It’s the first day of winter!  As snow falls and temperatures drop, America’s public lands take on a whole new personality, revealing a spectacular wonder. While the days may be colder and shorter, they are still full of adventure. A special winter treat is visiting the ice caves at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin. Accessible by foot when Lake Superior freezes over – which doesn’t happen every year – the caves are a fairyland of needle-like icicles. It’s a very cool experience. Photo by National Park Service.

If you like snow, Glacier National Park in Montana is the perfect place for you! Mother Nature drapes the landscape in white. As the snow accumulates in Glacier, snowshoeing and skiing are the favorite recreational activities in the park. Even the wildlife come out to play. Photo by Bill Hayden, National Park Service.  

Happy first day of winter! ❄️☃️❄️

It is a magical time to visit Yosemite National Park in California. The silence and beauty of winter at Yosemite is an unforgettable experience as mesmerizing granite formations are dusted with snow and reflected in the glassy surface of the Merced River. 

Check out these amazing photos of public lands in winter: https://on.doi.gov/2Bt6ijV

Photo by National Park Service.

Happy first day of winter! All across the country, America’s public lands are being transformed into winter wonderlands. The days may be colder and shorter, but they are still full of adventure. We hope you find time to explore! Photo of California’s Yosemite National Park by Yu Shi (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Happy First Day of Winter! Snowy mountains are gorgeous, but can be challenging models. Casey Withers was recently at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming trying to capture the sunrise. It was a cold morning and clouds were moving in. “This shot was set up originally as a test shot as we waited for sunrise, but three minutes later the mountains were covered. Glad I was prepared.” Photo courtesy of Casey Withers

As the winter solstice approaches, a sleepy sun rises just above the horizon at Denali National Park in Alaska. Periwinkle connects sunrise to sunset as wistful light spills into the Nenana River canyon. Photo by National Park Service.

Happy first day of Winter! We are celebrating with this amazing photo of Sparks Lane in Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Christopher Ewing.