Big parks like Yellowstone seem to steal all of the spotlight. But the smallest parks can be the most intriguing. Take a look at these five smallest parks in the US.
Mills End Park – Portland, Oregon
Situated between the streets of SW Naito Parkway, this park looks more like a small ordinary circle of plants. But this circle is not just one of the smallest parks in the US — it is actually the smallest in the entire world, making it a star in the Guinness World Record book. This itty bitty park is so tiny that it’s measured in square inches: 452 to be exact.
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
This is actually a national park that’s a museum. At 871 square feet, it might seem enormous compared to Mills End park, but it holds great historical significance. Thaddeus Kosciuszko was a Polish engineer who built war fortifications for the Anericans during the Revolutionary War. The museum gives details of his life and accomplishments.
Albert Park – West St. Paul, Minnesota
Ripley’s “Believe it or Not” recognized Albert Park as the smallest dedicated park in the US. In the center of this tiny triangle-shaped park sits a granite monument with an inscription that verifies it as the USA’s smallest park by R.L. Ripley. And on one side of the park a flagpole with a US flag flies proudly.
Waldo Park – Salem, Oregon
At only 12 by 20 feet, Waldo Park is another mini Oregon park. Ironically, at the center of the little park sits a giant sequoia tree which is surrounded by landscaping and a plaque. The park is named after a 19th century lawyer and judge of Marion County, William Waldo.
Elizabeth Crockett’s Grave – Acton, Texas
The gravesite of Davy Crockett’s second wife, Elizabeth Crockett and some surrounding land is all that makes up this state park. At only .006 acres this park is the smallest state park in the US. In 1911, her grave was declared a state park and Texas even paid $2,000 to erect a pillar with her statue on top.
Featured Image from Gary Ellis/Unsplash
