Did You Know?

Did you know that the United States was the first country in the world to establish a national park? Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, was the first national park in the United States and the world. It is renowned for its geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser.

Did you know that the largest national park in the United States is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska? Covering an area of approximately 13.2 million acres, it is larger than the country of Switzerland. The park features stunning mountains, glaciers, and diverse wildlife.

Did you know that the most visited national park in the United States is Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, the park attracts millions of visitors each year. It is known for its lush forests, scenic drives, and abundant wildlife.

Did you know that the national park system in the United States encompasses a diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems? From the towering cliffs of Yosemite National Park to the pristine beaches of Virgin Islands National Park, the national park system protects a wide variety of natural wonders, historical sites, and cultural treasures.

Did you know that the Grand Canyon is not only a natural wonder but also a national park? Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona offers breathtaking views of the iconic, massive canyon formed by the Colorado River. It is one of the most famous and visited national parks in the United States.

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Everglades National Park

Southeast Florida visitors expect to see manatees, American crocodiles and alligators, and even the Florida panther (no, not a sports team) moving about in Everglades National Park, but Burmese pythons? Surely not. And yet, the snake is, although non-native and invasive, now living and breeding there in what is estimated to be tens of thousands in population numbers in the park. There is certainly plenty of food for them to eat...

Comprised of freshwater wetlands and saline coastal fringe waters, Everglades is a mixture of a fishing paradise, “gator” cafeteria and biosphere research centre, with varied boating options. The park is probably best explored with professional guides if you are planning your first visit. And you should go in dry season; waters can be too high for comfort during the wet season (mostly summer).

This is one of the USA’s most unusual national parks, not so much a rugged natural expanse as a concentrated wetland worthy of extensive study. There are few such areas like it in the world, possibly with the exception of the Nile River delta. Florida is better known for its beaches and glittering Miami, retirement living and hurricanes, but Everglades National Park is a lesson in evolution and immediate adaptation. Just ask the pythons when they’re heading back to Burma... They are, for the record, docile when not hunting for food.