Understanding the Differences: National Parks, National Monuments, and State Parks
National Parks
National Parks are protected areas established by the federal government to preserve the natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage of specific regions. These parks often offer a wide range of recreational activities like hiking, camping, and sightseeing. Examples include Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon National Park.
National Monuments
National Monuments are also federally protected areas but are usually smaller than National Parks. They are designated to protect specific natural, cultural, or historic features. National Monuments can be created by presidential proclamation, whereas National Parks require an act of Congress. Examples include the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Devils Tower National Monument.
State Parks
State Parks are managed by state governments and offer recreational opportunities and natural preservation at the state level. They vary greatly in size and can include areas of historic significance, natural beauty, and outdoor recreation. Examples include Niagara Falls State Park in New York and Custer State Park in South Dakota.
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Alabama
Alabama offers a variety of natural landscapes, from the Appalachian foothills to the Gulf Coast. Its parks and monuments provide scenic beauty and outdoor adventures, perfect for day trips and road trips from cities like Birmingham and Mobile.
National Parks in Alabama
- Little River Canyon National Preserve
National Monuments in Alabama
- Total National Monuments in Alabama: 1
State Parks in Alabama
- Total State Parks in Alabama: 21
- Most Popular State Park: Gulf State Park
- Most Unique State Park: DeSoto State Park
Alaska
Alaska is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks and monuments, offering unparalleled opportunities for road trips and nature excursions. Cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks serve as gateways to these natural wonders.
National Parks in Alaska
- Denali National Park
- Gates of the Arctic National Park
- Glacier Bay National Park
- Katmai National Park
- Kenai Fjords National Park
- Kobuk Valley National Park
- Lake Clark National Park
- Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
National Monuments in Alaska
- Total National Monuments in Alaska: 3
State Parks in Alaska
- Total State Parks in Alaska: 156
- Most Popular State Park: Chugach State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Kachemak Bay State Park
Arizona
Arizona’s diverse landscapes range from the Grand Canyon to the Sonoran Desert, making it a top destination for road trips and day trips from cities like Phoenix and Tucson.
National Parks in Arizona
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Saguaro National Park
National Monuments in Arizona
- Total National Monuments in Arizona: 18
State Parks in Arizona
- Total State Parks in Arizona: 31
- Most Popular State Park: Slide Rock State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Kartchner Caverns State Park
Arkansas
Arkansas, known as the Natural State, offers scenic beauty and outdoor adventures in its parks and monuments, perfect for day trips and road trips from cities like Little Rock and Fayetteville.
National Parks in Arkansas
- Hot Springs National Park
National Monuments in Arkansas
- Total National Monuments in Arkansas: 2
State Parks in Arkansas
- Total State Parks in Arkansas: 52
- Most Popular State Park: Devil’s Den State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Crater of Diamonds State Park
California
California’s vast and diverse landscapes include everything from rugged coastlines to majestic mountains, making it ideal for road trips and day trips from cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego.
National Parks in California
- Channel Islands National Park
- Death Valley National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Kings Canyon National Park
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Pinnacles National Park
- Redwood National Park
- Sequoia National Park
- Yosemite National Park
National Monuments in California
- Total National Monuments in California: 18
State Parks in California
- Total State Parks in California: 280
- Most Popular State Park: Mount Tamalpais State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Colorado
Colorado’s stunning landscapes include the Rocky Mountains and vast plains, making it perfect for road trips and day trips from cities like Denver and Colorado Springs.
National Parks in Colorado
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
National Monuments in Colorado
- Total National Monuments in Colorado: 9
State Parks in Colorado
- Total State Parks in Colorado: 42
- Most Popular State Park: Cherry Creek State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Connecticut
Connecticut offers charming coastal towns and picturesque landscapes, perfect for day trips and road trips from cities like Hartford and New Haven.
National Parks in Connecticut
There are no national parks in Connecticut.
National Monuments in Connecticut
- Total National Monuments in Connecticut: 1
State Parks in Connecticut
- Total State Parks in Connecticut: 139
- Most Popular State Park: Hammonasset Beach State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Gillette Castle State Park
Delaware
Delaware, though small, offers beautiful beaches and historic sites, ideal for road trips and day trips from cities like Wilmington and Dover.
National Parks in Delaware
There are no national parks in Delaware.
National Monuments in Delaware
- Total National Monuments in Delaware: 1
State Parks in Delaware
- Total State Parks in Delaware: 17
- Most Popular State Park: Cape Henlopen State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Trap Pond State Park
Florida
Florida’s diverse ecosystems range from tropical beaches to swamps, making it a top destination for road trips and day trips from cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa.
National Parks in Florida
- Biscayne National Park
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Everglades National Park
National Monuments in Florida
- Total National Monuments in Florida: 3
State Parks in Florida
- Total State Parks in Florida: 175
- Most Popular State Park: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Bahia Honda State Park
Georgia
Georgia offers a variety of landscapes from mountains to coastal plains, perfect for road trips and day trips from cities like Atlanta and Savannah.
National Parks in Georgia
- Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
- Cumberland Island National Seashore
National Monuments in Georgia
- Total National Monuments in Georgia: 3
State Parks in Georgia
- Total State Parks in Georgia: 48
- Most Popular State Park: Stone Mountain Park
- Most Unique State Park: Providence Canyon State Park
Hawaii
Hawaii’s islands offer lush landscapes and volcanic wonders, making it ideal for road trips and day trips from cities like Honolulu and Hilo.
National Parks in Hawaii
- Haleakalā National Park
- Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
National Monuments in Hawaii
- Total National Monuments in Hawaii: 3
State Parks in Hawaii
- Total State Parks in Hawaii: 50
- Most Popular State Park: Waimea Canyon State Park
- Most Unique State Park: ʻĪao Valley State Park
Idaho
Idaho’s rugged landscapes and scenic beauty make it perfect for road trips and day trips from cities like Boise and Idaho Falls.
National Parks in Idaho
- Yellowstone National Park (partly in Idaho)
National Monuments in Idaho
- Total National Monuments in Idaho: 1
State Parks in Idaho
- Total State Parks in Idaho: 27
- Most Popular State Park: Bruneau Dunes State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Harriman State Park
Illinois
Illinois offers a mix of urban and natural attractions, ideal for day trips and road trips from cities like Chicago and Springfield.
National Parks in Illinois
There are no national parks in Illinois.
National Monuments in Illinois
- Total National Monuments in Illinois: 1
State Parks in Illinois
- Total State Parks in Illinois: 141
- Most Popular State Park: Starved Rock State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Matthiessen State Park
Indiana
Indiana’s diverse landscapes and historic sites make it perfect for road trips and day trips from cities like Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.
National Parks in Indiana
- Indiana Dunes National Park
National Monuments in Indiana
- Total National Monuments in Indiana: 1
State Parks in Indiana
- Total State Parks in Indiana: 24
- Most Popular State Park: Brown County State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Turkey Run State Park
Iowa
Iowa’s rolling plains and river valleys are ideal for road trips and day trips from cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.
National Parks in Iowa
There are no national parks in Iowa.
National Monuments in Iowa
- Total National Monuments in Iowa: 1
State Parks in Iowa
- Total State Parks in Iowa: 55
- Most Popular State Park: Ledges State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Maquoketa Caves State Park
Kansas
Kansas offers wide-open spaces and historic sites, perfect for road trips and day trips from cities like Wichita and Topeka.
National Parks in Kansas
There are no national parks in Kansas.
National Monuments in Kansas
- Total National Monuments in Kansas: 1
State Parks in Kansas
- Total State Parks in Kansas: 28
- Most Popular State Park: Lake Scott State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Mushroom Rock State Park
Kentucky
Kentucky’s rolling hills and diverse natural beauty make it ideal for road trips and day trips from cities like Louisville and Lexington.
National Parks in Kentucky
- Mammoth Cave National Park
National Monuments in Kentucky
- Total National Monuments in Kentucky: 1
State Parks in Kentucky
- Total State Parks in Kentucky: 45
- Most Popular State Park: Cumberland Falls State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Natural Bridge State Park
Louisiana
Louisiana’s unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty makes it perfect for road trips and day trips from cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
National Parks in Louisiana
- Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
National Monuments in Louisiana
- Total National Monuments in Louisiana: 1
State Parks in Louisiana
- Total State Parks in Louisiana: 21
- Most Popular State Park: Fontainebleau State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Lake Fausse Pointe State Park
Maine
Maine offers rugged coastlines and scenic forests, ideal for road trips and day trips from cities like Portland and Bangor.
National Parks in Maine
- Acadia National Park
National Monuments in Maine
- Total National Monuments in Maine: 1
State Parks in Maine
- Total State Parks in Maine: 48
- Most Popular State Park: Baxter State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Cobscook Bay State Park
Maryland
Maryland’s diverse landscapes and rich history make it perfect for road trips and day trips from cities like Baltimore and Annapolis.
National Parks in Maryland
- Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
National Monuments in Maryland
- Total National Monuments in Maryland: 4
State Parks in Maryland
- Total State Parks in Maryland: 53
- Most Popular State Park: Sandy Point State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Assateague State Park
Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers a mix of historic sites and natural beauty, ideal for road trips and day trips from cities like Boston and Worcester.
National Parks in Massachusetts
- Cape Cod National Seashore
National Monuments in Massachusetts
- Total National Monuments in Massachusetts: 2
State Parks in Massachusetts
- Total State Parks in Massachusetts: 150
- Most Popular State Park: Nickerson State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Mount Greylock State Reservation
Michigan
Michigan’s Great Lakes and diverse landscapes make it perfect for road trips and day trips from cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids.
National Parks in Michigan
- Isle Royale National Park
National Monuments in Michigan
- Total National Monuments in Michigan: 1
State Parks in Michigan
- Total State Parks in Michigan: 103
- Most Popular State Park: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- Most Unique State Park: Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Minnesota
Minnesota’s lakes and forests offer abundant opportunities for road trips and day trips from cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul.
National Parks in Minnesota
- Voyageurs National Park
National Monuments in Minnesota
- Total National Monuments in Minnesota: 2
State Parks in Minnesota
- Total State Parks in Minnesota: 66
- Most Popular State Park: Itasca State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Blue Mounds State Park
Mississippi
Mississippi’s scenic rivers and historic sites make it ideal for road trips and day trips from cities like Jackson and Biloxi.
National Parks in Mississippi
- Natchez Trace Parkway
National Monuments in Mississippi
- Total National Monuments in Mississippi: 2
State Parks in Mississippi
- Total State Parks in Mississippi: 25
- Most Popular State Park: Tishomingo State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Clark Creek Natural Area
Missouri
Missouri’s diverse landscapes and historic landmarks make it perfect for road trips and day trips from cities like St. Louis and Kansas City.
National Parks in Missouri
- Gateway Arch National Park
National Monuments in Missouri
- Total National Monuments in Missouri: 1
State Parks in Missouri
- Total State Parks in Missouri: 91
- Most Popular State Park: Lake of the Ozarks State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Montana
Montana’s vast wilderness areas and stunning national parks make it ideal for road trips and day trips from cities like Billings and Missoula.
National Parks in Montana
- Glacier National Park
- Yellowstone National Park (partly in Montana)
National Monuments in Montana
- Total National Monuments in Montana: 2
State Parks in Montana
- Total State Parks in Montana: 55
- Most Popular State Park: Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Makoshika State Park
Nebraska
Nebraska’s wide-open plains and historic trails offer great opportunities for road trips and day trips from cities like Omaha and Lincoln.
National Parks in Nebraska
- Scotts Bluff National Monument
National Monuments in Nebraska
- Total National Monuments in Nebraska: 2
State Parks in Nebraska
- Total State Parks in Nebraska: 8
- Most Popular State Park: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Smith Falls State Park
Nevada
Nevada’s diverse desert landscapes and unique attractions make it perfect for road trips and day trips from cities like Las Vegas and Reno.
National Parks in Nevada
- Great Basin National Park
National Monuments in Nevada
- Total National Monuments in Nevada: 2
State Parks in Nevada
- Total State Parks in Nevada: 27
- Most Popular State Park: Valley of Fire State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Cathedral Gorge State Park
New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s scenic mountains and lakes offer abundant opportunities for road trips and day trips from cities like Manchester and Concord.
National Parks in New Hampshire
There are no national parks in New Hampshire.
National Monuments in New Hampshire
- Total National Monuments in New Hampshire: 1
State Parks in New Hampshire
- Total State Parks in New Hampshire: 93
- Most Popular State Park: Franconia Notch State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Crawford Notch State Park
New Jersey
New Jersey offers diverse attractions from beaches to mountains, perfect for road trips and day trips from cities like Newark and Trenton.
National Parks in New Jersey
- Gateway National Recreation Area (partly in New York)
National Monuments in New Jersey
- Total National Monuments in New Jersey: 2
State Parks in New Jersey
- Total State Parks in New Jersey: 39
- Most Popular State Park: Liberty State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Island Beach State Park
New Mexico
New Mexico’s unique blend of desert landscapes and cultural heritage make it ideal for road trips and day trips from cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
National Parks in New Mexico
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- White Sands National Park
National Monuments in New Mexico
- Total National Monuments in New Mexico: 13
State Parks in New Mexico
- Total State Parks in New Mexico: 35
- Most Popular State Park: Elephant Butte Lake State Park
- Most Unique State Park: City of Rocks State Park
New York
New York offers a mix of natural beauty and historic landmarks, ideal for road trips and day trips from cities like New York City and Albany.
National Parks in New York
- Gateway National Recreation Area (partly in New Jersey)
- Saratoga National Historical Park
National Monuments in New York
- Total National Monuments in New York: 2
State Parks in New York
- Total State Parks in New York: 180
- Most Popular State Park: Niagara Falls State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Watkins Glen State Park
North Carolina
North Carolina’s diverse landscapes from mountains to coast make it perfect for road trips and day trips from cities like Charlotte and Raleigh.
National Parks in North Carolina
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (partly in Tennessee)
National Monuments in North Carolina
- Total National Monuments in North Carolina: 2
State Parks in North Carolina
- Total State Parks in North Carolina: 41
- Most Popular State Park: Jockey’s Ridge State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Stone Mountain State Park
North Dakota
North Dakota’s wide-open prairies and rugged badlands offer great opportunities for road trips and day trips from cities like Bismarck and Fargo.
National Parks in North Dakota
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park
National Monuments in North Dakota
- Total National Monuments in North Dakota: 1
State Parks in North Dakota
- Total State Parks in North Dakota: 13
- Most Popular State Park: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Sully Creek State Park
Ohio
Ohio offers diverse attractions from rolling hills to Lake Erie shores, ideal for road trips and day trips from cities like Columbus and Cleveland.
National Parks in Ohio
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
National Monuments in Ohio
- Total National Monuments in Ohio: 1
State Parks in Ohio
- Total State Parks in Ohio: 75
- Most Popular State Park: Hocking Hills State Park
- Most Unique State Park: John Bryan State Park
Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s varied landscapes and rich Native American history make it perfect for road trips and day trips from cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
National Parks in Oklahoma
There are no national parks in Oklahoma.
National Monuments in Oklahoma
- Total National Monuments in Oklahoma: 1
State Parks in Oklahoma
- Total State Parks in Oklahoma: 33
- Most Popular State Park: Beavers Bend State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Alabaster Caverns State Park
Oregon
Oregon’s diverse landscapes from coastline to mountains make it ideal for road trips and day trips from cities like Portland and Eugene.
National Parks in Oregon
- Crater Lake National Park
National Monuments in Oregon
- Total National Monuments in Oregon: 5
State Parks in Oregon
- Total State Parks in Oregon: 255
- Most Popular State Park: Silver Falls State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Smith Rock State Park
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s rich history and scenic landscapes make it perfect for road trips and day trips from cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
National Parks in Pennsylvania
- Gettysburg National Military Park
National Monuments in Pennsylvania
- Total National Monuments in Pennsylvania: 2
State Parks in Pennsylvania
- Total State Parks in Pennsylvania: 121
- Most Popular State Park: Ricketts Glen State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Ohiopyle State Park
Rhode Island
Rhode Island, though small, offers beautiful coastal scenery and historic sites, perfect for road trips and day trips from cities like Providence and Newport.
National Parks in Rhode Island
There are no national parks in Rhode Island.
National Monuments in Rhode Island
- Total National Monuments in Rhode Island: 1
State Parks in Rhode Island
- Total State Parks in Rhode Island: 15
- Most Popular State Park: Colt State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Beavertail State Park
South Carolina
South Carolina’s coastal beauty and historic sites make it ideal for road trips and day trips from cities like Charleston and Columbia.
National Parks in South Carolina
- Congaree National Park
National Monuments in South Carolina
- Total National Monuments in South Carolina: 2
State Parks in South Carolina
- Total State Parks in South Carolina: 47
- Most Popular State Park: Hunting Island State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Table Rock State Park
South Dakota
South Dakota’s stunning landscapes and historic landmarks make it perfect for road trips and day trips from cities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City.
National Parks in South Dakota
- Badlands National Park
- Wind Cave National Park
National Monuments in South Dakota
- Total National Monuments in South Dakota: 2
State Parks in South Dakota
- Total State Parks in South Dakota: 13
- Most Popular State Park: Custer State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Palisades State Park
Tennessee
Tennessee’s diverse landscapes and rich music heritage make it ideal for road trips and day trips from cities like Nashville and Memphis.
National Parks in Tennessee
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (partly in North Carolina)
National Monuments in Tennessee
- Total National Monuments in Tennessee: 1
State Parks in Tennessee
- Total State Parks in Tennessee: 56
- Most Popular State Park: Fall Creek Falls State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Rock Island State Park
Texas
Texas offers a vast array of landscapes from deserts to forests, perfect for road trips and day trips from cities like Austin, Houston, and Dallas.
National Parks in Texas
- Big Bend National Park
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park
National Monuments in Texas
- Total National Monuments in Texas: 2
State Parks in Texas
- Total State Parks in Texas: 89
- Most Popular State Park: Garner State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Utah
Utah’s breathtaking landscapes and national parks make it ideal for road trips and day trips from cities like Salt Lake City and Moab.
National Parks in Utah
- Arches National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Zion National Park
National Monuments in Utah
- Total National Monuments in Utah: 7
State Parks in Utah
- Total State Parks in Utah: 44
- Most Popular State Park: Dead Horse Point State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Goblin Valley State Park
Vermont
Vermont’s picturesque landscapes and charming small towns make it perfect for road trips and day trips from cities like Burlington and Montpelier.
National Parks in Vermont
There are no national parks in Vermont.
National Monuments in Vermont
- Total National Monuments in Vermont: 1
State Parks in Vermont
- Total State Parks in Vermont: 55
- Most Popular State Park: Smugglers’ Notch State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Button Bay State Park
Virginia
Virginia’s rich history and scenic beauty make it ideal for road trips and day trips from cities like Richmond and Virginia Beach.
National Parks in Virginia
- Shenandoah National Park
National Monuments in Virginia
- Total National Monuments in Virginia: 5
State Parks in Virginia
- Total State Parks in Virginia: 41
- Most Popular State Park: First Landing State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Natural Tunnel State Park
Washington
Washington’s diverse landscapes from mountains to coastlines make it perfect for road trips and day trips from cities like Seattle and Spokane.
National Parks in Washington
- Mount Rainier National Park
- North Cascades National Park
- Olympic National Park
National Monuments in Washington
- Total National Monuments in Washington: 4
State Parks in Washington
- Total State Parks in Washington: 125
- Most Popular State Park: Deception Pass State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Palouse Falls State Park
West Virginia
West Virginia’s mountainous terrain and scenic beauty make it ideal for road trips and day trips from cities like Charleston and Morgantown.
National Parks in West Virginia
- New River Gorge National Park
National Monuments in West Virginia
- Total National Monuments in West Virginia: 1
State Parks in West Virginia
- Total State Parks in West Virginia: 35
- Most Popular State Park: Blackwater Falls State Park
- Most Unique State Park: Babcock State Park