Which American presidents did the most to preserve the land we love as national parks and preserves?
With the presidential election around the corner and the U.S. National Park Foundation receiving a record-breaking grant of $100 million, Lawn Love ranked 22 Presidents Who Preserved National Parks.
To rank the presidents, we factored in the acreages of 94 different national parks, national military parks, national preserves, and national trails.
Note: We did not include all public lands in this story. NPS units such as national historic sites, national historic parks, and national monuments were not included, nor were conservation lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management or Forest Service.
Read through our ranking below. To learn how we ranked the presidents, see our methodology.
In this article
Presidential rankings
Discover the top 22 presidents for park preservation in our ranking below:
Top 5 close up
Check out the slideshow below for highlights on each of our top 5 national park-loving presidents.
Term in office: 1977-1981
Vice President: Walter F. Mondale
Political party: Democrat
Highlights:
President Jimmy Carter established Wrangell – St. Elias in Alaska — the nation’s largest national park, spanning over 13 million acres. He preserved other vast expanses of endangered areas in Alaska, including Gates of the Arctic, Noatak National Preserve, and Bering Land Bridge National Preserve.
Outside of Alaska, Carter protected land in West Virginia — New River Gorge — and Washington — Ebey’s Landing.
We did not factor in conserved areas to be managed by the Bureau of Land Management, which would include an additional 100 million acres of land dedicated by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (1980).
Carter was an early proponent of energy conservation and alternative energy sources and supported laws against pollution and for protecting air, water, and natural resources. He installed solar panels on the roof of the White House in 1979.
The former president’s high school, childhood home, and campaign headquarters can be explored at Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in Georgia.
Photo credit: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration | Wikimedia Commons | Public Domain
Term in office: 1913-1921
Vice President: Thomas R. Marshall
Political party: Democrat
Highlights:
The National Park Service was created by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916.
Over the course of his term, Wilson preserved parks from the nation’s tallest peak, Denali, to the tropical landscapes of Haleakalā and the Hawaii Volcanoes.
Wilson is also credited with preserving Acadia in Maine, Rocky Mountain in Colorado, and the Grand Canyon.
Photo credit: Library of Congress | Wikimedia Commons | Public Domain
Term in office: 1933-1945
Vice President: John Nance Garner | Henry Agard Wallace | Harry S. Truman
Political party: Democrat
Highlights:
Numerous iconic park destinations — from Big Bend in Texas to the South Dakota Badlands to the Florida Everglades — were preserved by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Several California sites were protected as well, including Channel Islands, Death Valley, and Joshua Tree.
As president, Roosevelt introduced the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) which employed 3 million workers for land conservation projects — removing invasive plants and restoring trails and historic sites. The CCC also created numerous state parks.
FDR expanded the NPS to include historic sites like cemeteries and memorials, and transferred the management of many public monuments from the War Department and Army Corps of Engineers to NPS.
Over the course of his lifetime, FDR planted half a million trees in his hometown of Hyde Park, New York. His home is now a national historic site.
Photo credit: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration | Wikimedia Commons | Public Domain
Term in office: 1923-1929
Vice President: Charles Gates Dawes
Political party: Republican
Highlights:
President Calvin Coolidge preserved the glaciers and rainforest of Glacier Bay in Alaska.
He also protected iconic Southeastern spots like Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, Shenandoah in Virginia, and America’s most-visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina and Tennessee.
Coolidge also celebrated Forest Protection Week and Arbor Day.
His childhood home has been preserved by Vermont as a state historic site.
Photo credit: National Photo Company | Wikimedia Commons | Public Domain
Term in office: 1869-1877
Vice President: Schuyler Colfax | Henry Wilson
Political party: Republican
Highlights:
Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act in 1872, designating Yellowstone as the first national park.
However, Grant never visited Yellowstone, and in creating the park forced out and displaced the numerous Indigenous tribes native to the region.
His family estate in Missouri is preserved as a national historic site.
Photo credit: Brady-Handy Photograph Collection, Library of Congress | Wikimedia Commons | Public Domain
Key insights
Yellowstone, our first national park, was designated in 1872 by Ulysses S. Grant (No. 5). Since then, conservation efforts have expanded to 431 distinct sites managed by the National Park Service (NPS), including 63 national parks and 19 national preserves.
The Forest Reserve Act of 1891, signed by Benjamin Harrison (No. 7), was an early legislative step toward federal conservation efforts. Theodore Roosevelt (No. 13) later signed the Antiquities Act of 1906 into law, introducing federal protections for natural resources and historic sites.
Among the biggest steps for national park conservation over the past 2 decades was the establishment of Mojave National Preserve in California by Bill Clinton in 1994, protecting over 1.5 million acres of land.
- Two presidents had a close relationship with NPS before Inauguration Day: Herbert Hoover (No. 10) was named president of the National Parks Conservation Association in 1924, and Gerald Ford (No. 12) was a park ranger for one summer in 1936 at Yellowstone.
- Of the nation’s 10 biggest national parks, 7 are located in Alaska. The largest park is Wrangell – St. Elias — protected by Jimmy Carter (No. 1) in 1978 — at around 13 million acres.
Expert take
Nature is good for the soul, but venturing into the wilderness can seem intimidating.
We turned to a panel of experts for tips on visiting national parks, including navigating the park reservation process. Read their insights below.
- What three tips should visitors keep in mind when traveling to a national park?
- What are three underrated national parks that people should add to their bucket list?
- What are three unique activities that people can enjoy at a national park?
- What advice would you give folks attempting to visit a busy national park that requires a reservation?
- Who should consider getting an annual park pass?
Kelly S. Bricker, Ph.D.Associate Dean, Director of HAITC, Professor, Sustainable Tourism, Ecotourism u0026 Nature-based Recreation Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions Senior Global Futures Scientist, Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory Professor Emerita, University of Utah American Academy of Park and Recreation Administrators (AAPRA) Fellow The Academy of Leisure Sciences (TALS) Fellow Vice Chair, Global Sustainable Tourism Council
Dr. Kristin LamoureuxDirector, Hospitality and Tourism Graduate Program
Muzaffer (Muzzo) UysalCarney Family Endowed Professor
Kathleen AndereckProfessor, School of Community Resources and Development, Senior Global Futures Scientist, Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory
Bing Pan, Ph.D.,Professor in Commercial Recreation and Tourism
Connor ClarkAssistant Professor
Dr. Jonathon DayAssociate Professor, Lead Researcher – Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Travel Lab Kelly S. Bricker, Ph.D.Associate Dean, Director of HAITC, Professor, Sustainable Tourism, Ecotourism u0026 Nature-based Recreation Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions Senior Global Futures Scientist, Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory Professor Emerita, University of Utah American Academy of Park and Recreation Administrators (AAPRA) Fellow The Academy of Leisure Sciences (TALS) Fellow Vice Chair, Global Sustainable Tourism CouncilArizona State UniversityWhat three tips should visitors keep in mind when traveling to a national park?
1. Respect these special places and all its inhabitants. They are set aside for a reason, and have unique value — follow the rules, and focus on the place.
2. There is much to learn about these places. Dive in, attend ranger programs, and start at the visitor center for further guidance.
3. Get a park pass, they are worth the money spent! The fees benefit these places nationwide, and locally — so support the NPS, as the mission is to protect for future generations is what is so very special about our system, as well as being there for your enjoyment!
What are three underrated national parks that people should add to their bucket list?
- Theodore Roosevelt — truly a gem on the high plains!
- Capitol Reef — for amazing dark skies and quiet!
- Everglades — by sea kayak, an out of this world experience!
What are three unique activities that people can enjoy at a national park?
- Ranger programs — awesome!
- Junior ranger programs — fantastic!
- Dark sky and evening programs — spectacular!
What advice would you give folks attempting to visit a busy national park that requires a reservation?
I support a reservation system. They are there to help you have a more enjoyable experience, by not stretching all facilities and infrastructure beyond its capacity.
Plan well ahead, plan, and plan, and you will get the time you desire and that fits with your situation. By not planning well ahead, you will be frustrated and ultimately disappointed.
Who should consider getting an annual park pass?
Everyone! Even if you only go twice, it is a cost-saving and supports our amazing world-class National Park System. They are a badge of support!
Dr. Kristin LamoureuxDirector, Hospitality and Tourism Graduate ProgramVirginia Tech UniversityWhat three tips should visitors keep in mind when traveling to a national park?
1. Be respectful and stay away from the wildlife. Don’t have your vacation become a YouTube video of you getting run down by a bison. It’s dangerous, makes more work for the rangers, and endangers the wildlife.
2. Learn about where you are traveling to because you travel. Many of our national lands are historically very important to Native communities. Ask questions, be curious, and learn about the original stewards of the land before you travel or at least while you are there.
3. Plan ahead and seek lesser-known parks. Our iconic parks are often crowded and you may need reservations to get in, to park, or to stay. There are so many beautiful lesser-known parks that people can visit that are also incredibly beautiful.
What are three underrated national parks that people should add to their bucket list?
1. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida.
2. New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
3. Antelope Canyon (absolutely fabulous) — not a national park but a Tribal Park managed by the Navajo Nation.
What are three unique activities that people can enjoy at a national park?
1. Learning about Native culture, hearing Native stories. Ask at the ranger station if there is a Native talk or Native interpretation.
2. Taking an evening walk during the woodcock bird mating season to catch their mating dance.
3. Do a voluntourism trip. Help with trail maintenance, pick up trash, etc.
What advice would you give folks attempting to visit a busy national park that requires a reservation?
Consider a lesser-known park. Many are just as nice. If not, go during off-season.
If you can’t do that, see if there is an option to take a bus tour in. For example, at Glacier National Park, Sun Tours, a Native-owned and operated concessioner runs bus tours into the popular areas of the park. They give you a great tour and you don’t have to worry about getting a reservation, finding parking, etc.
Who should consider getting an annual park pass?
I think this is a great tool. There are over 400 parks across the U.S. Having the pass may be an incentive to go see a park you may not have thought of going to. It’s also a great way to support our beautiful National Park system.
Muzaffer (Muzzo) UysalCarney Family Endowed ProfessorUniversity of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA, Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management – Isenberg School of ManagementWhat three tips should visitors keep in mind when traveling to a national park?
We have the best National Parks system in the world and they are scattered throughout the country. They offer wonderful opportunities year-round with different amenities, and natural beauty.
1. Remember that there may be regulations, permits, requirements for admissions, and — in some cases — reservations for some activities. Before you make any plans, it is highly advised that you visit the park’s website for general information and reach out to the park ranger and get as much information as you can find about the park you will be visiting.
2. Because we have so many great options to choose from, before visiting a national park, you need to do your homework for good planning. Depending on the activities you would like to do, the location of the park you have in mind, the number of days you will spend, and who you will be traveling with all will be part of your planning process. Know what you are expecting from this experience and see if the park you have in mind can match your expectations of the visit.
Once you get there, stop by the visitor center to pick up maps and guides and for updated information on the park.
3. It is also important to know how you are getting there and the lodging options you will have at the site. So, your plan should give you information about the park, travel to the site, onsite experience, and return as part of your recreation and leisure travel to the park. Also, you should always have a backup plan. Considering the tips listed here will allow you to have a meaningful, memorable, and life-enriching experience.
Kathleen AndereckProfessor, School of Community Resources and Development, Senior Global Futures Scientist, Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures LaboratoryArizona State UniversityWhat three tips should visitors keep in mind when traveling to a national park?
1. First, be aware that for the high season, these are busy places so adjust your expectations accordingly. Even so, in my experience, it is not difficult to get away from the crowds if you go to less visited areas of the park and hike for a little way, visit at less busy times, or choose parks with less visitation.
2. Second, be mindful of how your behavior affects other people and the land and wildlife. Practice Leave No Trace principles, adhere to basic sustainability practices, be culturally respectful (there is great diversity among park visitors), and be considerate to others. This is also the case when you are in communities near the park — remember that people live there.
3. Third, be prepared for the visit with respect to weather and clothing. Do some research and arrive with what you need and a realistic idea of what to expect at the park.
What are three underrated national parks that people should add to their bucket list?
There are a few with lower visitation to consider, but every park is an amazing place — that is why they have been preserved.
- Most of the parks in Alaska have lower levels of visitation because they are remote.
- Great Basin in Nevada has fewer visitors and though I have not been there (yet) I have heard good things about it.
- Among the southern Utah parks, Capitol Reef is less visited but has spectacular geological features like the other parks in the region.
- Congaree National Park in South Carolina is one of the eastern parks with some of the last old-growth forests in the east and good birding.
I also want to point out there are many other kinds of parks in the National Park system such as National Historic Sites and Monuments, many of which get less visitation.
A couple of personal favorites are:
- Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico
- Colorado National Monument in (obviously) Colorado
- Montezuma Castle National Monument in Arizona where I go quite often.
What are three unique activities that people can enjoy at a national park?
It depends on the park. In some, there are very unique hiking and wildlife viewing options.
Some have kayaking, canoeing, and rafting; swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving; viewing active volcanos; seeing caves; and world-class star gazing.
With the diversity of the park system, there are many unique experiences.
What advice would you give folks attempting to visit a busy national park that requires a reservation?
Be aware of the parks that require reservations for various activities or even for park entry so do your homework before you go and do it early. These systems have been put in place to protect both your experience as a visitor as well as the resources the park was established to protect. It may seem like a bad idea, but you don’t want to spend your entire visit looking for a parking place.
This really is best for you and the park, but it does mean last-minute trips or camping are no longer an option at some parks. Most campgrounds require advance reservations, and some of the popular parks like Arches and Yosemite now require timed-entry reservations to even enter at some times of the year or day.
Several require reservations for a specific activity such as hiking the Angels Landing Trail in Zion or driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier and Cadillac Mountain in Acadia.
Also, keep in mind that there are other kinds of federal as well as tribal and state recreation lands that often have terrific experiences but fewer visitors. Many are contiguous to national parks.
Who should consider getting an annual park pass?
If you plan to visit more than one national park or other federal land area covered by the America the Beautiful pass, then get a pass. More than National Park Service sites are covered by the pass, it also includes many other federal recreation lands such as National Forests, Wildlife Refuges, and others.
There are several kinds of passes. Fourth graders all can get a free pass for their families. Active military and veterans, and people with disabilities can get a free pass. Seniors 62 or older can get a discounted annual pass, but also a lifetime pass for $80 which is the best deal you’ll ever get! It’s almost the first thing I did when I turned 62.
Bing Pan, Ph.D.,Professor in Commercial Recreation and TourismDepartment of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management (RPTM), College of Health and Human Development, Penn State UniversityWhat three tips should visitors keep in mind when traveling to a national park?
1. Respect wildlife. Keep certain distances from wild animals and refrain from feeding them.
2. The visitor center is a great resource for learning the science of a park and make sure to use it. Talk to a park ranger and ask questions. They are more than happy to answer your questions.
3. Follow “leave no trace” principles.
What are three underrated national parks that people should add to their bucket list?
I will recommend visiting lesser-known national parks in your home state or adjacent to it.
Stay a bit longer — do more hiking and camping. You will get a great experience anyway and it is good for the environment.
What are three unique activities that people can enjoy at a national park?
- Sightseeing
- Hiking
What advice would you give folks attempting to visit a busy national park that requires a reservation?
Start early. Certain camps can fill very quickly. Check back often for cancellations.
Connor ClarkAssistant ProfessorTexas A&M UniversityWhat three tips should visitors keep in mind when traveling to a national park?
When visiting a national park, I suggest that visitors:
1. Plan ahead.
2. Check out the road and trail conditions of each park.
3. See if a camp site is available at the park.
Many experiences, such as camping, require reserving a spot far in advance, but conditions may change daily, which is why it is important to check trail and road conditions.
What are three underrated national parks that people should add to their bucket list?
Some underrated parks include:
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
What are three unique activities that people can enjoy at a national park?
Three unique activities include:
1. Stargazing.
2. Taking a ranger-led tour.
3. Exploring beyond the park road where few tourists venture.
What advice would you give folks attempting to visit a busy national park that requires a reservation?
Many sites that require a reservation are popular for a reason, so if you plan far enough ahead and book your spot, you will most certainly feel that it was worth the wait!
Who should consider getting an annual park pass?
Everybody!
Dr. Jonathon DayAssociate Professor, Lead Researcher – Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Travel LabWhite Lodging – J. W. Marriott Rd School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Purdue UniversityWhat three tips should visitors keep in mind when traveling to a national park?
That the gift of our national parks comes with some responsibilities.
1. Protect the natural places you are visiting.
2. Spend your money thoughtfully so it benefits the gateway communities to the national parks you are visiting.
3. Be respectful to the folks you meet — particularly the people serving you in the parks like waiters, hotel staff, shop workers, etc.
What advice would you give folks attempting to visit a busy national park that requires a reservation?
Plan ahead.
Who should consider getting an annual park pass?
It’s a great way to save money if you love visiting national parks. And by getting the pass, it may add that little extra incentive to get out and enjoy our parks.
We have a program that encourages travelers to behave responsibly when they visit National Parks and other destinations. Our guide for consumers is here: https://travelwithcare.org/what/guidelines/.
Behind the ranking
For each of the 94 national parks, preserves, military parks, and trails included in this ranking, we then gathered data on park size (acreage) and their establishment dates, which we then attributed to the respective presidential administrations.
Notes:
- Not all units managed by the National Park Service were included in this ranking. Battlefields, historical parks and sites, monuments, and memorials were not considered, since many are designated to preserve historic sites like military forts, buildings, and ruins — and not to preserve wild lands or natural resources.
- Conservation lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management or Forest Service were not included in this ranking.
Sources
National Park Service and The White House Historical Association
Final thoughts
Conservation is a complex topic: the development of national parks hasn’t been positive for everyone. Many national parks were created by forcibly displacing the Indigenous stewards who had occupied the land for ages. Several parks in the Jim Crow era were segregated, including Hot Springs, Shenandoah, and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Today, some parks are working to restore cultural ties and partner with Native communities for conservation efforts. There are now more than 80 co-stewardship agreements between Indigenous Tribes and communities and NPS sites, featuring groups like the Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps and cultural programs and projects at parks like Acadia, Grand Canyon, and Glacier Bay.
After a hefty budget cut from Congress, the parks will benefit from a record-breaking $100 million gift to the National Park Foundation, dedicated to enhancing wildlife conservation and exploring the parks’ Indigenous histories.
Visitation records show that parks are more popular than ever, meanwhile staffing has been steadily decreasing as parks struggle with smaller budgets. With increased instances of severe weather on the horizon, it will become even more costly to maintain and repair our national parks from storm damage.
Parkland is worth the cost to manage, not only because of the priceless scenery, but because national parks boost local — many rural — economies and provide over 310,000 jobs within park communities.
This Lawn Love data story is all about park love. Here at Lawn Love, we’re partial to grassy expanses like “America’s Front Lawn” aka the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (featuring a foot-traffic-friendly sod mix). Other parks across the U.S. boast jaw-dropping geologic features like volcanoes, canyons, hot springs, and glaciers.
Hire a local Lawn Love crew so you can skip the yard chores and venture to your closest national park.
Main photo credit: Craig Zerbe | Adobe Stock | License
