The Toupkins: A Journey Through Every National Park
Meet Darryl and Kathleen Toupkin, the couple who embarked on an incredible adventure to visit every single national park in the United States. Their journey spanned 37 years and took them to all 63 parks, as well as 367 additional “units” administered by the National Park Service, including monuments, memorials, battlefields, and more.
It all started back in 1984 when the Toupkins visited Mesa Verde National Park in New Mexico. But it wasn’t until 2004 that they set their sights on the ambitious goal of visiting every park and unit. With their puppies in tow and a tent trailer in tow, they crisscrossed the country, making pit stops at parks along the way.
While most people may think there are only 63 national parks, the Toupkins discovered that there are actually 430 units across the US. From Alaska to Hawaii, and even territories, they explored the diverse landscapes and historical sites that make up the National Park System.
After more than a hundred thousand miles of driving, flying, hiking, and paddling, the Toupkins completed their journey in August at St. Croix Island International Historic Site in Maine. Their dedication paid off, even when the National Park Service announced a new unit just a week after their visit.
When asked why they embarked on this epic adventure, Kathleen jokes, “Never give my husband a list!” But in reality, they saw it as a unique way to explore the country and discover hidden gems that they might have never considered visiting.
Each of them has their favorite national park units. Kathleen favors Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site and George Rogers Clark National Historical Park for their inspiring stories. On the other hand, Darryl’s top pick is the remote and least visited Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve in Alaska.
As the Toupkins continue to celebrate their achievement, they look forward to revisiting old favorites and exploring new units as they emerge. To read more about their journey, you can visit their website here.
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