Boy did Americans and other visitors make good use of US National Park Service sites in 2024 – enough to set a record.

More than 750 national park workers have been fired amid the Trump administration's purge of federal employees, per an unofficial tally shared with Axios by a park ranger. Why it matters: Our region is home to over 70 national parks that draw millions of visitors each year,

U.S. national parks reported a record 331.9 million visits in 2024, but a memo from the National Park Service says not to publicize the numbers.

Timed entry, long lines of cars at the gates and trails crowded with people angling for the best photos ops. Visitors aren’t likely to find any such hurdles at the least visited of the United States’ national parks.

There’s something truly marvelous about visiting a national park. It’s a connection to something much larger than ourselves, a reminder of the raw beauty and enduring history that has shaped our nation.