Millions of people hold cherished memories in our national parks, from family vacations and marriage proposals to solo adventures and everything in between. And that's the magic of a national park road trip – the sense of connection to places that belong to all of us.

This year holds a special resonance: As America turns 250, the work of protecting our parks feels more vital than ever.

And for 107 years, NPCA and the people who power this mission have dedicated their careers to these places. We’re proud to celebrate 107 years of fighting to protect these places — a legacy of advocacy that has helped ensure these parks endure for every generation of Americans to come.

United in Action. United by Parks.

Sign the United by Parks Pledge

Joining this pledge is a powerful way to show that Americans stand united in support of our parks, the people who protect them, and the stories they preserve.

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As we commemorate 250 years of America through our United by Parks: A National Park Road Trip, we’re highlighting the many ways people connect with our national parks through different perspectives, experiences and memories.

Whether you’re exploring an urban national park like Pullman National Historical Park in Chicago or Stonewall National Monument in New York or heading off the beaten path to places like Great Sand Dunes in Colorado or the Everglades in Florida, getting out into our parks is how we truly experience the wonder they hold.

The people who have spent their careers protecting these places are sharing the memories that make it personal for them. Behind every advocate is the story of someone who fell in love with a park and never looked back.

Click a pin on the map* below to discover a park story and get inspired for your next park adventure:


Blog Post United by Parks: On the Road with Mason Via May 2026 | By Chyla Anderson A Q&A with country singer Mason Via on his love for national parks, his hit “See It While You Can” and his new partnership with NPCA.

Park-Inspired Art


Your parks, your vision, your voice. Share your vision and inspire others to care for our parks. Visit npca.org/unitedbyparks to find out how you can submit your own United by Parks work of art.

Blog Post Gearing Up for Park Road Trips With NPCA May 2026 | By Casey Pola What better time to visit national parks than the 250th anniversary year of the founding of the U.S.? Our United by Parks Road Trip and silent auction launch soon, offering the inspiration and supplies you need.

NPCA’s Silent Auction

SilentAuction This year’s silent auction opens on May 11th at 12pm ET and closes on May 20th at 7pm ET. Each winning bid is a donation that furthers our advocacy work and effort to protect our parks.


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The “United by Parks” Shop

We’ve curated a section of the NPCA store to highlight parks as America marks 250 years. Shop today to support NPCA’s mission to protect and enhance America’s National Park System for present and future generations. Proceeds support NPCA’s national park protection work.


*Red hotspots represent NPCA staff park memories. Black hotspots represent park highlights and tips to visit responsibly from NPCA’s partner, Travelodge® by Wyndham. Travelodge has long provided a basecamp for park explorers while driving awareness for the preservation of our favorite places. With many locations close to our national parks (including those shown in the hotspots), Travelodge is committed to helping people have enjoyable, responsible trips to national parks to ensure they’re protected for all to enjoy.

Make a tax-deductible gift today to provide a brighter future for our national parks and the millions of Americans who enjoy them.

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