To many of us who spend our 4th of July at an outdoor barbecue or watching baseball, the real meaning of Independence Day is easy to lose sight of. In 1776, on July 4th, church bells rang out over Philadelphia, signaling that the Declaration of Independence was approved and officially adopted by the Second Continental Congress. Today, national parks across the country honor that independence and are great resources to visit.

Check out the best parks for the 4th of July and learn about the history of our nation, while having a great time outdoors.