Western National Parks Association

National Park Service, Western National Parks Association plays a critical, multifaceted role in enhancing the experience of visitors to the national parks. Our mission is to promote the preservation of the national park system and its resources by creating greater public appreciation through education, interpretation, and research.

Founded in 1938 as the Southwest Monuments Association to support 18 national monuments throughout Arizona and New Mexico, WNPA is now one of more than 60 cooperating associations of the National Park Service. Today, we are one of the largest associations, supporting a network of 66 national parks in 12 western states.

The primary and most visible expression of WNPA's mission is our operation of national park stores in park visitor centers. Each store is unique, offering products that give guests a tangible and enduring connection to the park's individual theme—its majestic scenery, biodiversity, fascinating natural or cultural history. With their interest piqued by the park's special features, visitors can find educational material from easy-to-read trail and field guides to in-depth academic studies. Young visitors can find children's books, educational toys and popular junior ranger products. Guests who want to take a memento of the park experience home with them will find authentic arts and crafts, collectible park logo items, videos and even local food products.

Much of what is offered in our park stores is developed and published by WNPA. Since our early years, WNPA has attracted scholars in the fields of anthropology, archeology, geology and zoology who lend credibility to our rols as a publisher of educational material. Our award-winning books and products extend visitors' experiences far beyond their time in the park. They connect visitors to a remarkable place, time or culture.