Which National Park Should Be Your Next Classroom?
- Whether you’re interested in photography, hiking, wildlife watching or history, there’s a park that matches your passion.
- For example, great hiking trails can be found in parks across the country, from Acadia to Joshua Tree, while amazing wildlife can be sought in Florida and Alaska’s national parks.
- Read through this blog post to discover the national park that matches your passion!
Yellowstone became America’s first national park in 1872. Ever since, national parks have served as areas for conservation and learning. Whether you want to delve into human history, experience wildlife or take a closer look at unique ecosystems, national parks hold something for you! Use these suggestions to find a national park learning adventure based on your interests.
If you love geology…
America’s national parks rock! If your passions include exploring the geologic history of a place, the American Southwest offers plenty of opportunities to investigate impressive rocks and views. The Grand Canyon gives you the chance to witness the result of millions of years of erosion, while Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks are home to vivid colors and rich history.
If you love hiking…
National parks offer countless opportunities to get outside and experience untouched wilderness via hiking trails. From the jaw-dropping views of Yosemite to the spectacular desert of Joshua Tree National Park to the rugged coasts and mountains of Acadia, new routes abound. The difficulty of these trails varies, so hikers of all levels can find solace in nature.
If you love photography…
National parks offer incredible scenery and amazing wildlife to capture, making them popular places for photographers. If you’d like to improve your photography skills and connect with other Road Scholar shutterbugs, consider an adventure to a national park. Educational experiences in Yosemite and Yellowstone will give you beautiful memories while furthering your knowledge of photography techniques.
If you love to learn about human history…
In America’s national parks, human and natural history often go hand in hand. An adventure to Colorado includes Indigenous history at Mesa Verde, where the Ancestral Pueblo people built cliff dwellings over a thousand years ago. Montana holds the chance to learn about ranch life on the edge of Yellowstone, and the struggles and triumphs that come along with it. And in Washington D.C., learn about the history and legacies behind each monument and memorial through discussions and museum visits.
If you want to learn about wildlife…
An incredible array of birds, mammals and fish find their homes in national parks, giving you a chance to observe these animals in their natural habitats. Whether you want to search for alligators in Florida or caribou and whales in Alaska, you’ll find an astounding place to study wildlife.
And if you want to see even more adventures…
That’s not all — Road Scholar offers learning adventures in national parks across the U.S.! And you can even learn more from home — check out our booklist of books about and set in national parks.
