The Best National Parks Books to Inform & Inspire
From Acadia to Dry Tortugas and from Hawaii Volcanoes to Gates of the Arctic in Alaska, U.S. National Parks provide some of the most popular travel destinations year after year. And while you may not be able to visit every park as often as you’d like, you can enjoy the beauty of these parks through some wonderful books. These are the very best national parks books.
The best books on American national parks will inspire you as well as inform you about their history, features, and available activities. There are even some great books about national parks written specifically for children.
So take a look. You’re sure to find something you just can’t live without. They also make great national park gift options.
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Coffee table books
The National Parks: America’s Best Idea
Have you seen the Ken Burns documentary about National Parks? First of all, if you haven’t done that and you’re a National Parks lover, then you need to see it for sure. You’ll be an expert in national park history.
But there’s also a book. It will make you appreciate the people like John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt who believed strongly that there are places that need to be preserved for future generations to enjoy.
National Parks are important places, and if you’re a fan, you’ll also love learning about how they came to be National Parks.
- The companion volume to the twelve-hour PBS series from the acclaimed filmmaker behind The Civil War, Baseball, and The War
- America’s national parks spring from an idea as radical as the Declaration of Independence: that the nation’s most magnificent and sacred places should be preserved, not for royalty or the rich, but for everyone
- In this evocative and lavishly illustrated narrative, Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan delve into the history of the park idea, from the first sighting by white men in 1851 of the valley that would become Yosemite and the creation of the world’s first national park at Yellowstone in 1872, through the most recentadditions to a system that now encompasses nearly four hundred sites and 84 million acres
The National Parks of the United States: A Photographic Journey
This book was published near the centennial of the National Park Service (in 2016), so it doesn’t include all 63 National Parks, but the photos in there are just beautiful.
The book also includes details about each park featured, quotes from park rangers and famous personalities such as Mark Twain, and a map overview of each park in the book.
The author, Andrew Thomas, is the winner of the 2011 Burrard-Lucas International Photography Contest.
- First published to coincide with the centennial of the National Parks Service, this unique collection by a single photographer has been updated in this second edition to include information on all sixty-three US National Parks
- In 2007, award-winning landscape photographer Andrew Thomas began a quest to travel to and photograph all parks of the US National Park Service
- His photographs are collected in this stunning tribute to some of the most spectacular and diverse scenery in the world
National Geographic The National Parks: An Illustrated History
You can’t go wrong with National Geographic books for any travel lover in your life, but especially for National Park lovers.
This book celebrates the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the U.S. National Park Service and includes NPS sites such as Gettysburg and the Statue of Liberty… not just National Parks. The author is a former U.S. National Park Service ranger.
- An inspired tribute to the astonishing beauty and priceless cultural treasures of America’s National Parks, this volume is a lavish celebration of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service
- Showcasing the very best of National Geographic’s photographs, combined with an expertly told history: from the multi-hued layers of the Grand Canyon to the verdigris flame of the Statue of Liberty, this book presents a breathtaking panorama of the National Parks
- With the stories behind the first female park ranger, a decidedly amateur scuba expedition that unearthed a submerged Civil War treasure trove, and so much more, Heacox takes readers on a VIP tour of America’s rich natural and cultural heritage
Books featuring artwork
The Art of the National Parks
Be prepared to get bowled over by the beautiful artwork in this book.
And it’s not just a great book for art lovers, it also includes helpful information about the featured parks including top sites in the parks, the flora and fauna you’ll find there, plus tips for visiting.
- Explore the majesty of the National Parks through the eyes of contemporary artists
- ART OF THE NATIONAL PARKS is a beautiful art book that displays the unique beauty of each U
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Subpar Parks: America’s Most Extraordinary National Parks and Their Least Impressed Visitors
I dare you to read this without laughing out loud. It’s a favorite book among national park lovers because it is just so funny.
Artist Amber Share created National Parks posters featuring quotes from those who weren’t as impressed with the parks they visited as some others were. In fact, some people post 1-star reviews of parks like Glacier, Yellowstone, and Acadia.
Mind-boggling, I know, but it’s apparently true. And they’re hilarious. Take, for example, the person who visited Yellowstone and then took the time to write online: “Save yourself some money, boil some water at home.”
This book is perfect for National Park lovers with a good sense of humor.
- A New York Times Bestseller!** Based on the wildly popular Instagram account, Subpar Parks features both the greatest hits and brand-new content, all celebrating the incredible beauty and variety of America’s national parks juxtaposed with the clueless and hilarious one-star reviews posted by visitors
- Subpar Parks, both on the popular Instagram page and in this humorous, informative, and collectible book, combines two things that seem like they might not work together yet somehow harmonize perfectly: beautiful illustrations and informative, amusing text celebrating each national park paired with the one-star reviews disappointed tourists have left online
- Millions of visitors each year enjoy Glacier National Park, but for one visitor, it was simply “Too cold for me!” Another saw the mind-boggling vistas of Bryce Canyon as “Too spiky!” Never mind the person who visited the thermal pools at Yellowstone National Park and left thinking, “Save yourself some money, boil some water at home
Informative guides
Fodor’s The Complete Guide to the National Parks of the USA
Fodor’s is one of the most trusted names in travel guidebooks. Their Complete Guide to the National Parks of the USA includes essential information about all 63 U.S. National Parks.
It includes over 70 maps, itinerary options, and recommendations from locals about sites, restaurants, hotels, and more. You’ll also find cultural and historical insights as well as beautiful photos to keep you inspired as you plan your trip.
- Whether you want to hike through the jaw-dropping scenery of Acadia, see rare wildlife and natural wonders in Yellowstone, or go river-rafting in the Grand Canyon, the local Fodor’s travel experts in all the National Parks are here to help! Fodor’s Complete Guide to the National Parks of the USA is packed with maps, carefully curated recommendations, and everything else you need to simplify your trip-planning process and make the most of your time
- This brand new title has been designed with an easy-to-read layout, fresh information, and beautiful color photos
- Fodor’s Complete Guide to the National Parks of the USA travel guide includes:AN ILLUSTRATED ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES GUIDE to the top things to see and doMULTIPLE ITINERARIES to effectively organize your days and maximize your timeMORE THAN 70 DETAILED MAPS to help you navigate confidentlyCOLOR PHOTOS throughout to spark your wanderlust!HONEST RECOMMENDATIONS FROM LOCALS on the best sights, restaurants, hotels, activities, and morePHOTO-FILLED “BEST OF” FEATURES on “Ultimate Experiences,” “Best Campgrounds,” “Best Lodges,” and moreTRIP-PLANNING TOOLS AND PRACTICAL TIPS including when to go, getting around, beating the crowds, and saving time and moneyHISTORICAL AND CULTURAL INSIGHTS providing rich context on the local people, art, architecture, geography and moreSPECIAL FEATURES on “Exploring the Colorado River,” “What to Watch and Read Before You Visit,” and “Yellowstone’s Geothermal Wonders” LOCAL WRITERS to help you find the under-the-radar gemsUP-TO-DATE COVERAGE ON: Acadia National Park, Arches National Park, Badlands National Park, Big Bend National Park, Biscayne National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Channel Islands National Park, Congaree National Park, Crater Lake National Park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Death Valley National Park, Denali National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, Everglades National Park, Gates of the Arctic & Kobuk Valley National Park, Gateway Arch National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, Glacier & Waterton Lakes National Parks, Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Great Basin National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Haleakala National Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hot Springs National Park, Indiana Dunes National Park, Isle Royale National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Katmai National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Lake Clark National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Mammoth Cave National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, National Park of American Samoa, New River Gorge Park and Preserve, North Cascades National Park, Olympic National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, Pinnacles National Park, Redwood National and State Parks, Rocky Mountain National Park, Saguaro National Park, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Shenandoah National Parks, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Virgin Islands National Parks, Voyageurs National Parks, White Sands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Wrangell-St
Rand McNally Road Atlas & National Park Guide
If you like a good paper map and you love traveling the National Parks, you’ll probably want to get your hands on a copy of the Rand McNally National Park Road Atlas and Travel Guide.
This spiral-bound book includes a guide to the best of the best of the parks, plus detailed road maps of cities and the parks and a driving times map (helpful!).
Think of it as the companion book to your amazing road trip.
- Showcasing this country’s astonishing beauty, the Rand McNally Road Atlas & National Park Guide is packed with hundreds of photos, essential visitor information, and insightful travel tips for all 63 of America’s national parks
- Includes a complete 2025 Rand McNally Road Atlas to make navigating a breeze! Features Include: • A four-color, 132-page National Park Guide details the best of the best in each park—from trails, drives, and natural wonders to programs, museums, and lodges
- • Hundreds of photos capture the essence of each park
National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States
It’s National Geographic so you know it’s going to be good. This guide features hundreds of stunning photos, full-color maps, expert helpful tips on wildlife spotting in the parks, and much, much more of course.
It’s a substantial book at over 520 pages, and this is the 9th edition, which does not yet include the most recent U.S. National Park, New River Gorge in West Virginia.
- There’s simply no better getaway in the United States than a visit to one of the country’s 62 national parks from Alaska to the Virgin Islands, from Maine to America Samoa
- Profiled in this all-new 9th edition of National Geographic’s enduring and informative guide, you’ll find expert travel advice, candid tips for hiking and wildlife spotting, and detailed maps to help navigate your way through America’s great outdoors
- Updated throughout with the latest information from park rangers and National Geographic’s own acclaimed travel writers, this fully revised and comprehensive guidebook includes the newest additions to the United States park system―Indiana Dunes, White Sands, and Gateway Arch national parks
USA National Parks: Lands of Wonder
DK Eyewitness brings you USA National Parks: Lands of Wonder. If you know DK Eyewitness travel books, you know that they’re generally a really nice blend of informative and inspiring, with LOTS of great photos.
Each park profile in this book includes details about the park, what to do there, maps, photos when to go, and more.
- Breathtaking and awe-inspiring, the USA National Parks never fail to amaze
- Distinguished by rust-red canyons, snow-capped peaks and silent forests, they’re yours to roam
- Immerse yourself and your family in these ancient lands, explore their heritage and find out what makes them unique
Walks of a Lifetime in America’s National Parks: Extraordinary Hikes in Exceptional Places
Hikers, take note! Walks of a Lifetime in America’s National Parks was a 2020 Foreword Indie Book of the Year Winner and features the best hikes in the Parks. Their insights will lead readers to “quintessential scenic vistas, celebrated rivers and lakes, majestic waterfalls, outstanding wildlife viewing areas, significant historic and prehistoric sites” and more.
The authors are Hiking Ambassadors for the American Hiking Society.
- 2020 Foreword Indie Book of the Year Winner – Nature Walks of a Lifetime in America’s National Parks: Extraordinary Hikes in Exceptional PlacesWalk the national parks and find out for yourself why they’re “America’s best idea” and why walking is the richest way to experience and appreciate these iconic places
- There can be no better guides than Bob and Martha Manning, longtime Hiking Ambassadors for the American Hiking Society and life-long stalwarts of the National Park System
- In this book, the Mannings introduce and describe all the national parks and offer first-hand descriptions of the very best trails that lead walkers to quintessential scenic vistas, celebrated rivers and lakes, majestic waterfalls, outstanding wildlife viewing areas, significant historic and prehistoric sites, and much more
100 Parks 5000 ideas
National Geographic’s 100 Parks 5000 Ideas is highly rated for a reason. It’s filled with beautiful National Geographic photos, plus all the information you need to plan a trip that centers around or includes a park visit. Consider it a sequel to the bestselling 50 States 5000 Ideas.
The book features not just National Parks but also the best of state and city parks throughout North America.
- Filled with helpful travel tips and beautiful National Geographic photography, this expert guide showcases the best experiences in the top national, state, and city parks throughout North America
- In the sequel to the best-selling 50 States, 5,000 ideas, National Geographic turns to the United States’ and Canada’s most pristine–and adventure-filled–national, state, and city parks with 5,000 ideas for the ultimate vacation
- Showcasing the best experiences, both obvious and unexpected, each entry in this robust guide provides an overview of the park, detailed travel advice, fascinating facts, insider knowledge about wildlife, and expert tips for hiking, biking, camping, and exploring
National Geographic Secrets of the National Parks, 2nd Edition: The Experts’ Guide to the Best Experiences Beyond the Tourist Trail
Think of this book as your guide to the best-hidden gems of America’s National Parks. It includes “secret tips” like where to find the Clingman’s Dome bypass trail (who knew??) at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
It includes expert tips from park rangers, park managers, and even locals to help you have the best National Parks trip that you possibly can. If you’re interested in avoiding the biggest tourist crowds at the most popular parks, think about checking this book out.
- Discover a side of America’s national parks that you’ve never seen before with more than 500 tips and tricks for getting away from the crowds, exploring little-known hikes, and finding coveted secret spots–along with cool insider tips that will yield a one-of-a-kind vacation experience
- The iconic landmarks in America’s national parks draw hundreds of millions of visitors every year, from Yosemite’s famous Half Dome to Yellowstone’s Old Faithful
- But beyond these well-known wonders lies a world of hidden treasures–if you know where to look
Books for kids
National Geographic Junior Ranger Activity Book
Especially for young National Parks explorers ages 8 – 12, this activity book is full of puzzles, games, and facts. It’s designed to keep young travelers entertained while they explore.
This is one of the most popular children’s books about US national parks.
- Calling all explorers and nature-lovers! From Acadia to Zion, discover all 59 of the United States’ amazing National Parks in this jam-packed book of games, trivia, jokes, fun facts, and so much more, all inspired by the National Parks outdoor-based Junior Ranger Program
- Great for generating pre-trip excitement, long car rides, poking around historical sites, or general learning, these fun and sometimes silly activities will entertain while they draw kids into the majestic and historic importance of America’s national parks
- Check out the most amazing park habitats, plus awesome sights and animals you might see, from birds to bears
National Parks of the USA
This beautiful book is aimed at readers ages 6 through 9 and features 21 National Parks including Acadia, Biscayne, Bryce Canyon, Death Valley, Denali, Everglades, Glacier, Glacier Bay, Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, Olympic, Yellowstone, and Yosemite.
This book was a 2019 Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students: K–12 (National Science Teachers Association and the Children’s Book Council).
- “…a surefire way to get your kiddos excited for the journey ahead
- ” —The Everymom Take a tour of America’s great outdoors and discover the beauty and diversity of its most iconic and majestic national parks
- *A 2019 Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students: K–12 (National Science Teachers Association and the Children’s Book Council)* Packed with maps and fascinating facts about the flora and fauna unique to each of the 21 parks portrayed, this lushly illustrated coast-to-coast journey documents in large format the nation’s most magnificent and sacred places—and shows why they should be preserved for future generations to enjoy
National Parks of the USA: Activity Book
Designed for children ages 7–10, this activity book is a companion to National Parks of the USA (above). It’s full of activities, stickers, puzzles, and interesting facts. It’s perfect for passing the time on a long trip!
- The perfect companion to the best-selling reference National Parks of the USA, this lushly illustrated activity book is packed with wildlife and nature facts, park trivia, spotters guides, and a kaleidoscope of activities including coloring, puzzles, quizzes, and more
- Get ready for a journey like no other! Follow the park animals as you find your way through a seemingly never-ending maze, spot the difference between some amazing creepy crawlies, complete a ferocious crossword full of hungry predators, find your feathered park friends in a bird word search, design your very own national park, and so much more! Use the spotters guide for each park to see if you can find grunting northern elephant seals, fluttering hummingbirds, bounding snowshoe hares, and lots of other wonderful creatures
- The parks include: Acadia, Big Bend, Channel Islands, Death Valley, Denali, Everglades, Glacier Bay, Grand Canyon, Hawai’i volcanoes, Mesa Verde, Olympic, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and so many more
The bottom line
If you can’t travel to a National Park, then reading about them and looking at beautiful photos of them has to be the next best thing. With a beautiful book about American national parks, you can visit your favorites over and over again from your very own home.
More articles about national parks
- The best national parks on the East Coast
- Gifts for national parks lovers (for any budget)
- The best national parks in Utah
- Complete list of all 63 U.S. National Parks
- Oops! Avoid these National Park travel mistakes
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