Visitor centers, museums, and cultural exhibits that bring park stories to life. The NPS directory lists museum exhibits at 272 parks and sites nationwide. Compare destinations below, filter to national parks only, and open any park page for trails, alerts, campgrounds, and trip planning.
272 parks and sites (NPS)
From NPS.gov
The National Park Service manages one of the world's largest museum systems. There are museum and archival collections in over 390 sites throughout the US. Often these displays about nature and history are in park visitor centers and some free to visit. You can find hands-on activities, historical items, rocks and minerals, and wildlife displays. These places share the things that make each park special.
Related stories and places from NPS.gov, same as the official app.
History Exhibit - The Amazing Kolb Brothers · Grand Canyon National Park
The Amazing Kolb Brothers: A Grand Life at Grand Canyon Kolb Studio is open 8 am to 7 pm daily. *Hours are subject to change. If you are planning a visit to Historic Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim this year? We encourage you to stop by Kolb Studio to check out the Amazing Kolb Brothers Exhibit where you can learn about the grand adventures of pioneer photographers, Emery and Ellsworth Kolb. From capturing unorthodox photos of hard-to-reach areas of the canyon, to documenting their 101 days running the Colora…
May 31 Anniversary · Johnstown Flood National Memorial
Sunday, May 31, 2026 is the 137th anniversary of the Great Johnstown Flood of May 31, 1889. The Visitor Center will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. and is free of charge. The park film, Black Friday will play at quarter after each hour from 9:15 a.m. until 9:15 p.m. At 4:07 p.m. park rangers will lay commemorative wreaths on the remains of the dam at the time the floodwaters reached Johnstown. The wreath laying will be broadcast live on our Facebook page. Beginning at 7:00 pm, 2,209 luminaries, will be lit…
Visit Historic Faneuil Hall · Boston African American National Historic Site
Looking to plan your visit to Boston's historic sites? Visit the Cradle of Liberty, Faneuil Hall ! The City of Boston owns and operates Faneuil Hall. Since the establishment of Boston National Historical Park in 1974, National Park Service rangers interpret the stories of this historic building. Can't visit in-person or the Hall is closed? Experience Faneuil Hall through our virtual tour ! First Floor: Visitor Center and Marketplace Stop by the NPS Visitor Center located in the first floor of Faneuil Hall, where pa…
Explore the Valley Forge Encampment Museum Exhibit · Valley Forge National Historical Park
Explore the sights, sounds, and stories of the Valley Forge encampment during a visit to the brand-new museum exhibit located in the Visitor Center at Valley Forge, open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. As you move through the exhibit, you'll discover how men, women, and children from many different walks of life all struggled together during the winter of 1777-78, and how they perservered to ultimately overcome incredible hardships and march away from Valley Forge a stronger, more unified fighting force. The exhibit inclu…
Explore the Washington's Wartime Family Exhibit · Valley Forge National Historical Park
Explore the motivations and decisions of General George Washington and learn about the people who made up Washington's military family during the Valley Forge encampment in this museum exhibit, located in the Historic Valley Forge Station near Washington's Headquarters. Open daily 10 AM to 5 PM, March through December. Open weekends only in January and February. Aides-de-Camp like Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens, enslaved servants like Hannah and Isaac Till, and free servants like Margaret Lee were all part of…
History Exhibit - The Amazing Kolb Brothers
Grand Canyon National Park
The Amazing Kolb Brothers: A Grand Life at Grand Canyon Kolb Studio is open 8 am to 7 pm daily. *Hours are subject to change. If you are planning a visit to Historic Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim this year? We encourage you to stop by Kolb Studio to check out the Amazing Kolb Brothers Exhibit where you can lear…
May 31 Anniversary
Johnstown Flood National Memorial
Sunday, May 31, 2026 is the 137th anniversary of the Great Johnstown Flood of May 31, 1889. The Visitor Center will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. and is free of charge. The park film, Black Friday will play at quarter after each hour from 9:15 a.m. until 9:15 p.m. At 4:07 p.m. park rangers will lay commemorat…
Visit Historic Faneuil Hall
Boston African American National Historic Site
Looking to plan your visit to Boston's historic sites? Visit the Cradle of Liberty, Faneuil Hall ! The City of Boston owns and operates Faneuil Hall. Since the establishment of Boston National Historical Park in 1974, National Park Service rangers interpret the stories of this historic building. Can't visit in-person o…
Explore the Valley Forge Encampment Museum Exhibit
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Explore the sights, sounds, and stories of the Valley Forge encampment during a visit to the brand-new museum exhibit located in the Visitor Center at Valley Forge, open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. As you move through the exhibit, you'll discover how men, women, and children from many different walks of life all struggled…
Explore the Washington's Wartime Family Exhibit
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Explore the motivations and decisions of General George Washington and learn about the people who made up Washington's military family during the Valley Forge encampment in this museum exhibit, located in the Historic Valley Forge Station near Washington's Headquarters. Open daily 10 AM to 5 PM, March through December.…
Visit the Valor Memorial at Longmire
Mount Rainier National Park
The Mount Rainier National Park Valor Memorial ensures that the individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice while saving the lives of others, will never be forgotten: Ranger Nick Hall U.S. Park Ranger Margaret Anderson Ranger Phil Otis Ranger Sean Ryan Seven basalt stone columns placed in a natural configuration, along…
The Clough House at Old North Church & Historic Site
Boston National Historical Park
Temporarily Closed The Clough House is temporarily closed. Please check back for updates. The 1715 Clough House remains one of the oldest surviving brick residences in Boston. Now located on Old North Church and Historic Site's campus, the Clough House serves as the home to the exhibit Unearthing Childhood: 300 Years o…
Learn about the Johnstown Flood in the Visitor Center
Johnstown Flood National Memorial
Visitors will learn about the Johnstown Flood of May 31, 1889. Large windows on the upper level give a view of the remains of the South Fork Dam and empty lakebed. The Victor Heiser exhibit gives a survivor's account of the flood. Exhibits explain the South Fork Dam, its construction, and the day the dam gave way. The…
Explore the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum
Pullman National Historical Park
This important museum details the struggle of African Americans in the Pullman Company to obtain representation and rights, and the role of A. Philip Randolph, chief organizer of what eventually became the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. The museum is located at 10406 S. Maryland Avenue, and their hours very by se…
Visit the Friends of Pullman National Historical Park Pullman Exhibit Hall
Pullman National Historical Park
Visit the Friends of Pullman National Historical Park Pullman Exhibit Hall Visit the Friends of Pullman National Historical Park Exhibit Hall located at Cottage Grove and 112th Street. Volunteers and partners from the Friends of Pullman National Historical Park are on-hand to answer questions and provide suggestions on…
Visit Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark
Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park
Come visit the first industrial building in the United States of America. Slater Mill, first constructed in 1793, was a water-powered cotton spinning mill financed by the Brown family of Providence. Samuel Slater, an English immigrant, working with local mechanics, successfully replicated English textile machines here…
Charlestown Navy Yard: Dive into The History of the Yard at the Visitor Center's Exhibits
Boston National Historical Park
For 174 years, the Charlestown Navy Yard served as a hub of innovation, an employer of skilled workers, and a home to Naval officers, sailors, and U.S. Marines. Walk through the exhibits of the Navy Yard's Visitor Center to learn about the history of the Yard, the ingenuity of its workers, and its role in "Serving the…
Visit Glen Haven Historic Village
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Glen Haven is the best-preserved cord wood station on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, and perhaps in the entire Great Lakes. It was a company town, eventually diversifying into farming, canning of fruit, and tourism. Today, the history of Glen Haven is still preserved within several buildings that you can visit dur…
Exhibit - First Things First: FDR, Disability, & Access
Home Of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site
In 1921, FDR became paralyzed at the age of 39. Before he could return to politics, he first had to figure out how to get around. Inaccessible places create barriers that effectively disable us from full and equal participation in society. FDR used wheelchairs, crutches, canes, leg braces, handrails, automobiles, ramps…
Visit the Old Courthouse
Gateway Arch National Park
Explore the historic Old Courthouse, a remarkable building completed in 1862 and under the stewardship of the National Park Service since 1940. Inside, you’ll find engaging exhibits on Dred and Harriet Scott's famous freedom suit, which worked through the judicial system all the way to the Supreme Court. Additional dis…
Upcoming programs and events at parks in this collection (from the NPS Events API).
As we look ahead to the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decisions in 2029, this exhibit reflects on how these annual milestones have been commemorated over time, and asks: Where Next? Featuring items from past anniversaries, the exhibit highlights moments of remembrance and celebration across decades—from a signed 35th anniversary poster in 1989, when Rosa Parks visited Topeka to join plaintiffs, to a program from the park’s 2004 grand opening, when George W. Bush spoke on the front steps of Monroe School—and more.
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 the NPS for the 5th Annual History at Sunset series at Camp Nelson National Monument! The 2026 Lineup features special programs which mark the 160th Anniversary of Camp Nelson in 1866. The series features 3 programs starting at 7:00 pm. All programs are free and open to the public. Thousands of civilians, both free and enslaved, were tasked with constructing, operating, and maintaining Camp Nelson, a massive supply center and recruiting depot for the US Army during the Civil War. By war’s end, the base extended to over 3,000 acres and featured 300 buildings to supply miliary campaigns and 16 regiments organized here. Who were these people? What were their roles and duties? Find out on Friday, June 12, 2026! The campfire program will take place in the field adjacent to the Visitor Center and Museum. Visitors should bring camping chairs. #NationalParkService #Kentucky #FindYourPark
Join park rangers and volunteer astronomers Friday and Saturday night for a Craters of the Moon Star Party! Experience the universe under the park's naturally dark skies. Meet at the Caves Area Parking Lot at 9:00 pm for a ranger program given by the Astro Ranger. Telescope viewing will start around 9:45 pm. Bring a jacket, a chair, water, and a red flashlight. As the only national park unit named for a celestial body, it is fitting that there are many ways to enjoy the night sky at Craters of the Moon. The park has been recognized as an International Dark Sky Park since 2017. Tour the heavens above by taking part of Star Parties, ranger led programs, or by spending an evening at the campground. Check out more info here! RV or trailer parking is not available at the event site. The Lava Flow Campground is first come, first serve. Camping is not permitted at the visitor center or at parking areas along the Loop Road. If the Lava Flow Campground is full, many camping options are available near the park .
Step into history—through the voices of those who lived it. Join us at Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park for a powerful summer program featuring former students from Topeka’s segregated elementary schools. Hear firsthand stories from those who attended Buchanan, McKinley, Monroe, and Washington Schools during an era when segregation was still the law of the land. These personal conversations offer a meaningful, human connection to one of the most important chapters in American history. Come listen. Learn. Remember. Saturday mornings at 11 a.m. June 6 – August 29, 2026 (no Saturday, July 4 th program)
Join park rangers and volunteer astronomers Friday and Saturday night for a Craters of the Moon Star Party! Experience the universe under the park's naturally dark skies. Meet at the Caves Area Parking Lot at 9:00 pm for a ranger program given by the Astro Ranger. Telescope viewing will start around 9:45 pm. Bring a jacket, a chair, water, and a red flashlight. As the only national park unit named for a celestial body, it is fitting that there are many ways to enjoy the night sky at Craters of the Moon. The park has been recognized as an International Dark Sky Park since 2017. Tour the heavens above by taking part of Star Parties, ranger led programs, or by spending an evening at the campground. Check out more info here! RV or trailer parking is not available at the event site. The Lava Flow Campground is first come, first serve. Camping is not permitted at the visitor center or at parking areas along the Loop Road. If the Lava Flow Campground is full, many camping options are available near the park .
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.
The National Park Service (NPS) at Camp Nelson National Monument, in partnership with the Camp Nelson Foundation, Huntertown Community Interpretive Park, National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations, Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, Jessamine County Public Library, Visit Jessamine, Huntertown Community Interpretve Park, and the Kentucky Historical Society invites you to the 2nd Annual Freedom Day Festival from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, June 20, 2026. The special event commemorates Freedom 250 by marking the Independence Day celebration organized by African American soldiers and refugees at Camp Nelson on July 4, 1865, and the Brigadier General Charles Young Memorial Historical Corridor—the 170-mile route from Camp Nelson National Monument in Jessamine County to Mays Lick—and concludes at the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument in Wilberforce, Ohio. The festival features live music featuring The Marshall Law Band, food, arts and crafts, children’s activities, guided talks and walks, and cultural demonstrations. It's free and open to the public!
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.
Craters of the Moon National Monument was established in 1924 to protect its “weird and scenic” volcanic landscape. Doug Owen, who worked as a park ranger, park geologist, and education specialist for 19 years at Craters of the Moon, will lead a hike to visit and discuss a wide variety of geologic features, such as cinder cones, spatter cones, lava tubes, and block, a’a and pahoehoe lava. This approximately four-mile hike will include some off-trail hiking on uneven ground. Please check weather conditions and dress appropriately, long pants and hiking boots or shoes are recommended. Bring a lunch, water, and other food and beverages as needed.
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.
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.
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.
Alcatraz reveals stories of American incarceration, justice, and our common humanity. This small island was once a fort, a military prison, and a maximum security federal penitentiary. In 1969, the Indians of All Tribes occupied Alcatraz for 19 months in the name of freedom and Native American civil rights. We invite you to explore Alcatraz's complex history and natural beauty.
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.
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.
Nearly 13,000 men died on these grounds, a site that became infamous even before the Civil War ended. Their burial grounds became Andersonville National Cemetery, where veterans continue to be buried today. This place, where tens of thousands suffered captivity so others could be free, is also home to the National Prisoner of War Museum and serves as a memorial to all American prisoners of war.
Andrew Johnson's complex presidency (1865-69) illustrates the Constitution at work following the Civil War. As the President and Congress disagreed on Reconstruction methods, the Constitution served as their guide on balance of powers, vetoes, and impeachment. In the end, it evolved as a living document with pivotal amendments on freedom, citizenship, and voting rights - topics still vital today.
23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after twelve hours of savage combat on September 17, 1862. The Battle of Antietam ended the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia's first invasion into the North and led Abraham Lincoln to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.
On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia signaled the effective end of the nation's largest war. Questions remained: could the nation reunite as one? How would emancipation be realized?
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