Midwest
The national park sites of the Midwest are steeped in history, wrapped in the fabric of American culture, and spectacular in their natural beauty.
From the origins of the Underground Railroad to the Gateway Arch symbolizing Western expansion, our nation's history comes alive. The natural wonders of the Midwest are as varied as the landscape. There are dramatic sandstone cliffs, shifting sand dunes, and many islands filled with native wildlife in the Great Lakes. And thousands of acres of tallgrass prairie and scenic riverways throughout the region.
Gateway Arch Historic Landmark Preserved!
In the last several months, NPCA has spurred national interest in the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, Gateway Arch. NPCA members have joined voices nationwide in calling for respect in designing the grounds of this great National Historic Landmark.
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Do your part for Climate Friendly Parks!
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, located in Upper Wisconsin, is one of eleven Climate Friendly Parks in the country. Learn more about what Apostle Islands is doing by reading their Action Plan and learn what you can do to help them at the Do Your Part website.
Invasive Species at Sleeping Bear Dunes
Sleeping Bears struggles with invasive plants were featured in NPCA’s latest National Parks Magazine. Read the article here.
Help Save a Piece of American History
Located in Keweenaw National Histocial Park on the upper peninsula of Michiga, the 1898 Quincy Smelting Works, is the greatest remaining example of a turn of the 20th century copper smelter site in the world. But due to vandalism, theft, and harsh winters the buildings have deteriorated. Please visit Copper County Preservations, Inc. to learn more about what you can do to help save this piece of American history.
See a list of national parks in the Midwest Region > >
Threats:
- Air pollution is a threat in many parks, especially in Voyageurs and Isle Royale
- Invasive species threaten our parks and wildlife, specifically in the parks of the Great Lakes
- Underfunding remains an issue for park infrastructure, operations and land acquisition.
- New diseases threaten the fish and wildlife in regional parks
