Follow the links on this page to help you, your family, friends, and group members prepare for a safe and enjoyable trip in the Midwest.
![Closeup photo of a hand holding a park map.](/common/uploads/grid_builder/midwest/crop16_9/072EC307-BEAF-CDD3-F97443DEBD4661BB.jpg?width=640&quality=90&mode=crop)
The guide provides key safety considerations to help you have a safe and enjoyable trip to your national parks.
![Park Ranger from chest up standing in front of a brown field with a schoolhouse in the distance.](/common/uploads/grid_builder/midwest/crop16_9/D26FB5BA-95BD-9E4A-B2B778AFF956EE68.jpg?width=640&quality=90&mode=crop)
National Park Service rangers in the Midwest share their top 10 insider planning tips.
![Two people paddle a river in a green canoe past a forested shoreline.](/common/uploads/grid_builder/midwest/crop16_9/E5F64EA5-F542-26BA-7B69EC936E5816C3.jpg?width=640&quality=90&mode=crop)
Discover many topics related to health and safety from the National Park Service.
![An adult smiles at a child carrying camp chairs, with a blue and yellow tent in the background.](/common/uploads/grid_builder/midwest/crop16_9/074A9A7D-B28B-762E-C6F1E75999EF3093.jpg?width=640&quality=90&mode=crop)
Join the #RecreateResponsibly movement to keep you and others around you safe.
![Two people in a tandem kayak paddling while the sun is setting on the horizon.](/common/uploads/grid_builder/midwest/crop16_9/45B31C6A-C71F-998C-E7AEB6C7F872A249.jpg?width=640&quality=90&mode=crop)
Tips for staying safe while boating.
![Dark clouds over prairie and a white-colored canyon with a few small trees.](/common/uploads/grid_builder/midwest/crop16_9/460BB335-EEEB-CA20-AA622B5C04C8BC99.jpg?width=640&quality=90&mode=crop)
Learn more about the different types of severe weather that you might encounter.
![Many bison on a dry rolling prairie with cloudy blue sky above.](/common/uploads/grid_builder/midwest/crop16_9/46658D9D-BDDA-FFA1-A7663D0196CABD35.jpg?width=640&quality=90&mode=crop)
Learn how to stay safe around wildlife.
![Tent and gear in a small campsite surrounded by ferns and trees.](/common/uploads/grid_builder/midwest/crop16_9/472A93C9-D1DB-4469-384A25524314624F.jpg?width=640&quality=90&mode=crop)
Respect the land you love- learn about the principles of Leave No Trace and be a responsible steward of your national parks.
![A hiker fills a red water bottle from a spigot emerging from a sign.](/common/uploads/grid_builder/midwest/crop16_9/479D3292-AC7E-869E-5E9F2CFDD5A117D4.jpg?width=640&quality=90&mode=crop)
Heading out to a national park? Make sure you pack the 10 Essentials!
![Two prairie dogs stand watch on a dirt mound under blue sky.](/common/uploads/grid_builder/midwest/crop16_9/06826AFA-FCF5-32C5-A84D08AAD9E27CF5.jpg?width=640&quality=90&mode=crop)
Information that may affect your visit to a park, including closures and hazards.
![A wooden ramp with a metal railing leads to the front door of an old schoolhouse.](/common/uploads/grid_builder/midwest/crop16_9/E6515C7C-09E4-A5FB-C491798FCC49F3BA.jpg?width=640&quality=90&mode=crop)
We're committed to making facilities, programs, services, and employment accessible for visitors and employees.
Last updated: April 25, 2022