My name is Cameron. I'm the creator of National Park Diaries, an educational YouTube channel dedicated to telling stories from National Parks, Public Lands, and Protected Areas of all kinds.

National Park Diaries

The story of the Lost 49ers and how Death Valley got its name.

Death Valley is a land of extremes. This below-sea-level basin is the hottest, driest and lowest park in America. Don't let the name fool you — Death Valley is teeming with life. This diverse landscape supports more than 900 plant species, many of which are only found in Death Valley. Spring brings a colorful wildflower bloom, while summer temperatures can surpass 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite its harsh conditions, Death Valley is home to an array of wildlife including bighorn sheep, coyotes and golden eagles. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow, and the clear night skies offer incredible stargazing opportunities. Don't miss Artists Palette, Zabriskie Point and Badwater basin — the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. Death Valley is truly a one-of-a-kind place.

Death Valley

How Death Valley Got Its Name

Bannack State Park is home to one of the most well preserved ghost towns of the Montana Gold Rush, a testament to the power of historic preservation.

Bannack State Park, named for the indigenous Bannock people who inhabited the area, preserves the remnants of the once-thriving gold rush town of Bannack, which emerged in the 1860s. It was the site of Montana's first major gold discovery and became the capital of the newly established Montana Territory. Visitors can explore well-preserved buildings, including the sheriff's office, schoolhouse, and Masonic Lodge, offering a vivid glimpse into the Wild West's past. Grasshopper Creek meanders through the park, inviting anglers to try their luck in its pristine waters. With its rich history and scenic beauty, Bannack State Park provides a unique opportunity to connect with Montana's frontier heritage and the rugged charm of the Old West. 

Bannack State Park

How This Ghost Town Became a Montana State Park

Inside the geology of Arches National Park, helping you understand how these magnificent natural sculptures came to be.

Arches National Park, nestled in the red rock country of Utah, is a geological wonderland renowned for its striking natural arches and sandstone formations. With over 2,000 arches carved by millennia of erosion, it showcases nature's artistic prowess. The park's history also intertwines with that of indigenous people, notably the Ute Tribe, who have inhabited the region for centuries. The park offers hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and stargazing under dark desert skies, as well as awe-inspiring sights like Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, and Fiery Furnace.

Arches NP

Arches National Park: How Did It Form?

Yes, you read that correctly. One of the most talked about properties in America today has a history with the National Park Service.

Mar-a-Lago—from the Spanish for sea to lake—is a resort and National Historic Landmark in Palm Beach, Florida. The sprawling 62,500-square-foot estate was built in the 1920s by heiress and philanthropist Marjorie Merriweather Post, with 58 bedrooms, 33 bathrooms, 12 fireplaces and three bomb shelters. She hosted many lavish parties there in addition to philanthropic events such as the International Red Cross Ball. It was designated Mar-a-Lago National Historic Site in 1969 and a National Historic Landmark in 1980. Upon her death in 1973, Post willed the 17-acre estate to the National Park Service as a Winter White House for presidents and visiting foreign dignitaries. However, the cost of maintaining the property exceeded the funds provided by Post’s bequeath, so Mar-a-Lago was returned to the Post Foundation in 1981. Donald Trump purchased the property in 1985 for $7 million, and after completing extensive renovations, turned it into a private club in 1994. The estate’s breathtaking architecture and picturesque gardens, coupled with its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, remains a symbol of opulence and an interesting record of a segment of the architectural, economic, and cultural history of the United States.

Mar-a-Lago

Mar a Lago Used to be a National Park...

The Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior building in Washington, DC, is the home office of the National Park Service.

National Park Service HQ

The Beautiful Simplicity of National Park Brochures

Well, we know he gave it in Gettysburg. But we don't know EXACTLY where he stood. I traveled to Gettysburg to get to the bottom of this.

The Gettysburg National Military Park (GNMP) was established in 1895 as a way to protect and interpret the landscape of the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg. The GNMP properties include most of the Gettysburg Battlefield, many of the battle's support areas during the battle (e.g., reserve, supply, and hospital locations), and several other non-battle areas associated with the battle's "aftermath and commemoration", including the Gettysburg National Cemetery and Soldier's National Monument. The park has more wooded land than in 1863, and the National Park Service has an ongoing program to restore portions of the battlefield to their historical non-wooded conditions, as well as to replant historic orchards and woodlots that are now missing.

Gettysburg 

We Still Don't Know Where Lincoln Gave the Gettysburg Address...

Ever wondered what was happening on Earth when every layer of the Grand Canyon formed? And how that resulted in what we see at the  Canyon today? 

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. A giant chasm that was carved out over millions of years by the Colorado River, it's one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world. The park is located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, and there are many opportunities to learn about their history and culture. There are also many activities to enjoy at Grand Canyon National Park, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and more. Grand Canyon National Park is open 24 hours a day, so there's always something to do!


Grand Canyon

Every Layer of the Grand Canyon, Explained

Who knew there was a National Park for jazz???

New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park is located in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans, near the French Quarter and celebrates the origin and development of one of America's greatest art forms. Perseverance Hall No. 4, a former Masonic Lodge, is the centerpoint of the historic park. Built between 1819-20 it is the oldest Masonic temple in Louisiana. Visitors can enjoy ranger-led programs, film presentations, concerts, and special events that celebrate the music and culture of New Orleans and the people who created jazz. The park also features exhibits on the history of jazz, interactive displays, and a variety of educational programs. 

New Orleans Jazz NHP

Why There's a National Park Dedicated to New Orleans Jazz

Bryce Canyon National Park is world renowned for its hoodoos. Find out how these geological wonders were formed!

Bryce Canyon National Park is renowned for its hoodoos -- tall, thin rock spires formed by erosion -- some of the most unique geological formations in the world. The Paiute Native Americans believed that the hoodoos were actually Legend People who had been turned to stone. With its high elevation, Bryce Canyon provides stunning vistas and excellent opportunities for stargazing. Hiking through the crimson-hued amphitheaters. Rainbow Point, Fairyland Canyon and Silent City are all must-sees. And for those looking for a little adventure, the 5.5 mile Peek-A-Boo Loop trail is a great way to explore Bryce Canyon. 

Bryce Canyon

How the Bryce Canyon Hoodoos Formed

California Redwoods are the tallest trees on Earth. The reasons for this are multiple, and give us great insight into why they are so vital to protect

Most people know Redwood as home to the tallest trees on Earth. But the Parks also protect vast prairies, oak woodlands, wild rivers, and 40 miles of rugged coastline. People have lived in this verdant landscape since time immemorial. Together, the National Park Service and California State Parks are managing and restoring these lands for the inspiration, enjoyment, and education of all.

Redwood

Why California Redwoods Are So Tall

Yep, THAT Gateway Arch is a NATIONAL PARK. Like, officially. Like, the same as Yellowstone. I break it all down in this video.

Gateway Arch National Park commemorates the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the Louisiana Purchase, and western expansion. An iconic symbol of the American West, the structure stands 630 feet tall and is the world's tallest arch. Visitors can take a tram to the top for stunning views of the Mississippi River. The Gateway Arch isn't just a pretty face - it's also incredibly fascinating. The Gateway Arch Museum tells the story of how the arch was built and its place in American history. The park also includes the Old Courthouse, where the infamous Dred Scott slavery case originated. Gateway Arch National Park is a must-see for anyone interested in American history or architecture.

Gateway Arch

Why Gateway Arch is a National Park (but shouldn't be)

Hidden behind the towering peaks and serene lowlands of Grand Teton National Park, lies a turbulent past.

Grand Teton National Park is a must-see for anyone visiting the western United States. The park encompasses the Teton mountain range, the Grand Teton peak, and the valley known as Jackson Hole. It’s a popular destination in summer for mountaineering, hiking, backcountry camping and fishing. The Grand Teton is the tallest mountain in the park, and offers incredible views of the surrounding area. There are over 200 miles of trails to explore in the park, and you can float down the Snake River in a canoe or kayak. The Grand Teton National Park is a serene and beautiful place, and is well worth a visit.