Antietam National Battlefield

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

10/28/2026

The visitor center has been reopened after being closed yesterday while work was completed to remove civil war era artillery shells embedded in the base of the O.T. Reilly Monument. One shell was still filled with black powder and two were suspected to still contain powder. We are awaiting a full report from the team of U.S. Marines, who removed the unexploded ordnance, for further details.

10/23/2026

🍁 STONE BRIDGES, BRILLIANT LEAVES AND STORIES WORTH REMEMBERING! 🍂

Your next autumn adventure is waiting at Antietam National Battlefield.

📸 Picture this: Historic Burnside Bridge framed by colorful trees, peaceful creekside views and winding woodland trails.

🥾 Take the scenic route: Walk the 0.9-mile West Woods loop at Auto Tour Stop 5, then head to Burnside Bridge at Auto Tour Stop 8 for another beautiful fall view.

❤️ More than a beautiful landscape: Antietam is a place of remembrance. As you enjoy the changing leaves, take time to discover the history that makes this battlefield so significant.

📍 Start here: 5831 Dunker Church Road, Sharpsburg, MD.

🚗 Entrance: $20 per vehicle, valid for three days.

🍁 Make a day of it! Bring a friend, enjoy the scenery, stay on designated paths and share your favorite fall photo with us!

🔗 Plan your visit: https://ow.ly/YM6i5100kFe



NPS Photo/ Antietam

10/15/2026

🚨 PARTIAL CLOSURE ALERT: ANTIETAM NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD 🚨

📅 CLOSED OCT. 27–28:
⛔ Dunker Church
⛔ Dunker Church Road
⛔ Visitor Center
⛔ Trails near the O.T. Reilly Monument

Specialists will remove unexploded projectiles from the base of the O.T. Reilly Monument.

✅ Other battlefield areas will remain open.
🚧 Please follow posted signs and staff directions.

📲 Check for updates: nps.gov/anti
☎️ Questions? Call 301-432-5124.

10/02/2026

Due to the forecast for steady rain, the historic weapons demonstrations on Sunday, October 4th have been cancelled. The firings scheduled for Saturday, October 3 will proceed as scheduled at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Photo: NPS

09/25/2026

Join Park Rangers from Independence National Historical Park and Antietam National Battlefield for a special weekend event focusing on the gear, clothing, and weapons of Revolutionary War and American Civil War soldiers. This weekend event includes weapon firing demonstrations, specialty talks focusing on the Philadelphia Associators and the history of Independence Hall, and an informal drop-in contact station to view the gear and weapons up close. A full schedule is available on our website. https://www.nps.gov/anti/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

09/22/2026

Join Park Rangers from Independence National Historical Park and Antietam National Battlefield for a special weekend event focusing on the gear, clothing, and weapons of Revolutionary War and American Civil War soldiers. This weekend event includes weapon firing demonstrations, specialty talks focusing on the Philadelphia Associators and the history of Independence Hall, and an informal drop-in contact station to view the gear and weapons up close. A full schedule is available on our website. https://www.nps.gov/anti/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

09/20/2026

This weekend Antietam National Battlefield will commemorate the 164th Anniversary of the Battle of Antietam. We will have 2 full days of ranger led talks, tours, hikes, and living history events. The full schedule is available on our website. https://www.nps.gov/anti/planyourvisit/2026-battle-anniversary-events.htm