Love national parks? There’s a holiday for that! Join the weeklong celebration of all things “national parks” happening August 22 to 30, 2026. Wrap up summer by coming out to explore nature and history, join ranger programs, earn your Junior Ranger badge, and more. Entrance fees are waived for US citizens and residents on August 25, 2026, for our 110th birthday. Five Easy Ways to Celebrate
2026 Theme: America's StoryThis year's National Park Week theme is “Celebrate America’s Story” in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Come visit where many of America’s important stories are shared—in our national parks. Make your own stories exploring stunning natural landscapes, reflecting on our nation's inspiring history and rich culture, and enjoying the great outdoors. Share your national park stories on social media using #NationalParkWeek, #NationalJuniorRangerDay, and #NPSBirthday.
National Park Week officially begins!
Join us as we support parks and partners along the Star-Spangled Trail:
Safety should always be a top priority at any National Park Site. Safety comes in many forms, from remembering to recreated responsibly to handling historic documents.
During National Park Week, and all the time, plan like a ranger and be safe!
From marching on a battle field and sailing through the Chesapeake during the War of 1812 to riding a bike and kayaking along the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, today. History was in constant motion and still is.
Whether you walk to move, to learn, or both, make sure you get outside. Learn things to do and places to go this National Park Week! Come join our birthday celebration on August 25! The National Park Service was created on August 25, 1916, to "preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations." Over the hundred plus years, we've grown into more than 400 national parks and many programs that reach communities around the country—and even the world! Our birthday is part of National Park Week this year so come celebrate all week! Join the birthday fun on social media using #NPSBirthday, #NPS110, and #NationalParkWeek. 10 for 110Here are ten suggestions for celebrating our 110th birthday this year. Or you can keep going with 110 ideas of of your own!
There is beauty and wonder to see right here in the Chesapeake Bay Area! While visiting these places, remember the wildlife live there, we're just visiting.
The Chesapeake Bay runs north-south from the mouth of the Susquehanna River to the Atlantic Ocean. It has over 3,600 species of animals and plants. The bay provides vitally important habitats for wildlife, lots of recreational opportunities for people, and is an important fishery upon which both people and wildlife depend. For thousands of years people have made their way through this area, let's remember to leave it beautiful for the next person, and the next. Learn about nature and ecology in the Chesapeake Bay Area.
A HUGE thank you to all of our partners along the Star-Spangled Trail!
Each partner plays an important role in keeping history alive. Together we hold the pieces that tell America's Story, everyone's story. Learn more about our partners.
Successfully defending against British forces during the War of 1812 fostered a growing sense of national confidence, encouraged investment in collective security, and reinforced the United States’ place on the world stage as a nation capable of standing on its own. Stories and symbols from the War of 1812, including the Star-Spangled Banner as both flag and anthem, became enduring expressions of national identity. Over time, these symbols have carried not only pride, but also the responsibility to confront the gaps between national ideals and lived experience. Reminding us that freedom, while powerfully declared, was not equally experienced.
As the nation marks its resilience and independence, this history invites reflection and renewed purpose. The American story is not only one of founding moments, but of generations striving to widen the promise of liberty. The journey toward a more encompassing understanding of freedom continues, shaped by those who choose to carry its ideals forward. Learn more about the people during the War of 1812 and their attempts at their own freedom. Rangers wear many hats, literally. From maintenance crews and interpreters to curators, horticulturists, and administrative staff, celebrate the people whose dedication keeps our parks thriving.
Speak to a ranger and you'll find that they work for the National Park Service (NPS) because of their passion. They most likely can even recite the mission of the NPS by heart. "....to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." —National Park Service Organic Act; August 25, 1916 The National Park Service Junior Ranger program is a great way to get to know national parks. Fun activies for the whole family help you connect to parks and their stories. Celebrate Junior Ranger Day!No matter what age you are, you are invited to explore, learn, and protect on National Junior Ranger Day. You can participate in the Junior Ranger program year-round and join this one-day celebration on August 30, 2026, that is part of the annual National Park Week. Become a Junior Ranger for the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail. Learn more
Honoring the 250th along the TrailThe 250th anniversary of the American Revolution offers an opportunity to reflect on the evolving meaning of freedom in the United States. 
National Park Service Birthday!
Along the Trail for our 110th Birthday!Learn history and stay up to date on what is happening along the Trail Find an EventCheck out these featured events to find in-person and virtual programs for National Park Week at NPS sites in the Chesapeake area. |
Last updated: August 15, 2026