Musement shares eight of the best streaming webcams from U.S. National Parks so that you can admire Mother Nature in real-time from home.
From transportive books to engaging podcasts to wordly TV series to streaming performances to virtual museum displays, there are plenty of ways to scratch your travel itch as you patiently wait out the shutdown.
If you’re in the mood for a little live-action, then what better backdrop than the glorious nature of America’s National Parks? Here are eight webcams that let you can stream Mother Nature in all her unrehearsed glory.
1. Yosemite Falls Webcam, Yosemite National Park
One of the world’s tallest cascades with a 2,425-foot drop, Yosemite Falls (three waterfalls in one) is absolutely breathtaking. The California natural wonder peaks in late spring so now is a great time to tune in every now and then to watch it in action. Watch here.
2. Ahinga Trail Webcam, Everglades National Park
This paved, half-mile trail in Florida’s Everglades National Park is equal parts paved walkway and boardwalk along a sawgrass marsh. Wildlife abounds—keep an eye out for alligators, turtles, egrets and more. Watch here.
3. Old Faithful Webcam, Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park’s most famous geyser, Old Faithful eager crowds from far and wide flock to to Wyoming to witness it erupt, a regular occurrence every 44 minutes to two hours since 2000. Watch here.
4. Bald Eagle Live Cam, Channel Islands National Park
Comprised of five islands off the Southern California coast, the Channel Islands are renowed for the bald eagles, America’s national bird. Tune into a live cam to watch them nest in the aerie, take off and land, and soaring in the background. Watch here.
5. Brown Bear Webcam, Katmai National Park
The Brooks Falls live webcam in this Alaska National Park will return once the weather warms and the bears are out and about. In the meantime, you can see these beautiful creatures going about their everyday business in their natural habitat, nabbing salmon to quell their hunger. Watch here.
6. Towers of the Virgin Webcam, Zion National Park
This rock formation is one of this Utah National Park’s most spectacular. Tune in during sunrise local time to watch a magical spectacle of color, light, and shadow. However, the rocks seem to change color by the hour so any time of the day never disappoints. Watch here.
7. Mauna Loa Webcam, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
This iconic volcano on the island of Hawaii is one of its most visited sites. If you take a peek during the early morning or late evening, you might catch some steam drifting out from one of the thermal areas. The summit of the nearby dormant Mauna Kea, though not part of the official national park territory, is one of the world’s most popular sunrise destinations. Watch here.
8. Lake McDonald Webcam, Glacier National Park
From snowcapped peaks to hiking trails to incredible lakes, Montana’s Glacier National Park is arguably the most Alpine of all the U.S. National Parks. Lake McDonald welcomes visitors, setting the stage for the experience of visiting the park, and its webcam captures the singular backdrop. Watch here.