Image of a leather-bound photo album from Yellowstone Park


WTTW presents a film by Ken Burns…
The National Parks: America's Best Idea

The Show

The Scripture of Nature (1851-1890)
The Last Refuge (1890-1915)
The Empire of Grandeur (1915-1919)
Going Home (1920-1933)
Great Nature (1933-1945)
The Morning of Creation (1946-1980)

Filmed over the course of more than six years at some of nature's most spectacular locales - from Acadia to Yosemite, Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, the Everglades of Florida to the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska - The National Parks: America's Best Idea is nonetheless a story of people: people from every conceivable background - rich and poor; famous and unknown; soldiers and scientists; natives and newcomers; idealists, artists and entrepreneurs; people who were willing to devote themselves to saving some precious portion of the land they loved, and in doing so reminded their fellow citizens of the full meaning of democracy. It is a story full of struggle and conflict, high ideals and crass opportunism, stirring adventure and enduring inspiration - set against the most breathtaking backdrops imaginable.

Watch the preview of The National Parks: America's Best Idea.

The Web

Explore the world of the National Parks online…

> Have you visited a national park recently? Did an experience in a national park leave a lasting impression? Share your unique park story with us.

> Create personalized e-postcards using images from The National Parks series and email them to friends or family.

> Freshen up your Facebook page or website with badges that feature the national parks you've visited.

> Discover the "hidden" stories of the national parks that explore the role of minorities in the creation and protection of the parks.