National Park Service anniversary Aug 25, 2023

Though summer is winding down, it"s not too late to pack some gear and head into the great outdoors. Unsure where to go? Look no further than our 63 national parks, which exist thanks to the National Park Service, created on this day in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson. He ordered the service to preserve the landscape, wildlife, and history of the parks "in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." In other words, the park service was established for all of us! Just make sure that whether you"re visiting the islands of American Samoa, the glaciers of the North Cascades, the waterways of the Everglades, or the 308-foot Lower Falls of Yellowstone in today"s image, that you explore them with care and appreciation so that they can be preserved for centuries to come.

© Tim Fitzharris/Minden Pictures

palette

Today in History

Aug 25, 2018Happy trails for the 21st century
Aug 25, 2019A desert arts pop-up, just popped up
Aug 25, 2020Punakaiki on South Island, New Zealand
Aug 25, 2021Happy anniversary to the National Park Service!
Aug 25, 2022National Park Service Founders Day
Aug 25, 2024National Park Service Founders Day
Aug 25, 2025Yellowstone for the National Park Services birthday

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Oct 18, 2020Sitka shines on Alaska Day
Jun 26, 2024Banggai cardinalfish with sea anemone
Sep 30, 2025Koala in the Great Otway National Park, Australia
Nov 7, 2025Polar Bear Week
Mar 1, 2025Womens History Month
Sep 29, 2019Falling for Rioja
Feb 26, 2023Tambopata National Reserve, Peru
Jun 15, 2024International Surfing Day
Dec 3, 2025Sandhill cranes, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico
Feb 7, 2021It s superb owl Sunday
Dec 9, 2023National Llama Day
Jul 7, 2018The Grand Départ: Tour de France begins
Apr 23, 2020Duck, duck. duck, duck, duck...
Apr 14, 2022Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
Jul 1, 2024Canada Day
Nov 26, 2025World Olive Tree Day
Jul 19, 2025National Moth Week
Mar 11, 2020Anybody out there?
Nov 17, 2020Take a hike near Lovers Lane
Sep 19, 2025Thousand Islands region, St. Lawrence River, US-Canada border
Jun 28, 2025Pride 2025
Apr 25, 2023World Penguin Day
Dec 2, 2020Protecting Alaska
Jun 29, 2021An island hopper s paradise
Sep 16, 2021A cry for independence
Aug 25, 2025Yellowstone for the National Park Services birthday
Nov 12, 2023Diwali
Mar 19, 2019The smoke before the bonfire
Dec 23, 2019A Festivus for the rest of us
Jun 17, 2023International Surfing Day