Article

Visit Parks with Remarkable Wetlands

Wetlands, where the land meets water, are some of the most important ecosystems in our parks. They bring a diversity of life to our world. These vital ecosystems filter water, prevent floods, and support incredible biodiversity. From canoeing to kayaking to bird and wildlife watching, wetlands also offer a variety of recreational opportunities to explore.

Discover these unique, often overlooked, habitats! Check out this list of ten parks that have remarkable examples of wetland ecosystems.
  • large trees emerge from swamplands
    Congaree National Park

    South Carolina - Discover the astonishing biodiversity of Congaree! This park is also part of the Congaree Biosphere Region.

  • Sunset over marshland with patches of water and grasses
    Acadia National Park

    Maine - Over 20 percent of Acadia is classified as wetland! All classes of wetland, swamps, marshes, and bogs are found within the park.

  • a river drainage winds through wetlands on its way to the ocean
    Point Reyes National Seashore

    California - Discover both freshwater and saltwater wetland features in this fertile environment where freshwater meets saltwater.

  • wetlands with wetland vegetation with mountains in the background
    Yellowstone National Park

    ID, MT, WY - Wetlands occupy 357 square miles of Yellowstone and include unique features such as hydrothermal pools!

  • kayakers rest in an offshoot of a river
    Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

    Oregon & Washington - Around 50% of the park is freshwater or estuarine wetlands! Ten different types of wetlands occur within the park!

  • a pink lotus flower with wetlands in the background
    Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens

    Washington D.C. - A wetland oasis hidden within an urban area. Vibrant lotus blooms, floating waterlilies, and an abundance of birds await!

  • a beaver lodge in a wetland area
    Isle Royale National Park

    Michigan - Isle Royale's landscape supports many types of wetlands. Hear a chorus of spring peepers or catch a glimpse of an eager beaver!

  • a woodland meadow
    Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

    California - Hidden within the high forests of Sequoia National Park lie wetland meadows teaming with life!

  • braided rivers flow through marshlands
    Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

    Alaska - Coastal salt marshes are a prominent feature of the park's coastline and are vital to bears and other wildlife.


Tags

Acadia National Park, Congaree National Park, Everglades National Park, Isle Royale National Park, Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Point Reyes National Seashore, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Yellowstone National Park more »

Last updated: April 4, 2025