Ok, the title is a bit confusing, I'll admit it. But the National Park Service has some wonderful attractions but most people concentrate on the national parks. So my question is which of these non-national parks run by the National Park Service is your favorite.

For example, I loved the Wright Brothers Memorial in Kitty Hawk, NC. The guide giving the presentation was knowlegable and entertaining. Though I think just about anything presented by the NPS is well done.

oh boy, another important survey!

Jefferson Memorial.

The majority of the areas within the NPS control are not National Parks (55). National Historic Sites and National Monuments have more areas, comprising 40% of all managed units.

I am eagerly awiting the opening of th Minuteman Missle Historic Site.

The non "parks" on my favorite list are: Denali and Wrangell St. Elias (Preserve), Edison and Golden Spike (Historic Sites), Pictured Rocks (Lakeshore), Vietnam Veterans (Memorial), Congaree Swamp, Fossil Butte and Timpanogas Cave (Monuments), Del. Water Gap (Recreation Area), and the AT (Trails).

Least favorite was Russell Cave.

Hi Nancy,

Thank you for asking. I like the Eisenhower Farm at Gettysburg, also the whole Liberty Bell/Philadelphia tour is well done. Does Assategue Island count as a Nonpark? Regardless, it's my favorite!

I have a couple to add, The Sunken Forest on Fire Island is a wonderful walk. We saw some deer and 2 beautiful fox and lots of birds. Fire Island is worth a trip out, and Long Island railroad has special excursion fares which include, train, cab and ferry to and from the island for I think $18pp.

Also I think the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Battery Park are also part of the system.

And the Cloisters here in NY run by the Metropolitan Museum is at the top of Ft. Tyrone Park and though not a part of the system is very worth a trip and not many tourists hear of that museum.

Of the National Monuments, there are several that are of more than passing interest. Death Valley and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison (River in Colorado) were recently given National Park status. So technically, they are off of the list of National Monuments.
Of the National Monuments that I think are worth a detour to see are:
1. Natural Bridges in southern Utah.
2. Cedar Breaks also southern Utah.
3. Craters of the Moon in south-central Utah.
4. Aztec NM in northwestern New Mexico.
(Pueblo type ruin, not really Aztec. So named in error.)
5. Canyon de Chelly in Arizona (eastern part)
6. White Sands in southern New Mexico.
7. Bandelier NM near Santa Fe NM.
8. Colorado NM near Grand Junction, CO.

The Golden Spike National Historic Site north and westof Salt Lake City is also interesting, particularly on those days when the replicas of the original train locomotives are brought out to run.
They are engineering marvels, faithful in every possible way to the originals.
A lot of dedicated skill and craftmanship went into their construction.
I am not sure how Chaco Culture National Historic Park in New Mexico is classed, but as Indian ruins go, it is very educational.
Then there is the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is in a class all alone.

Yes, tweedy both Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are run by the Park service.
Nancy, one park I liked that I guess doesn't really qualify as a park b/c the scenery isn't what the attraction is Wanpuki? I know that's terribly wrong spelling. Anyway, it's Indian ruins and it's really neat. I also like all the Nat'l monuments in Washington, DC.

Add Alcactraz Island to the list. This trek offers a great ferry ride to the Island, the self guided tour highlights not only the inmate era of the federal prison, but also the Civil War era fort and the post prison Native American protests. The island also offers wildlife and great views. A real treat and a bargain at that in the middle of the San Francisco Bay!

NPS operates walking tours of the French Quarter and the Garden District in New Orleans.

OOPS. Wrong again.
Craters of the Moon National Monument is in I D A H O.
I said Utah. It is NOT in Utah.
I should proofread my stuff better.

I believe Lowell, Massachusetts is actually a national park, but it's urban and doesn't feel like one. It's very well done, historic, and well worth a visit to the cradle of the industrial revolution the this country.

.

The missions in San Antonio.