Monuments, parks, and historic homes that expound upon and explain vital chapters of our nation?s history Spring weather and summer?s approach are powerful reminders that road trip season is approaching. In other words, it?s fast becoming prime time for planning trips to see the nation?s national park system, a summertime staple which has become even more of a draw over the last few years. In 2016, during the centenary of the creation of the NPS, the system tallied 330 million recreational visits, a record-setting year that saw a 7.72 percent increase in visits from the previous year?s total.
While majestic landscapes will always be a huge draw, the NPS has increasingly broadened its scope over the last few years to encompass different aspects of the nation?s history. Monuments to the civil rights struggle and social movements have become a bigger part of the system?s offerings, especially during President Obama?s time in office, when he sought to ?build a more inclusive National Park System and ensure that our national parks, monuments and public lands are fully reflective of our nation?s diverse history and culture.? Here?s a map of some of the recently designated monuments and parks that help tell more of the country?s story.
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