Happy Alaska Day! On this day in 1867, the Territory of Alaska was formally transferred from Russia to the United States. To celebrate this important day in Alaska history, we’re highlight some of Alaska’s lesser known (but breathtaking) national parks on Instagram. Be sure to follow along all day for amazing photos of Alaska’s wild frontier: http://ift.tt/1lMi3Jl

Photo of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve by by Ken Hill, National Park Service.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a stunning desert landscape in Nevada. The grey limestone of the La Madre Peaks contrasts beautifully with the red sandstone in Rainbow Mountains. About the area, photographer Bob Wick says: “It’s amazing to be in a wilderness setting looking at the Las Vegas Strip just 10 miles away as the crow flies.” Photo by Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management (@mypubliclands).

With a little planning, you can capture some amazing moments at national parks. After checking the weather, Eric Neitzel drove 3 hours to Tuolumne Meadows – the one place in California’s Yosemite National Park that’s flat enough for the perfect sunset. Braving the mosquitoes, he carefully laid down on the meadow grass to try and make sure the beautiful flowers of the meadow where shown as well as the the sunset and Pothole Dome. “For me, laying in the flowers of Tuolumne Meadows taking this picture made me feel like half John Muir and half Ansel Adams.” iPhone photo courtesy of Eric Neitzel.

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act. Managed by the National Park Service, over 90,000 buildings, sites, structures and objects are listed in the national register. These important resources are preserved to help tell the story of who we are as a nation and inspire us to learn from our past. Learn more here: http://ift.tt/2erMWnp

Photo of Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico by Raymond Lee (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).