The final chapter of the interactive history timeline, Blazing a Trail: A History of NY State Parks and Historic Sites, has been released, completing the chronicling and sharing of our agency’s history in celebration of our Centennial anniversary. In detailing the future of New York State Parks and our ongoing efforts, we hope that this era leaves you inspired to not only learn more, but to take an active role in shaping the future of our park and historic site system. In the final installment of this eight-era series, “Tomorrow & Beyond” explores how New York State Parks will combat climate change, expand access to our parks and sites, share previously undertold history, use new technology, and improve and expand our system of 250 state parks, historic sites, golf courses, and boat launches.
Continue reading A Vision for the Future: The Final Chapter of ‘Blazing A Trail’Category Archives: 2024 Centennial Celebration
State Parks’ 20th Century Evolution
Following our 2024 Centennial anniversary, we will continue to share the story of New York State’s park and historic site system through our interactive history timeline, Blazing a Trail: A History of NY State Parks and Historic Sites. In recent months, we have added two eras detailing the latter half of the 20th century. Starting in 1960 and spanning to the turn of the millennium, these stories outline some of the largest periods of expansion in the system’s history and explore radical changes which defined the modern-day mission of New York State Parks.
Continue reading State Parks’ 20th Century EvolutionCentennial Reflections and Future Promises
What a year we’ve had! From kicking off our Centennial in the outdoors with First Day Hikes, to lighting up New York on the official anniversary in April, to birthday bashes hosted at state parks and historic sites all summer long, it’s certainly been a year to remember. Visitors from near and far joined in on the festivities and participated in the different activities to help us celebrate.
Take a look at our year-in-review video that recaps all the fun we’ve had this year.
Still want to celebrate with us? Here’s a more in-depth look back at all the excitement we’ve had with you by our sides.
Continue reading Centennial Reflections and Future PromisesDrumroll, Please: Top Blog Posts of 2024
The State Parks Centennial. The Great American Eclipse. The Summer of Swimming.
2024 was an incredible year at New York State Parks and Historic Sites! And it was an incredible year on our blog, too.
Here’s what you read the most in 2024:
- Swim Safely This Summer
- Happy Trails: Empire State Trail Itineraries for Spring / Summer
- By The Numbers: NY State Parks and Historic Sites
- What To Expect With the April 8 Eclipse, According to NASA
- A Look Back At The Total Solar Eclipse Of 1925
And some honorable mentions:
- Meet The Courageous K-9s of the New York State Park Police
- New Class Steadily Builds Park Police Team
- Summer Fun at State Parks and Historic Sites
- How to Protect Yourself From Ticks
Thank you all for making us part of your year. We hope your time with the State Parks and Historic Sites Blog was interesting and informative.
We have a lot lined up for you in 2025, including a story about a brand-new challenge and an update on a snail found only at one of our parks. Stay tuned, enjoy the rest of 2024 and have a happy New Year! We’ll see you out there.
New Stories Behind State Parks Expand History Timeline
In celebration of our Centennial anniversary this year, we have been telling the story of New York State parks and historic sites through our interactive history timeline, Blazing a Trail. Since our last update on the blog, we’ve covered a lot of ground with three densely packed additions illuminating two eras of State Parks history.
Picking up where we left off in 1929, the new additions to the online exploration of our history span from the start of the Great Depression in 1930 until the end of post-war recovery in 1959.
Continue reading New Stories Behind State Parks Expand History Timeline



