National parks are some of the most treasured and protected areas in the United States, offering visitors the chance to explore the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. And for those who love to document their travels, collecting passport stamps from national parks has become a popular hobby.
The National Park Service (NPS) has long offered passport books for visitors to collect stamps at the various parks they visit. These stamps serve as a memento of their experiences and a way to track their travels across the country. With over 400 units in the NPS system, there are plenty of opportunities for park enthusiasts to add stamps to their collection.
One of the appeals of collecting NPS passport stamps is the variety of locations where they can be obtained. From the towering peaks of Denali National Park in Alaska to the sunny shores of Biscayne National Park in Florida, there is truly something for everyone. Some stamps are available at visitor centers, while others can be found at ranger stations or other locations within the park.
For example, visitors to Yellowstone National Park can collect stamps at each of the park’s seven visitor centers, as well as at other locations such as Old Faithful and the Norris Geyser Basin. In Grand Canyon National Park, stamps can be found at the visitor center on the South Rim, as well as at popular viewpoints like Yavapai Point and Hermit’s Rest.
But the fun doesn’t stop there – there are also special passport stamps available for certain events or anniversaries. For example, in 2016, the NPS issued a special eclipse stamp to commemorate the total solar eclipse that passed over several national parks. And in 2020, a commemorative stamp was issued to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.
As the popularity of collecting NPS passport stamps has grown, so too has the demand for new and unique stamp locations. In recent years, the NPS has been working to expand the availability of stamps at parks that previously did not offer them. This includes parks in urban areas, like Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri, as well as parks in more remote locations, such as Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska.
The NPS has also collaborated with other organizations to create special passport stamps. For example, in 2019, the NPS partnered with the U.S. Postal Service to issue a series of stamps featuring iconic national parks. These stamps were available for purchase at post offices nationwide, as well as at select national park visitor centers.
Collecting NPS passport stamps has become more than just a hobby for some – it has become a way to connect with nature, history, and the American landscape. And with the wide variety of stamp locations available, there is always something new to discover and explore. So next time you visit a national park, don’t forget to stop by the visitor center and add a stamp to your collection. Who knows where your next adventure will take you!
