New Year? New adventures! Make 2020 the year you mark some of those big items off your public lands bucketlist. The National Park of American Samoa is a jewel in the Pacific. Located some 2,600 miles southwest of Hawaii, it’s one of the most remote and hardest to visit national parks. But once you’re there, enjoy a world of sights, sounds and experiences you’ll remember for a lifetime. The park includes sections of three islands - Tutuila, Ta'ū and Ofu - with jagged mountains, sandy beaches and tropical rainforest. Another 4,000 acres are underwater, offshore from all three islands, where visitors can enjoy world-class diving and snorkeling. Photo by National Park Service.

There’s nothing like a 5 am sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean with the pink rocks of Maine’s rugged coastline illuminated by the golden light. Experience this amazing sight and others with free entrance to all national parks on Friday, August 25. We hope you get out there and #FindYourPark.

Photo from Acadia National Park by Lorianne Simon (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Need a break from the snow and cold weather hitting much of the U.S.? Take the chill off of winter and escape to six of America’s beautiful (and warm) public lands: http://on.doi.gov/1QFtX22

You won’t even have to leave the country to visit to these amazing tropical getaways. 🌴🌊🏄

Though a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The park is a refuge for native plants and wildlife, and provides routes of discovery for visitors. The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. Walk or ride the Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.

Photo of Brandywine Falls by Brian Frankforther (www.sharetheexperience.org)

“In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.” Beneath these words, the 16th President of the United States sits immortalized in marble as an enduring symbol of unity, strength, and wisdom.

It was on this date in 1922, that the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated.

Photo: Andrew S. Geraci

Want to live on the edge? Visit a place recreated each day by ocean wind and waves. Assateague Island National Seashore has adapted to an existence on the move. Explore sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests and coastal bays. Rest, relax, recreate and enjoy some time on the edge of the continent.

Photo: Zach Egolf (www.sharetheexperience.org)

Looking for something fun and fantastic to do with family and friends? Head out to America’s national parks where millions of stars light up the dark night sky, deer and antelope (and a few other critters!) play on the wide open range, and history is an unbelievable experience, not a boring class lecture.

The National Park Service is proud to once again join with the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, to present on April 19-27, 2014, National Park Week, a presidentially proclaimed celebration of our national heritage.

You can plan your visit by what you want to do, or where you want to go … or you can browse our event calendar and check out the special programs offered throughout the week. On opening weekend, Saturday and Sunday, April 19 to 20, every national park will give you free admission!

Photo of Grand Teton National Park by Arianna Grainey (www.sharetheexperience.org)

Viewed from the road, Joshua Tree National Park only hints at its vitality. Closer examination reveals a fascinating variety of plants and animals that make their home in this land shaped by strong winds, unpredictable torrents of rain, and climatic extremes. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the attraction of this place. Come see for yourself!

Photo: Robb Hannawacker, NPS

Milky Way near Butterfield Pass in the BLM-managed Sonoran Desert National Monument.

This area is probably only 30-40 air miles from Phoenix, and the glow from the city is visible to the north. However, the overhead stars and southern horizon are dark enough to clearly see the Milky Way, which makes a great backdrop to the charismatic saguaros. 

Photo: Bob Wick, BLM Wilderness Specialist

No place else on earth combines a deep, pure lake, so blue in color; sheer surrounding cliffs, almost two thousand feet high; two picturesque islands; and a violent volcanic past like Crater Lake National Park.

Photo: National Park Service