Celebrate the NPS With Centennial Park Stamps

See the 16 national parks in the collection.

Related To:

Perusing the thousands of photos tagged with #FindYourPark on Instagram gives a glimpse into some of our country's beautiful national parks – many I've never been to, but consequently, now want to visit. As the National Park Service celebrates its 100th anniversary, I can’t help but think about what inspired travelers over the past century to visit the national parks and then how they shared their experiences.

Mount Rainier National Park Stamp

Mount Rainier National Park Stamp

In honor of the National Park Service's 100th anniversary, the U.S. Postal Service released a collection of 16 stamps representing the national parks, including Mount Rainier National Park.

Photo by: U.S. Postal Service

U.S. Postal Service

Learn About Mount Rainier: National Parks in Washington

It’s crazy to think some park visitors in the early 1900s might never have even seen photos of parks or monuments prior to seeing them in real life. And sharing the first time they saw Mount Rainier, hiked in Cumberland Gap or traversed the caves at Carlsbad probably meant sending letters or postcards to friends and family.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park

In honor of the National Park Service's 100th anniversary, the U.S. Postal Service released a collection of 16 stamps representing the national parks, including Yellowstone National Park.

Photo by: U.S. Postal Service

U.S. Postal Service

In 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park in the world, and by the early 20th century, several parks had been established throughout the West. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Organic Act, integrating all of the existing national parks and monuments into one federal system. In honor of the centennial year of the National Park Service, the U.S. Postal Service released a collection of 16 stamps representing 16 national parks earlier this month. Each stamp features a photograph or painting of a landscape, animal, plant or monument significant to one of the 16 parks.

 Acadia National Park Stamp

Acadia National Park Stamp

In honor of the National Park Service's 100th anniversary, the U.S. Postal Service released a collection of 16 stamps representing the national parks, including Acadia National Park.

Photo by: U.S. Postal Service

U.S. Postal Service

The stamps, designed by Ethel Kessler, are considered Forever stamps, meaning they can always be used to send First-Class Mail, no matter what the current postal rate is. You can purchase the stamps online or at your local post office. To see all of the stamps and learn more about the collection, visit the U.S. Postal Service and the National Park Service websites.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park

In honor of the National Park Service's 100th anniversary, the U.S. Postal Service released a collection of 16 stamps representing the national parks, including Grand Canyon National Park.

Photo by: U.S. Postal Service

U.S. Postal Service

Learn About the Grand Canyon: A Great Grand Canyon Adventure

If you’re adventuring to any national parks this summer and want to share your experiences with friends, don’t stop at tagging your photos on social media; send a card, letter or postcard with your favorite national park stamp, too!

Next Up

Celebrate Mount Rushmore National Memorial's 75th Anniversary

Visit the Black Hills of South Dakota in 2016.

Our Favorite National Park Instagrams From Fans

Celebrate National Park Week with these amazing shots.

An Overnight Odyssey in White Sands, New Mexico

Maybe the most unique place in the national parks.

The Campground Lowdown

Choose the right campsite for your needs.

3 Places to See Synchronous Fireflies Now

Experience the magical sight while you still can.

Stonewall National Monument to Honor LGBT Rights

Add this NYC stop to your national parks list.

Weekend Jaunt: Joshua Tree National Park

Visit this spectacular natural oasis.

Underground in Carlsbad Caverns National Park

750 feet below the earth in New Mexico.

Don Wildman Shares His Top 5 Favorite National Parks

Five national parks. Five amazing adventures.