Ranger-led walks, bus tours, and guided experiences to help you get more from your visit. The NPS directory lists guided tours at 369 parks and sites nationwide. Compare destinations below, filter to national parks only, and open any park page for trails, alerts, campgrounds, and trip planning.
369 parks and sites (NPS)
From NPS.gov
One of the best ways to explore the park is on a ranger tour!
Related stories and places from NPS.gov, same as the official app.
Gardens, Grounds, and Architecture Tours · Hampton National Historic Site
Join us for a walk through the gardens and grounds. Learn about the creation of the parterres, the people that kept the gardens and grounds looking beautiful and their stories. For much of Hampton’s history, scenic gardening reflected the interests, social statuses, wealth, and creativity of the Ridgely family. From the 1790’s to modern day, the cultural landscape of Hampton has changed to suit the wants and needs of those who occupy the property. Hampton’s landscape tells the story of the many functions of landsca…
Campfire Programs at Gettysburg · Gettysburg National Military Park
2026 Campfire Programs Rangers present evening campfire talks on a wide variety of topics on the Battle of Gettysburg and the American Civil War. Programs take place at the Pitzer Woods Amphitheater, near Auto Tour Stop #6. Bench seating is available, visitors are welcome to bring their own chairs if preferred. Appropriate seasonal clothing and insect spray recommended. Both the amphitheater area and parking lot can be very dark, flashlights also recommended. Schedule subject to change without notice. We will annou…
Gettysburg Battle Walks · Gettysburg National Military Park
2026 Battle Walk Programs These 2-hour intensive programs examine unique portions of the battlefield, cover significant distances, and cross rough/uneven terrain. It is strongly recommended that visitors bring plenty of water, appropriate seasonal clothing, and sturdy hiking shoes. Please park vehicles with all four wheels on the pavement. Programs may start and end at different locations. Weather modifications: In the event of a thunderstorm or tornado warnings, or a heat index in excess of 103 degrees, all progra…
Concord's North Bridge: History and Memory ~ 11:00am Daily · Minute Man National Historical Park
11:00 a.m. Daily North Bridge At 11:00 a.m. meet a Park Ranger at the benches by the North Bridge for this 30 minute program. Learn about the momentous battle at Concord’s North Bridge, where the British Army suffered its first casualties of the war, and the legacy of this event in American History.
Flag Change Programs · Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Fort McHenry is the first site to receive a presidential proclimation requiring that the site fly a flag 24/7, 365 days a year. Join park staff in the mornings or evenings as we change out our flags for the day and learn about the flag's significance to the park's history. Flag change programs occure daily. In the mornings the park raises a larger replica of a historic flag and in the evenings an overnight all-weather flag is raised over the fort. *Flag changes are weather dependent. The exact times of the flag cha…
Gardens, Grounds, and Architecture Tours
Hampton National Historic Site
Join us for a walk through the gardens and grounds. Learn about the creation of the parterres, the people that kept the gardens and grounds looking beautiful and their stories. For much of Hampton’s history, scenic gardening reflected the interests, social statuses, wealth, and creativity of the Ridgely family. From th…
Campfire Programs at Gettysburg
Gettysburg National Military Park
2026 Campfire Programs Rangers present evening campfire talks on a wide variety of topics on the Battle of Gettysburg and the American Civil War. Programs take place at the Pitzer Woods Amphitheater, near Auto Tour Stop #6. Bench seating is available, visitors are welcome to bring their own chairs if preferred. Appropr…
Gettysburg Battle Walks
Gettysburg National Military Park
2026 Battle Walk Programs These 2-hour intensive programs examine unique portions of the battlefield, cover significant distances, and cross rough/uneven terrain. It is strongly recommended that visitors bring plenty of water, appropriate seasonal clothing, and sturdy hiking shoes. Please park vehicles with all four wh…
Concord's North Bridge: History and Memory ~ 11:00am Daily
Minute Man National Historical Park
11:00 a.m. Daily North Bridge At 11:00 a.m. meet a Park Ranger at the benches by the North Bridge for this 30 minute program. Learn about the momentous battle at Concord’s North Bridge, where the British Army suffered its first casualties of the war, and the legacy of this event in American History.
Flag Change Programs
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Fort McHenry is the first site to receive a presidential proclimation requiring that the site fly a flag 24/7, 365 days a year. Join park staff in the mornings or evenings as we change out our flags for the day and learn about the flag's significance to the park's history. Flag change programs occure daily. In the morn…
American Anthem: 250 Years at the Home of the Brave
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Join a ranger for a 45-minute walking program exploring Fort McHenry’s history of service, community, and defense, from the Revolutionary War to the present day. Explore the site and stories that inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner” as you reflect on how past generations shaped the nation and how each of us shapes its f…
Ranger Programs at Gettysburg
Gettysburg National Military Park
Summer Ranger Programs: June 6 - August 9, 2026 All Ranger Programs are free. Do you know what day or days you'll be here? Visit our Calendar page and plan what programs will be presented here at Gettysburg National Military Park. Don't forget to check out the Calendar for Eisenhower National Historic Site too! In the…
History at Sunset Walking Tours
Boston African American National Historic Site
2026 Tours While walking the historic streets of Boston, become immersed in the stories that have shaped this city. Join National Park Service Rangers as they share Boston’s diverse history through unique guided tours. These tours will be offered weekly on Thursdays throughout the summer and fall. Each tour will begin…
Badlands Ranger Programs
Badlands National Park
Visiting the Badlands? Curious about the history, culture, and science of the park? Consider attending a ranger program! During a typical summer season, rangers offer many programs throughout the course of the day. Regular ranger programs are listed below and the full program schedule can be found on our calendar . Typ…
Ranger Walkabouts
Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park
Join a Park Ranger and explore the Blackstone River Valley. During the months of June, July, and August, park staff offer specialty tours at varying locations across the Blackstone River Watershed. These programs begin at 6:30 PM and are 60-minutes long. Please wear comfortable footwear and bring water. Most tours are…
Commercial Tours
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Only businesses with official CUAs (Commercial Use Authorizations) are allowed to offer guided tours within the national lakeshore. A list of all authorized businesses offering kayak, ice climbing, hiking, and other types of guided tours/activities is below. Commercial Tours - Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (U.S. Na…
Attend an Evening on the Lake Presentation
Johnstown Flood National Memorial
Evening on the Lake programs are select Tuesday evenings throughout the summer at 7:00 p.m. in the Club House building located at 186 Main Street in St. Michael. No reservations are required for these free programs. Our Evening on the Lake series is sponsored by Friends of Johnstown Flood National Memorial. 2026 progra…
Path of the Flood Van Tours
Johnstown Flood National Memorial
2026 van tour dates: June 13 and July 25. Ranger-guided Path of the Flood van tours are a great way to learn about the destructive force of the Johnstown Flood of May 31, 1889. This free tour begins at 1:00 p.m. at the Johnstown Flood National Memorial Visitor Center. Space is limited to 12 people and reservations are…
Goliad, Texas Area: El Camino Real de los Tejas NHT Places
El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail
Explore sites along the trail! Looking for places to visit near Goliad, Texas? These sites offer a variety of hikes, historic sites, museums, and other ways to take a step back in time on El Camino Real de los Tejas NHT.
Laredo, Texas Area: El Camino Real de los Tejas NHT Places
El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail
Explore sites along the trail! Looking for places to visit near Laredo, Texas? These sites offer a variety of hikes, historic sites, museums, and other ways to take a step back in time on El Camino Real de los Tejas NHT.
Upcoming programs and events at parks in this collection (from the NPS Events API).
Free Ferry Weekend Celebrate Boston Harbor Islands opening weekend with a FREE trip to Georges Island! Explore Georges Island’s expansive fields and the historic Fort Warren. Catch the ferry to Georges right from Downtown Boston’s Long Wharf North… for free! Saturday, May 30 Sunday, May 31 Getting Tickets: Tickets are first come, first served, and can be picked up at the Boston Harbor City Cruises Ferry Center at Long Wharf North beginning at 8:00 AM. No advance reservations. Arrive early, as this event will sell out fast! This event cannot accommodate groups – 5 tickets allowed per adult Ferry Schedule: Ferries depart from Gate 5 . Ticketed passengers should plan to be in line at least 15 minutes before their ferry departure time. Boston to Georges Island: 10:00 AM | 12:00 PM Ferries from Georges back to Boston depart the island at 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM
Join a 15-minute Ranger Talk, a short and engaging program highlighting Cedar Breaks’ natural and cultural history. Topics vary daily and are Ranger’s Choice, covering everything from wildflowers and wildlife to geology and human history.
Come be an astronomer! Join the Rangers of Cedar Breaks at the Point Supreme Overlook under a sky of stars, planets, and nebulas. Experience a night of wonder and observe celestial features through a telescope from sunset to 10:30 PM every Friday and Saturday, June–September. No reservations required.
Join park stewards and our partners The Trustees to help with landscape and ecosystem management atop the beautiful drumlins of World's End! As we work together to enhance habitat for native birds, insects, trees, and wildflowers, we'll explore the local flora and fauna and discuss the ecology, natural history, and cultural significance of the landscapes within Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park. Registration is required for this event. See " Day as a Park Steward " for what it's like to join us! Directions: Please meet staff at the entrance to World's End (165 Martin's Lane, Hingham, MA). Parking is available, but carpooling is strongly encouraged to reduce the number of cars in the lot. The entrance is also a one mile walk from the Nantasket Junction stop on the Greenbush commuter rail line. We will send more information to registrants about parking and carpooling prior to the event. Please reach out to the site contact from this listing if you have any concerns or questions about getting to the worksite from the greater Boston area. What to wear: Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, closed-toe shoes, and layers for the weather. Conditions can be unpredictable so please monitor the weather in the days leading up to the event and dress appropriately. What to bring: Please bring a lunch and plenty of water in a reusable water bottle. Sunscreen and a hat are always recommended. Tools, gloves, and PPE will be provided. Please note: This event will run rain or shine, however, it may be cancelled due to severe weather. Location is subject to change. Information will be shared immediately about any changes. If you are under 18 and interested in volunteering, please contact me directly ( Kristina_Bergquist@nps.gov ) as we have special guidance and volunteer.gov does not allow minor applications
Join geologists on a hike down the Falls Trail and learn all about the geology of Bandelier National Monument and the Pajarito Plateau. This hike starts at the Visitor Center at 9:00am and will return at 11:30am. The Falls Trail is three miles roundtrip over uneven terrain with a gradual 400ft elevation change, it typically takes about 2.5 hours to complete. Please wear comfortable shoes, bring plenty of water, and wear adequate sun protection. Hike Dates: June 7 June 21 July 5 July 19 August 2 August 23
Unleash your creativity with a variety of art activities designed to enrich your island experience. Test your hand at watercolors, write and illustrate nature haikus, learn to decode signal flags, and explore sun printing. NOTE: Ferry tickets must be purchased to attend this event. Georges Island is accessible via public ferry. To purchase ferry tickets, please visit the Ferry Information page on the Boston Harbor Islands partnership website . Events may be effected by weather. Please ask the Boston Harbor Welcome Center for updates.
Explore Georges Island like never before with iSpy, a fun and interactive nature-based scavenger hunt. Perfect for all ages, this adventure will have you searching for hidden treasures, spotting local wildlife, and discovering the island’s unique natural features. NOTE: Ferry tickets must be purchased to attend this event. Georges Island is accessible via public ferry. To purchase ferry tickets, please visit the Ferry Information page on the Boston Harbor Islands partnership website . Events may be effected by weather. Please ask the Boston Harbor Welcome Center for updates.
Bring your little explorers to Kidleidoscope, a fun and engaging program designed to discover the wonders of nature on Spectacle Island! Through storytelling, hands-on activities, and guided exploration, kids will learn about the island’s wildlife, plants, and natural landscape in an interactive and exciting way. NOTE: Ferry tickets must be purchased to attend this event. Georges Island is accessible via public ferry. To purchase ferry tickets, please visit the Ferry Information page on the Boston Harbor Islands partnership website . Events may be effected by weather. Please ask the Boston Harbor Welcome Center for updates.
Challenge your nautical know-how by learning practical marine knots at a hands-on station for all ages. NOTE: Ferry tickets must be purchased to attend this event. Georges Island is accessible via public ferry. To purchase ferry tickets, please visit the Ferry Information page on the Boston Harbor Islands partnership website . Events may be effected by weather. Please ask the Boston Harbor Welcome Center for updates.
Cast aside your worries and learn the basics and pleasures of fishing with a ranger on Georges Island! Practice hook-free casting with three types of fishing rods. NOTE: Ferry tickets must be purchased to attend this event. Georges Island is accessible via public ferry. To purchase ferry tickets, please visit the Ferry Information page on the Boston Harbor Islands partnership website . Events may be effected by weather. Please ask the Boston Harbor Welcome Center for updates.
Join the Friends of Anacostia Park for their monthly park care day! You'll have the chance to clean up litter, remove invasive plants, water/mulch trees, and/or beautify this cherished park's landscape. Meet at the Anacostia Park Roller Skating Pavilion at 10:00 AM where all supplies and instructions will be provided. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy close-toed shoes, and bring water. Sign up here: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/global-search/anacostia%20park%20care%20day
Celebrate Juneteenth with an afternoon that blends creativity, community energy, and real stories of liberation. This year’s theme focuses on liberation through art, community, and self reliance. What to Check Out Learn it Join ranger led stories about emancipation and D.C.’s freedom movements. Hear about Barry Farm, a historic freedmen community whose residents helped lead the 1949 Anacostia Pool protests for desegregation. Make it Create your own custom tote bag at our art station. Bring your ideas and turn them into something you can wear. Move it Jump into community line dancing with DMV Pressure at TBD . Share it Add your voice to the community wish wall and share your hopes for Anacostia Park and the neighborhood’s future. Why It Matters Juneteenth honors the end of slavery and the ongoing work of building freedom today. This event connects the past to the present through art, movement, and the local history that shaped D.C. Free and open to everyone. Bring your crew, your creativity, and your voice. Freedom grows when we practice it together.
For over a century people from around the world have come to rural Central Kentucky to honor the humble beginnings of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. His early life on Kentucky's frontier shaped his character and prepared him to lead the nation through Civil War. Visit our country's first memorial to Lincoln, built with donations from young and old, and the site of his childhood home.
Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats, and a rich cultural heritage. At 4 million visits a year, it's one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. Visitors enjoy 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads.
From the sweet little farm at the foot of Penn’s Hill to the gentleman’s country estate at Peace field, Adams National Historical Park is the story of “heroes, statesmen, philosophers…and learned women” whose ideas and actions helped to transform thirteen disparate colonies into one united nation.
Over 200,000 African-American soldiers and sailors served in the U.S. Army and Navy during the Civil War. Their service helped to end the war and free over four million slaves. The African American Civil War Memorial honors their service and sacrifice.
The African Burial Ground stands as the oldest and largest known excavated burial site in North America for both free and enslaved Africans. It offers a profound testament to the enduring legacy of African communities whose labor, resilience, and cultural contributions were fundamental in shaping the development of New York.
In the early 1900s, paleontologists unearthed the Age of Mammals when they found full skeletons of extinct Miocene mammals in the hills of Nebraska -- species previously only known through fragments. At the same time, an age of friendship began between rancher James Cook and Chief Red Cloud of the Lakota. These two unprecedented events are preserved and protected here... at Agate Fossil Beds.
Established in 2000 to preserve, protect and interpret traditional Native Hawaiian culture and natural resources, Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail is a 175-mile corridor encompassing a network of culturally and historically significant trails. This "trail by the sea" traverses wahi pana (storied landscapes), ancient Hawaiian sites and over 200 ahupuaʻa (traditional land divisions).
The remote Aleutian Islands, home to the Unangax̂ (Aleut) people for over 8,000 years, became a fiercely contested Pacific battleground in World War II. Some Unangax̂ were taken from their homelands as Japanese prisoners of war while the others were evacuated from the islands by the government. Both groups suffered greatly during the war, and some would never return to their villages.
13,000 years ago, Alibates Flint was used by mammoth hunters as a source of flint for tools. Learn how important this site was to the survival, commerce, and culture of the people of the High Plains.
The first railroad to cross the Allegheny Mountains, the Allegheny Portage Railroad was the final piece of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal. "The Portage" opened in 1834, marking the first time that there was one, direct route between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. All things to all people, it served merchants, passengers, slaves in pursuit of freedom, and soldiers from the Mexican War.
Amache, also known as the Granada Relocation Center, near Granada, Colorado was one of ten incarceration sites established by the War Relocation Authority during World War II to unjustly incarcerate Japanese Americans. Over 10,000 people, most American citizens, were incarcerated at Amache from 1942 to 1945.
American Memorial Park honors the American and Marianas people who gave their lives during the Marianas Campaign of World War II. At the park, memorials stand in tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the US Servicemen and Chamorro and Carolinian civilians who were killed in the battles between the United States and Japan that took place on Saipan, Tinian, and the Philippine Sea in 1944.
Showing 1–12 of 369 parks
