A National Parks Family History

A writer in New York City shares the important role that national parks play in her own family story.

By: Jennie Baird

Photo By: Jennie Baird

Badlands National Park 1971

Our first campsite in a national park was at Cedar Pass Campground in Badlands, South Dakota.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial 1971

My brother and I met the presidents at Mount Rushmore.

Grand Teton National Park 1971

My brother navigates the Snake River with the help of a friend.

Yellowstone National Park 1971

My family joins the faithful at Old Faithful.

Grand Canyon National Park 1971

My brother and I experience the Grand Canyon with our dad.

Yosemite National Park 1971

We became Junior Rangers at Yosemite.

Sequoia National Park 1971

Tiny family or giant tree?

Golden Gate Park 1971

We enjoy the playground at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Golden Gate National Recreation Area protects a portion of this area, including an expansive view of the bridge.

Big Sur 1971

After traveling across the country and through many national parks, my mother makes it to the Pacific Ocean, a lifelong dream fulfilled.

Acadia National Park Circa 1980

Acadia National Park became our family's summer home. Here's my baby sister and me at Sargent Mountain.

Wedding at Acadia 1996

Acadia's Wonderland Trail was the perfect setting for my wedding. See more inspiring national park weddings.

Junior Rangers 2005

My own children became junior rangers, a family tradition.

Acadia 2015

My 17-year-old daughter pitches our tent at Seawall.

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A National Parks Family History

Badlands National Park 1971

Mount Rushmore National Memorial 1971

Grand Teton National Park 1971

Yellowstone National Park 1971

Grand Canyon National Park 1971

Yosemite National Park 1971

Sequoia National Park 1971

Golden Gate Park 1971

Big Sur 1971

Acadia National Park Circa 1980

Wedding at Acadia 1996

Junior Rangers 2005

Acadia 2015

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