Parks and sites where wildlife, habitats, and animal life are central themes. You will find the animals topic represented across 257 parks and sites in the National Park System. Browse the full list to see which destinations match your interests.
257 parks and sites (NPS)
From NPS.gov
NPS collections include vertebrate and invertebrate specimens such as mammals, birds, mollusks, crustaceans, insects and arachnids, and reptiles and amphibians. Collections may contain preserved specimens (either dried or stored in aqueous preservative solutions), images of specimens, study taxidermy skins, skeletal components, or associated items such as eggs or nests.
Many mammal specimens were generated through surveys, which document the diversity and abundance of mammal populations across the many habitats found in this region. National parks in the National Capital Area serve as important habitat for ecologically significant mammals inhabiting or using these areas, and specimens document their presence in National parks.
Insects and other invertebrates constitute over 95% of all animal species currently taxonomically described. Invertebrates are important as they are drivers of ecosystem processes. Many are sensitive to ecosystem change, making them vital indicators of environmental health. Their presence in a park at a specific time provides insight into both short- and long-term ecological processes.
Reptiles and amphibians such as salamanders, snakes, and lizards are indicators of water quality, as they require clean water to breathe, hunt, and reproduce. Herpetological specimens in the collection include preserved specimens, skeletal components, and anatomical parts that provide baseline data about the health of water resources in the region.
Bird specimens are critical to the understanding avian biology and the conservation and management of avian species residing on or migrating through National Park Service lands. The natural history collections of the National Capital Area include a wide diversity of bird specimens. Early collections consisted primarily of study skins and taxidermy mounts. Current preparation techniques include skeleton, anatomical parts, and related components, such as nests.
Related stories and places from NPS.gov, same as the official app.
Hike the Wilkinson Trail · Saratoga National Historical Park
Saratoga National Historical Park preserves the sites associated with the 1777 Battles of Saratoga. Follow the footsteps of those before you as you hike along hallowed ground. The grounds of Saratoga National Historical Park are open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset. Check our operating hours page for updates. Stop by the visitor center to grab a trail map of the Wilkinson Trail. What to Expect BRING WATER! There is no water available along the trail and fountains are turned off during the winter months. N…
Western National Parks Store at Bent's Old Fort · Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
The park store is operated by Western National Parks (WNP), an official non-profit partner of the National Park Service dedicated to supporting the educational mission of Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site. The park store has a wide range of books, maps, travel guides, media, educational games, posters, and other items available for retail sale. These products complement the interpretive themes you experience when visiting the park. The park store is located in the Information center located at the visitor park…
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 . Typically, ranger programs are hosted between Memorial and Labor Day weekends. Be sure to ask a ranger at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center or White River Visitor Center about what programs will be conducted…
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 outside and often include walking on uneven surfaces on varying types of terrain with no access to bathroom facilities. Bug spray and sunscreen are also highly suggested. Please Note: There will be no…
Be a Sand Creek B.A.R.K. Ranger · Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
Bring your furry friend to the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site and take the B.A.R.K. Ranger pledge! B.A.R.K. Ranger Bag your pet’s poop Dispose of bagged dog waste in the nearest garbage can. Leaving poop in bags on the trail is considered littering. Always leash your pet Pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet (2 m). Unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells can disturb even the calmest, friendliest, and best-trained dogs, causing them to behave unpredictably or bark excessively. Know where…
Hike the Wilkinson Trail
Saratoga National Historical Park
Saratoga National Historical Park preserves the sites associated with the 1777 Battles of Saratoga. Follow the footsteps of those before you as you hike along hallowed ground. The grounds of Saratoga National Historical Park are open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset. Check our operating hours page for updates.…
Western National Parks Store at Bent's Old Fort
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
The park store is operated by Western National Parks (WNP), an official non-profit partner of the National Park Service dedicated to supporting the educational mission of Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site. The park store has a wide range of books, maps, travel guides, media, educational games, posters, and other i…
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…
Be a Sand Creek B.A.R.K. Ranger
Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
Bring your furry friend to the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site and take the B.A.R.K. Ranger pledge! B.A.R.K. Ranger Bag your pet’s poop Dispose of bagged dog waste in the nearest garbage can. Leaving poop in bags on the trail is considered littering. Always leash your pet Pets must be restrained on a leash n…
Bay Venture Outfitters, North East, MD
Chesapeake Bay
Bay Venture Outfitters is located along the North East River in North East, Maryland, near the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay. Established in 2015, this privately-owned outdoor recreation provider offers kayak, paddleboard, and bicycle rentals, along with guided and self-guided eco-tours that encourage exploration of…
Riverside Adventure Company Outfitter
Chesapeake Bay
Riverside Adventure Company Outfitter invites visitors to explore the Susquehanna River region through guided and self-guided paddling and cycling experiences based in Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania. Located along the Susquehanna River, the outfitter provides boats, shuttle services, and local expertise that make it easy f…
Be a Valley Forge B.A.R.K. Ranger
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Get Your Valley Forge B.A.R.K. Ranger Activity Book Valley Forge National Historical Park is a dog-friendly park. Before you head out onto the trails with your pupper, make sure to pick up your B.A.R.K. Ranger Activity Book at the Visitor Center at Valley Forge! NOTE: Dogs are not allowed inside the visitor center buil…
Take a Scenic Drive through Valle Grande
Valles Caldera National Preserve
The Valles Caldera Entrance Road is a scenic, four-mile-long gravel road through the heart of Valle Grande. This drive offers outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities, volcanic vistas, and several places to get out and explore on foot. The road begins at Valles Caldera National Preserve's main entrance near mile mark…
Become a Saratoga B.A.R.K. Ranger
Saratoga National Historical Park
Welcome B.A.R.K. Rangers! Here at Saratoga National Historical Park, we want you and your family's visit with us to be memorable, enjoyable and educational. For many, pets are an important member of our families. If you are planning to bring a furry family member on your trip to Saratoga, make sure you are prepared and…
Annapolis Sailing Cruises: Schooner Woodwind
Chesapeake Bay
Step aboard the schooners Woodwind or Woodwind II for a two-hour sailing adventure on the Chesapeake Bay. Departing from Annapolis, these classic 74-foot wooden vessels invite you to help raise the sails, take the helm, or simply relax while soaking in stunning views of the Bay Bridge, Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, an…
Snowmobile in Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park
Snowmobiles Snowmobile use is prohibited until the park superintendent has made a determination that there is adequate snow cover. Adequate snow cover is determined by evaluating the ability of the snow pack to support snowmobile use in a manner that does not damage resource values such as vegetation and soils. A combi…
Become a Jean Lafitte B.A.R.K. Ranger
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Hey dogs! Are you sniffing out your next adventure? Most National Park Service locations offer a Junior Ranger program designed for kids to explore and learn through self-guided activities. Our pets are part of the family, and they visit our park sometimes too! The B.A.R.K. Ranger program is all about our fur babies le…
Ranger-led Programs at Padre Island
Padre Island National Seashore
Attending a ranger-led program in the park is a great way to discover new things and learn more about Padre Island National Seashore. The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs such as deck talks and beach walks. All programs are offered free of charge. However, there is a fee to enter the park. Check the calenda…
Become a Padre Island Junior Ranger
Padre Island National Seashore
Are you interested in exploring ? Would you like to learn more about the national parks that belong to you? Do you want to learn how you can help protect these special places? If so, become a Padre Island Junior Ranger! The Junior Ranger activity books are appropriate for all ages and are a great way to learn about the…
Upcoming programs and events at parks in this collection (from the NPS Events API).
Step into Gap Cave and follow a trail filled with history, science, and natural beauty. From Dr. Thomas Walker’s early explorations to stories from the Civil War, this tour brings the past to life while guiding you through stunning cave formations and the wildlife that call this place home.
Step back in time with park staff as you explore the Hensley Settlement, a preserved early 20th-century Appalachian community perched atop Cumberland Mountain in Kentucky. Wander along fence-lined lanes, peek inside the springhouse, and experience the charm of the one-room schoolhouse, where children once learned by lantern light. During the tour, your guide will take you into several buildings, including cabins, blacksmith shop, and barn. Established in 1903 by Sherman Hensley, the settlement remained occupied until 1947. With Sherman remaining by himself until 1951. Today, its historic buildings and breathtaking views provide a rare glimpse into a bygone era.
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.
Step back in time and discover life in a mining camp! Join a ranger at the Blue Heron Interpretive Center in Kentucky for a 20-minute talk on the coal mining operations and daily life at Mine 18. Learn how miners worked and how families lived in this isolated community. This program is offered every Wednesday through Saturday at 12:00 PM and Sunday at 3:00 PM ET. Program is worth 5 GO BIG points. To learn more about the GO BIG Challenge, visit Big South Fork GO BIG Challenge - Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service)
Step into Gap Cave and follow a trail filled with history, science, and natural beauty. From Dr. Thomas Walker’s early explorations to stories from the Civil War, this tour brings the past to life while guiding you through stunning cave formations and the wildlife that call this place home.
Step into Gap Cave and follow a trail filled with history, science, and natural beauty. From Dr. Thomas Walker’s early explorations to stories from the Civil War, this tour brings the past to life while guiding you through stunning cave formations and the wildlife that call this place home.
Join us this Saturday as we demonstrate the craft of whittling inside Tyler Bend Visitor Center at Buffalo National River! Volunteer Ricky Hoyt will be showcasing and creating art shaped with steady, determined hands. Gain a better understanding on local folk art through understanding his technique, advice and thought process!
Join Us Saturdays and Sundays in September at the Historic Rugby Visitor Center for 'Critter Corner'! From 9 AM to 5 PM ET on Saturdays and Noon to 5 PM on Sundays families can explore animal pelts and skulls, browse nature books, enjoy coloring pages, and chat with a ranger about the critters of Big South Fork.
Saturday at 12:45 PM and 3:30 PM ET, join park staff at the Blue Heron Interpretive Center for hands-on Appalachian rag doll demonstrations. Program is worth 5 GO BIG points. To learn more about the GO BIG Challenge, visit Big South Fork GO BIG Challenge - Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service)
Join Us Saturdays and Sundays in September at the Historic Rugby Visitor Center for 'Critter Corner'! From 9 AM to 5 PM ET on Saturdays and Noon to 5 PM on Sundays families can explore animal pelts and skulls, browse nature books, enjoy coloring pages, and chat with a ranger about the critters of Big South Fork.
Step back in time and discover life in a mining camp! Join a ranger at the Blue Heron Interpretive Center in Kentucky for a 20-minute talk on the coal mining operations and daily life at Mine 18. Learn how miners worked and how families lived in this isolated community. This program is offered Friday and Saturday at 12:00 PM and Sunday at 3:00 PM ET. On Memorial Day, the program will be at 12:00 PM. Program is worth 5 GO BIG points. To learn more about the GO BIG Challenge, visit Big South Fork GO BIG Challenge - Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service)
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
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.
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.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, located at the northern tip of Wisconsin's Bayfield Peninsula, features 21 stunning islands, a scenic 12-mile shoreline along Lake Superior, and is located within the ancestral homeland of the Ojibwe people. Established in 1970, the park showcases picturesque sea caves, sandy beaches, and the largest collection of lighthouses in the National Park system.
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by private citizens, and completed in 1937, today the trail is managed by the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, numerous state agencies and thousands of volunteers.
Showing 1–12 of 257 parks
