Yellowstone National Park has claimed the top spot in the hearts of many Americans.
This iconic nature destination has been named the most searched national park in the country, racking up over 7.5 million Google searches in the past year alone. It seems there’s been a notable surge in interest regarding America’s natural beauty.
A study conducted by an airport transportation company in recognition of National Park Week, taking place from August 22 to August 30, highlighted a significant 27% increase in searches for natural vacation spots.
As Franklin D. Roosevelt once said in 1934, “There is nothing so American as our national parks … The fundamental idea behind the parks … is that the country belongs to the people, that it is in the process of making for the enrichment of the lives of all of us.” It’s pretty clear why Yellowstone topped the list.
Spanning Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone is renowned for its stunning geothermal features, such as the Old Faithful geyser and vividly colored hot springs.
The park is also a great place to spot wildlife, with bison, elk, wolves, and grizzly bears roaming freely in the vast wilderness.
While admission to Yellowstone and most national parks typically costs $35 per vehicle, entry fees will be waived on August 25 in celebration of the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service.
Hot on Yellowstone’s heels was Grand Canyon National Park, which secured the second position with 6,123,000 searches.
This Arizona gem, known for its stunning overlooks, hiking trails, and enormous, multicolored canyon, has long been a favorite and saw over 6 million searches online.
Zion National Park in Utah ranked third, garnering an impressive 5,818,000 searches, due to its magnificent red and pink cliffs, Emerald Pools, and well-known hikes.
Glacier National Park in Montana landed in fourth place with 5,367,000 searches, closely following Zion.
Rounding out the top five was Yosemite National Park, which had 3,864,000 searches. Famous for its remarkable granite formations, waterfalls, and giant sequoias, it remains a significant wilderness destination on the West Coast.
In sixth place was Mount Rainier National Park in Washington, with 3,519,000 searches, followed by Olympic National Park in seventh with 2,261,000 searches.
Utah made its second appearance in the top ten with Bryce Canyon National Park, which attracted 1,888,000 searches, earning it the eighth spot. The park is known for its stunning hoodoos, unique rock formations that create an almost surreal landscape.
Ninth place went to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which had 1,272,500 searches, showcasing a very different type of scenery with its volcanic landscapes. Visitors can safely observe one of the two active volcanoes if they’re lucky.
Lastly, in tenth place is a lesser-known contender from the South. Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, often referred to as “America’s Spa” due to its 40 hot springs, attracted 1,266,500 Google searches.
