Take an interactive journey through America’s national parks

Google Arts & Culture and the National Park Service have introduced "United Parks of America," a new digital platform that provides interactive access to over 60 national parks. The hub includes more than 150 curated exhibitions, 30 virtual tours, and 500 miles of Street View imagery, allowing users to explore iconic sites such as the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone from home. The initiative coincides with the National Park Service’s 110th anniversary and National Park Week, offering a way to engage with both natural landscapes and historical landmarks remotely.

An experimental AI storytelling feature, "Path to Independence," has been added to the platform, focusing on Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. The AI-powered experience uses panoramic imagery and narration to guide users through the history of the Declaration of Independence, including interactive access to artifacts like 19 copies of the document and 149 18th-century portraits. Visitors can ask questions, test their knowledge, and examine digitized historical objects in 3D models, providing a deeper understanding of America’s founding documents.

The project also includes the digitization of fragile historical items from Independence National Historical Park, such as over 2,000 pages of historic documents. These resources are now available as interactive 3D models, enabling closer inspection of artifacts that are otherwise inaccessible to the public. The platform aims to preserve and share these cultural treasures while making them widely accessible. Users can explore six national parks through immersive virtual experiences, including the Grand Canyon and Yosemite, highlighting both natural beauty and historical significance.

To celebrate the launch, the National Park Service is offering free entry to all national parks on August 25 for U.S. citizens and residents. The "United Parks of America" hub is accessible online via Google Arts & Culture, providing a digital alternative for those unable to visit in person. The initiative underscores the importance of preserving America’s heritage while expanding public access to its national parks and historical sites.