This year, it’s a happy centennial birthday celebration for the National Park Service, an agency that cares for America’s 412 national parks. Twenty-seven states have a park that you can explore, so it’s possible to find one close to you. However, if you’re planning on hitting the road this year, make sure you visit these parks as well:

Grand Canyon: Definitely not just a hole in the ground, the Grand Canyon National Park is the United States’ 15th oldest national park. Sections of the Grand Canyon are up to 18 miles wide in the widest part and the colors are something to behold. The Colorado River flows right through the park and there are various rims where you can stop and take photos and enjoy the view.

Yosemite National Park: Yosemite National Park is known for its waterfalls and within its nearly 1,200 square miles there are valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more to explore. One of the most popular ways to see Yosemite is by hiking through the park’s various areas, such as Glacier Point Road, Hetch Hetchy, White Wolf and Tuolumne Meadows. There are also snowshoe and cross country trails and the most beautiful Yosemite Falls, the highest waterfall in North America at 2,425 feet.

Arches National Park: Located in Utah, this park has 2,000 natural sandstone arches to behold. Kids love the formations and you should definitely check out the Delicate Arch, the Fiery Furnace, and the Landscape Arch. There are more than 250 bird species to see and bird watching walks and seminars to attend. Wawona Golf course, located in the park, is also an Audubon Cooperative sanctuary for birds. Yosemite Falls Trail.

Yellowstone National Park: Located in Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park’s Old Faithful has sprayed its boiling water every 90 minutes since 1870. Take hikes throughout this 3,500-square-mile park, especially up Sundance Mountain. The Park’s historic lodging options include the historic Old Faithful Inn, which has National Historic Landmark status. Sundance Mountain is a shorter, mile-long round trip that affords incredible views at 12,466 feet, if you can handle the high altitude.

Home of Franklin D Roosevelt: Located in Hyde Park, New York, this beautiful home, also known as Springwood, was the residence of FDR and overlooks the Hudson River. The first US Presidential Library was started by FDR here and you can visit the Presidential Library & Museum.

From August 25 to 28, all national parks are free admission to celebrate the National Park Service Birthday Weekend. The parks also offer free admission on September 24: National Public Lands Day; and November 11: Veterans Day.

Jody’s Travel Inc