There are many lesser-known parks and historical sites in the National Park System that provide not just stunning landscapes but interesting glimpses into American history. This week, we catch up with Kurt Repanshek, the editor of the National Parks Traveler, during his exploration of these lessor known spots in the heartland of America, Nebraska and Kansas.
By Kurt Repanshek - June 26th, 2022
:02 National Parks Traveler introduction
:12 Episode Intro with Lynn Riddick
:34 The Road Scholar - Bill Mize - The Spirit of South Dakota
:44 Eastern National Passport
1:27 Interior Federal Credit Union
1:45 Washington’s National Park Fund
2:18 Wild Tribute
2:39 Great Smoky Mountains Association
3:04 Lynn Riddick catches up with Traveler Editor Kurt Repanshek as he visits some lessor-known national parks in Nebraska and Kansas.
28:33 Black Woods - Nature’s Symphony - The Sounds of Acadia
28:54 Grand Teton National Park Foundation
29:22 Potrero Group
29:48 Yosemite Conservancy
30:08 Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation
30:27 The Everglades Foundation
30:39 Friends of Acadia
31:11 Lynn and Kurt continue their discussion about overlooked units of the National Park System.
39:19 The Horsemen - Randy Petersen - The Spirit of South Dakota
39:42 Episode Closing
39:58 Orange Tree Productions
40:29 Splitbeard Productions
40:39 National Parks Traveler footer
Support National Parks Traveler
Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.
EIN: 26-2378789
Support Essential Coverage of Essential PlacesA copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 321 | National Park Science At Risk
There has been much upheaval in the National Park Service this year, with firings, then rehires, and staff deciding to retire now rather than risk sticking around and being fired. There have been fears that more Park Service personnel are about to be let go through a reduction in force.
While Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has ordered the Park Service to ensure that parks are properly to support the operating hours and needs of each park unit,” that message said nothing about protecting park resources.
April 20th, 2025
Read More
National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 320 | George Wright Society
George Melendez Wright was a brilliant young scientist with the National Park Service back in the 1920s and 1930s. You could say he was ahead of his time, in that he wanted the Park Service to take a holistic role in how wildlife in the parks was managed.
April 6th, 2025
Read More
National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 319 | Kilauea's Unrest
One of the greatest shows on Earth has been going on now for several months in Hawaii, where the Kīlauea volcano at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park has been erupting since late December. The Kīlauea volcano is the most active volcano on Earth.
March 30th, 2025
Read More
National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 318 | Covering the Parks
There are more stories to be found in the National Park System than one could write in a lifetime. Or several lifetimes.
Sometimes those stories can be hard to spot. How many were aware of the factoid from Great Smoky Mountains National Park that Jennifer Bain dug up, that if you stacked up all of the park’s salamanders against its roughly 1,900 black bears, the salamanders would weigh more?
Talk about national park trivia.
March 23rd, 2025
Read More
National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 317 | A Little Volcanic Levity
In this week’s podcast we thought we’d take a break from the unsettling news happening in and around our national parks and federal lands regarding park staff reductions and threats of reducing park boundaries to make way for mining.
March 16th, 2025
Read More
Help support us– the one source for journalism dedicated to our National Parks.
National Parks Traveler is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
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.
