Many national and state parks in the United States have gift shops or visitor centers that offer a variety of items for purchase, such as books, souvenirs, and educational materials. These shops are often operated by the park service or by park concessionaires and provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural resources, as well as to take home a reminder of their visit.
National parks typically offer a wide range of products that are specific to the park, such as t-shirts, hats, mugs, and postcards, as well as books and maps that provide more detailed information about the park’s natural and cultural resources. State parks also offer a wide range of products, but they can vary widely depending on the park and its resources. They can include items like local crafts and souvenirs, local food and drink, and outdoor gear.
Shops in national and state parks often sell educational materials such as guidebooks, activity books and maps, which can help visitors learn more about the park and the area they are visiting. They also sell items that can be used during the activities in the park, such as binoculars, cameras, and camping gear.
In recent years, many national and state parks have also started to offer online shopping, allowing visitors to purchase park-related products even if they cannot physically be present in the park.
It’s important to note that the money from sales in the gift shops and visitor centers often goes towards supporting the park’s educational and interpretive programs, visitor services and park operations, and facilities maintenance.