New or an old hat to travel nursing, or travelling in general, there are National Parks all throughout the continental United States that are both well known and not known by many. This list is in no set order of favorite National Park, nor is it a complete list of parks to visit. If you would like to see a complete list of National Parks, please visit https://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm
There are 63 National Parks in the United States, and we will by no means be going through all of them but a select few in various states that you can visit during or even between your assignments.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is one of the most famous of all our National Parks, even throughout the world. Located mostly in Wyoming, 3% of the park is also in Montana, and 1% is situated in Idaho and has many different entrances and visitors centers to greet the travelers. It has been featured in all sorts of media and is a favored destination for millions of people worldwide. There are 2.2 million acres of land to explore, with sweeping views of mountains, rivers, geysers and many indigenous species of animals to observe. Yellowstone became the world’s first national park in the United States on March 1, 1872 and has been serving people world-wild since. Yellowstone offers camping, fishing, hiking, and even offers lodging for those who do not wish to camp. Be certain to check out their website at https://nps.gov/yell/index.htm before planning your trip, as the campgrounds and lodging do require reservations ahead of time and while the park is open year-round, some facilities are limited access between early November and late April.
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is another one of our most famous National Parks, located entirely in Northern Arizona, this park encompasses 278 miles of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. The park is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world, the mile deep canyon is unmatched with the vistas that it offers its many millions of visitors throughout the year. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 present day Tribal Communities there is no other national park quite like this one! Grand Canyon offers lodging, camping, shuttle buses to and from the North and South Rim views from the Visitor Center, walking, hiking and even mule trips that travel along the canyon rim! Please be sure to check out their website at https://nps.gov/grca/index.htm to plan your trip ahead of time, while the South Rim is open year-round, North Rim is only open seasonally from May 15th to October 15th.
Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale may not be as famous as the first two National Parks on this list, but it is another stunningly beautiful park that is isolated and rugged, far from the connected communities in Michigan’s northern peninsula and is Michigan’s only national park. Located entirely within Lake Superior there is adventures abound upon Isle Royale from backpacking, hiking, boating, paddling and diving. Will you cross Lake Superior and find peace upon this island wilderness? Isle Royale is approximately 50 miles long and 9 miles wide, but that is just the main island! The national park itself is comprised of over 400 islands in an archipelago that you can explore through various means. The park is open annually from April 16th to October 31st, with ferry and seaplane service running from mid-May through the end of September. Please be sure to check https://nps.gov/isro/index.htm for valuable information for your trip.
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is only 75 miles from the hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C. and is bursting with waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers and quite woodland hollows. With over 200,000 acres of protected lands that are haven to many indigenous species of wildlife, this park located Virginia has many things to explore and enjoy throughout the year. If you enjoy hiking mountain trails, you can hike to the summit of Old Rag here or travel along over 500 miles of trails throughout this national park. If you are looking to spend only a day or two on a visit, this park is a wonderful place to get back to nature while still being near to a large metropolis. Shenandoah offers more than just hiking, with campgrounds, lodging and picnic grounds located throughout the park. Please be sure to check https://nps.gov/shen/index.htm to plan your trip ahead of time, as not all campgrounds are first come first serve and fill quickly throughout the year.
Badlands National Park
The Badlands is a famous park that has been used as a background for movies who need a location that looks like an alien planet, and with its rugged beauty and unique expanse of a mixed-grass prairie it has drawn many visitors from all over the world. The national park is roughly 244,000 acres of protected lands that are home to bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets that you can see all on a single day trip. Experienced hikers can explore the social trails and stay in the backcountry for a night to see the stars. Tired of walking from long hours at your assignment? Drive the Badlands Loop Road and look for wildlife instead of hiking! You can visit the visitor centers and even see the Fossil Preparation Lab in action to engage with paleontologists preserving the fossils that have been found in the park. Please visit https://www.nps.gov/badl/planyourvisit/things2do.htmto plan your trip ahead of time, Badlands is open year-round, but some activities are not offered year-round.
Biscayne National Park
Located only 25 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, Biscayne National Park is a haven for those who want a vacation in a water wonderland. This national park protects a rare combination of beautiful aquamarine water, emerald islands and lovely coral reefs. There is also evidence of 10,000 years of human history here too, from prehistoric tribes, pineapple farmers, presidents and shipwrecks. Enjoy a peaceful warm breeze and scenery or go boating, fishing or diving in the warm waters which compromise 95% of this national park. Go to a clinic for paddling, take a bus tour, hike through the park, see an exhibition or attend a festival if you want to spend time away from the water. Open year round with various special activities based on the season, be sure to check out the calendar offered on https://nps.gov/bisc/planyourvisit/calendar.htm to see what activities and events are offered at the time of your trip.
With 63 national parks and many more historical sites, historical parks and shorelines to explore this list includes a small variety of activities that you can partake in as a travel nurse or travelling in general. From the stunning vistas of Yellowstone to the blue waters and coral reefs of Biscayne, there is sure to be a park that you will want to explore. Check out https://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm to look for a national park near you! Looking to become a travel nurse to enjoy this perk, then contact ((insert contact info here!)) today!
