Park History

Recalling the Wonderland Hotel in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Demolition by Neglect?

Once a popular stopping spot in the Great Smoky Mountains, the Wonderland Hotel no longer exists. This video explains some of the hotel's history.

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By Kurt Repanshek - May 27th, 2009 6:58pm

2 comments

The National Park to Park Highway

In the early 1900s, some national parks existed, but getting to them was problematic. Then was born the idea to develop a "National Park-to-Park Highway," one that would run through 11 states and connect 13 national parks.

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By Kurt Repanshek - May 29th, 2009 7:32pm

30 comments

Glacier National Park Was Popular With Boaters Even Back in the 1920s

Despite it's name, Glacier National Park is a pretty great place for boating and fishing. And, as this vintage film clearly shows, that's been true for a long time.

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By Kurt Repanshek - May 27th, 2009 6:34pm

No Matter What Lens You Look Through, the Grand Canyon Is Pretty Impressive

Sure, the 1920s footage is grainy and just black and white, but this vintage home movie of the Grand Canyon is worth watching. Be sure to look for the pack trains headed down into the canyon.

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By Kurt Repanshek - May 27th, 2009 5:36pm

Mount Who? How Did This Famous Park Get Its Name?

The nearly 400 units of our National Park System include the names of some famous men and women, along with those of natural features and historical events, but the origin of one of those monikers is a bit more obscure.

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By Jim Burnett - June 1st, 2009 8:54am

17 comments

Cape Lookout National Seashore To Mark 150th Anniversary of Lighthouse This Fall

It could be argued that the two most important jobs along the Eastern seaboard during the 19th century were that of lighthouse keeper and life-saver. The former worked hard to warn ships off shoals, while the latter worked to save those who ships foundered.

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By Kurt Repanshek - June 1st, 2009 4:09pm

5 comments

Early Tourism at Bryce Canyon National Park: No Color in This Film, But Hot and Cold Running Water in the Cabins!

Today practically all you need to say is "Bryce Canyon" to create a colorful mental picture of this Southwestern gem of the National Park System. But back in the early 1900s when a travelogue of the park was filmed, the color had to be in the narrative.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 23rd, 2009 5:32pm

This Park Includes Great History, Fine Scenery and a Mouse That Howls Like a Wolf

Navajo National Monument includes great history, fine scenery and an off-the-beaten-path location that allows you to escape the crowds. The park also includes an interesting wildlife species—a carnivorous mouse with a call said to resemble the howl of a wolf.

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By Jim Burnett - March 20th, 2009 9:09am

This Park Has Ties to a Pirate, a Forgotten American Holiday and a Chart-Topping Song

This unit of the National Park System commemorates an event that was once celebrated as a national holiday, helped put a general in the White House, and inspired a popular song a few decades ago. Just for good measure, the park story also includes a legendary pirate.

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By Jim Burnett - October 23rd, 2011 1:05pm

1 comment

Mount Rainier National Park: One of the Oldest in the System, But Appearances Can Deceive

It is one of the oldest parks in the National Park System, having been established on this date in 1899, and yet ... there's a decidedly new face to Mount Rainier National Park.

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By Kurt Repanshek - March 1st, 2009 4:36pm

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.