This month we’re celebrating the many trailblazing people who make our national parks possible, what’s hiding below the iconic Lincoln Memorial, a summer sweepstakes, and much more!

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National Park Foundation, GoParks newsletter graphic image cover of brown pelicans standing along the beach at Padre Island National Seashore

As a supporter of our national parks, we hope you enjoy this month’s edition of GoParks. The National Park Foundation’s work is made possible through the support of passionate park enthusiasts and will leave a lasting impact on the special places we all love. 

Trailblazers: Behind the Beautiful

Three illustrated portraits of historic park trailblazers

America lives in the images, and the memories we know by heart. Breathtaking landscapes, historic moments, and shared experiences. But behind every view, every story, and every protected place are people. They are the rangers, partners, grantees, visitors, donors, volunteers, and visionaries who help protect what matters most. As America marks 250 years, we’re celebrating the trailblazing people, past and present, who have made our national parks possible.

Adventure Awaits!

Four scenic national park images around the words, The Adventure Awaits, Sweepstakes, Runs June 1st - July 31st

Have you entered the Adventure Awaits Sweepstakes yet? All it takes is one entry to win an unforgettable trip to the park destination of your choice! Will it be one of yours? The grand prize includes 500,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® miles and $10,000 cash from Forbright® Bank. PLUS, one lucky runner up will win $1,000 and 100,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® miles! Don’t wait, ENTER TODAY!

Coming Soon: The Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Museum

The Lincoln Memorial illuminated at night in Washington, D.C.

A transformative new exhibit beneath the Lincoln Memorial is opening to the public on June 25, 2026, offering a new way to engage with one of the nation’s most iconic memorials. NPF has contributed $45.5 million to the project to date, including $38.7 million made possible by your donations. Read more about the 15,000‑square‑foot exhibit area and the stories it holds from CBS Sunday Morning.

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Two visitors overlooking a mountain landscape in a national park

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Desert landscape with saguaro cacti and mountains

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Enjoy Free Admission July 3-5

Family setting up a tent in a national park

Looking for a family-friendly way to celebrate America’s 250th birthday? From Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5, enjoy fee-free entry to all national parks in honor of Independence Day weekend. Explore all the 2026 fee-free days and start planning your next park adventure.

Making Park Connections

Aerial view of an airboat going through wetlands in the Everglades

NPF partner, T-Mobile teamed up with Dylan Efron for the first in a series of “Connection Sessions” that highlight meaningful experiences in national parks. During his visit to Everglades National Park, Dylan explored the unique landscape, ventured on a wet walk, and encountered the wildlife that makes the Everglades so special — all while staying connected, thanks to T-Mobile’s network. Watch the video to follow Dylan’s journey through one of America’s most unforgettable natural environments.

Brewing New Life into Bathhouse Row

Visitors outside Superior Bathhouse Brewery in Hot Springs National Park

What happens when a historic bathhouse becomes a brewery? At Hot Springs National Park, one entrepreneur’s vision, paired with major restoration funding, is helping breathe new life into the park.

Your Next Escape Could Be a National Park

White lighthouse on the rocky shore at sunset in Acadia National Park

Dreaming up your next getaway? From Acadia’s rugged coastline and Olympic’s forests to the history of Bandelier, discover national park destinations that turn any vacation into an unforgettable adventure. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a bucket-list journey, find inspiration for your next park experience.

And That’s What You Missed on America at Night

Gateway Arch illuminated at night spanning the skyline of St Louis, Missouri

America at Night kept its national parks segment rolling this May, featuring Gateway Arch Park Foundation and Smokies Life, a park partner for Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Both episodes exploring how parks shape the stories of local communities and the broader American narrative are now streaming. All caught up? New episodes air live on June 2, 16 and 30 and are available to stream the next day.

In Case You Missed It

A collage of screenshots of the linked social media posts on a woodgrain background

Follow us on social media for more national park gems like these:

  • Did you catch us at Outside Days Music Festival? Check out our recap!
  • Brandi Carlile and national parks, what could be better?
  • We received more than $1.6 million in support from Subaru of America, Inc. and its retailers. We’re grateful for Subaru and their support to give back to the places we all love.
  • Thanks to $8.1 million from the Great American Outdoors Act’s Legacy Restoration Fund, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park is improving roads, parking areas, and drainage systems across the park.

This Month's Quiz

Which national park has hosted performances by artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Bob Dylan, the New York City Ballet, Harry Connick Jr., B.B. King, and John Legend?

Submit your answer

Congratulations to last month’s winner, Patricia Anderson, who knew that Pullman National Historical Park tells the story of one of the first planned industrial communities in the United States. Way to go!

Historic clock tower framed by two flag poles at Pullman National Historical Park

Brown pelicans along the shoreline at Padre Island National Seashore

 

Wow! Where Is That?

Curious which park is featured at the top of this newsletter? Find out now!

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