I worked on Amy’s birthday present for about a week, using source material from the National Park Service to create a detailed map and checklist of the 58 National Parks administered by the National Park Service. We have said that it is a goal to visit all of the National Parks, and now we have a way to keep track!
I tried a few ways to keep track, including a small map with a list of parks that you check off in a separate list below, but I thought it would be more fun if you physically “x” off the parks right where they exist geographically on the map. I started with this map that contained small dots at each site, and a simple text label.
From there, I removed everything but the 58 actual National Parks, put a checkbox where the dots were, and I color-coordianted the text and boxes to the 9 National Park Regions described in the Passport to your National Parks cancellation book.
To finish it off, I added the standard black National Park Header, and an alphabetical list beneath the map which allows you to record when you first visited the park.
I had initially designed it to be printed on our 13×19″ capable Canon Pixma Pro 9000 Inkjet, but decided to try Costco, which will print a 20×30 print for just 8.99$. I found reaosnably priced 20×30 frames at Ben Franklin, and I found really convenient adhesive foam core in conveniently enough, 20×30 pieces for 6$ a Michaels.
I am really happy with the final result, which looks really classy in the black frame. It served as a great conversation piece during Amy’s birthday party, althought we still need to check-off the 11 parks we have visited together. And, I think she liked it!
You need to take your picture with Buddy Bison – the new National Park Trust mascot – at each park. Plus he's a Bison and you can commemorate your Bucknell heritage. http://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Park-Trusts-Buddy-Bison/95290553365
Funny, I had never heard of a Buddy Bison before. They are entertaining, maybe we should get one. It looks like they are sponsored by the National Park Trust… I wonder how they support and complement the park service itself.
Great idea! I was trying to find a map of just the National Parks and not all of the other historical sites, etc. Any chance you can send me a email cop of the map?
Many thx
tommybaoy
I have considered making a small print run of these posters and making them available for sale. Is this something people would be willing to purchase?
Tom- I came across your site while googling for a national parks checklist poster. I would definitely purchase a copy of the checklist poster if you made it available. Feel free to contact me by email if you’re still interested in making a print run.
Hi…Just happened upon your blog. This checklist is exactly what I’ve been looking for! Did you ever end up printing any copies? I’d love to purchase one.
I would definitely purchase one (or two) if you ever end up making a small print run. It’s a fantastic poster.
I too would love to purchase one of these from you!
Had you ever made the checklist available for sale? I’d be interested.
Thanks!
This is fantastic, I too would be interested if you put this up for sale. Well done
Tom, this is just what I am looking for to track our park visits. Have you made it available yet?
Tom, I love it! Exactly what I need! I would definitely be interested in purchasing.
Have you decided against selling?
Great idea! I would love to buy the file or a print from you! Please let me know! I also buy a patch from every park. It’s a fun way to keep track of which parks I’ve been to as well. 27 down and I’ll cross 3 more off next week!
Weird, I just stumbled across your blog as I was looking for a collector’s book to keep all my National Park brochures. I am doing a similar project as you, trying to get to all the National Parks, but I’ve included historic sites, monuments, and others.
I am using a map put out by the National Park Service that has all the sites laid out and categorized, very easy to check off and keep track of progress.
This is great! I too have been looking for this and would purchase if you ever decided to sell copies!!
I, too, would like to purchase or print this map. Let me know if you are making it available.