Fort Stanwix National Monument

11/06/2026

Across the National Park System, memorials, monuments and historic landscapes preserve the stories of those who served and sacrificed. From the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and World War II Memorial to the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the newly dedicated Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial, these places invite us to reflect on the people behind the history.

Beyond the memorials, historic battlefields, military forts and other sites across the country help tell the stories of generations who served. On Veterans Day, take time to visit a place of remembrance, discover a story you didn't know, and honor those who served.

Explore places that commemorate America's military history: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/veterans-day.htm

Image: Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial Raptors in Flight. NPS/Brodsky

11/06/2026

11/05/2026

The histories, cultures, and living traditions of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander communities are an important part of the stories told across our national parks.

Throughout the year, and during November’s Native American Heritage Month, explore the stories, places, and cultural heritage preserved and shared in national parks and communities across the country: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/native-american-heritage-month.htm

NPS Photo

11/04/2026

It’s leaf-peeping season. The trees have made an effort, so the least we can do is go outside and stare at them.

Leaf peeping is the ancient human tradition of traveling long distances to look at leaves, take photographs, and stand in the middle of roads while saying, “Oh, wow, look at that one.”

Nobody knows exactly when this became a major event, but the trees seem okay with the arrangement. So get out there and see what all the rustle is about.

NPS photos

11/04/2026

As Veterans Day approaches, take a moment to honor those who have served our country. One way to celebrate their service is by helping them discover the places and stories that make our nation's public lands special.

U.S. military veterans and Gold Star Families are eligible for a free America the Beautiful Military Lifetime Pass, providing free access to federal recreation lands where entrance or standard amenity fees are charged.

From the quiet beauty of a mountain trail to the stories preserved at historic sites, our public lands offer opportunities to explore, reflect, learn, and connect with the places that help tell America's story.

Learn how to get your pass and start planning your next adventure: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm

Image: Korean War Veterans Memorial at National Mall & Memorial Parks /NPS

11/02/2026

Hello darkness, my old friend. Now you start at 5:00 pm.

With daylight saving time behind us, the sun is clocking out a littler earlier. Just as before, if you’re heading to a national park, make sure and check park hours, trail conditions, weather forecasts, and sunset times.

Fun fact: admiring fall foliage is much more enjoyable when you’re not trying to navigate a trail in the dark while wondering which tree looks familiar.

NPS photo

11/02/2026

11/02/2026

🦋 Imagine flying thousands of miles to make it home for a family reunion. Monarch butterflies do it every year.

Every fall, two journeys come together. As millions of monarch butterflies travel south on one of nature's greatest migrations, families gather to honor loved ones during Day of the Dead or Día de los Mu***os.

For many communities, the arrival of the monarchs is more than a sign of the changing season. These butterflies are seen as messengers, symbolizing the return of loved ones in spirit and serving as a beautiful reminder of the enduring connections between generations.

Traveling thousands of miles across North America, they depend on healthy habitats, including in parks, to rest, feed, and continue their journey.

What animal makes you feel connected to your family or community?

Several parks across the country host cultural Day of the Dead programming, including San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, among others.

NPS Photo taken at Amistad National Recreation Area

11/02/2026

Día de los Mu***os, or Day of the Dead, is a centuries-old tradition that honors the lives of loved ones who have passed. Its roots stretch back to Indigenous cultures of Mesoamerica, where ancestors were remembered through ritual, art, and celebration. When the Spanish arrived in what is now Texas, these native customs merged with Catholic traditions like All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day; creating the vibrant holiday we know today.

At San Antonio Missions, you can see this cultural fusion come to life. From colorful altars adorned with marigolds and candles to music, food, and stories, the park reflects how Spanish and Indigenous traditions shaped communities along the San Antonio River.

Come explore mission descendant ofrendas/ Day of the Dead altars while they are still inside the Mission San Jose granary for a few more days!

NPS Photo/ Andrew Shirey

10/31/2026

This is Halloween, this is Halloween
Pumpkins* scream in the dead of night!

Happy Halloween!

*No pumpkins have been observed screaming in national parks. You may be hearing a coyote, bobcat, fox, owl, or that marmot looking for Alan…or was it Steve?

Image: Boo! Carved jack-o’-lantern with ranger hat at Hartwell Tavern at Minute Man National Historical Park

10/01/2026

From the records of Lt. Ebenezer Elmer of the 3rd NJ Regiment:

"Tuesday, October 1st, 1776 . . . Being on guard all night we came near perishing, having our bodies exposed to a severe white frost, which froze the ground hard, and some of the men barefoot."

09/23/2026

There is a lot of wildlife at the park if you know where to look! Here is a praying mantis enjoying a meal in one of our pollinator plots. We have over 300 species (and counting) that call the park home, so come over to the fort to see what you can find!
What wildlife have you spotted in the park?

09/18/2026

From the Orderly Book of Marinus Willett:

“Garrison Orders Fort Schuyler Sep:r 18th 1777.
Parole Perseverance C Sign Dilligence.

The Adjutants of Colonel Van Schaicks, and Gansevoorts Reg:ts will do the duty of Ajutant by Rotation, and be punctual and calling on the Commandant at 11 oclock for Orders.

The Adj’t of the day is to take all the men of those two Regiments, out exercise every afternoon at 3 oclock who are not on Fatigue including the old Guard & Cooks.

Officer of the Day Tomorrow Capt Jansen.

M. Willet Lt Colonel”


📸RPR.Images

09/16/2026

The monarchs are beginning to migrate south for the winter, and here is one stopping to get some nectar from one of our clovers. We have several little pollinator waystations for monarchs and other pollinators to stop and eat on their way to their next destination. Stop by the fort to wish these monarchs well on their journey to Mexico! Have you seen any monarchs migrating this season?

09/15/2026

From the Orderly Books of the 3rd New Jersey Regiment:

"Fort Schuyler, Sept. 15th, 1776
Parole — Essex

Officer of the day, to-morrow, Capt. Imlay
Officers of the guard, Lt Cox and Ensign Patterson
Col. Dayton's Orders

A regimental Court Martial to sit to-morrow, whereof Captain Dickinson is President; Members — Lieuts. Flannigan, Pierson and Elmer, and Ensign Leonard, for the trial of such prisoners as shall be brought before them.

The whole of the men at this post not on duty to parade on Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock for exercise; clean, and completely equipped. The Adjutant to see the regulations of war read to the troops at least once every week."

📸K.Hoehn

09/13/2026

POP QUIZ: How are these people connected?......
ANSWER: They are grandfather and grandchildren!

The man in the first portrait is Colonel Peter Gansevoort; famous for his time as commander of the "Fort that never surrendered" (aka Fort Schuyler/Stanwix).

The others are, granddaughter Catherine, grandson Henry, grandson Herman, grandson Gansevoort, and grandson Guert. Gansevoort and his wife (also Catherine) had five children and through them had several distinguished grandchildren.

Through his son Leonard, was Guert Gansevoort, who had a distinguished naval career that spanned 45 years and the Mexican-American and US Civil Wars. The WWII naval destroyer USS Gansevoort (DD-608) was named after him.

Through his son Peter, was Catherine Gansevoort Lansing, a noted philanthropist who donated much of her grandfather's collection and other notable family items to museums across the nation (including the Smithsonian!). Her younger brother was Brigadier General Henry Sanford Gansevoort, brother to Catherine, who led the American artillery troops at the Battle of Antietam.

And through his daughter Maria, he was the maternal grandfather of famed "Moby Dick" author Herman Melville. His older, less famous brother was Gansevoort Melville, who served as a secretary for the American delegation to England in the mid 1800s.

Numerous other descendants became community leaders, politicians, philanthropists, or soldiers. It seems safe to say that Peter's public service influenced their future contributions.

09/12/2026

Have you always wondered what it would be like to volunteer for the National Park Service? Are you looking for something fun to do in your spare time? Do you need community service hours for school or a civic organization? We might have the perfect opportunity for you!

Fall volunteer training starts October 3rd, and we would love to see you there. If you're curious about what volunteering at Fort Stanwix is all about, join us for this informational session from 10-11 am, then you can decide if you'd like to continue. Training sessions will continue every Saturday throughout October from 10 am-Noon, with the potential of on-the-job training starting in November.

If you have questions or would like to get on the list for the October 3rd session, call 315-338-7730 and ask for Ranger Val or Ranger Kelly. We hope to see you there!

08/30/2026

Come out to Fort Stanwix today to celebrate Junior Ranger Day! Activities for Junior Rangers will be happening throughout the day. Enlist as a soldier and experience what it was like to drill with other new recruits. If soldier life is not for you, explore different activities that family or children of the Fort would have experienced. Junior Rangers can finish their visit by creating their own commemorative button to take home.

Be sure to pick up your Junior Ranger activity packet from the Visitor Center before exploring. We look forward to seeing you!

08/27/2026

Come join us this Sunday for Junior Ranger Day!

Enlist as a soldier and experience what it was like to drill with other new recruits. If soldier life is not for you, explore different activities that family or children of the Fort would have experienced. Junior Rangers can finish their visit by creating their own commemorative button to take home.

Be sure to pick up this years' Junior Ranger activity book at the visitor center before starting your adventure.

Activities will be taking place throughout the day from 9:30a-4:30p, and just like every day, are free.

08/27/2026

What are we most thankful for on Thankful Thursday? All of you!
We want to thank everyone that has visited Fort Stanwix this season! If you have not had a chance to visit, no worries, we still have some awesome events planned before the season ends.

Check out the events calendar here: https://ow.ly/7U8y50ZElzQ
📸NPS