National Park Service Founders: John Muir

feature image Yosemite, Muir home, Muir Woods and historic photos of John Muir

See For Yourself
Visit a one of several Muir park sites - incluing his home in Martinez, California or enjoy the natural splendor of Muir Woods located Mill Valley, California.

John Muir "Father of the National Park Service"

For Teachers
Activities and other resources to enliven classroom discussions on John Muir and Preservation

Image of Muir Woods park ranger with a school group

Inside Story
Attend lectures on John Muir or join actor Lee Stetson in his portrayal of Muir when visiting Yosemite National Park.

Image of John Muir impersonator at Yosemite NP

People
Learn more about John Muir's influence in creating the national parks as well as other founders of the park service in the National Park Service: First 75 Years. More people...

image ofEarly History of the California Coast

Places
Discover sharedheritage with a National Register tour of the Early History of the California Coast including John Muir's home in Martinez, California. Disover other fascinating places near his home. More places...

historic image of Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir

Stories
Learn more about John Muir's relationship with President Theodore Roosevelt and how they would influence the creation of the National Parks in Shaping the System. More stories...

Collections
The online Museum Collections Exhibit celebrates John Muir noted preservationist, writer and friend to National Parks. It features Muir's family and home in Martinez, California, including personal belongings, photographs, and specimens that he collected. More collections...

Learn More

Preservation
Volunteers at Muir Woods National Monument are active in preservation. The park seeks volunteers to help remove non-native plants, growing native plants, working in one of the park's nurseries and restoring historic structures such as a World War II barracks or a mess hall. More preservation...

The Vincente Martinez adobe is located here at John Muir NHS. Vincente had a famous father. His name was Ygnacio Martinez. Not only is the town of Martinez named for him, he was the first commandant of the Presidio in San Francisco, and he was also what we would call the 3rd mayor of that city. "