We celebrate the National Park Service birthday on August 25. On that day in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act that created the National Park Service. The new bureau was assigned the task of managing 35 already established national parks and monuments. We’ve added more than 380 units since then—so there’s always a new anniversary to celebrate! Learn when the national parks, monuments, historic sites, and other units of the National Park System were established.
On top of individual unit anniversaries, we commemorate the dates of legislative acts that affected the National Park System. Discover when significant acts of legislation, from the Antiquities Act in 1906 to the Alaska National Interests Lands Conservation Act in 1980, were signed into law.
When we reach a significant milestone, such as our 100th birthday in 2016, we often take the time for a special celebration. We invite visitors, partners, volunteers, and others to participate in programs and special events across the country. Join us!
Last updated: January 30, 2019