(Nexstar) – There are currently more than 400 national park sites across the nation, with at least one located in every state. So, it’s quite possible you’ve visited at least one of them.
Even if you’re not familiar with grand parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone, or the Grand Canyon, you might recognize some of their iconic features—like El Capitan or Old Faithful, or you know, the vastness of the canyon.
While these sites have become more accessible, they weren’t always so visible to visitors.
For instance, take a look at a portrayal of Old Faithful from 1901. The fashion back then, especially among women, was quite different—imagine a woman dressed in period clothing observing the geyser.
Fast forward to today, where visitors in modern attire gather around the geyser, emphasizing the closer access people now have.
Technology has fundamentally changed how we experience parks. In the early 1900s, reaching Yellowstone involved traveling in a four-horsepower stagecoach, as shown in an accompanying slideshow. Cars are available now, of course, though early models were often smaller and had to navigate around massive redwood trees in places like Yosemite.
Motorcycles today also serve as popular modes of transportation. However, drivers are advised to maintain a safe distance when approaching natural sights, such as Halema’uma’u Crater, much like the Harley-Davidson enthusiasts in the slideshow.
There’s ongoing guidance for park visitors about interactions with wildlife—particularly regarding feeding bears. Years ago, it wasn’t unusual for humans to feed bears directly. In fact, some historical accounts record large groups gathering just to watch bears feast.
Fortunately, bear feeding is now prohibited, alongside any interaction within 100 yards of more aggressive wildlife like wolves and mountain lions.
Bears and other wildlife still draw crowds, though.
Yet, not every beloved landmark remains unchanged.
Despite some aspects fading away, many traditional practices of visiting national parks have persisted.
You can still find yourself standing at breathtaking viewpoints, much like people did in both 1902 and 2016 at Yosemite’s Glacier Point. Sure, fashion has evolved, but the views remain incredibly appealing.
Hiking is still a popular activity in national parks, though visitors might not be dressed as formally as President Theodore Roosevelt once was, who is featured in one of the pictures alongside conservationist John Muir, often called the “father of the national park.”
Inevitably, overcrowding at certain parks is still a common sight.
Many of the captivating features that enthralled early visitors endure—even after over a century.
Yellowstone, recognized as the first national park founded in 1872, is just one of over 400 sites managed under the National Park Service. Nearly all parks are accessible, with about 100 charging admission fees, although several days throughout the year are free of charge. The next free entry day is scheduled for June 19th.
