrate the 30th Annual National Public Lands Day, September 27.
BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, Texas – In early October, Big Bend National Park will implement targeted management actions to protect native desert bighorn sheep by reducing the population of non-native Barbary sheep (aoudad) within the park. This is a continuation of the park’s annual aoudad management in collaboration with the Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD).
Over the next eight weeks, the National Park Service will conduct tree maintenance along the George Washington Memorial Parkway between Mount Vernon and just south of Alexandria.
Park rangers are searching for a 21-year-old man in the Big Creek area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Ryan Lakes was last seen Thursday, Sept. 18 in Nashville, TN. His vehicle was found in the park on Sept. 20.
Grand Teton National Park, in partnership with Grand Teton National Park Foundation, is proud to announce the completion of a multi-year effort to transform three of the most popular access points along the Snake River: Moose Landing, Pacific Creek Landing, and Jackson Lake Dam.
The National Park Service at Mount Rushmore National Memorial plans to conduct a prescribed fire at Starling Basin, a 95-acre burn, on or after Oct. 1, 2025, weather permitting.
The remnants of Tropical Storm Mario brought significant rainfall to Death Valley National Park on the night of September 18, 2025. The following roads are closed due to storm damage: Badwater Road, North Highway, West Side Road, Twenty Mule Team Canyon, Cottonwood - Marble Roads, Mustard Canyon, and Keane Wonder Mine Road.
Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park will host the inaugural Art in the Park Festival on Saturday, September 27, from 11:00 am to 3:00 p.m. This free, family-friendly event celebrates the Cornish Colony’s enduring legacy of artistic expression with sculpture demonstrations, drop-in art activities, musical performances, and more.
Due to decreased fire danger, Mojave National Preserve and Castle Mountains National Monument are no longer under fire prevention orders. The preserve and monument are reverting to their normal fire regulations.
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park benefits greatly from the dedication of staff and volunteers who keep the grounds beautiful and accessible. Since July, trail crews from the American Conservation Experience (ACE) have been working diligently to improve the Overlook Trail at the Boyhood Home Unit at Knob Creek.
The National Park Service has scheduled a one-day site visit on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, for organizations interested in bidding on the new ten-year Concession Contract No. CC-HOSP002-27 to provide traditional bathhouse and massage therapy services within Hot Springs National Park here.
This fall, Gettysburg National Military Park invites visitors to “Fall into History,” over two extraordinary weekends of ranger-led programs, dramatic storytelling, and immersive battlefield walks, set against the vibrant backdrop of autumn in Pennsylvania.
The National Park Service, in partnership with the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), will begin trail repairs on the southern switchback section of the Hastain Trail in Franklin Canyon on Monday, September 29, 2025. The project will require weekday closures (Monday–Thursday) while crews are on-site, with weekend access remaining open. Repairs aim to address storm damage from February 2024 and will later extend to the Discovery Trail. The work is expected to take approximately three months, weather permitting.
As summer comes to an end, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will transition to winter operations. Check the park websites for operational hours, closures, and current conditions before your trip.
The National Park Service’s Lake Clark National Park Subsistence Resource Commission Fall meeting will be held in Newhalen on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Newhalen Community Center.
Cape Cod National Seashore’s Atlantic Research and Learning Center will host the 14th annual “Science in the Seashore Symposium” on Thursday, September 25 from 9:30 am to 1 pm.
On the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 16, a male, age 29, sustained injuries from a bear while hiking on the Turbid Lake Trail, located northeast of Mary Bay in Yellowstone Lake.
The 33rd Annual Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival returns to the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area on Saturday, September 20, bringing with it a full day of stories, heritage, and music. From morning workshops to evening performances, music will be present throughout the festival grounds, offering opportunities for both participation and performance.
The National Park Service (NPS) is now accepting proposals for a 15-year business opportunity in Grand Teton National Park to provide lodging, campgrounds, food and beverage and other visitor services.
Voyageurs National Park staff invite individuals and organizations interested in offering concession services at Kettle Falls to attend a pre-solicitation site visit of the grounds and facilities, Monday, Sept. 29.
The National Park Service will begin construction on a new stairway connecting the Goodloe Byron Memorial Footbridge (Byron Bridge) to the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park towpath at mile 60.6.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore is urging its visitors to avoid the beach and stay out of the water near Buxton, due to a collapse of an unoccupied house at 46227 Tower Circle Road in Buxton, North Carolina.
California State Parks, in cooperation with CAL FIRE, Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation and other local partners are planning to begin a series of prescribed burns in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, and Sinkyone Wilderness State Park in September and possibly through November.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 20, as the 33rd Annual Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival takes place from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (ET) at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center area of Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [September 16, 2025] – Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park invites the public to join its 22nd Annual Science and History Day in two separate events this September.
The annual elk breeding season, known as the rut, is underway in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The rut can be exciting to witness, but it can also be dangerous, as elk are especially unpredictable during this time. Park visitors should exercise extra caution and respect all wildlife regulations as they visit the park this season.
Fat Bear Week returns to Katmai National Park September 23-30, 2025. Choose the bear that has what it takes to survive the winter and experience the crowning of the champion on September 30, 2025, at www.fatbearweek.org.
Fort Scott National Historic Site is hosting author, historical researcher, and Civil War reenactor Calvin L. Osborne on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 2 p.m. in the Grand Hall of the East Infantry Barracks, where he will share an epic story of a once-enslaved man who fought for freedom, helped shape a nation, and unknowingly laid a foundation for generations to come.
Mammoth Cave National Park invites the public to attend Echoes of the Past, a special event designed to explore modern connections to the generations of people who once called the Mammoth Cave region home. The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Rotunda Room of the Lodge at Mammoth Cave.
On September 15, the National Park Service announced completion of two landslide repair projects located at milepost 375 and 380 and reopened a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from milepost 382, in Asheville, NC, to milepost 355.3 at the Ridge Junction Overlook, near NC 80 and the entrance to Mount Mitchell State Park.
Beginning Monday, September 29 through Thursday, October 2, and then again Monday, October 6 through Thursday, October 9, trail access to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake will be closed to all uses for an outlet bridge replacement project.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore is urging visitors to use caution near the ocean and on beaches from today, Sept. 15 through at least tomorrow, Sept. 16, due to potential impacts associated with a low-pressure weather system
Jewel Cave National Monument plans to host a free concert The Historic Dance Club Revival on Saturday, September 20th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. outside in the monument’s Historic Area.
All water sources at Paradise are shut down at Paradise and Narada Falls including restrooms, water fountains, sinks, etc., after a heavy rain event affected the water system, resulting in a total loss of water.
Minimal fire behavior continues on the Perry Fire. A cold front with rain and cooler temperatures is expected across the area today. A warm and drying trend will return on Monday and Tuesday, then cool and wet weather is expected mid-week. Fire behavior is expected to decrease with cooler temperatures and wet weather. This will be the last update unless fire conditions change.
Media outlets and the general public are invited to Fort Scott National Historic Site on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, for a Special Naturalization Ceremony at the parade ground here.
Where heritage meets hands-on history—experience the rich traditions of Appalachian Mountain life at the annual Mountain Life Festival, happening Sept. 20 at the Mountain Farm Museum, located just behind the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee, NC.
The National Park Service (NPS) will fully reopen US 441/Newfound Gap Road on September 12 by 4 p.m., 18 days ahead of schedule, following extensive repair work after a road washout which occurred on August 1. Led in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the early reopening restores a vital corridor through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, improving access for our visitors and neighbors.
Moderate fire behavior continued over the past couple of days on the Perry, Arctic, and Neve Fires due to cooler temperatures and partly cloudy skies. Fire behavior has the potential to increase slightly as fuels dry out with sunny conditions for the next couple of days. Rain and cooler temperatures are expected to return to the area on Sunday. As conditions and visibility safely allow, a Type-3 helicopter and a Type-1 KMAX helicopter will provide aerial delivered water operations and firefighter support to aid in a full suppression strategy.
On Saturday, September 20, the 33rd Annual Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival will feature a variety of demonstrations and exhibits that celebrate the culture, history, and traditions of the Appalachian region. Festivalgoers will encounter Revolutionary Period Long Hunters sharing the ways of frontier life, HAM radio operators highlighting their role in community connection, a quilting display that showcases a longstanding tradition, and Black Bear Education offering unique insights, along with many other presentations throughout the day.
National Park Rangers from Niobrara National Scenic River will join the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Outdoor Adventures Program for a river cleanup event on Saturday, Sept. 27, in honor of National Public Lands Day.
Nancy B. Johnson, independent scholar, Humanities Nebraska, is scheduled to present the program “Myths of Women’s Madness on the Plains,” on September 25, 2025, at 6:00 pm CDT at the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center.
On Saturday, September 20 at 8:00 AM (ET), visitors are invited to experience the rich natural beauty of Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau on a guided bird walk led by noted ornithologist Dr. Charles Nicholson. The walk begins at the Bandy Creek swimming pool in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and offers an easy, enjoyable outing for participants of all ages.
Denali National Park and Preserve will officially open the Park Road to private vehicle traffic the Teklanika Rest Area (Mile 30), on Friday, September 12, 2025.
Two additional fires have been discovered in North Cascades National Park Service Complex following lightning storms across the area earlier this week. Both fires were confirmed early in the evening on Wednesday, September 10. Weather conditions, including light showers and high humidity recoveries at night, have moderated fire behavior. Fire crews are still assessing potential fire activity associated with smoke reports within the park complex.
The National Park Service (NPS) will open a federal subsistence hunt on September 14, 2025 for the Kukaklek Shelf caribou in Katmai National Preserve. This hunt is limited to residents of Kokhanok and Igiugig, Alaska who are federally qualified subsistence users.
The National Park Service (NPS) finalized the Development Concept Plan (DCP)/ Environmental Assessment (EA) with a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The DCP/EA will guide management of recent and planned land acquisitions, facilities, parking, roadways, trails and any future development or rehabilitation in the park's developed areas.
Booker T. Washington National Monument will commemorate the 130th anniversary of Washington’s speech that propelled him to national fame, the opening speech at the 1895 Cotton States and Industrial Exposition in Atlanta, Georgia.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [September 10, 2025] – Glacier National Park reminds visitors of the Two Medicine Road closure that begins this fall and announces updates on other construction projects happening throughout the park.
Moderate fire behavior continued over the past couple of days due to cooler temperatures and light rains, slowing the fire’s progression. The Perry Fire remains at 1,557 acres with moderate backing, flanking, and smoldering.
On September 6, Olympic Interagency Fire crews discovered a lightning-caused fire start approximately 0.5 miles southeast of the Sunnybrook Wilderness Campsite in Olympic National Park. The Sunnybrook Meadow Fire currently covers 1/10 of an acre in the Daniel J. Evans Wilderness. There are no closures or threats to public safety or infrastructure at this time.
In celebration of National Public Lands Day, George Washington Birthplace National Monument invites you to experience the wonder of the cosmos during a special evening program, “The Star-Spangled Night Sky,” on Saturday, September 27, 2025, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Staff at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve invite the public to experience the rich musical traditions of Appalachia at a special event on Sunday, September 28, at the Cliffside Amphitheater at Grandview.
LAUREL SPRINGS, NC – On September 9, the National Park Service reopened seven miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway from milepost 241.1, just south of Doughton Park and The Bluffs restaurant, to milepost 248.1, at NC 18 near Laurel Springs. Opening this road section signifies the completion of another section in a 75-mile road reconstruction project underway in northwest North Carolina.
Colonial National Historical Park invites the public to “We the People: A Yorktown Battlefield Event,” a free, one-of-a-kind celebration on Saturday, September 20 on the historic grounds of Yorktown Battlefield.
Women’s Rights National Historical Park and Harriet Tubman National Historical Park will host a joint Underground Railroad special event week from September 16 to September 21, 2025.
Commemoration honors the courage of nine Black students who desegregated Little Rock Central High School in 1957, a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement.
Effective immediately, select rivers and streams that were partially closed to fishing due to warm water temperatures and low flows are now open without restrictions. There are currently no temperature-related restrictions in place parkwide.
Our final Evening on the Summit program for the season is on Tuesday, September 16, at 7:00 p.m. Barbara Zaborowski, Dean of Library Services and Special Projects at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, will speak on the use of the Main Line Canal in supporting Underground Railroad activities. The event will be held in the Visitor Center auditorium. It is free and open to the public.
The Oasis of Mara trail at Joshua Tree National Park is closed because of damage caused by flooding. Recent summer monsoonal events caused severe erosion of the paved trail and impacted the cultural site. Several sections of the trail have been undercut and others have steep drop-offs, creating unsafe hiking conditions. The trail will be closed until repairs are completed.
The Niobrara National Scenic River, in collaboration with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Nature Conservancy, is excited to announce a series of enchanting night sky events this fall. These events offer a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the night sky and the fascinating nocturnal creatures that inhabit our region.
The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Subsistence Resource Commission will meet at the Tok Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center and virtually by Microsoft Teams and teleconference on Thursday, September 25 and Friday, September 26. The meeting will consider a range of issues related to subsistence hunting and fishing in the park. This is an alternate meeting location to what is listed in the Federal Register notice in order to meet technological needs.
On Sept. 7, at approximately 12:40 p.m., the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a report of a vehicle with a single occupant that had gone over the rim near the South Kaibab Trailhead. Park rangers responded immediately and recovered the body, which was located about 300 feet below the rim. The body was transported to the rim by helicopter and then transferred to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Next week, the school districts in the six counties that surround Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will welcome a talented lineup of storytellers who will engage students through interactive performances that celebrate culture, history, and creativity.
Fire behavior moderated over the weekend due to cooler temperatures with light rains across the area, slowing the spread of fire. The Perry Fire is estimated at 1,557 acres with moderate backing and flanking.
An adaptive climbing program is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (ET). The program is designed for people with an amputation or limb difference, with the goal of improving accessibility to climbing for visitors with mobility challenges.
There was a smoke inversion across the fire area over the past couple of days moderating fire behavior and hampering aerial support due visibility. The Perry Fire is estimated at 1,477 acres with moderate backing and flanking fire behavior.
Beginning on September 9, Geo Stabilization will repair an eroding riverbank on Mora Road, the primary route to Rialto Beach in Olympic National Park. Construction crews will stabilize and reinforce the northern bank of the Quillayute River, which has been eroding over the past several years. Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the 0.25-mile work zone beginning near mile post 1.75. Visitors should expect up to 20-minute delays.
In cooperation with the East Tennessee Climbers Coalition (ETCC), the Obed Wild and Scenic River will host the park’s annual Adopt-a-Crag event on Saturday, September 13.
Join Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, the Pike-Wayne Chapter of Trout Unlimited and Project Healing Waters, for a free fishing clinic on September 20, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m at the Zane Grey Museum and Lackawaxen River Access.
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park announces that a construction contract has been awarded to rehabilitate Dyer Road and Snodgrass Hill Road in Chickamauga Battlefield. The roads will be closed sequentially, with no more than one road section being closed at a time.
Jewel Cave National Monument is planning to host its first ever “Fly Through the Canyons” 5K trail run and walk on Saturday, September 13. The general public is invited to join this free 5K event to honor Active-Duty Military, Reserve, Veterans, and their families.
Zion National Park reopened the Weeping Rock Trail and nearby Shuttle Stop 7 for public use on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. The closure, in place since a November 2023 rockfall, allowed maintenance crews to repair trail tread, railings, and stairs while geologists assessed the site.
This innovative and newly renovated space showcases culturally rich and engaging exhibits collaboratively developed with a dedicated Tribal Workgroup, including tribal members from Shishmaref, Wales, and Deering.
The Perry Fire remains active with hot and dry weather conditions including a Heat Advisory and Red Flag conditions with backing, uphill runs, and short crown runs, mainly in the northern aspect of the fire. The Perry Fire is estimated at 1,309 acres.
From October 4 through 12, the National Park Service will host the 2025 Valles Caldera Fall Fiesta—a time to celebrate the rich natural beauty and cultural heritage of this volcanic landscape.
The National Park Service and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will welcome 25 United States citizenship candidates during a naturalization ceremony at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Homestead National Historical Park’s Education Center in honor of Constitution Day.
As fall approaches, the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center will transition to its off-season schedule. Saturday, Sept. 20, will be the final weekend day the Visitor Center is open for the 2025 season.
Staff at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are pleased to announce that oral history recordings of residents and others with knowledge of the park and region are now available for listening and downloading on the park’s website.
Staff at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are pleased to announce that oral history recordings of residents and others with knowledge of the park and region are now available for listening and downloading on the park’s website.
Staff at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are pleased to announce that oral history recordings of residents and others with knowledge of the park and region are now available for listening and downloading on the park’s website.
Yosemite National Park closed out one of its busiest summer seasons in recent years this Labor Day holiday weekend. Visitation through August totaled 2,919,722 visits, an increase of seven percent compared to the same period in 2024 (2,727,496 visitors). With the exception of February when winter storms limited access, Yosemite’s 2025 monthly visitation numbers have outpaced 2024 numbers every month and the park is on track for one of the busiest years on record.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore thanks the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association and local community for helping to clean beaches following the departure of Hurricane Erin.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will co-host a Sept. 3 public workshop on Ocracoke Island covering the behavior and biology of coyotes, a species of canine native to North America.
Crater Lake National Park, in partnership with the Friends of Crater Lake and Discover Klamath, will host the 11th annual “Ride the Rim” days on September 6 and 13, 2025. On these consecutive Saturdays, East Rim Drive will be open only to non-motorized recreation including biking, hiking, and running from 8 a.m.to 4 p.m.
The National Park Service invites you to discover your local day and night skies at the 2025 Black Canyon AstroFest. Come celebrate the heavens above at the annual astronomy festival.
The National Park Service invites you to discover your local day and night skies at the 2025 Black Canyon AstroFest. Minimal light pollution and expansive public lands result in wonderful clear days and dark night skies at Curecanti National Recreation Area and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
PATCHOGUE, NY – The National Park Service has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the proposed Off-Road Vehicle Management Environmental Assessment at Fire Island National Seashore. This decision follows a thorough evaluation of proposed changes to the seashore's driving regulations. This is not the Final Agency Action.
Effective Thursday, Sept. 4, at 8 a.m., Stage 2 fire restrictions will be lifted on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Increased monsoonal activity across northern Arizona over the past week has significantly reduced fire danger in the area.
As summer winds down, Cape Cod National Seashore remains a destination for recreation and relaxation. However, beachgoers are advised that lifeguard services have ended for the season, and the ocean presents ongoing risks.
Jewel Cave National Monument will cease cave tours Monday, September 8 to Friday, September 12, 2025, to complete a planned back-up generator installation. The visitor center will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except on Thursday, September 11.
Laboratory tests conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey detected the presence of the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome (WNS) in three bats at San Juan Island National Historical Park. These bats are part of a Yuma Myotis (Myotis yumanensis) colony housed in a bat box located in English Camp. This is the first documented case of this fungus in San Juan County, Washington.
A section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from milepost 63.5 to 63.9 will close on or around September 9, for a significant rehabilitation of the multi-level James River Bridge at milepost 63.7. Planned repairs include bridge deck rehabilitation, new asphalt overlay on the bridge, bridge bearing replacement, as well as parking area repairs and rehabilitation. The work is expected to be complete by Fall of 2026.
The National Park Service and the Back Country Horsemen of Big South Fork have partnered to replace 10 existing metal horse tie-stalls with pipe panel horse corrals at Station Camp Campground at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area.
The EA evaluates the potential environmental impacts from replacing the cantilever structure and adjacent retaining walls between Cabin John Parkway and the Macarthur Boulevard exit ramp, and demolishing the unused Glen Echo Overpass, an associated feature of Clara Barton Parkway. Comments on the EA will be accepted September 9, 2025 through October 9, 2025.
The Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area will host the Eleventh Annual Photo Contest reception on Friday, September 5 in the Bandy Creek Visitor Center, located at 151 Stable Road, Oneida. The festivities will begin at 5:00 PM (ET).
Deer hunting season opens in Kentucky on September 6, and September 27, in Tennessee. During big game season, wild hogs may be harvested with the appropriate weapon that is legal for that specific season.
The National Park Service (NPS) has approved a Finding of No Significant Impact for Valles Caldera National Preserve’s Fire Management Plan Environmental Assessment.
Aspiring and seasoned astrophotographers are invited to an Astrophotography Workshop at Mammoth Cave National Park on Friday, Sep. 19. The night’s activities will begin with a night sky evening program at 6:30 p.m. CDT in the outdoor amphitheater and then move to the bus loop behind the visitor center at 7:30 p.m. where participants will set up their astrophotography equipment.
The Acadia National Park Advisory Commission will meet at Schoodic Institute’s Moore Auditorium (65 Acadia Dr, Winter Harbor, ME 04693) on Monday, September 8 at 1 pm. There will be a virtual meeting option for those unable to attend in-person. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment.
A Dare County Water Department project to cover a 700-foot section of waterline with fill material near Haulover Sound Access, located at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, will result in intermittent travel delays on Sept. 3-4.
Gettysburg National Military Park (NMP) and Eisenhower National Historic Site (NHS) will conduct lethal removal of white-tailed deer as part of the White-tailed Deer Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement between September 2025 through March 2026.
The National Park Service (NPS) is accepting input from the public from September 4 to October 4 to develop ideas for NPS-managed sites on Ford Island.
At 6 a.m. on Monday, September 1, the Denali Park Road will reopen from Teklanika rest area westbound, all bus traffic will resume, and Igloo Creek Campground will reopen.
Due to erosion at the Teklanika Bridge caused by high water levels in Denali National Park and Preserve, park officials closed the Denali Park Road this evening to all traffic from Teklanika rest area westbound.
After evaluating conditions, Denali National Park and Preserve officials have made the decision to reopen all areas in the park affected by the closures on August 29, 2025.
Beginning on Monday, September 1, annual meadow closures will go into effect in Rocky Mountain National Park to prevent the disturbance and harassment of elk during their fall mating season.
Fire activity increased on the Perry Fire due to warm temperatures, windy conditions, and low humidity throughout the area. The Perry Fire is estimated at 250 acres. Steep, difficult, and cliffy terrain pose significant threat to firefighter safety which limits direct line on the Perry Fire. Fire managers continue a full suppression strategy with aerial delivered water from a Type-3 helicopter.
Portions of the Denali Park Road are experiencing flooding, erosion, and snow accumulation. Park officials have closed Denali Park Road at Mile 15 (Savage Check Station) until conditions improve, and bus services past the Savage Check Station have been suspended until further notice. Sanctuary Campground, Igloo Creek Campground, and Teklanika Campground have also been evacuated.
Come on the last guided bird hike of the season with Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River and the Sullivan County Audubon Society at Minisink Battleground Park on September 14th at 8AM.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [August 29, 2025] – As stated previously, Glacier National Park is experiencing low water levels at Logan Pass. Due to ongoing water shortages, the park will close all plumbed bathrooms at Logan Pass earlier than scheduled for the 2025 season.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [August 29, 2025] – On Wednesday, August 27, a woman hiking in a group on the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park, tripped and sustained fatal injuries from a fall. She has been identified as 73-year-old, Diane Bunker of Muscatine, Iowa.
At 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025, Zion National Park rescinded Stage 2 fire restrictions and resumed its year-round fire restrictions, which are always in effect across the park to protect visitors, resources, and surrounding communities.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is excited to announce the selection of Rex Hausmann—a celebrated local contemporary artist—as the 2025 Artist-in-Residence, bringing his vibrant creativity and welcoming spirit to the park and its visitors. The Artist-in-Residence program is a National Park Service-wide initiative that hosts artists in parks to help connect visitors and tell park stories through art. This year’s program is made possible thanks to support from our park partner, Mission Heritage Partners.
Flight 93 National Memorial will honor the 40 passengers and crew members on the 24th observance on Thursday, September 11, 2025, with the 30-minute Moment of Remembrance. The 9:45 a.m. ceremony includes the reading of names and a moment of silence. A wreath-laying and gate-closing ceremony will take place near the Wall of Names on the Memorial Plaza.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [August 28, 2025] – A 34-year-old, female hiker was injured by a brown colored bear on Wednesday, at approximately 3:15 pm at Lake Janet in Glacier National Park.
The Tailwaters Campground in Gauley River National Recreation Area, located below Summersville Dam on the upper Gauley, will temporarily close for the beginning of ‘Gauley Season’ this year.
The Tailwaters Campground in Gauley River National Recreation Area, located below Summersville Dam on the upper Gauley, will temporarily close for the beginning of ‘Gauley Season’ this year.
Kuwohi Road will be temporarily closed half-days on Sept. 9 and 16 to facilitate special educational programs for students from Swain County and Qualla Boundary schools. The park will close the road at midnight the night before each event and will re-open it by 2 p.m.
On Friday, August 29, 2025, the South Rim Road in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will open to the public. Visitors will be able to drive the entire South Rim Road, access all the park overlooks, and experience the visitor center and park store.
Lightning struck several areas across North Cascades National Park Service Complex over the last several days with smoke and a handful of fires observed immediately following the lightning storms.
Labor Day Weekend marks the end of the summer season and is historically a busy time at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. For an enjoyable visit, it is important for visitors to plan ahead and be prepared for congestion in the parks.
White Sands National Park will host its September Full Moon Night event on Sunday September 7, 2025, at 7:00 pm. In partnership with Western National Park, we are pleased to have Randy Granger from Las Cruces, New Mexico perform at the park's September Full Moon Night event.
Rocky Mountain National Park will be releasing additional campsite reservations at Moraine Park Campground beginning on Thursday, August 28 at 8 a.m. Mountain Time, for reservations for September 10 through September 27. Reservations will be available through www.recreation.gov.
The National Park Service (NPS) has concluded that the South Kelbaker and Kelso-Cima Roads rehabilitation project in Mojave National Preserve will not have significant environmental impacts. The project, which the park anticipates will take three years to complete, includes major rehabilitation and visitor improvements on 42 miles of the main roads.
Seneca Falls, New York will play host to a special homeschool field trip day on October 1, 2025. Women’s Rights National Historical Park, the Seneca Falls Historical Society, and the National Women’s Hall of Fame, are collaborating on a series of educational programs geared toward homeschool students.
Join us the weekend of September 12—14 for special Defenders’ Day events commemorating the successful defense of Baltimore against British attack in 1814 and the generations of defenders who served at Fort McHenry and who fought to preserve Fort McHenry as a national park in 1925. Celebrated since 1815, Defenders’ Day is Baltimore’s oldest holiday and this year’s activities will explore the dedication and bravery of Fort McHenry’s from the American Revolution to the 20th century.
Visitors to Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge are invited to join National Park Service Rangers and an American Conservation Corps Intern on a new guided foraging program which explores the edible, medicinal, and culturally significant plants that thrive along the Fort Falls Trail, Saturday September 6, 2025. The program will be offered at 10:00 a.m. and again at 2:00 p.m. Central Time.
A portion of State Route (SR) 123 located within Mount Rainier National Park will be closed to all vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles from 6:00 am Tuesday, September 2 through 6:30 pm Tuesday, September 30.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) invites public review and comments on a proposed Dare County project to repair the southernmost groin, often referred to as a jetty, in Buxton, North Carolina. Public comments will be accepted from Aug. 27 through Sept. 29, 2025. In addition to the comment period, the Seashore will hold a public meeting to discuss the proposed project from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025.
Storytelling bridges cultures, sparks imagination, and preserves traditions. In Appalachia, it’s a living thread connecting generations and shared history. On Saturday, September 20, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (ET), Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area will host the 33rd Annual Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival at Bandy Creek Visitor Center area.
In celebration of the kick-off of activities related to National Public Lands Day, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail invites the public to take part in a Bio-Blitz on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Glacial Passage Area of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
As part of ongoing monitoring efforts to document recovery of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem under the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Geological Survey, in conjunction with Yellowstone National Park, is working to inform the public that pre-baiting and scientific capture operations are once again about to begin within Yellowstone National Park. Agency biologists with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) will begin the field captures Sept. 1 and continue through Oct. 15.
Join Eisenhower National Historic Site (NHS) staff for our annual World War II Weekend from September 19 to 21. The focus of this year’s event will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II by focusing on the people, events, and legacies of 1945. Park rangers, guest speakers, living historians, and partner organizations will bring the events of 1945 to life through three days of interactive programming, tours, and activities for visitors of all ages.
National Park Service rangers at the Niobrara National Scenic River announce the upcoming Voices of the Niobrara Speaker Series, a month-long event celebrating the rich history and diverse voices of the Niobrara River Valley. This series will feature presentations from indigenous leaders, historians, and local ranchers, offering a unique opportunity for community dialogue and education.
Glacier Bay announced today that the vessel speed restriction of 13-knots through the water is being removed in Lower Glacier Bay, due to a decrease in the number of humpback whales in the area. In the Lower Bay there is a 20-knot speed limit for all vessels May 15-September 30th annually. The 13-knot speed limit in and around Blue Mouse Cove and Hugh Miller Rocks, implemented on August 21st, will remain in effect. The 10-knot speed limit around Jaw Point, implemented on August 9th, will remain in effect. These updated operating requirements are effective from 5 AM Wednesday August 27thth until further notice.
The hours of operations for the boat ramps and aquatic invasive species (AIS) stations on the Blue Mesa Reservoir at Curecanti National Recreation Area will be reduced as fall begins and daylight hours decrease. Staffing levels also drop in the fall.
Saturday, August 30, Fort Scott National Historic Site will take you on an exploration of the labors and leisure on an 1840s frontier post. Throughout Saturday, enjoy historic yard games, a variety of living history demonstrations, and interpretive programs as you explore the labors and leisure on the fort.
Colonial National Historical Park will host a living history event along Yorktown’s Main Street and Redoubts 9 and 10 on Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7, 2025.
Arches National Park’s fourth timed entry pilot program—paused during peak summer heat— will resume August 28th. Visitors will need to reserve a ticket in advance in order to enter the park between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily through October 31.
Freedom Riders National Monument releases and launches public commenting on the Master Plan and Environmental Assessment for the Bus Burning Site, six miles west of Anniston, Alabama along Old Birmingham Highway.
The National Park Service (NPS) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) continue to work quickly to repair the road washout on US 441/Newfound Gap Road. The FHWA has awarded the contract to Eclipse Companies, LLC, and the NPS and FHWA held a pre-construction meeting with the contractor on Friday. The contractor will begin mobilizing equipment and supplies this week.
The Gateway Arch will celebrate its 60th anniversary this October. Gateway Arch National Park is inviting companies and designers to submit Arch-inspired logos by September 12 for possible inclusion in the exhibit.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore, in consultation with Hyde County, has postponed its co-hosted public workshop on coyotes, originally scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 27.
Interagency Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams from the Department of the Interior (DOI) and US Forest Service recently completed field data evaluations to produce the Soil Burn Severity (SBS) map for the Dragon Bravo Fire. This map field-verifies the accuracy of burn severity categories (unburned/very low, low, moderate, and high) from satellite images and helps estimate post-fire risks, such as erosion, sediment washing into streams, increased stream flows, and the chances of debris flows.
While Cape Hatteras National Seashore will resume normal operations tomorrow, Aug. 24, be advised that there are a few safety closures that remain in effect.
The National Park Service is continuing to conduct assessments of park facilities for impacts from Hurricane Erin, as the North Carolina Department of Transportation crews’ clear sand and water from the roadway from Oregon Inlet to Hatteras Village. As this work continues, Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) reopened facilities north of Oregon Inlet and is preparing for the return of visitors to Ocracoke Island tomorrow and Hatteras Island in the coming days.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [August 22, 2025] – Logan Pass is currently experiencing low water levels. The water supply is insufficient to support the number of visitors the area receives daily. Due to the shortage, visitors may expect to see changes to the times plumbed toilets will be available.
Manzanar National Historic Site invites the public to a weekend of special events, as part of the North American Japanese Garden Association’s signature “Gardens for Peace” project.
Construction has begun on the first permanent, accessible trails at Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument, which are expected to be unveiled to the public in 2027.
Due to extensive damage from Hurricane Erin storm and tidal surge all of the Chincoteague Beach and all Beach Parking is closed until further notice. The Tom’s Cove Visitor Center is also closed.
Jewel Cave National Monument is changing its operations for the winter season. Starting Tuesday, September 2, 2025, the monument will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays.
Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim will transition to Stage 2 water restrictions due to rising water levels in reservoir tanks. Operational changes include: Camper Services, operated by Delaware North, will reopen to the public. Water spigots in Mather Campground and Desert View Campground will be turned on.
The National Park Service is assessing for any impacts due to Hurricane Erin. Currently, very few damages to park facilities or resources have been found.
The National Park Service will complete essential maintenance along the northbound and southbound Spur starting August 25. This will require temporary single-lane closures to allow park staff to safely and efficiently complete this work.
Big Thicket National Preserve begins issuing free hunting permits at the visitor center at 9:00 am on Friday, August, 29, 2025. Permits are available first-come, first-served through the end of hunting season.
A multi-agency Department of the Interior (DOI) Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team is beginning work this week to assess the impacts of the Dragon Bravo Fire on National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management lands. This process involves identifying the values at risk, determining any post-fire impacts to those values, and prescribing treatments to mitigate impacts.
On August 22, the National Park Service announced completion of a landslide repair project located at milepost 401.5, near Ferrin Knob Tunnel No. 3, on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Completion of this project restores access from milepost 393, near US191 in Asheville, NC, to milepost 420, two miles south of the Graveyard Fields area.
This fall education season, California State Parks North Coast Redwoods District is thrilled to announce several FREE educational opportunities available for students, focused on the old-growth redwood forests, wild and scenic rivers, rugged coastlines, and the rich culture and history of Native peoples of California's North Coast.
Women’s Rights National Historical Park and Harriet Tubman National Historical Park will host “Equality Week,” the parks’ first joint public event, from August 26 to August 31, 2025.
On Saturday, the 16th of August, an illegal garbage dump was discovered at Walker Road in the Jedediah Smith portion of Redwood National and State Parks. Can you help solve this case?
National Park Service law enforcement rangers, in cooperation with special agents from the Bureau of Land Management, removed an illegal marijuana cultivation site in Sequoia National Park last week.
Beginning Saturday, August 23, the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site Visitor Center will close for renovation work. The work will include two phases. Both phases will be conducted back-to-back and are expected to extend into early 2026.
Construction projects in the Chisos Basin to replace the Chisos Mountains Lodge and the entire water distribution system have a revised start date of May 1, 2026.
Patchogue, NY – West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in a mosquito sample for the first time this year in Fire Island National Seashore's William Floyd Estate. The William Floyd Estate is located in Mastic Beach, NY, and is managed by the National Seashore.
The National Park Service will delay opening Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial until 12pm on August 21, 2025 due to expected impacts from Hurricane Erin. The Bodie Island Lighthouse will remain closed on August 21st, and will reopen once post-storm assessments are complete. All other facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) remain closed until further notice.
Grand Teton National Park is moving forward with a project to enhance visitor access and improve facilities at the popular Taggart Lake trail area and would like public input about the proposed improvements.
Saguaro NP and Friends of Saguaro NP awarded 2025 Excellence in Wilderness Stewardship Award. The Saguaro National Park Trails Program was awarded the national team award for their continued excellence.
Hurricane Erin is forecast to be a threat to Cape Lookout National Seashore as current projections show the storm passing off the coast of Eastern North Carolina.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve announced today that the 13-knot vessel speed limit is being removed around Gloomy Knob and Tidal Inlet due a decrease in the number of humpback whales feeding consistently in the area. New temporary whale waters with a 13-knot vessel speed limit are being implemented in and around Blue Mouse Cove and Hugh Miller Rocks to protect five or more whales feeding in the area. These updated operating requirements are effective from 5 AM Thursday August 21st until further notice.
Grand Canyon National Park has reopened sections of key corridor trails on the South Rim that were closed July 13, 2025, due to safety concerns following the Dragon Bravo Fire. Effective immediately: •South Kaibab Trail is open from the South Kaibab Trailhead to Tipoff. •Tonto Trail is open from Tipoff to Havasupai Gardens. •Bright Angel Trail is open from the Bright Angel Trailhead to Pipe Creek Resthouse. These reopenings follow significant improvements in air quality in the inner canyon over the past week.
On September 2, 2025, the National Park Service (NPS) will begin comprehensive restoration work on the Illinois Memorial. The memorial itself will be closed during the restoration starting on September 2. The parking area will be partially closed, however there will still be parking spaces open to allow access to the Shirley House. The Tour Road will remain open. The contractors have up to one year to complete the project.
Patrick Pollard, Facility Manager at Redwood National and State Parks, has been recognized for his exceptional leadership, innovation, and collaborative spirit, earning top honors for his role in revitalizing the park’s Facility Management program and delivering outstanding results through partnership-driven projects.
The National Park Service (NPS) today celebrated the groundbreaking of the Maurice Bathhouse rehabilitation project at Hot Springs National Park, marking a major milestone in the preservation of one of the park’s most iconic historic structures. The project is made possible through an investment of $31.6 Million from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund.
Due to the approach of Hurricane Erin, the following closures are in effect on Assateague Island-effective immediately. 1) The Oversand Vehicle Areas (both in Maryland and Virginia) are closed until further notice due to flooding and beach erosion. 2) All Oceanside Beaches (including the Assateague Island State Park Beach) are closed to all in water activities due to extreme Rip Current conditions and anticipated extremely high surf. 3) There is a partial closure of Parking Lots at the Chincoteague Beach location-it is anticipated that this will eventually become a complete closure.
This Evening on the Lake program is Tuesday, August 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the Club House. The program will explore the history of Grandview Cemetery, efforts to identify the victims of the flood, and some of the notable people buried there. The cemetery includes the Unknown Plot, dedicated to the unidentified victims of the Great Flood. This program is presented by Park Ranger Elizabeth Shope.
The 2025 Summit Level hike is Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. This hike, led by a park ranger, is 3-miles in length along the Summit Level of the Allegheny Portage Railroad. The hike goes from the head of Inclined Plane No. 6 to the location of where the Summit Hotel was in Summitville, near the head of Inclined Plane 5. Reservations are required for this free hike. Please call the Visitor Center at 814-886-6150 to sign up.
The west entrance of Joshua Tree will be closed to inbound and outbound traffic beginning 6 a.m. August 25 through 6 p.m. August 29th. Visitors must enter or exit the park via Twentynine Palms or Cottonwood.
Consistent with Dare and Hyde Counties issuance of a State of Emergency and mandatory evacuations of Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) will be closing beach accesses and facilities
This morning, park rangers were notified that a 26-year-old male climber had taken a roped fall on the South Face of Petit Grepon in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), resulting in lower leg injuries.
On Saturday, August 30, the National Park Service and local living historians will host an event entailing various aspects of the Civil War. Reenactors depicting soldiers will convey the stories of what happened before, during, and after the Battle of Fredericksburg.
Due to concerns about the condition of a temporary access road, the Hoh Rain Forest area of Olympic National Park is temporarily closed. The Jefferson County culvert project at milepost 1.24 on the Upper Hoh Road is experiencing some backup flooding. The area will reopen as soon as Jefferson County partners assess the construction site and confirm the temporary bypass road is safe for travel.
LAUREL SPRINGS, NC – On August 15, 2025, the National Park Service reopened eight miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway from milepost 221.8 to 229.7, south of the North Carolina/Virginia state line. Opening this road section signifies the completion of both a long-planned bridge maintenance project and a Helene recovery project due a landslide at milepost 224.9.
Make plans to join Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park and Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site in celebrating the 117th anniversary of President Johnson’s birth. At 10:00 am on Wednesday, August 27, the National Park Service will host the annual wreath-laying ceremony at President Johnson’s gravesite on the LBJ Ranch. The ceremony continues a tradition that Lady Bird Johnson began in 1973. Colonel Erik L. Dutkiewicz will help present the wreath and provide remarks. President and Mrs. Johnson’s granddaughter, Catherine Robb, will be the keynote speaker.
Homestead National Historical Park is hosting its annual Old-Fashioned Spelling Bee and Ice Cream Social on Monday, September 1, 2025, 10 a.m., at the Freeman School. Morgan Fox, Youth Services Librarian at Beatrice Public Library, will emcee the competition. Visitors can enjoy an ice cream social and self-guided nature writing activities after the spelling bee.
In August, Isle Royale NP took lethal measures to control a problem wolf due to the escalating number of concerning incidents reported by park visitors. After extensive monitoring and attempts at deterrence, and in consultation with state, federal and tribal agencies, the difficult decision to lethally remove this wolf was made. Park personnel will continue to track wolf/human interactions and remove additional wolves only if necessary.
In celebration of the National Park Service turning 109 years old, Obed Wild & Scenic River will host a combined birthday party and 14th annual photo contest reception on Friday, August 22 at the Obed Visitor Center, located at 208 North Maiden Street in downtown Wartburg. The festivities will begin at 5:00 PM (ET). The festivities will include light refreshments,
Steamtown National Historic Site hosts “Arts in the Park Weekend” on August 23–24, 2025, featuring presentations on art, railroad, and preservation history. Programs begin in the newly reopened Visitor Center, with Q&A sessions following each talk. The weekend leads into the National Park Service’s 109th birthday.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [August 14, 2025] – Glacier National Park will host volunteer training for its annual Hawk Watch Program on August 26 and September 22.
Low water levels are prompting two important changes for visitors: Wahweap Main Launch Ramp will be inoperable starting Monday, August 18. Rainbow Bridge dock will be moved to deeper water on Monday, August 25.
Homestead National Historical Park will present a day of living history activities at the Homestead Heritage Center on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On August 18th, 2025, Park staff will re-open the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to the public. Visitors will be able to drive the South Rim Road to the visitor center, access Tomichi and Gunnison Point overlooks, and visit the park store. Visitors can see for themselves the forces of nature and the mosaic of burned and unburned vegetation. The hours of operation on the South Rim will be 7:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. The entrance gate will lock at 6:00 pm.
The National Park Service urges visitors to not feed or approach black bears in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park has seen an increase in incidents involving visitors feeding bears. Feeding wildlife is illegal and endangers you, other visitors and bears.
A raccoon tested positive for rabies last week after being reported for strange behavior near the Smithfield Beach commercial launch. The park urges visitors who have had physical contact with wildlife to notify park staff and seek medical attention immediately.
Fourteen years ago, with funding from a National Park Foundation Impact Grant, Obed Wild and Scenic River launched its “National Park in Your Backyard” program for Morgan County sixth grade students. As in previous years, the opportunity to participate in this program will be extended to sixth grade students that are homeschooled or who attend schools other than public schools.
Learn about our favorite flying creatures at Mammoth Cave National Park with a full day of activities at this year’s annual Bat Day event on Saturday, Aug. 30.
WASHINGTON— Everyone’s invited! The National Park Service is excited to welcome the community back for the 2025 Fort Dupont Park Summer Event Series, one of D.C.’s most cherished summer traditions. Now in its 53rd year, this free, family-friendly concert series brings people of all ages together to enjoy great music in a beautiful, safe and welcoming urban national park.
The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Explor Badlands, LLC to operate lodging, campground, food and beverage, and retail services at Badlands National Park under a 10-year concession contract. Existing services will transition to the new concessioner on November 1, 2025.
Patchogue, NY – On Saturday, August 16, 2025, the Old Mastic House at the William Floyd Estate will open for a limited duration exhibit highlighting various aspects of life on the Estate and recent rehabilitation work.
Rocky Mountain National Park will be implementing the Poudre Headwaters Project during the week of August 25-31, 2025. This project involves the removal of all non-native fish from the Grand Ditch and upstream and downstream tributaries inside RMNP.
Capitol Reef National Park is excited to announce the 'Reef Ride' bike event, set to take place on the mornings of September 27th and 28th, in celebration of the newly repaved Scenic Drive and National Public Lands Day. During this special event, the Scenic Drive will be closed to vehicle traffic and open to cyclists, including Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes, as well as hikers and runners.
Fort Scott National Historic Site celebrates the anniversary of the National Park Service, Monday, August 25, 2025, with a series of family-friendly games, trivia, a scavenger hunt throughout the day, fort tours at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and a musical performance by the 1st Infantry Division Band from Fort Riley. Activities are appropriate for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Marking the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, the Oak Ridge, TN unit of Manhattan Project National Historical Park is offering a special guided tour of Jackson Square on Thursday August 14, 2025 from 12:30-1:00 PM EST.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will co-host a public workshop on Ocracoke Island covering the behavior and biology of coyotes, a species of canine native to North America. The public workshop is scheduled for 12:30-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27 in the Ocracoke Community Center.
Throughout the summer, National Park Service staff sample and analyze the Blue Mesa Reservoir water for the presence of blue-green algae containing cyanotoxins. The latest testing revealed that concentrations of the harmful algae within the Iola Basin exceed public health safe exposure levels.
On Saturday August 23, 2025 at 12:00 PM, Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River cordially invites the public to a nineteenth century baseball exhibition featuring the Flemington Club of Neshannock and the Elizabeth Resolutes. The free game will be at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Lackawaxen, PA.
Beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will implement additional water restrictions and conservation measures. Crews have repaired the broken section of the Transcanyon Waterline; however, due to a mechanical issue at Havasupai Gardens, pumping has not yet resumed to the South Rim.
The National Park Service (NPS) and Federal Highway Administration (FWHA) continue to work towards emergency repairs for US441/Newfound Gap Road following the August 1 washout and landslide. The agencies plan to award a contract in August and expect that construction will be completed in early October.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Acting Superintendent Joni Seay announced today that the 13-knot vessel speed limit is being removed around South Sandy Cove and Garforth Island. Recent observations reveal that very few humpback whales are feeding consistently in these areas. New 13-knot temporary whale waters are being implemented around Gloomy Knob and Blue Mouse Cove to protect at least 10 whales feeding in the area.
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area invites you to mark your calendars for one of the region’s most cherished traditions, the 33rd Annual Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival, happening Saturday, September 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (ET) at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center area.
On August 15, the National Park Service will reopen over 30 campsites in Loop A of Julian Price Campground, located at milepost 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. All reopening sites will be available by reservation through the end of October. First come, first served sites are not available this season.
For the 2025-2026 duck hunting season, Cape Lookout National Seashore will continue to use a lottery system to determine the initial order for applicants to register their duck blinds within the park.
"A Play of Candlelight" Annual Program - Dressed in historic costumes, staff will guide visitors on a lantern-lit tour to "meet" some of the personalities who helped weave the fabric of Fort Union. Saturday, September 6, 2025
The National Park Service has named Edwin “Ed” Talaq Viglione as the 2025 Frontline Hero of the Year, recognizing his exceptional dedication to public service and his quiet leadership within Western Arctic National Parklands.
Cape Lookout National Seashore is proud to announce the commencement of a major renovation project for the historic Cape Lookout Lighthouse, a treasured maritime beacon on the North Carolina coast.
Effective immediately, use of the Wahweap Main Launch Ramp is limited to the south (left) side, which is restricted to vessels 30 feet in length or smaller. The north (right) side of the ramp has been closed due to recent damage that has compromised the stability of the ramp surface.
Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site will celebrate its 53rd anniversary Establishment Day, “Hoʻokūʻikahi”, Hawaiian Cultural Festival on Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17, 2025.
Springfield Armory National Historic Site (NHS) is proud to announce a community-wide celebration to mark its 50th anniversary as a National Park Service site. The public is invited to a free, family-friendly festival on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, held on the scenic grounds of the Springfield Armory and Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) campus at 1 Armory Square, Springfield, MA.
The North Parkway Rehabilitation Project will close the ramp from the southbound George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) to westbound Route 123 and from westbound Route 123 to southbound GWMP starting August 11 through mid-September, weather permitting.
Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park will implement water conservation measures for the South Rim of the park. These water restrictions are in response to a broken section of pipeline north of Phantom Ranch. Water conservation measures require all park residents and visitors to conserve and reduce water usage wherever possible in homes, hotel rooms and campgrounds.
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site announces special presentations for Saturday, August 9th, 2025, as part of its “Stories from the Borderlands” program series. This presentation will be offered at 10:00 a.m. in the corral at the rear of the Fort, and 2:00 p.m. at Woodruff Memorial Library in La Junta, Colorado.
On August 21, 2025, join Isle Royale National Park and Kaleidoscope for Ranger III Family Day. Families with children 15 or younger may reserve space aboard one of two, 45-minute scheduled waterway cruises. Ranger III will travel into Portage Lake and back during the trip.
Great Basin National Park recently completed a $5.5 million rehabilitation of the park’s water distribution and wastewater collection systems, made possible by funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund.
The El Calderon Trail and parking area at El Malpais National Monument will be closed beginning August 11, 2025, through late May 2026 for a trail improvement project between the parking area and the Bat Cave.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve recently completed a $19 million construction contract funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund. The project, a critical part of addressing deferred park maintenance and repair needs, dramatically improved the housing options for the concession employees who support visitor services in Bartlett Cove, including lodging and day tour operations.
As a precaution, visitors should not swim or wade in the water at Cape Hatteras National Seashore from Old Lighthouse Beach to the northern boundary of Ramp 43. This advisory is a result of petroleum odors and sheens coming from the Buxton Formerly Used Defense Site
Theodore Roosevelt National Park will host the Dakota Nights: Astronomy Festival on Friday, August 22 and Saturday, August 23, inviting the public to celebrate the wonders of the night sky in a unique national park setting.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore has implemented a three-tenths-of-a-mile precautionary closure of shoreline adjacent to the Buxton Formerly Used Defense Site, due to the presence of petroleum odors and light sheens.
- Manhattan Project National Historical Park (NHP), in partnership with Pearl Harbor National Memorial (NM), will host "Days of Peace and Remembrance" across its three sites and at Pearl Harbor NM to commemorate and reflect on the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Japan in 1945. This commemorative programming acknowledges and interprets the conflicting viewpoints, both historical and modern, that surround the development and use of the world’s first atomic weapons. These events provide an opportunity for somber, quiet reflection.
US441/Newfound Gap Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is closed until further notice due to road damage. Late on August 1, the park responded to reports of a landslide event on Newfound Gap Road between mile marker 12 and 13 on the Tennessee side of the park (south of Alum Cave trailhead). Heavy rainfall caused Walker Camp Prong to swell and undermine part of the roadway.
Manhattan Project National Historical Park (NHP), in partnership with Pearl Harbor National Memorial (NM), will host "Days of Peace and Remembrance" across its three sites and at Pearl Harbor NM to commemorate and reflect on the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Japan in 1945. This commemorative programming acknowledges and interprets the conflicting viewpoints, both historical and modern, that surround the development and use of the world’s first atomic weapons. These events provide an opportunity for somber, quiet reflection.
Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River volunteer Avery Ohliger has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the National Park Service’s Region 1 Excellence in Volunteer Service Impact Award in the Youth & Young Adult Category for his work digitalizing, transcribing, and indexing Upper Delaware oral history files.
Are you a craftsperson, artisan, or food vendor looking for a great opportunity to share your work? We are currently seeking vendors to join the 33rd Annual Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area!
The use of fire by visitors within these National Park Service (NPS) boundaries is regulated to protect resources and visitors. The intent of Stage 2 Fire Restrictions is to reduce the number of human-caused fires during periods of very high fire danger, by decreasing potential sources of ignition.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [August 1, 2025] – Glacier National Park, in conjunction with the US Public Health Service and Flathead County Health Department, has completed water and wastewater system inspections on private properties with commercial eating, drinking, and lodging operations within the park. Inspections included wastewater dye tests on 10 properties to verify their safety and sanitation and confirm that wastewater is not degrading the park's natural resources. An NPS Fire Chief concurrently completed a fire and life safety inspection of each property to substantiate compliance with Montana Fire Code.
Hunters can pick up a free hunting permit beginning Friday, August 29, 2025. Big Thicket allows hunting for deer, hog, squirrel, rabbit, and waterfowl. Texas hunting license required.
As the 5th anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act approaches, residents and staff at Death Valley National Park are thrilled about an upcoming major overhaul of the park’s largest water and wastewater systems. To celebrate the Act’s anniversary, all National Park Service sites will offer free park entrance on Monday, August 4.
A fatal vehicle collision occurred early on the morning of August 1, 2025 near mile 235 of the George Parks Highway, just south of the entrance to the Denali Park Road.
The National Park Service (NPS) invites public feedback on a draft general management plan and environmental assessment in August 2025. The plan would establish long-term direction for resource protection and visitor experiences at the park, as well as high-level concepts to guide potential future facility investments.
Beginning Friday, August 1, businesses can apply for a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) for select activities within designated wilderness areas of the parks, including stock and non-stock services, such as guided hiking, backpacking, fishing, and more.
Southeast Utah continues to experience hazardous fire conditions. On Friday, August 1, 2025, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and Natural Bridges National Monument will increase fire restrictions by banning all open fires (wood and charcoal).
Just 21 minutes after a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, waves were triggered nearly 4,000 miles away in Death Valley National Park. Biologists are not concerned about impacts on the endangered Devils Hole Pupfish.
Due to extreme fire danger, persistent hot and dry weather, and an increase in statewide fire activity, interagency fire officials implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning August 1, 2025, at 12:01 a.m.
Manhattan Project National Historical Park will observe the 80th anniversary of the 1945 atomic bombings of Japan in the waning days of World War II with two events. The first is a Messages of Peace program on Friday, August 8, at the REACH Museum starting at 12:00 pm, followed by a Lights for Peace program on Saturday, August 9 starting at 8:00 pm at the Fingernail Stage in Howard Amon Park.
All campfires will be prohibited in Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest starting at 12 a.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025. This applies to anything that produces ash, including charcoal grills. Gas or propane stoves, lanterns, or heating devices are permitted in campgrounds and wilderness areas if there is no flammable material within three feet of the device. These stoves must be equipped with an on-off switch or valve capable of immediately extinguishing the flame. Extreme caution is urged with any open flame.
The Summit District of Haleakalā National Park is hosting the annual Cycle to the Sun event on Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM. During this time, expect slower traffic and delays.
On the afternoon of July 30, Yellowstone helitack crews detected the Ash Fire in the Bechler area located in the southwest corner of Yellowstone National Park.
Join Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (NHP) on Friday, Aug. 8, to celebrate the legacy of jazz legend and Storer College alumnus Don Redman. The Appalachian Chamber Music Festival string musicians will collaborate with the Howard Burns Quartet to perform original arrangements of some of Redman’s most celebrated jazz works. The event begins at 7 p.m. on the lawn by the Mather Training Center.
The George Washington Memorial Parkway is rolling out a major upgrade to its public amenities by installing up to 14 new water bottle refill and drinking stations at high-traffic areas throughout the park. All the new stations are replacing older drinking fountains, upgrading them to include modern bottle fillers to better serve visitors and support sustainability. The project aims to improve year-round access to safe drinking water and reduce waste along the Potomac River corridor.
Teton Interagency Fire managers have elevated the fire danger rating to “very high” for Grand Teton National Park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the National Elk Refuge. Conditions in the Teton Interagency Dispatch area are drying rapidly, and a fire may start easily, spread rapidly and burn intensely
Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Oak Ridge, Tennessee is inviting the public to ring the International Friendship Bell at A.K. Bissell Park 80 times at dawn (6:47 am EDT) Wednesday, August 6th to commemorate the number of years since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. An hour before dawn park rangers will light luminarias that have been decorated with messages of peace by community members. The luminarias will remain lit throughout the commemoration event. An Oak Ridge Civic Music Association quartet will be on site throughout the event to provide accompanying music.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve announces that the 13-knot vessel speed limit is being removed around Lone Island, Geikie Rock, Hugh Miller Rocks, and Blue Mouse Cove. Recent observations reveal that few humpback whales are feeding consistently in this area. New temporary whale waters are being implemented around South Sandy Cove and Garforth Island with a 13-knot speed limit.
The National Park Service (NPS) reminds visitors to slow down and enjoy the views in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Over the next month, park rangers in cooperation with partner agencies will conduct increased traffic safety enforcement throughout the park. Through this effort, the NPS aims to combat excessive speeding and reduce motor vehicle collisions.
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area will be observing the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act on Monday, August 4, 2025, with 50 percent off backcountry camping permit fees.
Mauna Loa Road past Kīpukapuaulu and Hilina Pali Road past the Maunaiki Trailhead will temporarily close Wednesday, July 30 to vehicles due elevated fire danger resulting from persistently dry weather. Pedestrians and non-motorized bicycles are allowed on both roads.
On Monday morning, July 28, a 17-year-old male suffered significant thermal burns to his foot and ankle area in the vicinity of Lone Star Geyser near Old Faithful.
The National Park Service is asking for the public’s help in locating Thomas Daniel Gibbs, 35, of Freehold, New Jersey, who was last heard from on July 22, 2025, at approximately 12 p.m. Gibbs’ family and friends reported him missing on Monday, July 28.
The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) Swiftwater Dive Rescue Team (SDRT), in coordination with the National Park Service (NPS), located the body of 26-year-old Jomarie Calasanz of La Puente, California on July 24. Tulare County Coroner’s Office confirmed her identity on July 28. She had been missing since May 25.
Superintendent Greg Dudgeon announced today the park will accept Commercial Use Authorization applications through the National Park Service’s new online portal starting September 1, 2025 and Special Use Permits in lieu of Commercial Use Authorizations applications starting October 1, 2025 for Photography Instruction and Guided Mountaineering (formally Single Trip Guided Climb) activities.
Guest Services, Inc has been selected to provide lodging, food & beverage, retail, campground, fuel, and other visitor services in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, a unit of North Cascades National Park Service Complex.
Teton Interagency Fire crews continued suppression efforts Sunday on the Signal Flat Fire, which remains estimated at 7.8 acres and is now 100% contained.
Springfield Armory National Historic Site is honored to host a special lecture by acclaimed historian and author John McManus on Saturday, August 2, 2025. McManus will discuss his latest book, “To the End of the Earth: The US Army and the Downfall of Japan, 1945.” This presentation coincides with the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II in the Pacific.
UPDATE July 29, 2025: The individual who drowned at Assateague Island National Seashore on July 24, 2025, has been identified as 18-year-old Cresencio Lucas Chavez Velasquez of Parksley, Virginia.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve plans to conduct special aviation operations with a helicopter in late-July and late-August. Flight dates will depend on the weather.
Keweenaw National Historical Park, the Keweenaw NHP Advisory Commission, Isle Royale and Keweenaw Parks Association, and the Quincy Mine Hoist Association will unveil three new sculptures at the Quincy Smelter (48991 Maple St, Hancock, MI), on Wednesday, July 30, at 10:00 a.m. All members of the public are invited to attend.
Gulf Islands National Seashore, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, is widening and resurfacing the road and adding a path on either side.
Park staff will open the North Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to the public on July 30, 2025. Visitors will be able to access trails, overlooks, and the North Rim Campground.
Our summer speaker series, Evening on the Summit, concludes on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Visitor Center theater. Park Volunteer Brandon Sliko will present a free program about mapping the Allegheny Portage Railroad.
At approximately 6 p.m. yesterday, Wednesday, July 23, Rocky Mountain National Park received a report of a potential lightning strike fire seen from Rainbow Curve on the east side of the park.
TOPEKA, Kan. – The National Park Service (NPS) hosted a New Citizen Ceremony, July 24, 2025, in collaboration with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the US District Courts.
Yosemite National Park celebrated a major milestone today in meeting its long-term infrastructure sustainability goals with the official groundbreaking for the new El Portal Wastewater Treatment Plant, a transformative $239 million investment funded through the Great American Outdoors Act’s Legacy Restoration Fund, which was signed into law by President Donald J. Trump in 2020.
Upcoming maintenance projects will cause Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center and Chatham to close on August 4, 2025. The grounds of both locations will remain open sunrise to sunset, and at Fredericksburg, the nearby Park Store will remain open 7 days a week.
Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River congratulates Flor Blum, Alvin Leung, Michael Portnov, Achim Kopp, and Alex Wrona for receiving the Upper Delaware Water Safety Challenge Coin Award. These five individuals volunteered their time and language skills to translate important water safety messaging as a resource for non-English speaking river users.
The National Park Service announces a decision and release of a Finding of No Significant Impact for the Proposed Demolition of Historic Structures Environmental Assessment.
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area encompasses 125,000 acres of rugged terrain within the Cumberland Plateau in southeastern Kentucky and north-central Tennessee.
The South Rim Wildfire, which was ignited by lightning strikes on July 10, 2025, remains active within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The park is coordinating with federal, state, and local partners to manage fire activity and to assess potential post-fire impacts. The park remains closed to visitors until further notice.
ATLANTA – Today, the National Park Service (NPS) opened a 45-day public comment period that will inform a National Historic Landmark (NHL) nomination for American Beach, a historic African American resort community on the Atlantic coast in north Florida.
Beginning Friday, Aug. 1, people may apply to the 2025-2026 winter lottery for permits to snowmobile in Yellowstone National Park without a commercial guide. Authorized in 2013, the Non-Commercially Guided Snowmobile Access Program allows permit holders to enter the park for up to three days with a group of up to five snowmobilers.
A new species of ancient shark, named Macadens olsoni, has been discovered at Mammoth Cave National Park, adding to the park’s rich history of paleontological finds.
Steamtown National Historic Site’s Visitor Center is now open for the season, offering a climate-controlled space, restrooms, park information, and staffed services. The outdoor Tickets & Information kiosk operates only on train ride days.
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail has introduced a new Junior Ranger activity book, available for free download on their website. This print-at-home booklet helps families explore the trail's unique history and geology through engaging activities.
Students from McCreary Central High School, Scott County High School, and Oneida High School worked on a Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) project in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
On the afternoon of July 21, 2025, Kenai Fjords National Park received a call from the Alaska State Troopers regarding two individuals stranded on a cliff face beyond the "Exit Creek Prohibited Visitor Use Zone" closure sign.
This Evening on the Lake program is Tuesday, July 29 at 7:00 p.m. in the Club House. Documents discovered from the collection of John Kephart, at the Cambria County Historical Society, led society members and park staff to determine the original owners of all sixteen cottages. These cottages were owned by members of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club and sat along Lake Conemaugh. Participants will learn about the cottages and their respective owners. This program is presented by Park Ranger Doug Bosley.
Rocky Mountain National Park will be releasing additional campsite reservations at Moraine Park Campground beginning on Tuesday, July 22 at 8 a.m. Mountain Time, for reservations for July 23 through September 9. Reservations will be available through www.recreation.gov.
On July 20, a four-year-old child was injured by a mountain lion near the Victoria Overlook area on Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park. Witnesses to the event should call 888-653-0009 or email nps_isb@nps.gov. Park staff located and dispatched the animal on July 21. There are no current threats to the public.
The 2025 federal subsistence hunt for the Chisana caribou herd was announced by acting Wrangell-St. Elias Superintendent Joshua Scott, the designated federal manager for the hunt. Consistent with the cooperative management plan for the herd, the harvest quota is 6 bull caribou. The hunt will open on August 10 and close on September 30 or when the quota has been reached. Hunters are required to report back within three days of harvesting an animal, or at the end of the season if unsuccessful. The hunt area is Federal public lands in Unit 12 that occur east of the Nabesna River and Glacier and south of the Winter Trail running southeast from Pickerel Lake to the Canadian border.
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site invites public review and comments on a draft environmental assessment (EA) for a plan to stabilize its shoreline. The draft EA is open for public comment from July 21 through August 20, 2025.
A 32-foot vessel named Pura Vida grounded on the beach this morning at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, approximately one mile south of off-road vehicle ramp 38. There were no reported injuries to the person on board the vessel when it came to shore at some time after 4 a.m.
BLOWING ROCK, NC – On Monday, July 21, 2025, Blue Ridge Parkway officials opened a section of the 469-mile historic route in North Carolina from milepost 305.2, near Beacon Heights and U.S. 221, to milepost 317.5, at U.S. 221 at the access point to the Linville Falls community.
Effective at 3:00 pm, all areas of Blue Mesa Reservoir will be open to all water activities on the surface. The closure issued on July 18, 2025, is released and rescinded.
Effective immediately, the Blue Mesa Reservoir West of Middle Bridge will be closed to all boating activities on the surface, from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm daily. This closure will remain in effect from until further notice.
To assist with nearby wildfires, fire suppression aircraft will be drawing water from Lake Powell between buoys 43 and 49 to refill tanks as part of ongoing firefighting operations.
On the morning of July 10, 2025, lightning strikes ignited wildfires on both the North Rim and South Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Visitors and staff were safely evacuated, and the park is closed until further notice.
Thurmont, Md. – Due to increased security measures, portions of Catoctin Mountain Park will be closed at approximately 2 p.m. on Friday, July 18. Closures are scheduled to continue through approximately 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
Effective immediately, due to high fire danger, Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 2 fire restrictions for the South Rim and all other areas of the park. The restriction encompasses the entire park including all campgrounds, residential areas, backcountry sites and developed recreation sites.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is offering two free programs to the public the first weekend August. On Friday, Aug. 1, Buffalo Soldier reenactor Terrance Beasley will present a living history program at the visitor center from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. On Saturday, Aug. 2, the park’s education team will host Junior Ranger Day with kid-friendly activities at the main dunes parking area between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
At approximately 5 p.m. July 11, Yellowstone National Park staff lethally removed an adult female black bear following a series of concerning incidents at a backcountry campsite located in the Blacktail Deer Creek drainage in the northern part of the park.
Due to high fire danger and to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires, fire restrictions are currently in effect below 6,000 feet. Additionally, wood and charcoal fires are prohibited in Tamarack Flat Campground.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve announced today that the 13-knot vessel speed limit is being removed from Whidbey Passage. In addition, the lower West Arm whale waters area is being replaced by a 13-knot speed limit around Lone Island, Geikie Rock, Hugh Miller Rocks, Blue Mouse Cove, and Jaw Point to protect whales feeding in these specific areas. These updated operating requirements are effective from 5 AM Thursday July 17th until further notice.
One person is dead, and two others are injured after a small plane crashed in a remote area of Olympic National Park, according to National Park Service officials. Around 6:50 p.m. on July 15, park rangers were notified of the crash in the Quinault area of Olympic National Park. The crash site is on a forested, steep slope north of the Irely Lake Trailhead.
Niobrara National Scenic River is thrilled to announce the participation of renowned storyteller and musician Chris Sayre during the upcoming Nebraska Star Party on July 24, 2025. Sayre will deliver two captivating presentations at the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center, scheduled for 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Join Shane Tucker, Nebraska’s Highway Paleontologist, at the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center in Valentine, Nebraska, for a thrilling program on August 1! Did you know that some of the fossils found in Nebraska are over 300 million years old? Dive into the remarkable fossil heritage of Nebraska and the Niobrara River corridor at this exciting event!
Biologists “rescued” the threatened species, after extreme weather and wildfire disrupted native breeding grounds, as part of an emergency effort after the LA wildfires
The National Park Service (NPS), through its George Washington Memorial Parkway, is excited to announce plans to rehabilitate the Clara Barton National Historic Site— and we want your input! Your voice matters. The park is preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) that explains the proposed work and its potential impacts. Once the EA is released, there will be a public comment period. You’ll be able to review the document and share your thoughts. Comment Period: July 15 – Sept. 9, 2025.
Federal subsistence registration permits for hunts in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve will be available starting Tuesday, July 22, at the park’s Visitor Center in Copper Center and at the Slana Ranger Station. The Visitor Center in Copper Center is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September 14. The Slana Ranger Station is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September 21.
On Sunday, July 13, 2025, at approximately 3:52 p.m., Blue Ridge Parkway dispatchers received a report of a park visitor in medical distress within a mile of the Graveyard Fields Overlook Trailhead.
Thurmont, Md. – Catoctin Mountain Park will conduct road work beginning on Monday, July 21. The work will address serious deficiencies on Foxville Deerfield Road and Park Central Road. It is expected to continue through the end of October with full road closures in place for periods of time.
Mammoth Cave National Park invites you to experience the Perseids meteor shower at an evening Star Party on Friday, July 18 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. CDT.
The National Park Service has released a Request for Proposals to lease the Kennedy Supplee mansion, carriage house and associated grounds for use as a restaurant, office, or other light commercial use for a period of ten (10) years.
Visitors to Great Basin National Park can now explore the park’s 10-million-year-old Lehman Caves from a new perspective by joining an Introduction to Wild Caving Tour.
A local missing hiker was found deceased below Sawtooth Peak in Sequoia National Park on Sunday, July 13. 36-year-old Drew Hall from Visalia was described as fit and active but was hiking in very rugged terrain. He had separated from his group earlier in the day on Saturday, with plans to meet up later. After not returning within the expected timeframe, family members reported him missing to Sequoia National Park that evening.
Jimmy Carter National Historical Park is excited to announce the opening of Carter Gardens section of the Carter Home and Gardens for public access. The Carter Home remains closed to the public.
The Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park exhibited extreme and volatile fire behavior the evening of July 12, resulting in a 500-acre expansion. Fire managers have confirmed the loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge and numerous historic cabins in the developed area. On July 12, at approximately 10:30 p.m., fire activity intensified rapidly, fueled by sustained winds of 20 mph and gusts reaching up to 40 mph. Firefighters made significant efforts overnight to slow the fire’s progression under dangerous and fast-changing conditions.
On July 12, at approximately 3:30 p.m., firefighters responding to the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim in Grand Canyon National Park reported that the North Rim water treatment facility had caught fire. It was later confirmed that chlorine gas was released from the treatment facility.
On the morning of July 10th, local observers noted that the level of Hidden Creek Lake has begun to fall. This is consistent with conditions that often precede the release of water into the Kennicott River. Residents and visitors should use caution if or when water rises and can get updates about river level from the US Geological Survey. These conditions can be dangerous for anyone on the Kennicott River or downstream rivers and streams such as the Chitina and Copper Rivers.
The National Park Service (NPS) today celebrated the completion of the stabilization project of a historic drylaid stone wall at Mile 11 with funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund. This approximately 1,015 linear foot long wall historically called the “Log Wall” plays a critical role in supporting the towpath and the canal prism and protecting them from the waters of the Potomac River. The rehabilitated historic wall ensures future generations will continue to learn and enjoy the C&O Canal in its historical context.
Blue Heron, an integral part of the history of Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area is calling on surrounding communities to help preserve and showcase the region’s mining heritage.
Newfound Gap Road is getting an upgrade! Starting July 14, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will kick off a rehabilitation of a 7-mile stretch of Newfound Gap Road on the North Carolina side of the park.
All summer long, visitors are invited to explore a special museum exhibit inside the Longfellow House, available after all house tours. “Washington's Headquarters and the Memory of the American Revolution” highlights the house’s pivotal role in the Revolution, from its time as George Washington’s headquarters during the Siege of Boston to the Longfellows’ roles in shaping the memory of America’s founding era.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [July 11, 2025] – A climbing accident resulted in a fatality when a 42-year-old man, Brian Astle of Provo, UT fell while descending a steep, off-trail climbing route from the west face of Mount Gould.
Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park has temporarily closed the North Rim until further notice due to the White Sage Fire near Jacob Lake, Ariz. The White Sage Fire is located on BLM lands and is not currently burning within Grand Canyon National Park. Due to the fire’s progression toward Jacob Lake, which is now under evacuation orders, all visitors on the North Rim are required to evacuate immediately.
On the morning of July 10, 2025, lightning strikes ignited wildfires on both the North Rim and South Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Visitors and staff have been evacuated and the park is closed until further notice.
Due to dry conditions, high fire danger, and the number of interagency resources already dedicated to active incidents, campfires in Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest will be restricted to established fire rings starting at 12 a.m. on July 11th, 2025.
On Wednesday afternoon, National Park Service rangers from Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and rescue teams from Bushkill Fire, Warren County EMS and New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau responded to a call involving a capsized kayaker, where they recovered the body of a 54-year-old Blakeslee, PA man.
Petersburg National Battlefield has scheduled road work to begin in August 2025. This work will address serious sinkholes, preserve pavement and restripe roads and parking lots.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways plans to host two managed deer hunts at Big Spring this fall, providing special opportunities for youth and mobility-impaired veterans.
On July 8 at approximately 11:50 a.m., the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a report of an unresponsive hiker on the South Kaibab Trail, below Cedar Ridge. Bystanders immediately initiated CPR while National Park Service (NPS) medical personnel responded via helicopter. All attempts to resuscitate the individual were unsuccessful.
The National Park Service at Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve announced a civic engagement public comment period and a public meeting on July 23 for the relocation of the Fort Caroline Memorial Exhibit. The goal for this project is to create a new outdoor memorial that commemorates the French settlers who built Fort Caroline in the 1560’s.
On July 8, Olympic Interagency Fire crews continued their efforts to contain the human-caused Bear Gulch Fire with heavy helicopters and ground crews. As of 6:00 p.m. PST, 328 acres have burned north of Lake Cushman in Olympic National Forest. The helicopter water drops limited the fire’s eastern spread to five acres. There are currently no evacuation orders for nearby communities.
Women’s Rights National Historical Park has announced its complete slate of programs and activities for Convention Days 2025: Ripples of Reform. This event from July 18-20 commemorates the 1848 women’s rights convention in Seneca Falls, as well as this year’s bicentennial celebration of the Erie Canal.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [July 8, 2025] – Three visitors fell into Avalanche Creek on Sunday. Shortly after 7 p.m. park dispatch received multiple satellite SOS reports stating that individuals had fallen into Avalanche Creek, and that CPR was being performed on two of the individuals.
The superintendent has temporarily closed a gas well maintenance access road associated with a leaking well site near the Joe Branch area of Big South Fork NRRA.
Effective July 9, the National Park Service will temporarily suspend 56-day advance reservations for USS Arizona Memorial tours due to ongoing preservation work.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking individuals to join the Elk Rover volunteer team for the upcoming 2025 season. Elk Rovers share information with visitors about safe wildlife viewing and help keep elk and visitors safe. Elk Rovers will be stationed at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, located near Cherokee, NC.
On July 6, a human-caused fire was reported in Olympic National Forest near the Mt. Rose Trailhead along the Lake Cushman Corridor (FS-24). The fire – named the Bear Gulch Fire – is burning on a steep, rocky slope north of Lake Cushman and southeast of the Staircase area of Olympic National Park. The fire is approximately 200 acres. There is no current threat to structures or nearby communities.
On Friday, July 25, 2025, Valles Caldera National Preserve turns 25. To celebrate this public land milestone, we invite everyone to three days of special programs and evening hours in their national preserve.
On July 5, 2025, a small float plane crash landed near Brooks Camp within Katmai National Park. The four occupants of the plane were transported to an Anchorage area hospital with non-critical injuries.
A detection flight Sunday night located five new lightning-caused wildfires in the Galena Zone. The zone recorded nearly 1,600 lightning strikes Sunday following days of hot, dry conditions with little to no precipitation.
Staff from Redwood National and State Parks, the Yurok Tribe, and the Department of Defense are collaborating this summer to repair, restore and enhance multiple facilities around the park in conjunction with the Air National Guard’s Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) Program, which provides infrastructure construction training opportunities to Air Force units.
Hike with a park ranger to the Staple Bend Tunnel, the first railroad tunnel in America on Saturday, July 12 at 2 p.m. Reservations are required for this free hike that is approximately five miles in length. Please call the Visitor Center at 814-886-6150 to sign up and for meeting location details. The hike is rain or shine.
A search is underway in Shenandoah National Park for Robert (Bob) Bieri. Mr. Bieri was reported missing to Shenandoah National Park Rangers on the evening of July 5, 2025.
July 5, 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the San Antonio Missions' designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This rare and prestigious honor elevated Mission San Antonio de Valero (also known as the Alamo) and the four missions within San Antonio Missions National Historical Park as a unified cultural landmark, celebrating their global significance and the essential role they’ve played in shaping Texas and the United States.
Due to the hot, dry and breezy conditions and elevated risk for wildland fire in southern Oregon, Crater Lake National Park is entering into fire restrictions. The outlook is for above normal significant wildland fire potential for the next several months.
The Big Bend area of Texas received significant amounts of rainfall during the past few days, causing flash floods, wet conditions, and flooding along the Rio Grande.
At approximately 6 p.m. on the evening of Wednesday, July 2, 2025 park rangers in Rocky Mountain National Park received reports from visitors that smoke was visible from Timber Creek Campground and the Baker Gulch areas of the park.
Starting July 7, 2025, roadwork will occur at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The project will involve chip sealing, patching, and micro-sealing roadways at several locations in the park. This important project will improve and preserve roadways which benefit the visitor experience.
Acadia National Park rangers responded to a string of emergency incidents and fatalities in the past week. As park rangers prepare for what is sure to be a busy holiday weekend, they urge visitors to take safety precautions during their visit.
To promote a safe and enjoyable visit for all, Rocky Mountain National Park rangers will increase law enforcement patrols and conduct a safety checkpoint beginning on Saturday, July 5, within the park.
A 30-year-old man from El Paso, Texas, drowned in Jackson Lake near Swim Beach in the Colter Bay area of Grand Teton National Park on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 2.
White Sands National Park will hold its July Full Moon Night event on Thursday July 10, 2025, at 8:00 pm. In partnership with Western National Parks, we are pleased to welcome the Out Cats for a performance at the park’s July Full Moon event. The Out Cats are a blues duo from Las Cruces, New Mexico that play a wide variety of blues, from Robert Johnson through Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf, up to the Rolling Stones, Allman Brothers, and Jeff Beck.
Beginning Tuesday, July 15, through Friday, July 18, the Wild Basin Road in Rocky Mountain National Park will be closed to all uses, including vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians for road maintenance.
. This event will delve into the gripping narratives of Daniel Shays' 1787 assault on the Springfield arsenal and John Brown's daring attack on the Harpers Ferry Armory in 1859, examining the motivations, comparisons, and consequences of these pivotal moments in American history.
The National Park Service has detected the presence of cyanotoxins in the mouth of Antelope Canyon in Lake Powell in concentrations that are at the high end of safe exposure levels. Cyanotoxins are produced by certain types of algae blooms and can be harmful to humans and animals.
There’s never a bad time to visit Zion National Park, but if you’re visiting this Independence Day Weekend, plan for heat and crowds as much as you’re planning to have fun.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve officials are asking the public for information on circumstances surrounding an apparent whale-vessel collision that severely injured a humpback whale. Vessels should proceed cautiously in all areas where whales may be present. Whales may surface in unexpected locations, posing a hazard to both the vessel and the whale.
Summer is in full swing in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are planning to visit the park this Fourth of July weekend, plan ahead and pack your patience. Plan Like A Park Ranger.
The free, public event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the grounds of Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site and Bullock Temple CME Church. The day will feature youth activities, performances by local artists, 20-minute interpretive tours, a tree planting, and a time capsule burial.
Manhattan Project National Historical Park, in partnership with Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), will be hosting a new free public program titled “Beyond the Bomb: Stories of the Atomic Age” on Thursday July 24 at 2 pm ET. Utilizing the rich history and museum collection of the ORAU Museum of Radiation and Radioactivity, this program will dive into atomic culture and innovations in medicine sparked by the Manhattan Project and expanded during the atomic age.
Fourth of July weekend is anticipated to be another busy weekend at the parks. During the recent four-day Memorial Day weekend, we welcomed over 21,000 visitors. Trip planning is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. Below are some considerations to help you prepare for your visit and share space responsibly with fellow park-goers.
Our summer speaker series, Evening on the Summit, continues on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Visitor Center theater. Supervisory Park Ranger Doug Bosley will present a free program on Charles Dickens' 1842 trip to America.
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) invites the public to review and comment on an environmental assessment (EA) for the Roswell Gateway and Vickery Creek Unit Access Improvements. The EA is open for public comment from July 1 to July 31.
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site announces special presentations for Saturday, July 5th, 2025, as part of its Stories of the Borderlands program series. This presentation will be offered at 10:00 a.m. in the corral at the rear of the Fort, and 2:00 p.m. at Woodruff Memorial Library in La Junta, Colorado.
A 67-year-old male died this afternoon while swimming in the Atlantic Ocean near Frisco, North Carolina on Hatteras Island. Resuscitation measures were attempted on the beach near Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s Ramp 49 but were unsuccessful.
Spring opening operations for Old Fall River Road continue. On Tuesday, July 1, the road will be closed to all uses (including pedestrians, people walking dogs on leash, and cyclists) between the hours of 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Beginning at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2 through Thursday, July 3, the road will be closed to all uses for dust abatement.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [June 30, 2025] – Glacier National Park’s “Going Batty” field trip will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in West Glacier from 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, but participation is limited and requires advance registration.
Fire danger is high in Alaska, and it is peak wildfire season. Even after rain, many areas remain dry or dry quickly. If a wildfire starts, it could spread quickly. With Independence Day approaching, please stay fire wise and put out campfires.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) reminds visitors and adjacent homeowners that it is illegal to detonate fireworks, or have fireworks in your possession, on all Seashore beaches, including the beaches on Ocracoke Island and all the beaches in Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village.
Effective Thursday, July 3, campfires or the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans and barbeque grills, are banned in all portions of North Cascades National Park Service Complex, which includes North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.
It’s summer in Rocky Mountain National Park and all rivers, creeks, and streams are flowing high and fast this time of year. Moving water is beautiful, it can also be very dangerous.
Officials at Badlands National Park plan to host the 2025 Badlands Astronomy Festival, July 18 - 20, 2025, daily from 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m., at the park. The annual festival brings together space science professionals, amateur astronomers, educators, and visitors for a three-day astronomy celebration.
Fire danger is increasing in southeastern Utah due to prolonged drought and rising temperatures. On Saturday, June 28, 2025, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and Natural Bridges National Monument will increase fire restrictions.
Yosemite National Park is proud to announce the reopening of the Tuolumne Meadows Campground Aug 1, following the completion of a transformative three-year, $26 million rehabilitation project funded through the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA).
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve announces new whale waters areas in the lower West Arm and Whidbey Passage with a vessel speed limit of 13 knots to protect 25 or more humpback whales that have been feeding in this area. Additionally, in the Lower Bay Whale Waters, a 13-knot speed limit is being implemented due to increasing numbers of humpback whales.
Join the National Park Service in celebrating the 4th of July at Adams National Historical Park with readings of the Declaration of Independence and at the United First Parish Church with a play featuring the letters between John Adams, Abigail Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.
The National Park Service (NPS) is accepting proposals for a concession contract on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Mabry Mill (milepost 176). A business opportunity to provide Food & Beverage and Retail services in the restaurant and gift shop adjacent to the historic mill is outlined in a newly released prospectus document. Services under the new contract are expected to begin January 1, 2026, and will be for a 10-year term.
Park staff have confirmed the presence of white-nose syndrome (WNS) in three bats at Rocky Mountain National Park; two bats on the west side and one bat on the east side of the park.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [June 26, 2025] – Glacier National Park reminds visitors that beginning July 1, private vehicle entrance into Many Glacier will be limited to visitors with wilderness camping permits, commercial service reservations, or lodging reservations. All other visitors are required to use the temporary Many Glacier Day Hiker Shuttle. Tickets are now available seven days in advance each morning at 8 a.m. Beginning June 30, tickets will also be available at 7 p.m. the night before entry.
The National Park Service (NPS) hosted a Naturalization Ceremony on June 26, 2025, in collaboration with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the US District Courts.
Leave fireworks at home – it's wildfire season! If you will visit Yellowstone National Park this Fourth of July, plan ahead to protect yourself and this wild and awe-inspiring place. Summer is the busiest time in the park, so please pack your patience. Expect crowds at popular areas and lines at entrance stations, construction areas, and roadside wildlife sightings. Follow our tips enjoy your visit and protect the park for generations to come.
On Friday, July 4, Morristown National Historical Park will celebrate Independence Day with a variety of activities at Washington’s Headquarters. Visitors can enjoy Junior Ranger Programs, reenactor demonstrations, soldier songs, and a public reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Join Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park for its annual History at Sunset series. Programs take place outdoors and are free to all visitors. Come prepared with bug spray, comfortable walking shoes, and water.
Around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, Grand Teton National Park rangers responded to reports of multiple high-end luxury sports cars drag racing on both lanes of the Teton Park Road and creating a variety of hazardous driving conditions for other visitors.
Arches and Canyonlands national parks expect a busy July Fourth holiday weekend, with increased traffic, long lines at park entrances, busy trails, and limited parking at both parks. Arches' pilot reservation system remains in effect through the holiday, then pauses July 7 to August 28, resuming before Labor Day weekend.
KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Calif. June 24, 2025 – As of this afternoon, ignitions are complete on the 2025 Big Stump East Prescribed Burn. In all, approximately 126-acres were completed in the area of the entrance of Kings Canyon National Park. Completing this prescribed burn increases the historic Grant Grove’s chance of being defendable during an unwanted wildfire as was demonstrated during both the 2015 Rough Fire and the 2021 KNP Complex Fire.
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, at approximately 11:50 a.m., Blue Ridge Parkway dispatchers received a report of an accident involving a bicyclist and car near milepost 7.
Teton Interagency Fire managers have elevated the fire danger rating to “high” for Grand Teton National Park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the National Elk Refuge.
The National Park Service and the Friends of Hopewell Furnace invite you to join in commemorating the 249th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2025. The annual formal commemoration ceremony will take place at 2:00 pm from the steps of Ironmaster’s Mansion on site. Other programming will be offered throughout the day and is open and free to the public.
A 46-year-old man from Death Valley died in a single-vehicle rollover in Death Valley National Park sometime before 5:30am on June 13. The accident occurred on CA-190 just east of North Highway.
Parking lots at Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s off-road vehicle ramp 34 and Little Kinnakeet Beach Access, both located just north of Avon, North Carolina, will close from 11 p.m. Wednesday, June 25 through the afternoon of Friday, June 27 to support the removal of a large Coast Guard sea buoy from the beach. A safety closure of N.C. Highway 12 in this area, lasting no more than 10 minutes, will occur sometime between the hours of 8 and 11 a.m. Thursday, June 26.
Early morning on June 19, a truck caught fire while descending Towne Pass on California Highway 190 within Death Valley National Park. The tractor trailer was traveling from Battle Mountain, NV, to Long Beach, CA. The tractor was destroyed by the fire. The driver protected the trailer by disconnecting it before the fire could spread. No injuries were reported.
Railfest 2025 celebrates the 100th anniversary of steam locomotive Grand Trunk Western No. 6039 and the 30th anniversary of Steamtown’s public opening. Highlights include train rides, exhibits, activities, and family-friendly programming.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [June 23, 2025] – Going-to-the-Sun Road has reopened after park officials made the proactive decision to close it at 8 pm on June 20 due to heavy rain and snowfall that made the area susceptible to mudslides and icy conditions.
Beginning July 1, 2025, Shenandoah National Park will transition to a fully cashless fee system and accept only mobile or electronic payments for entrance and campground fees. In addition to using electronic forms of payment in the park, visitors can use www.recreation.gov to pay for entrance fees, campground fees and permitting fees in advance of a park trip.
KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Calif. June 23, 2025 – Following a successful test burn and with concurrence from fire management staff and parks’ leadership, the 2025 Big Stump East Prescribed Burn has started. Ignitions are planned to continue each day through June 24, 2025. The General Grant Tree remains available to visit as normal.
Join park staff and volunteers as we honor and remember the men who fought during the battle at Fort Necessity on July 3, 1754. Guided fort walks will be offered at 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:30 PM. Soldier's life with musket and artillery demonstrations will be at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM. Events will happen rain or shine (except in thunderstorms) both Thursday, July 3rd and Friday, July 5th.
On Friday, June 20, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m., National Park Service (NPS) dispatchers received a report of a motor vehicle accident near milepost 126 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [June 20, 2025] – Due to heavy rain and predicted snowfall, Glacier National Park is implementing a temporary road closure of the alpine sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road. The closure will extend from Avalanche to Jackson Glacier Overlook at 8:00 pm on Friday, June 20, 2025.
Teddy Roosevelt impersonator Gib Young will bring the country’s 26th president to life at a performance at Wind Cave National Park on July 5. This free program begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Elk Mountain Campground amphitheater.
From July 4 to 6, 2025, the national Operation Dry Water awareness and enforcement initiative will take place on Lake Powell. During this time, law enforcement agencies will prioritize educating boaters about safe practices, including the importance of sober boating, with the goal of enhancing boating safety nationwide.
Late Wednesday afternoon, human remains were found in an area near the Alpine Ridge Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. This area is near the Alpine Visitor Center, which is located along Trail Ridge Road.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [June 18, 2025] – In preparation for potential inclement weather, Glacier National Park is preparing for a temporary closure of the alpine sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road. Should the forecasted weather system result in hazardous road conditions, Going-to-the-Sun Road will be closed between Avalanche and Rising Sun.
Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River and the Zane Grey's West Society will host the 19th Annual Zane Grey Festiva on the grounds of Zane Grey Museum in Lackawaxen, Pennsylvania from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM on Saturday, July 12, 2025. This free festival offers fun for the entire family with activities, live birds show, horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, and more.
Effective Thursday, June 19, 2025, select Yellowstone National Park rivers and streams will close to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise the following day due to warm water temperatures and low river flows.
Due to fire operations nearby, boaters are advised as they are traversing from Dangling Rope to Rainbow Bridge, to remain toward the east wall of the canyon and to avoid Oak Bay.
uly 2025 marks the 161st birthday of Maggie Lena Walker, Richmond's pioneering Black banker, community leader, and a woman of faith, hope and courage. July 11-20 the public is invited to experience a series of community events, volunteer service, special tours and exhibitions commemorating her life and legacy. Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site hosts the birthday celebration in partnership with the descendants of Maggie L. Walker, St. Luke Legacy Center, Library of Virginia, Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities and many more community partners.
Cape Cod National Seashore will transition to a fully cashless system at its fee entrance stations on July 1, 2025. Only credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments will be accepted at beach entrance booths.
The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public input from June 17 to July 16 on a proposal to rehabilitate and replace employee housing and related infrastructure in the Lodgepole Housing District serving Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Travel the route of the Allegheny Portage Railroad with a park ranger on a four-hour van tour. This free tour is Saturday, June 21 at 1:00 p.m. and leaves from the Visitor Center. To make a required reservation, please call 814-886-6150.
Last week, Olympic National Park teams versed in technical and swiftwater rescue worked to recover an 18-year-old man's body that was located below Sol Duc Falls on June 9. Recovery efforts included lowering multiple responders into the narrow canyon. Attempts to recover the submerged body were unsuccessful. Rangers faced high river flows in the 7-8' wide canyon due to recent warm temperatures and rapid snowmelt. The park’s priority is to safely complete this recovery as soon as conditions allow. Rangers will continue to monitor the target area, natural hazards, and changing conditions. Recovery operations will resume when it is safe to do so.
The first Evening on the Lake program of the season is Tuesday, June 24 at 7 p.m. Dr. Barbara Zaborowski, Dean of Library Services and Special Projects at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, will present a program on the Cambria Memory Project. The program takes place in the Club House located at 186 Main Street in St. Michael.
All visitors are welcome to physically join in playing a game of ‘base ball’ following Civil War era rules. Games will be held, weather permitting, at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM respectively and are held for 1-1.5 hours.
Middletown, N.J. – The Leave No Trace organization has selected Sandy Hook as a 2025 Spotlight site. As outdoor areas, including Sandy Hook, continue to experience the impacts of record visitation, this new initiative from Leave No Trace shines a light on communities rising to meet this challenge with multi-day, onsite education and restoration initiatives. From June 19-21, 2025, Leave No Trace will be in Middletown, NJ with Gateway National Recreation Area to work with the community and local land agencies to deliver Leave No Trace education as well as partner on restoration and stewardship projects.
Dogs are welcome on the trails at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), but pet owners must follow the basic rules to ensure the safety of their pets, other visitors, and the park itself. One of the key requirements is that all dogs must be on a 6-foot leash.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [June 16, 2025] – Going-to-the-Sun Road is now fully open for the 2025 season. Visitors will be able to drive the entire 50-mile length of the road, and access Logan Pass from both West Glacier and St. Mary Entrances.
WOOLWINE, VA - On June 1, 2025, at approximately 11:59 a.m., near Milepost 162, a motorcycle traveling north on the Blue Ridge Parkway collided with a deer crossing the rider’s lane of traffic. The operator, Edward Zigata, 60 years old, of Shallotte, North Carolina, was ejected and sustained serious injuries.
This summer, Isle Royale National Park is partnering with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a creel survey of the Isle Royale-Lake Superior fishery.
The National Park Service will close Abrams Falls Trail and trailhead parking lot in Great Smoky Mountains National Park from June 16 through June 18 to allow crews to complete trail maintenance. Visitors will not be able to access the falls from any trail during this closure.
Early Saturday morning, June 14, at approximately 12:30 am, the 25-foot National Park Service (NPS) Vessel Peregrine ran aground on the break wall at the north end of the Keweenaw Upper Entrance in Hancock, Michigan.
Hunter Goan is Rocky Mountain National Park’s current Artists-in-Residence. Goan is a Diné (Navajo) landscape painter and arborist with a background in environmental research.
National Park Service fire management staff plan to begin prescribed burning ignitions in the Grant Grove area on June 23. The plan includes hand and aerial ignitions of 349 acres over six days at two locations – east of Highway 180, across from the Big Stump parking lot, and west of the General Grant Tree.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park first responders rescued a male visitor who fell 30 feet from a steep cliff after venturing off Byron Ledge Trail Wednesday night, June 11.
Furnace Creek, a stream in Death Valley National Park, is now flowing further in its natural channel- thanks to a recent California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) project. The agency added three culverts under Highway 190 to increase driver safety by preventing water from ponding on the highway.
On June 12th at Redwood National and State Parks, 40 people raised their right hands to become the newest citizens of the United States. The applicants came from 18 countries around the world, including Laos, Mexico, Portugal, England, and Vietnam.
On Saturday, July 5, at 12:30 p.m., Steamtown National Historic Site will host an official unveiling of the cosmetically restored Bullard No. 2 locomotive.
Two deceased individuals were found on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at South Lake Desor Campground, located at Isle Royale National Park. Both individuals have been identified, and their next of kin have been notified. There is no known threat to the public at this time.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [June 12, 2025] – The full length of Going-to-the-Sun Road is expected to open to motorized vehicles Monday, June 16, for the 2025 summer season.
North Cascades National Park Service Complex will open a 60-day public comment period June 12 to gather input that will inform a new frontcountry planning process for Ross Lake National Recreation Area and adjacent areas along State Route 20. Submit your thoughts online or by mail by August 11, 2025.
Join the National Park Service (NPS) on the historic grounds of Fort Reno on June 19, for a special event, “Remember Reno City” to commemorate Juneteenth.
Yosemite National Park will open all 13 park campgrounds this summer, marking the first time since 2019 that all campgrounds have been open. These additional openings will add approximately 500 campsites available to the public for enjoying the park.
A skier was confirmed dead after being caught in a soft slab avalanche from below the Rescue Gully above Camp 14 on Mt. McKinley West Buttress Route at approximately 6:15 p.m. on June 10, 2025.
On Sunday, June 8 at approximately 3 pm MST, a 50-year-old male, resident of Kayenta, Arizona, was overtaken by river currents downstream of Paiute Farms Wash in the San Juan River in San Juan County, Utah. he was found deceased and presumed drowned.
Under the terms of the agreement, Georgetown will donate a parcel of land on the Potomac River to the National Park Service to be added to the boundary of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. This parcel includes an easement along the Capital Crescent Trail, which would be extinguished when the land is donated. This will allow for uninterrupted use of the trail by the public.
The Sol Duc Falls area is closed while the Olympic National Park Search and Rescue (SAR) Team prepares to recover the body of an 18-year-old man who fell over the 50’ waterfall on June 8. A park ranger located a completely submerged body pinned between the first and second falls late on June 9. It is likely that this is the visitor who fell over the falls the day before.
PARKWAY-WIDE, NC/VA – As the summer season gets into full swing, National Park Service officials remind Blue Ridge Parkway visitors and neighbors that there’s much to enjoy on the Parkway this season. With multiple projects underway along the historic, 469-mile route, most Parkway miles are currently open for travel and recreation, with more areas expected to open across the summer and fall.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will enter stage 1 fire restrictions, which prohibit wood and charcoal fires including wood burning stoves, at 6 a.m. on June 11.
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will observe Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19, 2025, by offering a 50 percent discount on fees for use of the Bandy Creek Pool and for backcountry camping permits.
Women’s Rights National Historical Park will host a special temporary exhibit to commemorate the Erie Canal Bicentennial beginning Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Entitled “Enterprising Waters: New York’s Erie Canal,” the exhibit focuses on the evolution of the Erie Canal and its role in the development of Central and Western New York. This exhibit is supported by the Friends of Women’s Rights National Historical Park.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [June 10, 2025] – Glacier National Park officials remind visitors to always keep food and other attractants away from bears, after two black bears obtained human food.
After two years of planning, design, and construction, the bridge connecting Zion Lodge (Shuttle Stop #5) to the Emerald Pools Trail system is once again open to visitors.
On June 8, 2025, park rangers at Isle Royale National Park located two deceased campers at a remote backcountry campground. The incident is currently under investigation.
The National Park Service (NPS) invites the public to comment on their experiences and ideas for the future of the Great Falls (Maryland) area of Chesapeake & Canal National Historical Park. Everyone is invited to help shape the long-term vision for the area and provide feedback through July 28.
Katmai National Park celebrates the winning Brooks Camp bear pin design by Jess Thomas from King Salmon, Alaska. Park staff distribute the pins to thousands of visitors each year who complete mandatory Brooks Camp bear safety training, also known as “bear school.”
Mount Rainier National Park will implement a parkwide fire ban beginning Tuesday, June 10. All campfires and the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans, and barbeque grills will be prohibited. This ban is in place to reduce the risk of human-caused wildland fire.
Learn about birding and fishing on the Upper Delaware River with events on World Migratory Bird Day and Free Fishing Day. Both events are free to the public and offer activities such as birding and fishing tips, casting practice, crafts, and junior ranger activities.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [June 9, 2025] – Glacier National Park reminds visitors that next day timed entry vehicle reservations become available on Recreation.gov starting June 12, 2025, at 7 pm Mountain Time.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial will demonstrate our gratitude for the sacrifice and service provided by our active duty and veteran military by offering a special boat program for service members of each respective military branch and their families throughout the year.
Booker T Washington National Monument will commemorate the 160th anniversary of the emancipation of Booker T Washington with special events June 20-22, 2025.
Thurmont, Md. – Due to increased security measures, portions of Catoctin Mountain Park will be closed at approximately 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 7. Closures are scheduled to continue through approximately noon on Monday, June 9, 2025.
The following temporary closures have been lifted in the Lumpy Ridge area of RMNP: The Book, Bookmark, Bookmark Pinnacle, Left Book, Thunder Buttress, The Needle, and The Parish.
The National Park Service (NPS) is accepting proposals for two concession contracts on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Business opportunities to provide craft sales at the Folk Art Center in Asheville, NC (milepost 382) and boat rental services at Price Lake near Blowing Rock, NC (milepost 297) are outlined in newly released prospectus documents.
Big Cypress National Preserve has issued a temporary trail closure to promote visitor safety during prescribed fire activity, beginning Monday, June 9, 2025. Closure includes all portions of the Florida Trail (see below), areas and trails within the treatment perimeter, trails on the perimeter of the unit will remain open for use. During the closure all recreational use including off-road vehicles, hiking, camping, hunting and commercial activities are prohibited in the designated areas.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [June 6, 2025] – At approximately 9:56 PM on Wednesday, June 4, Glacier National Park dispatch received a report of an individual with severe injuries near Avalanche Campground. Park Rangers responded and provided medical aid on the individual. Three Rivers ambulance and ALERT were also dispatched to the scene. The individual was declared deceased on scene. No additional information is available at this time.
As fire season begins in the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park officials announce that fire crews are prepared to protect the park's natural and cultural resources. Throughout the winter and spring, Yosemite’s fire management teams have actively reduced hazardous fuel loads through prescribed burning, mechanical thinning, and pile burning efforts—vital work to minimize the intensity and spread of wildfires.
Firefighters continue to make progress on suppression and containment of the Eureka Fire. The fire has burned a total of 214 acres and is at 85% containment. Crews are focused on extinguishing remaining hot spots and on suppression repair, minimizing resource damage to several key species in the footprint area. The weather continues to be favorable with low winds and higher humidity.
Gettysburg National Military Park will commemorate the 162nd anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg from Tuesday, July 1 through Thursday, July 3, 2025, with a series of special ranger-led programs, immersive battlefield walks, family activities, and evening presentations by renowned historians. All programs are free and open to the public.
On Monday, June 9 at 2 p.m., the National Park Service will close Natchez Trace Parkway from Mississippi Highway 413 (MP 181) to U.S. Highway 82 (MP 204) in Choctaw and Webster counties in Mississippi. The last night to camp at Jeff Busby campground is Sunday, June 8.
Over the three weeks from Juneteenth National Independence Day to Independence Day, Civic Season invites visitors to Longfellow House–Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site to reflect on the meaning of freedom. The two public holidays that bookend Civic Season are deeply tied to the site's history, linking the struggles for independence and emancipation across generations.
The Zion Human History Museum has a new exhibit, one as old as the dinosaurs! Come take a trip through the late Triassic period, the End Triassic Extinction, and the beginnings of the Jurassic period, taking place 227 - 180 million years ago, all while following the scientists behind the research.
Search efforts for 26-year-old Jomarie Calasanz of Los Angeles have transitioned to a limited continuous mode, meaning fewer resources are assigned to the search at this time. Public information is posted in the area and rescue staff will continue to monitor the river. When river conditions improve, possibly in the coming weeks, the team will reevaluate next steps.
The Bureau of Reclamation and the National Park Service have completed modifications to the -12 mile slough in the Colorado River near Glen Canyon Dam removing a key spawning site for invasive smallmouth bass—a growing threat to native fish.
The body of a deceased ski mountaineer was recovered on the morning of Wednesday, June 4. Alex Chiu, aged 41 of Seattle, Washington, died as a result of a 3,000-foot fall from the Mt. McKinley West Buttress climbing route on to the Peters Glacier.
The National Park Service (NPS) has identified the cause of a recent power outage affecting the North Rim as an equipment failure involving a transformer near the Grand Canyon Lodge. Power has been out at the Grand Canyon Lodge since approximately 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 1. Overnight reservations were cancelled starting the evening of June 2 due to the outage.
The Eureka Fire in Joshua Tree National Park is maintaining at 214 acres and 80% containment as of 6:00pm. Crews will continue suppression work this week. Equipment assigned to the fire tomorrow, June 3rd, includes 4 engines and 1 hand crew.
Spring snowplowing operations and road maintenance is now underway on Old Fall River Road, located on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The road is closed to all uses (including pedestrians, people walking dogs on leash, and cyclists) Tuesdays through Fridays between the hours of 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Children and their families are invited to join the staff of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and the Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center on June 6th to learn about how archeology has led to a deeper understanding of the Fort’s story. Enjoy a guided tour of the Fort and learn how the buildings were made by making your own adobe bricks!
National trails enthusiast and lifelong explorer Frank Kos has accomplished a remarkable feat: visiting 30 out of 32 of our nation's national scenic and historic trails, each documented with a photo beside the trail’s official signage. What makes his journey extraordinary is his long-standing commitment not only to exploring segments of each trail, but also to creating a personal archive of memories through photographs and stories shared in a hand-crafted scrapbook chronicling decades of travel across America.
BEATRICE, Neb. – The National Park Service and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will welcome 25 United States citizenship candidates during a naturalization ceremony at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Homestead National Historical Park’s Education Center in honor of Flag Day. The 25 citizenship candidates represent 16 countries including: Iraq, Mexico, Somalia, Cameroon, El Salvador, Ukraine, Cuba, Congo, and Iran.
Two sets of Mammoth Cave National Park volunteers have been recognized by the National Park Service (NPS) Southeast Regional Office with Excellence in Volunteerism Awards. The Team Impact Award was given to Pam Saberton and Linda Bundy and the Innovation Award was given to the Mammoth Cave National Park Fossil Expedition Team.
Please join us for an Evening on the Summit Program about Dr. James Christy. This free program takes place in the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site Visitor Center theater on Tuesday, June 10 at 7 p.m. The program is presented by park volunteer Jim Effinger.
The thirty-fifth annual Grand Canyon Star Party will be held from Saturday, June 21 through Saturday, June 28, 2025, on the South and North Rims of Grand Canyon National Park. National parks such as Grand Canyon are protective havens for some of the last remaining dark skies in the United States. The event is sponsored by the National Park Service, Grand Canyon Conservancy, the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (South Rim), and the Saguaro Astronomy Club of Phoenix (North Rim).
On June 1, 2025, at approximately 11:45 a.m., officers and agents from the National Park Service, Asheville Police Department’s Bomb Squad, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation along with Asheville and Riceville fire and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of a suspicious item found in a dirt pull-off on the Blue Ridge Parkway near the intersection to the Folk Art Center.
SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, Calif. June 3, 2025 – As of this afternoon, ignitions are complete on the 2025 Ash Mountain Prescribed Burn in Sequoia National Park. In all, approximately 25 acres between the entrance to Sequoia National Park and the Foothills Visitor Center were treated. Completing this prescribed burn increases these places chance of being defendable during an unwanted wildfire as was demonstrated during the 2021 KNP Complex Fire.
White Sands National Park will hold its first Full Moon Night event of the year on Wednesday June 11, 2025, at 8:15 pm. In partnership with Western National Parks, we are pleased to welcome the 1st Armored Division Rock Band for a performance at the park's June Full Moon Night event.
The public is invited to participate in a series of special programs the weekend of June 20-21, 2025 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.
The Eureka Fire in Joshua Tree National Park is maintaining at 214 acres and 75% containment as of 6:00pm. Crews will continue suppression work this week. Equipment assigned to the fire tomorrow, June 3rd, includes 4 engines and 1 hand crew.
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site announces a special program hosted from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, on Saturday, June 14, 2025. These programs will commemorate the 250th Birthday of the United States Army, which is also Flag Day.
SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, Calif. June 1, 2025 – Following a successful test burn and with concurrence from fire management staff and parks’ leadership, the 2025 Ash Mountain Prescribed Burn has started. Ignitions will continue each day through June 3, 2025
The ongoing response to the Eureka Fire in Joshua Tree National Park had crews working through the night on containment lines. There was a slop over fire on the southeast side of the line early this morning. Crews quickly contained the 4 acres. The fire is at 212 acres and 40% containment as of 9:00am.
Two separate vehicle fires occurred in Death Valley National Park in late May 2025, both of which were extinguished by quick-thinking bystanders using available tools.
Between June 30 – August 6, the NPS and Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield will complete pavement rehabilitation on high-priority roads through contract work. The battlefield received Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Funding to utilize proactive pavement preservation techniques, such as crack sealing, chip sealing, patching, joint and crack repair, and restriping to extend the useful surface life of parking lots and roadways within the battlefield.
A wildfire in Joshua Tree National Park's Covington Flats area has burned approximately 20 acres as of May 30, 2025, with containment efforts underway by park, BLM, and county fire crews amid gusty conditions.
On May 25, over the holiday weekend, a 26-year-old woman was swept away in the cold, swift and dangerous river in Sequoia National Park. The incident occurred while recreating with friends and family near the river in the foothills area of the park. The search continues, and with a heat advisory beginning today, rivers will be extremely hazardous, and visitors should avoid swimming or getting too close.
The National Park Service will complete important maintenance along popular roads in Great Smoky Mountains National Park this June. This will require temporary partial closures of Little River Road and single-lane closures along the Spur to allow park staff to safely and efficiently complete this work.
Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is open for the season. Due to melting snow on the road and the potential for freezing temperatures visitors should be prepared for icy conditions. At this time, nightly closures will not be implemented. However, because weather conditions may change rapidly at higher elevations, park visitors should be prepared to adjust travel plans accordingly at any time and are encouraged to call the park’s Trail Ridge Road recorded status phone line at (970) 586-1222.
Amache National Historic Site will host ranger-led interpretive programs on site twice a month, beginning June 6th and running through August 15, 2025. These programs are free and open to the public.
The live Puppy Cam is back at Denali National Park and Preserve to share the joy of this year's litter of five puppies born in the park on May 3, 2025.
Join the National Park Service at Adams National Historical Park on Saturday, June 14, for a special event following the footsteps of the Adams family as they witnessed the Battle of Bunker Hill 250 years ago during the American Revolution.
Due to rapidly increasing fire danger, interagency fire managers are implementing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions beginning June 1 at 12:01 a.m. on BLM and NPS managed, unincorporated Private, and State lands in Washington, Kane and Garfield counties (excluding lands managed by the US Forest Service, Dixie and Fishlake National Forests in these counties), all Arizona State Lands including Mohave and Coconino counties, north of the Grand Canyon, NPS Lands within Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, and all BLM-managed public lands within the Arizona Strip District in Arizona including Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.
Join us this summer and fall for a series of exciting, family-friendly programs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, starting June 7. Visitors are invited to take a hike with a ranger, learn about mountain life, meet some of the creatures that call the Smokies' home, trek into the dark and much more.
The new Atomic Explorations programs are free one-hour history and science talks offered Monday through Thursday and on Saturdays at 2:30 pm in the Manhattan Project National Historical Park Visitor Center. Programs start on Monday, June 2 and will be offered through Saturday, September 6.
Explor Olympic, LLC has been selected to provide lodging, food and beverage, and other visitor services at Lake Crescent Lodge, Log Cabin Resort, Fairholme Store, and Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park. This new concession contract will be effective on February 1, 2026, and conclude on January 31, 2038.
Join rangers at a variety of free programs and events this summer! Experience the park after dark, paddle a canoe, go fishing, explore off the beaten path, and more.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park will reopen the Chilkoot National Historic Trail for the season on June 1, 2025. After continued partial closures from historic flooding damage, the entire section of trail in the park will once again be open to hikers.
A wildland fire was discovered May 25 in Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, across the Yukon River from Kathul Mountain, east of Washington Creek. On Tuesday May 27, the smokejumpers completed their work and demobilized, leaving the fire in monitor status.
BOSTON, MA — The National Parks of Boston announced the opening of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a leasing opportunity at the historic Easton Building located in downtown Boston at 15. This RFP solicitation offers the property under a lease for use as office space, hotel or residential housing units. Additional uses will be considered. The National Park Service (NPS) owns the structure.
The Acadia National Park Advisory Commission will meet at the Training Trailer at Park Headquarters on Monday, June 2, at 1 pm. There will be a virtual meeting option for those unable to attend in-person. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment.
Learn Native American stories and experience dance performances by the Oklahoma Fancy Dancers. Then learn how to work with Feathers that adorn the dancers in traditional Native Plains fashion. All activities are free and open to the public.
The Superintendent has determined that there is not adequate snow cover for the use of snowmobile for traditional activities in the 1980 additions to Denali National Park and Preserve on both sides of the Alaska Range. All park lands that were open for snowmobile use are now closed for the season.
The National Park Service (NPS) is planning a multimillion- dollar project to raise and rehabilitate the failing seawalls at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. Funded by the 2023 Disaster Supplement bill, this project aims to repair damage from storms and enhance resiliency to create an optimal visitor experience and improve safety while minimizing potential impacts on natural and cultural resources.
Jewel Cave National Monument will begin its summer operations May 25 with daily tours and extended hours. Reservations are recommended for all cave tours on Recreation.gov.
Firefighters plan to begin ignitions on the 2025 Ash Mountain Prescribed Burn in the foothills of Sequoia National Park on Sunday, June 1. One to three days of ignitions are planned. This project consists of 29 acres of broadcast prescribed burning and an additional 10 acres of non-fire fuels reduction (using weed whips, chainsaws, etc.).
Gateway National Recreation Area will continue to close sections of Jacob Riis Park Beach due to hazardous conditions. Significant beach erosion occurred along the eastern shoreline of Jacob Riis Park Beach. The erosion exposed deteriorated wooden groins, rockwork, and other structures. Access restrictions established in 2024 will continue at Bays 1 and 4 due to these unsafe conditions from beach erosion. Bays 1 and 4 will remain closed to access and swimming.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [May 23, 2025] – The National Park Service has issued a prospectus soliciting proposals for the award of a concession contract to provide backcountry lodging, food and beverage, and other services at Granite Park and Sperry Chalets within Glacier National Park.
The 136th anniversary of the Johnstown Flood is Saturday, May 31, 2025. The park will commemorate the victims of the flood that occurred on May 31, 1889, when the South Fork Dam broke sending 20 million tons of water down the Conemaugh Valley to Johnstown.
Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River is seeking outdoor enthusiasts to volunteer to be Wear It Watchers this summer. Volunteers observe, record, and collect data on life jacket usage. This valuable data is used by the park to improve water safety on the river.
Employees at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area are working hard to prepare facilities ready for a busy summer season. The 70,000-acre national park unit in PA and NJ and was the 20th most-visited national park unit in the country in 2024 with over 4 million visits recorded.
The River Runner Shuttle, which stops at river accesses within the park, will be available for visitor use on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Thurmont, Md. – Due to increased security measures, portions of Catoctin Mountain Park will be closed at approximately noon on Friday, May 23. Closures are scheduled to continue through approximately noon on Monday, May 26, 2025.
The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public input on the Grazing Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (GrMP/EA) for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area, under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public input on the Grazing Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (GrMP/EA) for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area, under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area has released body worn camera footage from a May 3, 2025, officer involved shooting. A word of caution: this video of an officer involved shooting contains graphic content and strong language. Viewer discretion is advised.
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Yosemite National Park is preparing to welcome a high volume of visitors eager to enjoy the natural beauty of one of America’s most iconic destinations. All major popular features — including Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, and Tioga Road (scheduled for 8 a.m. Monday May 26) — will be open and fully accessible, offering unforgettable experiences to holiday travelers.
George Washington Birthplace National Monument is kicking off the summer with "Washington’s Call to Command," a two-day event commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and honoring George Washington as the Army’s first Commander in Chief. The event will take place on June 14th and 15th, promising a memorable weekend of history and celebration.
With many campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers opening on the Blue Ridge Parkway this weekend, the National Park Service reminds park visitors and neighbors to plan ahead and be flexible to ensure a memorable Parkway experience this season.
August 1824 to September 1825, Lafayette will return to the United States for a Farewell Tour. He will visit all 24 states at numerous sites. Including a visit and speech in Uniontown, PA with his friend Albert Gallatin. Gallatin will invite Lafayette to Friendship Hill for a peaceful evening that ends up not being so quiet.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) is urging its visitors to sign up for Dare County Emergency Management’s rip current forecast text alerts and swim at any of the Seashore’s five lifeguarded beaches.
Explore Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park this summer and connect with the people and places that shaped some of the most contested landscapes in American history.
The Longfellow Summer Arts Festival returns for another season of vibrant, community-centered programming with free poetry, music, and dance performances most Sunday afternoons at 3:00 PM on the east lawn of the historic Longfellow House–Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site.
Travel back in time using just your phone, the NPS App, and the tap of a finger. Beginning Friday, May 23, 2025, Fort Scott National Historic Site is proud to pilot the first-ever augmented reality (AR) experience of digitally reconstructing historic structures in a national park through the NPS App.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is excited to announce the unveiling of its newly remodeled visitor center theaters and the debut of the captivating new film, “Mount Rushmore: Carved in Stone,” starting on Friday, May 23, 2025.
Biologists with the U.S. National Park Service and U.S. Geological Survey will conduct bear capture operations in Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway from May 24 to October 15.
Memorial Day weekend is considered the summer “kick-off” for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Park visitation exceeded a record 2 million visitors in 2024, which means the parks are busier than ever before. Trip planning is essential for a safe and enjoyable visit. Here are some things to keep in mind as you plan your holiday weekend trip.
Homestead National Historical Park invites fiddlers to share their talent and compete in the annual Tallgrass Prairie Fiddle Festival, May 24, 2025, registration begins at 9:30 a.m.; a workshop is scheduled take place at 10:00 a.m., and the competition begins at noon.
As warmer temperatures return and motorcycle riders take to the scenic byways of the South, the Natchez Trace Parkway is joining the National Park Service’s “Different Road, Different Ride” campaign this May to highlight motorcycle safety during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
A 2.5-mile stretch of the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) between Belle View Boulevard and Alexandria Avenue remains closed as National Park Service (NPS) and contracted crews continue emergency clearing and safety operations following a powerful storm on Friday evening that brought heavy rainfall and winds reaching 70–80 mph.
On May 15, at approximately 4:45 p.m., the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a report of an unresponsive hiker on the North Kaibab Trail, approximately half a mile below the North Kaibab Trailhead. Despite efforts by bystanders and National Park Service (NPS) personnel to resuscitate the individual, the hiker, identified as Dennis Smith, 74, of Olympia, Washington, was pronounced dead at the scene.
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Arches and Canyonlands national parks advise visitors to expect heavy traffic, crowded trails, and limited parking at both parks. Planning ahead is essential for a safe and enjoyable visit. All visitors entering Arches between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. will need a timed entry reservation.
Bandelier National Monument is beginning its free summer shuttle service to Frijoles Canyon on May 19, 2025. This replaces the earlier announced date of May 14.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [May 16, 2025] – Glacier National Park is temporarily offering a Many Glacier Day Hiker Shuttle as a way for day hikers to access Many Glacier Valley from July 1, 2025 to September 21, 2025 during construction in the Swiftcurrent area.
The National Park Service at Pearl Harbor National Memorial and Honouliuli National Historic Site, in conjunction with Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, will host a series of events in connection with the annual commemoration of Memorial Day.
The National Park Service recently awarded a contract to restore the upper plaza at Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial. This significant investment from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund will address critical infrastructure and safety needs and improve the visitor experience.
Yellowstone National Park staff trapped and killed an 11-year-old male grizzly bear on May 14 after the bear repeatedly sought out human food sources in developed areas of the park.
Canaveral National Seashore has released body worn camera footage from an incident on April 27, 2025. This community briefing video shows body worn camera footage from the involved law enforcement officers.
On June 6, 1944, General Dwight D. Eisenhower and the Allied Expeditionary Force embarked upon “the great crusade” as thousands of Allied troops landed in Normandy, France, to begin the liberation of Europe. To commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Normandy invasion, staff from Eisenhower National Historic Site will lead a special walking tour of D-Day burial sites in Gettysburg National Cemetery on Friday, June 6, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
On the morning of Tuesday, May 13, Grand Teton National Park staff discovered the carcasses of two yearling grizzly bears in a closed area south of Colter Bay.
Bandy Creek pool and wading pool will open for the 2025 season on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM (ET). The hours of operation will be from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays through Labor Day.
Crystal Cave will reopen for guided tours on May 23 after four years of closure due to consecutive natural disasters in Sequoia National Park. This spectacular marble cave is near the Giant Forest area and is operated by Sequoia Parks Conservancy, the official park partner of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Beginning May 6, 2025, the National Park Service will initiate critical maintenance work on the Twin Arches Loop Trail in Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. Trail crews will rehabilitate all wooden stairs and ladders along the route to improve safety and enhance the visitor experience.
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument is honored to host a dedication ceremony to unveil the new wayside exhibit featuring George salaS pastel painting celebrating the extraordinary story of Sôr María. The dedication ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 17 at 3:00PM at the Gran Quivira unit.
On May 17, 2025, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site will launch a new self-guided tour to connect dog owners to local history in Vancouver, Washington.
Fort Scott National Historic Site invites you to join the park in placing the flags for the “Symbols of Sacrifice” Field of Honor Friday morning, May 23, 2025. We welcome everyone to participate and encourage individuals and groups to plan on arriving at 8:30 a.m. and help as long as you are available.
Rocky Mountain National Park staff announces the prospectus release for a business opportunity to provide six concession contracts in instruction and guided services in technical rock climbing and ice climbing within the park.
(Posted on behalf of the Keweenaw National Historical Park Advisory Commission.) The Keweenaw National Historical Park Advisory Commission is pleased to announce that this year’s Keweenaw Heritage Grant program has awarded $124,880 in funding for various historic preservation, interpretation, education, and curatorial projects covering an area stretching from Copper Harbor to Rockland.
Summer is almost here at Zion National Park! As Memorial Day Weekend approaches and the busy summer season ramps up, the National Park Service wants to help visitors prepare for what to expect. With Zion visitation reaching nearly 5 million in 2024, the second highest in the NPS, planning ahead is essential for a safe and enjoyable visit.
GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. – Grand Portage National Monument will implement Summer hours starting May 24, 2025. The Heritage Center will be open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the Historic Depot will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Multiple agencies including Chiricahua National Monument, Fort Bowie National Historic Site, and the Coronado National Forest prohibit fires and smoking from May 12, 2025 until the order is rescinded.
Construction on a popular Bryce Canyon National Park hiking and biking path that connects some of the park's most spectacular views is slated to begin in late May and last five months.
Park set to mark observance of the 271st anniversary of the first shots on the road to the American Revolution. Events will take place at Jumonville Glen on the actual anniversary, May 28th at 7 AM. Programs at Fort Necessity on May 24th and 25th.
Due to severe and extreme drought conditions and an uptick in fire activity, Arizona State, federal agencies, and Tribal agencies representing southeast Arizona plan to implement Stage 2 fire restrictions.
On Thursday May 8, 2025, National Park Service rangers responded to reports of a single motor vehicle accident involving a motorcyclist at the entrance to the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and the 71-year-old male patient, Bruce Griffith from Copper Mountain, CO, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Guided, park ranger-led tours of the reconstructed fort will begin on Saturday, May 24, 2025. For the summer of 2025, guided tours of the fort will occur at 9 and 11 a.m. on Saturdays and at 11 am on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Each tour will last approximately 75 minutes and begin at the visitor parking orientation shelter. Tours are limited to twenty-five participants.
Due to rising water levels in the Delaware River, the National Park Service (NPS) at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area announced today that the river and all access points within the park will be closed until levels recede below 15’ at the Montague, NJ gauge.
On Monday May 26, 2025, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park will offer special programming to examine the history and traditions of Memorial Day. All programs are free and open to the public.
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area would like to experience your vision of the park. Use the park’s spectacular views in any season, historic sites, recreational opportunities, and diversity of life at Big South Fork and document your park as you see it. Images may show wildlife, plant life, natural landscapes, historic areas, weather, or people interacting with nature at the park. All photographs should accurately reflect the subject matter and the scene as it appeared.
Cambridge, MA – The National Park Service is pleased to announce the 2025 seasonal opening of Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site, inviting visitors to explore its rich history and legacy. Beginning May 23 through October 27, 2025, the site will offer free, ranger-led house tours every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [May 8, 2025] – Going-to-the-Sun Road will be open to vehicle traffic to Avalanche Campground starting Saturday, May 10, 2025, just in time for Mother’s Day weekend. The park’s road crew is still clearing snow farther up the road and, as of Wednesday afternoon, were working between Triple Arches and Rim Rock. The entire road typically does not open until sometime in mid to late June.
Rangers with Manhattan Project National Historical Park and Whitman Mission National Historic Site will lead a history hike up Candy Mountain on Saturday, May 17 from 9:00–11:30 am.
The National Park Service (NPS) has canceled a previously announced 15-year concessions contract opportunity in Shenandoah National Park. The contract solicitation to provide overnight guest lodging, food and beverage sales, retail and grocery operations, campground operations and camper services, fuel sales, and stable operations within the park opened on July 30, 2024, and closed on November 7, 2024. The NPS will revise and issue a new solicitation for these services. This is not expected to impact continuity of visitor services.
The Dineh Tah’ Navajo Cultural Program and Fort Union National Monument announces a special event day of presentations and performances on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
On Saturday, May 24, 2025, the National Park Service will host the 30th annual luminaria at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery. On Monday, May 26, 2025, visit the cemetery for a quiet ceremony and observance. Come to the park this Memorial Day weekend to honor those who lost their lives in service of the United States.
The Brandywine Valley Trail Plan at First State National Historical Park can move forward. The plan defines a designated shared-use 27.8-mile trail network that will provide high-quality recreational opportunities, promote visitor safety and enjoyment and preserve connectivity with leased property within the Brandywine Valley section of the park and neighboring properties.
The National Park Service has awarded $1.2 million in grants supporting 14 community-driven projects that highlight the natural, cultural, recreational, and historical significance of the Chesapeake region. The grants empower a mix of diverse partners, from local Tribes to local nonprofit organizations, to tell untold stories, promote community resilience, and enhance public access to the outdoors across this treasured landscape.
The National Park Service (NPS) invites public input from July 2 to August 1, 2024, on a draft Trail Plan for First State National Historical Park’s Brandywine Valley unit. Public input will help shape the trail plan, which will establish a cohesive and sustainable trail network for the Brandywine Valley unit.
George Washington Birthplace Hosts National Trails Day Event on June 1st, 2024. Participating organizations include the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail, The Potomac Riverkeeper Network, Northern Neck National Heritage Area, and the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin.
First State National Historical Park open's the park’s first welcome center at the Sheriff’s House, located in New Castle. The center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
The National Park Service (NPS) awarded $2,367,633.17 in Chesapeake Gateways Grants through the NPS Chesapeake Gateways Office in September to fund 22 projects. Governmental and non-governmental organizations spearhead the projects funded by Chesapeake Gateways grants to bring out familiar, untold, under-appreciated, or yet to be uncovered narratives and to promote resilient communities & landscapes through tourism, sustainability, conservation & local economies throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These awards are made possible through annual appropriations from Congress.
At an intimate naturalization ceremony at First State National Historical Park in New Castle, Delaware, 20 people from 12 different countries became United States citizens.
NPS Chesapeake is pleased to announce new capacity to support and serve partners in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Two new members of the NPS Chesapeake leadership team have joined the office based in Annapolis, Maryland, bringing a wealth of experience: Ian Austin, Director of Administration and Eddie Gonzalez, Director of Partnerships and Grants. Three additional NPS employees have joined NPS Chesapeake office to lead key projects: Brent Everitt, Communications and Visitor Experience Specialist; Aurelia Gracia, Outdoor Recreation Planner; and Cherri Espersen, Partnerships Coordinator.
A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 6,675,119 visitors to national parks in Maryland spent $246.6 million in the state in 2021. That spending resulted in 2,940 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to the state economy of $344.3 million.
A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 2,187,125 visitors to national parks in West Virginia spent $108.9 million in the state in 2021. That spending resulted in 1,447 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to the state economy of $131 million.
Last week, National Park Service (NPS) Director Chuck Sams visited Colonial National Historical Park in Yorktown, Fort Monroe National Monument in Hampton, and Werowocomoco in Gloucester County, part of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail to learn about the vast diversity of these significant sites and the work that will need to be done to continue their preservation.
The National Park Service and US Senator Tom Carper kicked off National Park Week Friday morning with a press event to celebrate the rehabilitation of the historic Sheriff’s House in New Castle, Delaware.
Last Friday, April 1st, 2022, the Rappahannock Indian Tribe announced the return of 465 acres of land along the Rappahannock River. The donation of the conservation easement to the Tribe ensures that this ancestral homeland will be protected from development and remain in the hands of Tribal citizens for generations to come.
The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail received an Open OutDoors for Kids grant from the National Park Foundation (NPF). This grant will support fourth-grade field trip programs that connect students living in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to their local environment and history.
Kalen Anderson, this year's Lead Ancestral Lands Corps Individual Placement, has been selected Corps Member of the Year by The Corps Network. Kalen is one of three recipients of the award selected from among the more than 20,000 young people serving in Corps programs across the country.
National Park Service (NPS) Regional Director Gay Vietzke announced that Joshua Boles will serve as the new superintendent of First State National Historical Park in Delaware and Pennsylvania.
The National Park Service (NPS) awarded a $5.4 million construction contract to rehabilitate the historic Sheriff’s House at First State National Historical Park in Delaware. The Sheriff’s House is a contributing feature to the New Castle National Historic Landmark Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Beginning November 29, 2021, First State National Historical Park will be restricting access to the Smith Bridge Parking Lot by closing the right side of the lot to allow for the landscape to recover and maintenance.
On Saturday, August 28, 2021, National Park Service volunteer Sal Lilienthal completed a 680 mile revolutionary ride at the Yorktown Victory Monument, becoming the first person to complete a full ride of the Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail.
Through a Challenge Cost Share Grant from the National Park Trust, First State National Historical Park (NHP) and Stroud Water Research Center (the Stroud Center) developed an engaging youth program, called Youth Watershed Explorers, that consisted of a mix of at-home and in-park experiences.
Werowocomoco was the residence of Powhatan and the site of the first meetings between Native leaders and English colonists. The new exhibit provides the public with its first opportunity to interact with this world-class archeological site.
The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail (Chesapeake Trail) is pleased to announce that its first cohort of interns has completed the inaugural Ancestral Lands Corps Individual Placement Program at Werowocomoco, the historic capital of the Powhatan chiefdom and a site of international and historical significance located on Virginia's York River.
The Archeological Overview and Assessment (AOA) of Werowocomoco, residence of Powhatan and the site of the first meetings between Native leaders and English colonists, was completed in November 2020. The 183-page report summarizes the current state of archeological research and offers direction for future preservation and management of the archeological resources found on this historical site, which was acquired by the National Park Service in 2016.
During the week of November 16, 2020, the National Park Service will begin work on the rehabilitation of Sheriff’s House. The Sheriff’s House is adjacent to the New Castle Court House Museum on the Green in New Castle, Delaware.
National Park Service (NPS) Regional Director Gay Vietzke has named Rosalyn “Rose” Fennell as the new superintendent of Valley Forge National Historical Park, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, and the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail in Pennsylvania. Fennell will begin her new assignment on September 27, 2020.
The Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail (WARO) has announced a partnership with Philadelphia’s Museum of the American Revolution to highlight the lesser known stories of African Americans, indigenous populations, women and children and their contributions to the American Revolution. The partnership includes the commissioning of a painting by renowned American artist Don Troiani, in an exhibition of Troiani's work at the Museum.
The National Park Service is working to determine a consistent name which will be used on park signs and in official documents to call the 1,100 acres of the park located in Wilmington DE. The park will hold an open house to gather public input into this decision. UPDATE: Out of an abundance of caution related to COVID-19, we are cancelling the open house scheduled for March 24th. Instead of a meeting, we will take written comments and questions until March 27th. Details can be found on the First State NHP Facebook Page.
National Park Service (NPS) Regional Director Gay Vietzke has named Cinda Waldbuesser as the new superintendent of First State National Historical Park in Delaware. Waldbuesser will begin her new assignment in January.
The National Park Service Development Advisory Board has approved the project scope and schematic design for adaptive re-use of the historic Sheriff's House, a preliminary step in rehabilitation of the building. The Sheriff’s House is adjacent to the New Castle Courthouse on the Green in New Castle, Delaware.
National Park Service (NPS) Northeast Regional Director Gay Vietzke has named Wendy O’Sullivan as the superintendent of the Chesapeake Bay Office, headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland.
Over the course of four days in April and May, the park hosted nearly 1,000 Delaware 4th grade students to experience ArCH (Arts, Culture and Heritage) Preservation Field Days on The Green in Dover. ArCH Preservation Field Days is a yearly event, done in partnership with First State Heritage Park in Dover, to introduce elementary-aged students to all of the ways science, art, history and heritage relate to historic preservation.
First State National Historical Park, in partnership with the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, is initiating an archaeological investigation prior to the final planning for the rehabilitation of the Sheriff’s House and the adjacent exterior perimeter as the park’s new office and visitor center.
The National Park Service and its principal non-profit partner Chesapeake Conservancy make available the short film, “Werowocomoco: Protecting a Powhatan Place of Power.” This film depicts the importance of preserving the historic and sacred site of the Virginia Indian people.
The National Park Service has issued a decision regarding the future of the Sheriff’s House at First State National Historical Park and concluding the park’s environmental assessment (EA) planning process. The decision document, known as a Finding of No Significant Impact, or “FONSI,” describes the alternatives considered, the alternative selected for implementation, and the rationale used to make the selection. The FONSI also describes the mitigation measures that will be taken to ensure the protection of natural and cultural resources and the quality of the visitor experience at the park.
The National Park Service (NPS) is offering a unique opportunity to manage approximately 350 acres of leased property within the First State National Historical Park (FRST) through a Request For Proposals (RFP). The leased property includes eleven single family homes, four horse farms and approximately 240 acres of agricultural land.
Get ready to explore First State National Historical Park like never before! On May 20-21, First State will participate in the National Parks BioBlitz.
The National Park Service and the Maryland Geocaching Society announce a six-week collaboration designed to introduce geocaching participants to national parks and public lands in Maryland.
The National Park Service and the Maryland Geocaching Society announce a six-week collaboration designed to introduce geocaching participants to national parks and public lands in Maryland.
In collaboration with federal, state, local government and non-profit partners, the National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Office recently published the Potomac River Segment Plan. This plan aims to serve park managers, visitors and residents through recreational and stewardship activities along the 140-mile tidal Potomac River where three national trails overlap.
National Park Service Chesapeake Bay youth program used an Active Trails grant from the National Park Foundation for enhancements to a sensory-rich trail experience for people with special needs.
National Park Service Chesapeake Bay received an Active Trails grant from the National Park Foundation. The funds were used to help build a sensory-rich trail experience for all people at Maryland's Patapsco Valley State Park.
The National Park Service, Chesapeake Bay Office is accepting project proposals from Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Trail partners for financial assistance awards. Public water access site development projects that advance the development of designated Gateways water trails, the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, and/or the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail are the funding priority for fiscal year 2014.
The NPS Chesapeake Bay Office and partner Chesapeake Conservancy hosted over fifty representatives from federal, state, local agencies and national and regional conservation groups recently at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV.
The National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Office announces the appointment of 23 members to the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Advisory Council.Members of the Council, appointed by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, will consult with the Secretary and the National Park Service on matters related to the trail, including trail development, public access, recreation opportunities, and educational programs along the trail route.
The National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Office announces the appointment of 25 members to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail Advisory Council. Members of the Council, appointed by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, will consult with the Secretary and the National Park Service on matters related to the trail, including trail management, public access, recreation opportunities, and natural and cultural resource conservation along the trail route.
The National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Office announced the appointment of 26 members to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail Advisory Council. Members of the Council, appointed by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, will consult with the Secretary and the National Park Service on matters related to trail management, public access, recreation opportunities, and natural and cultural resource conservation along the trail route.
On Friday, June 21, 2013, nearly 300 people gathered to celebrate the protection of Werowocomoco, the principal residence of the secular and spiritual Indian leader Powhatan when Jamestown was settled in 1607.
The book In Full Glory Reflected: Discovering the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake was recognized yesterday with an award by the Maryland Historical Trust. The book serves as the history and travel guide to the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail.
NPS and the Chesapeake Conservancy released a report summarizing the 2-day Large Landscape Conservation Workshop attended by 56 Chesapeake region conservation practitioners in August, 2012.
NPS and the Chesapeake Conservancy released a report summarizing the 2-day Large Landscape Conservation Workshop attended by 56 Chesapeake region conservation practitioners in August, 2012.
NPS Chesapeake Bay Office announced financial assistance for 21 partners and 24 projects totaling over $1.3 million. These projects focus on education, youth employment, and public access and trail development.
The NPS Chesapeake Bay Office invested $1.36M with 21 partners for 24 projects in youth engagement, education, public access, and trail development on the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail and the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail.
On July 30, 2012, the National Park Service officially launched the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail in a ceremony recognizing the hard work of partners from all nine regions of the trail.
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar designated four water trails as new historic components of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. The designation recognizes the significance of four connecting rivers -- the Susquehanna, Chester, Upper James, and Upper Nanticoke -- to the history, cultural heritage, and natural resources of the trail. Designation enables NPS to work closely with state and local agencies and other partners to provide technical and financial assistance, resource management, facility enhancement, interpretive trail route marking and promotion along the connecting trails. Government and tribal leaders, conservation partners, and interested citizens joined Secretary Salazar and NPS Director Jon Jarvis in a signing ceremony on May 16, 2012 at Sandy Point State Park.
Four historic connecting components to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail were designated by DOI Secretary Salazar. Trail partners gathered at Sandy Point State Park in Maryland for the signing ceremony.
The National Park Service and the Commonwealth of Virginia are launching projects in 2012 to orient visitors to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail and to provide interpretive and recreational opportunities.
Eleven geocaches are added to the Captain John Smith GeoTrail and celebrated in a launch event in Onancock Virginia, a Gateways Network and John Smith Trail partner site.
The National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Office announced the appointment of 25 members to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail Advisory Council.
The National Park Service Chesapeake Bay released its draft Comprehensive Management Plan/Environmental Assessment for Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail today. Public review of the plan is encouraged and comments may be made for thirty days.
