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.
Trails and Rails: Klondike Seattle · Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park
Trails and Rails guides provide programs on the Coast Starlight daily through Sunday, September 27, 2026. They depart from Seattle on train #11 at 9:55am, arriving in Portland at 1:55pm. They depart northbound from Portland at 3:55pm, arriving back in Seattle at 7:51pm. On the Empire Builder , guides depart Seattle eastbound to Wenatchee on train #8 on Sundays and Thursdays at 4:55pm, arriving there at 8:50pm. They return from Wenatchee on train #7 at 6:45am on Mondays and Fridays, arriving back in Seattle at 11:30…
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. If there is precipitation, or o…
War in the Chesapeake · Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
The Battle of Baltimore and the bombardment of Fort McHenry was the culmination of a nearly two year campaign in the Chesapeake Bay region. The 1813-1814 Chesapeake Campaign brought terror and destruction to small towns such as Havre de Grace and Fredericktown, but culminated in the burning of Washington D.C. and the bombardment of Fort McHenry inspiring the creation of the Star-Spangled Banner. Join a ranger for 30-45 minutes for a free program that will explain the whole campaign.
History at Sunset · Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
History at Sunset is an annual series that focuses on areas rarely visited, stories rarely told, or familiar sites seen through a different lens. Park rangers lead each History at Sunset program. All programs are free and take place every other Saturday evening at 6:30 pm. Most include walking, with distances ranging from about 0.5 to 1.5 miles. Participants are recommended to bring bug spray and water and to wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes. 2026 History at Sunset Schedule All programs begin at 6:30 pm an…
Programs at Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP · Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
Summer 2026 Programs June 6, 2026 - August 9, 2026 Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center (Park Store is open while visitor center closed for maintenance project) 1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA. Sunken Road Walking Tours; Daily , 10 am, 11 am, & 2 pm, 45 minutes. Meet at the battle painting outside the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center. Why did the Battle of Fredericksburg happen in December 1862? Join a guided tour of the one of the most iconic and recognized battlefield landmarks of the w…
Trails and Rails: Klondike Seattle
Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park
Trails and Rails guides provide programs on the Coast Starlight daily through Sunday, September 27, 2026. They depart from Seattle on train #11 at 9:55am, arriving in Portland at 1:55pm. They depart northbound from Portland at 3:55pm, arriving back in Seattle at 7:51pm. On the Empire Builder , guides depart Seattle eas…
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…
War in the Chesapeake
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
The Battle of Baltimore and the bombardment of Fort McHenry was the culmination of a nearly two year campaign in the Chesapeake Bay region. The 1813-1814 Chesapeake Campaign brought terror and destruction to small towns such as Havre de Grace and Fredericktown, but culminated in the burning of Washington D.C. and the b…
History at Sunset
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
History at Sunset is an annual series that focuses on areas rarely visited, stories rarely told, or familiar sites seen through a different lens. Park rangers lead each History at Sunset program. All programs are free and take place every other Saturday evening at 6:30 pm. Most include walking, with distances ranging f…
Programs at Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
Summer 2026 Programs June 6, 2026 - August 9, 2026 Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center (Park Store is open while visitor center closed for maintenance project) 1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA. Sunken Road Walking Tours; Daily , 10 am, 11 am, & 2 pm, 45 minutes. Meet at the battle painting outside the…
Visit the Wayside: Home of Authors
Minute Man National Historical Park
Witness to over 300 years of history! From revolutionary patriots to famous authors, the Wayside has played host to many influential thinkers in American History. Learn more about the Wayside: Home of Authors by clicking here!
Visit Bunker Hill
Boston National Historical Park
Bunker Hill Monument and Lodge Visitors may climb the Bunker Hill Monument’s 294 steps to reach the observation deck. To climb the Monument, enter the Bunker Hill Lodge. Visitors can also explore views from the top of the monument through 360 degree Live Webcams . Please note: Only 25 people are allowed in the Monument…
Campfire Programs at Gettysburg
Gettysburg National Military Park
Campfire Programs June 6 - August 8, 2026 Saturdays at 8:30 pm Park at the Amphitheater, near Auto Tour Stop # 6 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…
Gettysburg Battle Walks
Gettysburg National Military Park
Battle Walk Programs June 6 - August 8, 2026 Saturdays from 10 am to 12 pm 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 hi…
Hike the Big Fill Loop Trail
Golden Spike National Historical Park
*See-Audio Tour in the "Self-Guided Tours" green tile on the main page* The Big Fill Loop Trail is a one mile and a half round-trip walking trail. Visitors walk on original Central Pacific grade and return on the Union Pacific grade. The trail showcases the Central Pacific's Big Fill and the abutments that once support…
Engine Hour Tours (winter)
Golden Spike National Historical Park
Join a Park Ranger or volunteer to get a behind-the-scenes look at the heart of the railroad, the locomotive shop. Each winter, No. 119 and Jupiter must undergo seasonal maintenance in the Engine House. Visitors are invited to see what it takes to maintain two fully operational Victorian Era steam locomotives. The Engi…
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…
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.
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…
Upcoming programs and events at parks in this collection (from the NPS Events API).
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.
Explore the wonders of the sky - even during the day! Join us for a FREE hands-on activity that reveals the science, stories, and sights above us. A fun, engaging, and educational activity for all ages will be included. Program will be held at the Birthplace Unit of the park.
Join park stewards and MA Department of Conservation & Recreation for a day of landscape and ecosystem management in Webb State Park! 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 Webb State Park, 371 River St, Weymouth, MA 02191. Parking is available, but carpooling is strongly encouraged. 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. All National Parks of Boston Volunteer Opportunities If you are under 18 and interested in volunteering, please contact me directly ( Nolan_Oppelt@nps.gov ) as we have special guidance and volunteer.gov does not allow minor applications
Saturday, June 13, is World Wide Knit In Public Day. Come to the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, Val-Kill, with your knit ting materials and sit and knit by the pool. Also, bring your own folding chairs, snacks, and water. The event will be from 1 PM to 4 PM, rain or shine. In the event of rain, there is indoor space available. Eleanor Roosevelt knit ted wherever she went. Come to Val-Kill and knit at the place that she called home.
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.
Join the park's Fish and Feathers Intern at McDougal Lake for a free fishing clinic for kids of all ages! Learn about knot tying, various fish that live in local waters, safety casting, bait and tackle. Program is free and open to the public. Fishing rods will be provided, or you are welcome to bring your own. Please note that this program will be held at McDougal Lake and not in the park.
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.
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
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
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
