National Parks Traveler

Winter is a unique time of the year to experience Grand Teton National Park, and the park will begin its popular ranger-led snowshoe hikes on December 26th. These 2-hour excursions offer the chance to learn about winter ecology while experiencing a classic, winter transportation mode—wooden snowshoes.

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By Jim Burnett - December 9th, 2008 4:23am

Green Groups Lobbying To See Rep. Grijalva Nominated For Interior Secretary

U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, who hasn't been bashful about criticizing President Bush's stewardship of public lands, should be the next Interior secretary, according to a far-reaching coalition of conservation and environmental groups.

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By Kurt Repanshek - December 8th, 2008 2:35pm

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Did the Great Depression Save the Yorktown Battlefield?

I don't know of anyone who is happy about the current economic situation, but while we're waiting for a turn-around, here's a question to ponder: Can a bad economy ever be good for parks? Here's how the Great Depression helped save the Yorktown Battlefield from private development.

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By Jim Burnett - December 8th, 2008 4:24am

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More and Bigger is Better for Minidoka National Historic Site

Minidoka National Historic Site, the former Minidoka Internment National Monument, has acquired vital new acreage and a satellite site that will tell the park’s story in a richer, more complete way. Preserving and interpreting a World War II concentration camp for people of Japanese ancestry helps teach important lessons about racial prejudice, injustice, and the loss of civil liberties.

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By Bob Janiskee - December 8th, 2008 3:00am

What are the Odds?!

When you work the visitor center’s information desk on a slow day, you can strike up conversations with walk-ins. Visitors will often tell you interesting things about themselves. And once in a while they will positively astound you.

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By Bob Janiskee - December 7th, 2008 9:12am

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'Tis the Season In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

It's not Walton's Mountain, and John Boy and the Soggy Bottom Boys probably will not be there, but if you enjoy an old-fashioned Appalachian Mountains Christmas festival, mark December 13 on your calendar.

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By Kurt Repanshek - December 7th, 2008 3:12am

An Indian Memorial Helps to Re-Image Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument offers a prime example of re-imaging in NPS context. Custer’s Last Stand occurred at this place, but so did the last stand of the Plains Indians. In 1991, a landmark redesignation acknowledged that the battlefield has a duel identity. More recently, an Indian Memorial has helped to re-image the place as hallowed ground for Indians as well as whites.