The best US national parks to celebrate Thanksgiving in 2025

From dramatic cliffs to pristine forests, the US national parks celebrate and preserve the beautiful landscapes that constitute the United States. There are so many things to do and see, and many parks have historic or upscale lodging available, as well. Thanksgiving offers a unique experience as many parks put together special holiday celebrations.

Whether you’re already on the road or looking for somewhere special to chow down on turkey, here are a few national parks where you can celebrate Thanksgiving.

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina

Best for homey food

The country’s most visited national park is the perfect place to celebrate one of the most beloved holidays – Thanksgiving.

In the heart of Southern Appalachia is the Fontana Village Resort, and its restaurant (which offers a vantage of the ancient Great Smoky Mountains) is serving up a veritable feast. For $59.99 ($29.99 for children aged 5–12), Thanksgiving guests will feast on a buffet of sage butter roasted turkey, sweet potato gratin, blistered brussel sprouts, cornbread dressing and more. Other notable menu items include an assortment of classic Thanksgiving desserts like pumpkin and pecan pies. Reservations should be made as soon as possible directly with the resort.

Yosemite's Half Dome reflected in water during autumn. — Yosemite National Park, California. Zeyu Wang/Getty Images

2. Yosemite National Park, California

Best for decadent buffet

Once known as the Majestic Yosemite Hotel, the Ahwahnee Hotel is upholding that same standard with a grand lobby sporting multiple massive fireplaces and a dining room decorated with lofty 34-ft beamed ceilings.

Celebrating Thanksgiving inside Yosemite National Park is an incredible experience made only more inviting by The Ahwahnee’s decadent buffet and festivities.

This year's prix fixe menu ($165 per adult, $75 per child, excluding tax and gratuity) includes roasted butternut squash soup, roasted turkey, prime rib, brown rice salad with fresh veggies, ratatouille, traditional stuffing with Italian sausage and whipped mashed potatoes. Reservations should be made directly with the hotel by calling 1-888-413-8869.

Autumn colors on aspen trees with a lake and mountains in the distance on a sunny day. — Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. SNEHIT PHOTO/Shutterstock

3. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Best for elevated tradition

Estes Park is the gateway city to Rocky Mountain National Park, and just 10 minutes from the park’s entrance is The Stanley Hotel, an iconic resort (it served as the inspiration for the hotel in The Shining) that hosts an annual Thanksgiving meal at the Cascade Restaurant or its Whiskey Bar & Lounge (book online or by phone at 970-577-4000).

This year, the restaurant will serve a plated three-course menu filled with Thanksgiving fare like herb-roasted turkey, smoked prime rib, honey-baked ham and salmon for $95 per person.

A single car driving forward on a two-lane road surrounded by autumnal-colored trees. Sun shines through the trees' canopy onto the roadway. — Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Vladimir Grablev/Shutterstock

4. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Best for Southern flair

Thanksgiving and fall colors go hand in hand, and some of the best autumn foliage is found in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park.

At miles 41.7 & 42.5 on Skyline Drive inside the park itself is the Skyland restaurant, a full-service dining room with a Thanksgiving dinner that can’t be missed. In place of the standard buffet, there will be a special menu filled with roast turkey and classic sides, many with a Southern flair, as well as pumpkin and pecan pies for dessert. There are five seatings available on the hour from 11am until 3pm, and reservations are highly recommended.