Explore the newest ways to experience, celebrate, and support national parks this summer — from award-winning photos to new National Mall exhibits and more!

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National Park Foundation, GoParks newsletter graphic image cover of two hikers sitting on a boulder and looking at the many smooth, boulders in front of them that form a small mountain at Joshua Tree National Park

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. 

Through Your Lens

A collection of the winning photographs from the Share the Experience photo contest

The 2025 Share the Experience photo contest received nearly 9,000 submissions from national parks and public lands across the United States. The contest highlights amateur photographers and their perspectives on scenic beauty, wildlife, history, and recreation. View the winning photos and read the stories behind them. The 2026 contest opens September 1—stay tuned for more details coming in August, and don’t forget to pack your camera this summer!

New Exhibits on the National Mall

The silhouette of a person standing by columns at the entrance of the Lincoln Memorial

In June, the National Mall celebrated the opening of two new exhibit spaces for visitors to the nation’s capital. The Jefferson Memorial now offers an enhanced exhibit for visitors to experience what the 3rd president envisioned for the American people; and the Lincoln Memorial’s Undercroft provides a new 15,000 space dedicated to the 16th president’s story and the history of the iconic site.

Save the Date for National Park Week

A collage of images with the words, National Park Week, displayed on top. The images are a person rock climbing, a child looking through binoculars, a bear waving, and a Service Corps member carrying a log on their shoulders.

National Park Week, August 22 – 30, is right around the corner, and entrance fees are waived for the National Park Service’s 110th birthday on August 25! Whether you’ve been visiting parks for years or just love the idea of these treasured places, national parks are meaningful to all of us. Join us in celebrating national parks and the community that makes experiencing them possible.

Support Your Parks

A woman jogs on a beach while people swim in the ocean along the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

Start planning your next national park experience.

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A scenic landscape of still waters, bare trees, and tall mountains, another location along the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

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Connecting Military Families Through Citizen Science

People carry nets and buckets as they walk through a stream, working to monitor cutthroat trout populations

After returning home from Afghanistan, Michael Cohn found healing and purpose through birdwatching in national parks. Today, he's helping military families and young people connect with parks through citizen science.

Celebrate America's Changemakers

A little girl poses as Rosie the Riveter, complete with a red, polka dot bandana, at Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park

Across the country, national parks honor the people and icons whose ideas, courage, or symbolism changed history. From George Washington Carver and Thomas Edison to Rosie the Riveter, discover the American icons whose legacies continue to inspire visitors of all ages.

Morning Magic in America's National Parks

Sunrise over the ocean and rocky mountain-top at Acadia National Park

There's no better way to start the day than watching the sun rise over a national park. From Acadia's iconic Cadillac Mountain to Haleakalā's volcanic landscapes, discover breathtaking sunrise destinations and the National Park Foundation projects helping these parks thrive.

Miles for Parks

A view out of an airplane window filled with puffy clouds and the plane’s wing

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, American Airlines and the National Park Foundation are helping connect people to the places that tell America's story. Throughout July, AAdvantage® members can donate miles to support vital national park preservation efforts and help ensure these treasured landscapes endure for future generations.

From Tavern Tales to Battlefields

A cannon on a hill at Saratoga National Historical Park, collaged with the portrait images of Jamie Kelley and Darley Newman and the words, Inside the Parks: A Revolutionary Road Trip

In case you missed it, our June 3 Inside the Parks: A Revolutionary Road Trip event featured award-winning travel expert Darley Newman, who shared stories from her upcoming book Revolutionary Road Trip. From historic taverns to hallowed battlefields, the conversation highlighted how national parks connect us to America’s past as we approach its 250th anniversary. Watch the recording here.

History Comes Alive on America at Night

An outside view of the historic National First Ladies Library & Museum; a house with a large, covered front porch, decorative dormers and many more Victorian features

Taking a historical focus for June, America at Night’s McGraw Milhaven spoke with leaders from the National First Ladies Library & Museum and Trust for the National Mall for its recurring national park segment. Listen to both episodes here. All caught up? New episodes airing live on July 28, August 11, and August 28 will be available to stream the next day.

NPF on the Newsstands

Bison walking around a log barn with the Grand Tetons standing tall in the distance

USA TODAY’s 2026 National Parks special edition is on newsstands! NPF is highlighted on page 6 in a story about the importance of giving back to these special places and the positive impact made possible by our donors and partners. Grab a copy in stores or read the online edition to learn about top parks, trip ideas, exciting projects, and more!

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:

  • At Acadia National Park, science, education, and stewardship come together to help protect the remarkable coastal landscape and inspire the next generation of conservation leaders. Learn more.
  • The Lincoln Memorial begins a new chapter—watch to uncover what lies beneath!
  • The Thomas Jefferson Memorial Museum has been transformed; discover what’s new.

This Month's Quiz

What NPS site commemorates the battle that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star-Spangled Banner?

Submit your answer

Congratulations to last month’s winner, Sara Beth Silverman, who knew that Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts has hosted performances by Ella Fitzgerald, Bob Dylan, the New York City Ballet, Harry Connick Jr., B.B. King, John Legend, and many more. Way to go!

A nighttime view of the illuminated stage and walkways at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

Two hikers sit on a boulder and look out at the many smooth, boulders in front of them that form a small mountain at Joshua Tree National Park

 

Wow! Where Is That?

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

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