America’s National Parks Podcast

Consumption in Mammoth Cave

Inside Mammoth Cave, people notice that the air seems surprisingly fresh and that their allergies disappear like magic. Observations such as these have been noted for centuries at least. In 1839, the property was purchased by Dr. John Croghan and entered into a most peculiar situation. While still open for tours, Dr. Croghan devised a plan to use the cave for medical purposes.
Written by Lauren Eisenberg Davis
Sponsored by L.L.Bean

Riding the Rails to Nature’s Wonders: National Parks by Train

From the allure of the Orient Express to the daily grind of commuter trains, rail travel has always captured our imaginations. But did you know you can journey to some of America's most iconic national parks by train? In this episode, discover how you can combine the romance of the rails with the majesty of Glacier, Denali, the Grand Canyon, and more.
Written by Lauren Eisenberg Davis
Hosted by Jason Epperson
Sponsored by L.L.Bean

The Secret Spy History of Camp David | Catoctin Mountain Park

Catoctin Mountain Park is one of those National Park Service units that doesn't fit into any category, but its importance in American history could not be any greater. It's home to the famed presidential retreat — Camp David — but lesser known is its place in World War 2 as the secret training camp for the OSS, the predecessor to the CIA. 
Hosted by Jason Epperson
Sponsored by L.L.Bean

2 New NPS Units, Lost in Death Valley, Plane Crash in Denali

In this month's national park news round-up, we're covering the new National Monuments, one remembering Emmett Till and the other protecting the area surrounding the Grand Canyon. Plus, two men get lost in Death Valley and hike for miles overnight in the grueling heat, and a plane crash in Denali is presumed to have no survivors.

Secret Cities

As the world experiences Christopher Nolan’s new film, Oppenheimer, the world is taking a new look at the development of this great and terrible weapon under the organization of the Manhattan Project.
In this episode, we’re taking a look at the three main sites that would be chosen for the Manhattan Project to develop a bomb that would undoubtedly change the world. America's Secret Cities. 
Visit https://www.nps.gov/mapr/index.htm to learn more about the NPS site covered in this week's episode.
Support this podcast: For only $3 a month, you can support this podcast and our team of writers. https://www.patreon.com/NationalParksPodcast

The Importance of...the Butt

Set against the backdrop of rolling hills in western Wyoming, Fossil Butte National Monument, like so many other parks, presents a variety of activities. But one exhibit shares the fascinating story of a type of fossil that you probably haven't thought of: Fossilized poop. 
Written by Lauren Eisenberg Davis
Hosted by Jason Epperson
Sponsored by L.L.Bean
 
 

The Kennedys and the Promise of a Better Future for Those Living With Disabilities

At the close of the 2019 visitor season, the JFK National Historic Site closed its doors, the collections were safely secured, and the site prepared for an extensive facelift. The plan involved the installation of an accessible visitor center, along with other much-needed maintenance. Originally set to begin in early 2020, unforeseen hurdles like the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the work to 2022. Now, in 2023, the work is finally reaching completion.Since its opening in 1969, the site has undergone very few major renovations. There was a significant structural project in 1986, involving repair of the basement floors, improving an exterior staircase, and the addition of a small visitor center and retail shop in the basement of JFK's birthplace. However, as years passed, this 1986 visitor center grew outdated and remained inaccessible to many visitors with disabilities. A change was due.
Written By Chris Linn
Hosted By Jason Epperson
Sponsored by LLBean www.llbean.com/guideand Campendium www.campendium.com

Yosemite Traffic Nightmare, Slew of Deaths in National Parks

In this month's national park news round-up, we're covering the difficult situation at Yosemite, where the timed-entry reservation system is gone for the first year since 2019, causing huge traffic problems. Plus hot weather and roaring waters are taking the lives of several visitors to parks, rules on e-bikes, and more. 
Comment on e-bikes here:https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectId=117364
Comment on the Yosemite Traffic Management Plan here: https://www.nps.gov/yose/getinvolved/visitoraccessmanagement.htm
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