New Book from Rand McNally Pays Tribute to U.S. National Parks

In honor of National Park Week, which kicked off this past Saturday, Rand McNally today released a special edition book that celebrates the natural beauty, history, and highlights of the nation’s treasures.

Rand McNally’s National Parks book features large photographs, detailed maps, and quick overviews, as well as lodging options and travel tips.

The 144-page hardcover book enables readers to explore landscapes from the majestic peaks of the Grand Tetons to the arctic tundra of Denali to the isolated dense wilderness of Isle Royal. And, it uncovers some surprises as well. For example:

• Miami journalist Marjory Stoneman Douglas wrote a book in 1947 that sparked legislation and protection of the Everglades.
• You can rent a “sandboard” – much like a snowboard – and shred sand dunes in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado.
• In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it is estimated that there are two black bears per every square mile.

The number of national parks – as well as national preserves, monuments, lakeshores, seashores, recreation areas, scenic rivers and trails, memorials, parkways, battlefields, and historic sites – has been growing for more than 100 years. In 1872, through the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act, President Ulysses S. Grant established Yellowstone as the first national park for citizens and guests to enjoy and conserve. And, just two months ago, Indiana Dunes was designated a national park, making it the 61^st such park in the U.S.

Today, nearly 85 million acres have been designated as protected national park lands – all in varied and astonishing natural landscapes. And each April during National Park Week, the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation together with the parks provide special events, programs and offerings. This year, National Park Week runs through April 28, 2019.

Earlier this week, Rand McNally launched the new edition of its road atlases, including a spiral-bound, oversized Road Atlas & National Park Guide. The atlas is designed to help travelers plan their park visits as well as assist in navigation when they’re on the road.

Rand McNally’s National Parks is available at store.randmcnally.com, bookstores, and other retailers.