Virgin Islands National Park - Virgin Islands
Posted by: 
Free2bme29
N 18° 21.149 W 064° 46.052
20Q E 313235 N 2030090
Virgin Islands National Park covers over 7,000 acres. The park includes hiking trails, camping sites, beaches, and coral reefs.
Waymark Code: WMGWJR
Location: US Virgin Islands
Date Posted: 04/16/2013
Views: 19
The United States bought the island of St. John from Denmark in 1917. The Park Service considered the island for National Park status in 1936 and again in 1939 but the park did not meet the criteria for National Park status. Later, land was donated to the Federal government and in 1956 the area became the 29th United States National Park.
Trunk Bay is one of the most famous attractions in the park. The white sand and blue water make a perfect setting for the underwater snorkeling trail. The coral reef around the island has been declared a National Monument. There are showers and changing rooms along with toilets near the beach. Food is also available for purchase. I would recommend the cheeseburger!
Archeological sites on the island date back to almost 1000 BC. There are graveyards and remnants of plantations within the park. The park has a variety of ecosystems but is mostly subtropical.
There is no charge to enter the park but Trunk Bay does have a day use fee. Adults pay $4 while children 16 and under are free. Golden Pass holders are admitted for $2.