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Birding, wildlife viewing, and naturalist programs at parks where observing animals is a highlight. The NPS directory lists wildlife watching at 236 parks and sites nationwide. Compare destinations below, filter to national parks only, and open any park page for trails, alerts, campgrounds, and trip planning.
236 parks and sites (NPS)
Glacier National Park
Castor canadensis The North American beaver is the second largest rodent in the world behind the Capybara of South America. Found throughout the U.S. and Canada, these semiaquatic ecosystem engineers construct dams and lodges that affect the hydrology and ecology of their surroundings. As a keystone species, their presence in riparian habitats affects many neighboring animal and plant species.
Glacier National Park
Gulo gulo A mid-size d carnivore in the weasel family, the wolverine is active throughout the year in cold, snowy environments to which it is well-adapted. Wolverines are rarely seen and inhabit remote terrain. They are also known as one of the rarest and most elusive carnivores on the planet.
Glacier National Park
Oreamnos americanus The mountain goat is one of the park's most iconic creatures. They are exceptional climbers and can scale nearly vertical cliff faces. Mountain goats live in alpine habitats and can often be spotted navigating high, narrow cliff ledges with ease. It is the only living member of its genus and is more closely related to caprines (the chamois of Europe and the gorals and serows of Asia) than to domesticated goats.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Wildlife Viewing Rocky Mountain National Park is home to an incredible range of wildlife year-round, including over 60 species of mammals, 280 species of birds, 6 species of amphibians, 1 reptile, 11 species of fish, and 142 confirmed species of butterflies. Some basic knowledge of animal habits and habitats greatly enhances prospects of spotting Rocky Mountain's wild residents. A few to keep an eye out for: Mule deer are common and can be seen in most areas of the park. They are most often found at lower elevations in meadow and forest areas. Elk can be seen anytime of the year. Look for elk in meadows and where meadow and forest meet. Elk spend much of their time at or above treeline during the summer, moving to lower elevations in the fall, winter and spring. Favorite feeding times: dawn and dusk. Bighorn sheep are commonly seen at Sheep Lakes from May through mid-August. Bats feed over lakes and ponds at dawn and dusk. Yellow-belied marmots and pikas are found at high elevation and favor rocky areas. Marmots are best seen on the alpine tundra along Trail Ridge and Old Fall River roads. Pikas - small, light-colored mammals - are common in rock piles. Listen for their sharp, distinctive bark and watch for movement. A wide variety of birds can be seen throughout the park. Keep an eye out in wetland areas, meadows, and along Trail Ridge Road. Help Protect Wildlife - Don't Feed Them Feeding human food to wildlife, even fruit and nuts, reduces the animal's natural ability to survive. Wild animals that learn to associate humans with food are then attracted to vehicles and roads, making them easy prey to automobiles. As wildlife become habituated to humans, they also lose their natural fear of humans and they can become aggressive in their quest for food. It is illegal to feed, approach, and/or harass wildlife in all national parks. Wildlife Photography Tips When you spot wildlife, getting a great photo or video from the safe distance isn’t too hard if you follow our advice. Although mobile device cameras are convenient, you may want to bring along a camera that has a long zoom lens for better zoomed-in photos. For most wildlife in the park, including deer, bighorn sheep, and elk, keep back at least 75 feet, or two bus-lengths. When viewing bears, moose, and mountain lions, we recommend staying back at least 120 feet, or three bus-lengths. If an animal reacts to…
San Juan Island National Historical Park
Granny's Cove is the best place on the island for tidepooling. While exploring the shoreline, you might see anemones, tide pool sculpin, mussels, shore crabs, barnacles, and a variety of seaweeds. Visitors often find sea glass too! The best time to see these marvels of nature is at low tide, so check a tide predictions chart when planning your visit. Please read the following guidelines that will keep you and the animals safe. Animal Safety Guidelines: A general guideline is to only touch animals as gently as you would touch your own eyeball. For example, anemones should not be poked or squeezed. No organism attached to a surface should be removed by force, however slight. Many animals, such as limpets, chitons, barnacles, mussels, sea stars, and urchins are attached directly to rocks (permanently or temporarily) and using force to remove them would be harmful to them. Animals that are actively swimming, moving away from people, hiding under rocks, or that resist being handled, should not be pursued or picked up. Rocks should not be moved and should be left in their original location and orientation. Organisms living under the rocks have adapted to a certain environment, and rock-turning can harm them. Nothing, especially rocks, should be thrown in any area of the park. Rocks can do great damage when they land in the water, and continue to do damage as they are tossed by wave action. The following should not be introduced into the tidepool area: Containers (such as buckets or cups); nets, scraping, probing, or prying instruments (such as spatulas, trowels, knives, screwdrivers or sticks) Keeping Yourself Safe: Watch closely for the returning tide and “sneaker waves.” Algae and seaweed make the surface rocks extremely slippery. Use caution and test rocks before committing to stepping on new surfaces. Wear sturdy shoes that you don't mind getting wet. Keep children close as rocks and waves can be unpredictable, and falling hazards may lead to severe injury. Do not bring dogs onto tidal rocks. The sharp stone, along with barnacles and mussels, can cut their paws and lead to infection. Do not leap from rock to rock. Always keep at least one foot on the ground.
Upcoming programs and events at parks in this collection (from the NPS Events API).
How did the Black Canyon form? What kinds of rocks are these? Discover answers to these and other questions about this dizzying chasm. Meet at Pulpit Rock Overlook at 10:00 am. 20-30 minutes. Location subject to change. May be cancelled due to staffing shortages or bad weather.
Join a park ranger to explore one of the fascinating stories of Black Canyon, from human history to plants to wildlife. Meet at Pulpit Rock Overlook at 2:00 pm. 20-30 minutes. Location subject to change. May be cancelled due to staffing shortages or bad weather.
TUESDAY 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th -11:00 AM- “MOLLUSKS OF THE LAGOON” – Take a closer look at the mollusks found in Mosquito Lagoon! Discover the snails, clams, oysters, and other fascinating creatures that live beneath the water and along the shoreline and learn how they help make the lagoon a special place. Meet inside the Main House at 11:00 AM. Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759 (30 minutes)
Join the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy for Pilates in the Park , a free monthly wellness event held on the second Wednesday of each month from April through October at 6 p.m. Set in the peaceful field near the parking lot at Powers Island, this all‑levels class offers a refreshing way to unwind, move, and connect with nature along the Chattahoochee River. This wellness program is dedicated to building equitable opportunities for all individuals to enjoy programs like this in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Participants should bring their own mat and come ready to enjoy an hour of mindful movement in one of the city’s most beautiful outdoor spaces. Whether you're a seasoned Pilates enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this community event is a perfect mid‑week reset in the heart of the park. Bathrooms and water fountains are available near the parking lot. What to bring: Water bottle Mat or towel
Experience the Cuyahoga Valley at its most vibrant aboard the Fall Scenic Excursion. Just like the popular National Park Scenic rides, this seasonal favorite features additional Friday and Saturday departures, giving you even more opportunities to enjoy Northeast Ohio's spectacular autumn display. Guests may choose from two ride options to best fit their schedule and interests. The Classic 24-mile, round-trip ride departs from either the Rockside Depot or the Akron Northside Depot and lasts approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes. For guests seeking a shorter adventure, the Express rides depart from the Peninsula Depot and travel round trip either north to Rockside Depot and back or south to Akron Northside Depot and back. These rides last approximately 2 hours. A variety of seating options are available. Wheelchair accessible seating is available in the Karen C. Cooper car. Call 330-439-5708 for more information and to purchase tickets for this car. Visit the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad website for ticket information and the full train schedule.
"No one would have believed in the last years of the nineteenth century that this world was being watched keenly and closely by intelligences greater than man’s and yet as mortal as his own..." H.G. Wells War of the Worlds During the month of October, the park will mark the anniversary of the 1938 broadcast of H. G. Wells adaptation of "War of the Worlds" at the Knob Creek Tavern Visitor Center. Each day the visitor center is open, at 1:00pm (EST) the park will play the original broadcast on the 1930s reproduction Tavern radio. Come and enjoy this well-known broadcast in honor of the Halloween Season. Program is free and open to the public. No reservations are required.
WEDNESDAY 7TH, 14TH, 21ST AND 28TH – 10:00 AM - “PLANT WALKS” - Join us every Wednesday for a walk to identify the plants of Canaveral National Seashore and find out how they have been utilized over the years. Each walk is led by an experienced volunteer and covers a different part of the park. Please bring water for hydration and wear shoes for trail walking. (2 hours). The walks in October will be as follows: 1. Oct. 7TH- Turtle Mound Historic Site. Meet at 10:00 am at the Turtle Mound parking lot. 2. Oct. 14TH - Eldora. Meet at 10:00 am at parking lot number 7. 3. Oct. 21ST - Hammock Loop Trail. Meet at 10:00 am at parking lot number 8. 4. Oct. 28TH – Castle Windy Trail. Meet at 10:00 am at beach parking lot number 3.
Adopt-a-Trail volunteers help park staff maintain safe and well-groomed trails. They participate in trail "sweeps" by picking up litter, trimming branches, clearing culverts, and reporting trail conditions on their adopted trails. For more information about the program, contact the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park at volunteer@forcvnp.org . Please contact Boston Run Adopt-a-Trail leader Pete Snyder at 330-297-9180 ahead of time to inform them if you will be attending a trail sweep.
Are you looking for a way to get involved at Cuyahoga Valley National Park? Join us for our Habitat Restoration Drop-in to improve habitat for native plants and wildlife. Your efforts will help improve soil quality, restore native plants, and create better habitat for native wildlife. Drop-ins are a great opportunity for both first-time and veteran volunteers to get involved in their national park. Suitable for ages 10 and up. Volunteers who are 10-15 years of age must have parent or guardian supervision at the project site. Volunteers who are 16-17 years of age are only required to have a parent or guardian sign their Volunteer Agreement form. Advanced registration is required for all individuals. Group sizes are small, and have a strict attendance cap. Only volunteers who pre-registered will be permitted to participate. We will have a water cooler, please bring a refillable water bottle. This event is open to the public. If you are a corporate/school group looking to volunteer, please contact volunteer@forcvnp.org
Join Cuyahoga Valley Farmers Market to support your favorite vendors and meet all the new folks! They have an amazing lineup of local farms, food producers, artists, and makers this season - over 70 northeast Ohio businesses. There is also live music every week, cooking demonstrations, tastings of what’s in season, and other activities for all ages. Be sure to plan ahead and be aware of market policies such as the "dog-free hour," 9 - 10 am. Visit the market's website for more information.
The Boston Gallery is a flagship initiative of the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Arts in the Park program, enriching visitor experiences and strengthening community connections through visual, cultural, and performing arts programming in partnership with artists across Northeast Ohio. Curated in partnership with the Museum of Creative Human Art (MoCHA) , the Boston Gallery features rotating exhibitions of nature‑centric artwork, refreshed several times each year. On Exhibit: Wild Order: Studies in Natural Form Nature has long served as a source of observation, but Wild Order looks beyond representation to explore the systems, rhythms, and material intelligence that shape the living world. Bringing together five contemporary artists working across printmaking, mixed media, drawing, and painting study, the exhibition examines how organic forms are translated, reconstructed, and reimagined through distinct artistic practices. Rather than depicting nature directly, the works engage with its underlying logic growth, repetition, adaptation, and balance. Botanical studies, layered compositions, relief surfaces, and three-dimensional painted forms reveal how natural structures can become visual languages, where observation gives way to interpretation. Moving between order and unpredictability, the exhibition embraces the tension between careful construction and organic evolution. Nature emerges not simply as subject matter, but as a catalyst for making, shaping process, material, and imagination. Wild Order invites viewers to slow down and consider how the patterns of the natural world continue to influence the ways artists see, build, and transform their surroundings. Curated by Yana Mikho-Misho, this exhibition features works from artists Yasmeen Kwan, Pavla Margo, Christopher Owen Smith, Juliette Thimmig, and Rebekah Wilhelm.
Dig deeper into the history and nature of Cuyahoga Valley with a 10-minute presentation in the outdoor pavilion next to Boston Mill Visitor Center. Topics vary. Will move inside for inclement weather.
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.
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 headwaters of Alagnak Wild River lie within the rugged Aleutian Range of neighboring Katmai National Park and Preserve. Meandering west towards Bristol Bay and the Bering Sea, the Alagnak traverses the beautiful Alaska Peninsula, providing an unparalleled opportunity to experience the unique wilderness, wildlife, and cultural heritage of southwest Alaska.
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.
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.
An oasis in the desert, Amistad National Recreation Area consists of the US portion of the International Amistad Reservoir. Amistad, a Spanish word meaning "friendship," is known for excellent water-based recreation, camping, hiking, and rich cultural history dating back nearly 5,000 years. Amistad is also home to a wide variety of plant and animal life both above and below the water.
Welcome to Anacostia Park, your neighborhood national park in the heart of Washington, DC! Enjoy exercise along the river trail or relax by the water, Anacostia Park is a breath of fresh air and a space to unwind amid a bustling city.
Given its remote location and challenging weather conditions, Aniakchak is one of the most wild and least visited places in the National Park System. This landscape is a vibrant reminder of Alaska's location in the volcanically active "Ring of Fire," as it is home to an impressive six mile (10 km) wide, 2,500 ft (762 m) deep caldera formed during a massive volcanic eruption 3,500 years ago.
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.
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