Visit Maryland’s 18 National Park sites this week

04/22/2019| Amanda Winters

Visit Maryland’s 18 National Park sites this week

04/22/2019 | Amanda Winters

National Park Week, taking place from April 20 – 28, is a celebration of America’s 419 treasured sites throughout the country.

Here in Maryland, there are 18 sites managed by the National Park Service—including historical parks, scenic trails, national battlefields, and a national seashore—providing a unique experience for every type of traveler.

According to NPS, nearly 6.7 million visitors visited Maryland’s parks in fiscal year 2017, generating an economic impact of $220 million in park tourism. Visitor spending, which includes hotel costs, restaurants, retail, transportation, camping, gas, and recreation, supported more than 2,800 jobs and $105 million in salaries in the state.

There are plenty of options on where to start your National Parks adventure around Maryland. Check out the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal in Western Maryland to get a glimpse of the 184.5 mile voyage; the Clara Barton House in Montgomery County to learn about the American Red Cross’ founder; or Hampton mansion in Baltimore County, filled with more than 150 years of history.

The National Park Service was created in 1916 to conserve the scenery, historic objects, and wildlife across the country. President Woodrow Wilson signed the act in order to protect the nation's natural landmarks and provide enjoyment for future generations. Today, the sites cover more than 84 million acres in the U.S.

See the full list of National Parks in Maryland on the NPS website. Commemorate the occasion by joining NPS on social media with the hashtags #NationalParkWeek and #FindYourPark.

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