What do you think?
Rate this book
National Parks: The American Experience
This third edition includes a new essay on recent environmental issues and concerns, especially as they center on Yellowstone National Park.
335 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1979
59 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
About the author
Alfred Runte
22 books8 followers Alfred Runte writes for a national following on the meaning and management of protected landscapes. Born and raised in Binghamton, New York, in the upper Susquehanna River Valley, he became the youngest board member of the Susquehanna Conservation Council. While fighting with others to preserve the river, he earned his B.A. from Harpur College of the State University of New York at Binghamton (now Binghamton University). His Ph.D. is from the University of California at Santa Barbara, where he helped build the Environmental Studies Program. A childhood camping trip from coast to coast (the family covered 10,000 miles) inspired Al’s resolve to write about the national parks. Now in its fourth edition, his first book, National Parks: The American Experience, continues to guide conservationists around the world in the establishment and management of protected lands.
Al’s hands-on research further includes four years as a seasonal ranger in Yosemite National Park. Visitor enthusiasm for his talks inspired two books, Trains of Discovery: Western Railroads and the National Parks, and Yosemite: The Embattled Wilderness. In 1991, Al was centennial historian for the U.S. Forest Service, celebrating the nation’s first forest reserves (1891 1991), for which he produced the exhibit catalogue, Public Lands, Public Heritage: The National Forest Idea.
In 2003, Al helped launch Natureza & Conservação, a new international journal of ecology published in Brazil. He was then invited to deliver the keynote address at the Fourth Brazilian Congress on Parks and Protected Areas, held in 2004 in Curitiba. “It was humbling,” Al notes. “Eighteen hundred people listened expectantly to my recommendations for the future of parks in their country. What could I tell them but to follow their hearts and learn from our mistakes?”
In recent years, Al has busied himself with saving railroads as effective allies of open space, a contribution he details in Allies of the Earth: Railroads and the Soul of Preservation. An expanded fifth edition of Trains of Discovery, now including the national parks of the East, also appeared in 2011 with a new subtitle, Railroads and the Legacy of Our National Parks.
Al’s hobby, of sorts, is writing op-eds for national newspapers. He has also been a guest on Nightline, The Today Show, Forty-Eight Hours, the History Channel, and Travel Channel, and in numerous PBS documentaries. He works out of his basement office in Seattle, supervised by George and Gracie, the family cats. His wife Christine is registrar at Seattle’s Museum of Flight, renowned for its collections of fighter and commercial aircraft.
In April 2011, Al was elected to membership in the College of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame at Illinois State University (his master’s degree institution) “in recognition of exemplary achievement” as a teacher and public scholar.
Al’s hands-on research further includes four years as a seasonal ranger in Yosemite National Park. Visitor enthusiasm for his talks inspired two books, Trains of Discovery: Western Railroads and the National Parks, and Yosemite: The Embattled Wilderness. In 1991, Al was centennial historian for the U.S. Forest Service, celebrating the nation’s first forest reserves (1891 1991), for which he produced the exhibit catalogue, Public Lands, Public Heritage: The National Forest Idea.
In 2003, Al helped launch Natureza & Conservação, a new international journal of ecology published in Brazil. He was then invited to deliver the keynote address at the Fourth Brazilian Congress on Parks and Protected Areas, held in 2004 in Curitiba. “It was humbling,” Al notes. “Eighteen hundred people listened expectantly to my recommendations for the future of parks in their country. What could I tell them but to follow their hearts and learn from our mistakes?”
In recent years, Al has busied himself with saving railroads as effective allies of open space, a contribution he details in Allies of the Earth: Railroads and the Soul of Preservation. An expanded fifth edition of Trains of Discovery, now including the national parks of the East, also appeared in 2011 with a new subtitle, Railroads and the Legacy of Our National Parks.
Al’s hobby, of sorts, is writing op-eds for national newspapers. He has also been a guest on Nightline, The Today Show, Forty-Eight Hours, the History Channel, and Travel Channel, and in numerous PBS documentaries. He works out of his basement office in Seattle, supervised by George and Gracie, the family cats. His wife Christine is registrar at Seattle’s Museum of Flight, renowned for its collections of fighter and commercial aircraft.
In April 2011, Al was elected to membership in the College of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame at Illinois State University (his master’s degree institution) “in recognition of exemplary achievement” as a teacher and public scholar.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 11, 2012
This was a pretty good read. I was most interested to learn how the commercialization of Niagara Falls was a source of shame for many Americans, and something that others ridiculed us for, and was frequently held up as a glaring example of what we should NOT allow to happen to places like Yellowstone and Yosemite. Not being a terribly competitive person myself, I also found it fascinating and kind of silly the way America's natural wonders were put forward as a challenge to the grandeur and magnificence of Europe's historic architectural treasures. There's really no direct comparison, and both are pretty amazing, but I guess as a newish nation we felt we had a lot to prove back in the day. And maybe some still feel that way? A lovely little history lesson (I haven't seen the PBS series so much of this was new to me) and it really makes me want to get out and explore more of our country's fabulous wonderfulness.
May 1, 2021
Good if someone dated overview of how the national parks came into existence. It was interesting reading about how the parks were more originally intended as monuments rather than preserves and how that legacy shaped what was selected as a park and what the parks include. While I think it's a little incomplete just because of its age, it helped me learn more about certain aspects of the park I had wondered about (like why there's so many in the West vs the rest of the US) and was overall a quick and accessible read.
August 21, 2025
I got the history basics that I wanted! Unfortunately, by the time I finished chapter 7, I simply got bored. It was starting to feel repetitive: the main theme was the opposing forces of conservationism vs utilitarianism, and I figured I had enough of the gist at this point and didn't need to read the rest. I skipped chapters 8-13, read the Epilogue, and decided to be done.
I had no idea of the impact of Nationalism, coupled with "worthless lands," as the foundation upon which our Parks were built. Fascinating!
I had no idea of the impact of Nationalism, coupled with "worthless lands," as the foundation upon which our Parks were built. Fascinating!
July 23, 2013
I've seen the Ken Burns PBS series about the National Parks about which Runte was an advisor. The intersections of the two tellings of this story are evident throughout the book. Still, Runte's work varies enough from the Burns telling to warrant anyone interested in the history of the National Parks picking up a copy and following the story of how the idea of the parks began and the centuries-long tumult surrounding the consideration and refinement of the understanding of what they should be.
Runte remains largely removed from what could be considered a an impassioned argument for the parks. Instead, his book reads as a history with the definite lens of defending and preserving the parks. While he acknowledges the movement of preservationist to environmentalists and the focus on the importance of parks as ecological protections, he grounds his history in preservation and touches on the ecology as it became important to the parks' history.
The book is denser than say a similar work from Bill Bryson. It is, to be sure, a book to be read by someone already interested in the parks rather than the book you pick up as a breezy summer read. That said, if you are interested in the history of America's National Parks, Runte here provides a thoughtful, thorough, and detailed history that answers and raises many excellent questions.
Runte remains largely removed from what could be considered a an impassioned argument for the parks. Instead, his book reads as a history with the definite lens of defending and preserving the parks. While he acknowledges the movement of preservationist to environmentalists and the focus on the importance of parks as ecological protections, he grounds his history in preservation and touches on the ecology as it became important to the parks' history.
The book is denser than say a similar work from Bill Bryson. It is, to be sure, a book to be read by someone already interested in the parks rather than the book you pick up as a breezy summer read. That said, if you are interested in the history of America's National Parks, Runte here provides a thoughtful, thorough, and detailed history that answers and raises many excellent questions.
September 12, 2018
This book was super informative, but oh my god I thought I was going to die of boredom.
December 17, 2017
With this book, Runte has produced a straightforward telling of the history of America's national parks by outlining the various philosophical approaches conservationists have taken towards the parks and the challenges they have faced in developing them.
Though the book doesn't really necessarily bring the various personalities and controversies surrounding the parks to life, this is a great book if you want to have a better understanding of the various principles behind the national parks.
First, the national parks focused on preserving the majestic wonders of the US from a nationalistic perspective: Yellowstone, Yosemite.
Then, the parks evolved to focus on preserving disappearing, unique natural landscapes: Shenandoah, Acadia, Everglades.
This approach evolved to include an understand how protecting less remarkable landscapes that are a part of ecosystems, watersheds, and even migratory patterns is necessary for achieving the first two goals.
Eventually, preservationist philosophy was expanded to include urban parks and areas with significance to indigenous cultures and/or American history.
The book also spends time meditating on the uses of parks. Originally, allowing cars into parks was a huge controversy. Ever since, roads, snowmobiles, attractions, hotels, and restaurants have all occasioned battles over what the parks are for. One of the most notable struggles is between the philosophy that nature should be preserved in as natural a state as possible and the idea that all Americans should have access to the parks. This tension is still being worked out to this day.
With the current administration's assault on the parks led by Ryan Zinke, likely a bottom three all time Interior head along with Reagan and Hoover's choices, these arguments are going to be important. As corporate interests attack the parks, looking to extract from the Earth and line their pockets, would be defenders of the parks should understand the principles behind them that make them great.
Runte's book does exactly that, and even if it has its dry moments, National Parks: The American Experience provides an important primer on America's best idea.
Though the book doesn't really necessarily bring the various personalities and controversies surrounding the parks to life, this is a great book if you want to have a better understanding of the various principles behind the national parks.
First, the national parks focused on preserving the majestic wonders of the US from a nationalistic perspective: Yellowstone, Yosemite.
Then, the parks evolved to focus on preserving disappearing, unique natural landscapes: Shenandoah, Acadia, Everglades.
This approach evolved to include an understand how protecting less remarkable landscapes that are a part of ecosystems, watersheds, and even migratory patterns is necessary for achieving the first two goals.
Eventually, preservationist philosophy was expanded to include urban parks and areas with significance to indigenous cultures and/or American history.
The book also spends time meditating on the uses of parks. Originally, allowing cars into parks was a huge controversy. Ever since, roads, snowmobiles, attractions, hotels, and restaurants have all occasioned battles over what the parks are for. One of the most notable struggles is between the philosophy that nature should be preserved in as natural a state as possible and the idea that all Americans should have access to the parks. This tension is still being worked out to this day.
With the current administration's assault on the parks led by Ryan Zinke, likely a bottom three all time Interior head along with Reagan and Hoover's choices, these arguments are going to be important. As corporate interests attack the parks, looking to extract from the Earth and line their pockets, would be defenders of the parks should understand the principles behind them that make them great.
Runte's book does exactly that, and even if it has its dry moments, National Parks: The American Experience provides an important primer on America's best idea.
December 1, 2025
One of the most defining features of America is its national parks. In stark contrast to the seemingly immutable landscape, the concept of National Parks has undergone many transformations since the 1800s. Yellowstone, the first National Park, established in 1872, was not instituted as a National Park overnight. No, it took years of expeditions to and campaigning for its preservation to convince Congress of its importance towards America's beauty and culture. Guided by its precedents- Niagara Falls (which the country failed to protect from private profiteers), and Yosemite (which after a hard-fought battle was instituted as a state park), Yellowstone represented the first step in America's efforts to preserve its lands. The journey for preservation has been a continuously uphill climb. From preservationists allying with railway companies to promote tourism, to relying on the generosity of great icons like Rockefeller and President Roosevelt, the battle lines for preserving America's beautiful landscapes have evolved in tandem with the zeitgeist. The great big bad for preservationists has always been utilitarianism, often endorsed by government policy.
This book clarified a lot of my basic doubts, such as why Niagara Falls is not a national park, or why the West has so many more national parks than the East. The chapter on Alaska is a particular gem. Another standout section discusses the genesis of the Everglades National Park.
As the book puts it: "It remained instead for Everglades National Park, Florida.....to mark the first unmistakable pledge to the protection of natural environments....For the first time, a major national park lacked great mountains, deep canyons, and tumbling waterfalls. The protection of native plants and animals alone seemed justification for Everglades National Park."
That said, the book isn't without its flaws. A major put-offs is its chaotic chronological structure. If the chapters were arranged by say, national parks, or states/regions or specific time periods, it would have made for a more engaging read. Overall however, this book is an educational as it is fun, and a great way to deep dive into the history behind National Parks. Whether you are a history buff or a nature lover or simply a curious adventurer, this book is sure to enrich your National Park visiting experience.
This book clarified a lot of my basic doubts, such as why Niagara Falls is not a national park, or why the West has so many more national parks than the East. The chapter on Alaska is a particular gem. Another standout section discusses the genesis of the Everglades National Park.
As the book puts it: "It remained instead for Everglades National Park, Florida.....to mark the first unmistakable pledge to the protection of natural environments....For the first time, a major national park lacked great mountains, deep canyons, and tumbling waterfalls. The protection of native plants and animals alone seemed justification for Everglades National Park."
That said, the book isn't without its flaws. A major put-offs is its chaotic chronological structure. If the chapters were arranged by say, national parks, or states/regions or specific time periods, it would have made for a more engaging read. Overall however, this book is an educational as it is fun, and a great way to deep dive into the history behind National Parks. Whether you are a history buff or a nature lover or simply a curious adventurer, this book is sure to enrich your National Park visiting experience.
October 9, 2023
A clear and thoughtful overview of the formation of "America's best idea." Runte's mostly discrete chapters center around the question: What, exactly, is the purpose of these parks? His account of the gradual growth of the park system replaces some of the starry-eyed idealism with the often alarming, and sometimes confusing, willingness to protect land that, in the eyes of the authorities and legislators, has no other use. I definitely recommend after watching Ken Burn's documentary. Fall in love with the story of the national parks first, then read "National Parks" to get a clearer view of an American idea that almost coalesces into a purpose.
It is definitely relevant for those care about future legislation of National Parks! I recommend it for historical detail, solid writing style, and gems nestled throughout--the things they threw off of Yosemite cliffs for entertainment!
It is definitely relevant for those care about future legislation of National Parks! I recommend it for historical detail, solid writing style, and gems nestled throughout--the things they threw off of Yosemite cliffs for entertainment!
August 23, 2017
An interesting perspective on the intersection of the conservation movement with the history of the National Park system. This book dives into various groups' interests in the purpose of creating and maintaining National Parks, monuments, and forests, and how to balance those interests with the political swings of the time as well as the public's ability to use and enjoy these spaces (and how those visits affect the Parks and their ecosystems). This intersection is complicated and fascinating, and this is a unique take on the history of America's Best Idea.
July 12, 2022
A decent history. However, I agree with other reviews regarding the sporadic nature of the author's prose and focus. Within the same paragraph he will mention three national parks. It can become confusing at times. I did learn a lot; I just wish it was more focused. For instance, instead of a sticky chronological narrative, he could have written a chapter about each national park, or a single presidents contributions.
August 17, 2025
Read this for your great-grands.
This book can most likely answer every question you have about the development of our National park system. But if you read nothing else, read the Epilogue. Because of a few, National park lands belong to us. All of us! Not some rich developer. Runte’s last sentence says it all. “Only government—you the people—can be counted on to give National parks a fighting chance.”
This book can most likely answer every question you have about the development of our National park system. But if you read nothing else, read the Epilogue. Because of a few, National park lands belong to us. All of us! Not some rich developer. Runte’s last sentence says it all. “Only government—you the people—can be counted on to give National parks a fighting chance.”
September 8, 2021
This book on the National Park system is certainly a subject I am interested in but I found it largely difficult to follow and it lacked a clear direction. The author would slip between years and major events leaving the reader confused and lost. It had a couple of interesting points but overall I did not enjoy it.
June 24, 2022
This starts off as a fascinating book about our national parks. Soon it limits itself to the fight between those who want to preserve vs. those who prioritize economic opportunities. I'm bewildered that more isn't presented regarding tourism. The book takes you up to the 1980's and winds down without addressing what has developed in the last 40 years.
September 18, 2020
A bit dense and it sorta drops you in the middle of this movement without any context of who the players are. The author mentions people as if you’re supposed to know who they are or what their motivations are. Still, a fine book.
May 17, 2021
A very well-researched, intriguing history. I was a little disappointed in how biased Runte was in favor of national parks. I agree with his views, but I wish he were a bit more subtle about them when writing history
July 8, 2018
Very detailed insight into the ideas, history, and construction of our National Parks system. Some sections tend to go on a tangent, but overall, this was an insightful reading.
May 4, 2024
Academic, but a really great overview of the philosophies behind American conservation and environmentalism.
May 28, 2024
Half this book pissed me off, the other half made me want to go back 150 years and start over
December 6, 2024
If I was a genius it might have been riveting but for me it was a long, hard trudge. Some interesting facts but it skipped around too much for me to follow.
January 14, 2025
Somewhat analytically unsound, but still a good history
July 22, 2025
Nps book club!! The first half or so of this was interesting but very slow. Loved the last few chapters and especially enjoyed the epilogue!!
September 17, 2015
An interesting read. The author writes; "The United States could not afford to wait another 100 years to preserve the land for what it was instead of what it was not." As we go into the Centennial of the National Park service next year, I picked up this book written in 1979. Reading it, it was interesting to see that not much has changed; the national parks still face the dangers of development, outside interests wishing to reduce their size or change their management, and too many cars. If the author was to write this book today, the only issue that would be new is climate change. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the national parks; particularly as they celebrate 100 years in 2016.
August 6, 2011
The best book I have read on the History of American National Parks - specifically in the US. Helps make you think about the issues National Parks bring up - preservation versus conservation, wildlife conservation, tourism, and the many ideas about what the purpose of the parks should be as well as the key figures responsible for the parks
December 27, 2014
If you are looking for an introduction to US national park history this is a very useful book. It gives a broad overview of formative people and moments in the history of American national parks. If you are well-versed you won't find much new information in this book.
August 14, 2007
This book, along with Sellars, opens your eyes to the reality of our National Parks System, one founded for tourism, not for conservation of biodiversity.
November 10, 2016
A beautiful history on a beautiful idea. Its a perfect short read to undertake before visiting our National Parks. It is also a good compliment to Ken Burn's series on PBS.
November 16, 2016
Still one of the best and most critically written histories of the philosophies behind the national park system in the US
February 20, 2013
Thought this book was outstanding.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews