7 Lesser-Known National Parks to Discover This Summer

National Parks are experiencing unprecedented popularity. While iconic destinations like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite showcase breathtaking scenery, they also attract large crowds. Fortunately, the national park system includes many under-the-radar treasures where you can immerse yourself in nature’s splendor without the hustle and bustle. These parks may not be as famous, but they rival their well-known counterparts in beauty and tranquility.

1. Isle Royale National Park // Michigan

Isle Royale National Park is inaccessible by car or foot. Nestled in the heart of Lake Superior in Michigan, this secluded park can only be reached by air or water. Four passenger ferries and one seaplane transport visitors to the island, but securing a spot often requires advance booking. Upon arrival, you’ll find yourself surrounded by 571,790 acres of pristine wilderness, perfect for camping, kayaking, and backpacking away from the modern world.

2. Hot Springs National Park // Arkansas

Spanning just 5550 acres, Hot Springs is among the smallest national parks in the U.S., yet it offers a wealth of activities. Visitors can explore lush wooded trails or urban paths and marvel at the natural hot springs that have drawn people to the region for hundreds of years. After a day of adventure, the nearby town of Hot Springs provides a relaxing retreat with its array of historic bathhouses, which utilize mineral-rich water from the springs.

3. Dry Tortugas National Park // Florida

A daily ferry carries passengers 70 miles from Key West, Florida, to Dry Tortugas National Park. The island is home to the remnants of Fort Jefferson, a massive masonry fort built between 1846 and 1875 to safeguard the U.S. gateway to the Gulf of Mexico. While the park was initially created to preserve historic landmarks, it also offers incredible natural experiences: Snorkelers and divers can explore vibrant coral reefs, encounter nurse sharks, and observe sea turtles near the shoreline.

4. Lassen Volcanic National Park // California

While Hawaii is renowned for its volcanic national park, you don’t have to leave the mainland U.S. to witness these geological marvels. Lassen Volcanic National Park in California boasts all four types of volcanoes: shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome. Although the last eruption occurred nearly 100 years ago, the park remains volcanically active, with steam vents, boiling springs, and mudpots serving as reminders of its fiery nature.

5. Congaree National Park // South Carolina

Before the late 19th century, the southeastern U.S. was home to over 52 million acres of floodplain forests. Today, Congaree National Park preserves what its website describes as “the largest intact old-growth bottomland hardwood forest” in the area. The Congaree River’s floodplain creates a perfect setting for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. To experience some of the tallest deciduous trees in the nation, visitors can stroll along a wooden boardwalk trail beneath the lush forest canopy.

6. Big Bend National Park // Texas

Big Bend showcases some of Texas’s most stunning natural landscapes. The park is home to approximately 600 vertebrate species and 3600 insect species. By day, visitors can admire blooming desert cacti, paddle along the Rio Grande, or enjoy horseback riding. At night, the park transforms into one of the nation’s premier destinations for stargazing.

7. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve // Alaska

True to its name, Gates of the Arctic is the most northerly national park in the U.S. Situated 250 miles from Fairbanks, Alaska, and devoid of roads or trails, the park remains largely unvisited. Those who venture into this remote wilderness will discover a pristine landscape shaped by glaciers, where migrating caribou roam and the northern lights illuminate the sky.