46 Twenty-Five National Parks to Visit in Your Lifetime

Our country’s national parks are frequently referred to as “America’s Best Idea,” for good reason. There are 423 National Park Service sites that protect everything from natural wonders to historical sites to endangered animals. Every one of them has something unique and special to offer visitors, but on this episode, we showcase our favorite 25 national parks. If you’re not planning to visit every national park, these are the ones we think you should visit in your lifetime.

What are some of the parks that made our list?

  • The crown jewel of the North Atlantic coast
  • A park that contains 2,000 sandstone arches
  • A park that’s beloved for its fruit orchards and its mini pies to go 
  • The largest park in the lower 48; it’s also the hottest, driest and lowest park
  • A park where visitors walk amongst brown bears
  • A park where you can see the largest trees by volume in the world
  • The park that’s referred to as the Alps of America
  • A park that has multiple ecosystems
  • A park with the highest road and the highest Visitor Center in the U.S.

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45 Badlands National Park

The southwest corner of South Dakota has an incredible variety of National Park Service sites to explore, and one of our favorites is Badlands National Park. From its mixed-grass prairie to its jaw-dropping geologic rock formations, this is a must-see park. In this episode, we talk about ways to explore the area on foot, by driving along the scenic road and by stopping at the numerous overlooks. You’re likely to spot the resident wildlife: bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, and lots of prairie dogs welcoming you to the park. Plus, we offer suggestions on where to stay and how much time to allot for your visit.

Some of the topics we discuss in this episode:

  • Other amazing public lands to explore near Badlands NP
  • Why there’s a chance you could find a million-year-old fossil in the park
  • How Badlands got its name
  • When and how bison were returned to the park
  • How black-footed ferrets were saved from extinction
  • Our favorite hikes in the park
  • What it was like to stay in a cabin at Cedar Pass Lodge
  • Why Wall Drug is worth a visit
  • One perfect day in Badlands National Park

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