The National Parks
The story of an idea as American as the Declaration of Independence and just as radical.
The Scripture of Nature (1851-1890)
S1 Ep1 | 1h 55m 41s
Examine the radical idea of creating national parks for the enjoyment of everyone.
The Last Refuge (1890-1915)
S1 Ep2 | 2h 13m 24s
Investigate the efforts of Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir and others to protect the land.
The Empire Of Grandeur (1915-1919)
S1 Ep3 | 1h 52m 33s
Learn about the federal agency created to protect the parks.
Great Nature (1933-1945)
S1 Ep5 | 1h 55m 41s
Learn about the changes to the national parks during the Great Depression and WWII.
Morning of Creation (1946-1980)
S1 Ep6 | 1h 55m 42s
Examine the proliferation of protected lands and the protection of predatory animals.
Untold Stories | San Antonio Missions: Keeping History Alive
12m 7s
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is a hub for the city's Latino community.
Untold Stories | Manzanar: “Never Again”
14m 12s
At the heart of this film is the annual pilgrimage to Manzanar & the words of Sue Embrey.
Untold Stories | Mount Rushmore: Telling America’s Stories
9m 29s
Discover the new interpretive program at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Untold Stories | Yosemite’s Buffalo Soldiers
11m 27s
Find out about the work of ranger Shelton Johnson.
Untold Stories | City Kids in National Parks
13m 37s
Explore efforts to bring inner city kids into the parks.
National Park Experience | Canyon Song
13m 31s
A Navajo family balances modern life with tradition. Credit: National Park Experience.
For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People
48s
Listen to park ranger, Shelton Johnson, as he discusses his arrival at Yellowstone.
The Work of the Civilian Conservation Corp
2m 10s
The Civilian Conservation Corp worked on National Parks Service projects under FDR.
The Creation of Yosemite National Park
11m 44s
Explore Yosemite National Park and its early days under President Theodore Roosevelt.
Grand Canyon, Floating the River
1m 36s
Writer Ruth Kirk describes how the Grand Canyon leaves her awestruck.
The Scripture of Nature (1851-1890) | Preview
S1 Ep1 | 30s
Examine the radical idea of creating national parks for the enjoyment of everyone.
The Last Refuge (1890-1915) | Preview
S1 Ep2 | 30s
Investigate the efforts of Theodore Roosevelt and others to preserve pristine lands.
The Empire of Grandeur (1915-1919) | Preview
S1 Ep3 | 30s
Discover efforts to protect the parks and the fight over the Grand Canyon.
Great Nature (1933-1945) | Preview
S1 Ep5 | 30s
Learn about the changes to the national parks during the Great Depression and WW II.
The Morning of Creation (1946-1980) | Preview
S1 Ep6 | 30s
Examine the proliferation of protected lands and the protection of predatory animals.
Mr. President Goes to Yellowstone
11m 48s
Explore Yellowstone National Park with President Obama and his family!
Ken Burns: The National Parks | Preview
30s
Explore the beauty and grandeur of our nation’s magnificent parks.
Upcoming Schedule
Become a PBS KVIE member and watch your favorite PBS programs from any device.
Never Miss a Show!
Sign up for email updates so you’ll always know about upcoming and favorite shows.