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11 Incredible Photos Of National Parks

by Alexi McCammond

Aug. 25 marks the 100th anniversary of the U.S. National Park Service. The service manages beautiful landmarks all across the country, and this centennial celebration recognizes the achievements of the past century, as well as where these parks will go in the future and the impact they will continue to have on society. These 11 breathtaking photos of national parks are the perfect way to celebrate this historic day.

President Obama and his family visited Yosemite National Park over Father's Day weekend this year, which helped put them back in the national spotlight. While there, Obama recalled his first time visiting a national park and the impact that had on him, CNN reported:

I remember being an 11-year-old kid, the first time I saw a moose in lake. The first time we drove over a hill and suddenly there was a field full of deer. The first time I saw a bear and her cub. That changes you. You're not the same after that. And I want to make sure every kid feels that.

Whether through a virtual reality tour of Yosemite or through these 11 photos, Obama's wish that every kid can experience these incredible natural landmarks can come true. Obama also added, "The parks belong to all of us. This planet belongs to all of us. It's the only one we've got." Below are some of the best breathtaking photos of our national parks, of which there are 58 in the United States, for you to celebrate this anniversary.

These 11 photos show the beauty of our many national parks, and honestly, they are stunning. They should hold you over until you can visit a park in person — or maybe they'll be the push you need to plan that national park vacation you've always dreamed of.

Images: U.S. Department of Interior/Instagram (11)