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Mysteries of the National Parks: 35 Stories of Baffling Disappearances, Unexplained Phenomena, and More
Discover the hidden mysteries of America's national parks!
America's national parks are best known for stunning beauty and outstanding adventure—but these natural wonders also hold some of the world's greatest mysteries. Why did an ancestral civilization abandon their stone cities in the mountains of Colorado? Flying past Mt. Rainier, did a pilot really spot nine shiny objects that spawned the UFO craze? Was a contorted crater in Utah's dramatic Canyonlands created by a meteorite strike? Join outdoor expert and writer Mike Bezemek as he explores baffling disappearances, unexplained phenomena, and the secret history of our national parks.
Featuring 35 puzzling stories, Mysteries of the National Parks takes readers to every corner of our diverse and beautiful country. You'll explore some of the most beloved national park units,
Yellowstone National ParkGrand Canyon National ParkDinosaur National MonumentBlue Ridge ParkwayFord's Theatre National Historic SiteAnd many more!Mysteries of the National Parks is the first book to delve into the most enigmatic happenings across the National Park Service. Bezemek's vivid storytelling brings each mystery to life, immersing readers in the intriguing settings and legendary characters while revealing previously untold details. Meanwhile, readers will learn how to visit these mystifying sites. Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, national park enthusiast, or true crime fan, this riveting collection is a must-have addition to your library. Perfect as a gift or unique travel companion, Mysteries of the National Parks will leave you ready to set out on your own national park adventure.
America's national parks are best known for stunning beauty and outstanding adventure—but these natural wonders also hold some of the world's greatest mysteries. Why did an ancestral civilization abandon their stone cities in the mountains of Colorado? Flying past Mt. Rainier, did a pilot really spot nine shiny objects that spawned the UFO craze? Was a contorted crater in Utah's dramatic Canyonlands created by a meteorite strike? Join outdoor expert and writer Mike Bezemek as he explores baffling disappearances, unexplained phenomena, and the secret history of our national parks.
Featuring 35 puzzling stories, Mysteries of the National Parks takes readers to every corner of our diverse and beautiful country. You'll explore some of the most beloved national park units,
Yellowstone National ParkGrand Canyon National ParkDinosaur National MonumentBlue Ridge ParkwayFord's Theatre National Historic SiteAnd many more!Mysteries of the National Parks is the first book to delve into the most enigmatic happenings across the National Park Service. Bezemek's vivid storytelling brings each mystery to life, immersing readers in the intriguing settings and legendary characters while revealing previously untold details. Meanwhile, readers will learn how to visit these mystifying sites. Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, national park enthusiast, or true crime fan, this riveting collection is a must-have addition to your library. Perfect as a gift or unique travel companion, Mysteries of the National Parks will leave you ready to set out on your own national park adventure.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published May 6, 2025
357 people are currently reading
7641 people want to read
About the author
Mike Bezemek
9 books35 followersMike Bezemek is an award-winning author of books and articles with an adventurous spin. His publications include Outside, Smithsonian Magazine, Blue Ridge Outdoors, Men's Journal, National Parks Magazine, Paddling Magazine, Terrain Magazine, Duct Tape Diaries, Sourcebooks, Mountaineers Books, U. Nebraska Press, and more. Links to his work can be found at mikebezemek.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
October 27, 2025
Talk about a book that is right up my alley. Mysteries and National Parks. Author Mike Bezemek takes us on a cross country tour of many of the US National Parks and writes about mysteries surrounding those parks. He goes region by region, and the mysteries range from natural to supernatural, and disappearing individuals. The first chapter starts with a bang as he delves into the first reported UFO in the US. From there we have disappearing planes, lost airmen, questions as to the Arch in Saint Louis, a Lincoln conspiracy and much, much more. 35 mysteries to keep us wondering what really happened in each of those instances, and then a Case File for every story that also serves as a chapter by chapter bibliography. Well conceived and highly interesting. My favorite mystery is the case of the lost crew of a blimp out in San Francisco. Some things just cannot be explained.
March 2, 2025
I received a free copy of, Mysteries of the National Parks, by Mike Bezemek, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book has 35 stories about the National Parks. From Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, and many more, we are so lucky to have great national parks, but they are not without mystery, and stories. This had a lot of interesting stories at the National Parks, most I have never heard of before.
May 7, 2025
Narrated by Dean Gallagher
Presented by Tantor Audio
What a mixed bag this was!
Part true mystery, part guide book, this examines mysteries related to American national parks and discusses how travellers can experience the related areas of said parks themselves.
For me - an Australian - I wasn't at all interested in the guide book stuff, but I was quite fascinated by some of the mysteries. SOME. I found myself paying rapt attention when the book covered the disappearance of the couple who went rafting through the Grand Canyon and disappeared without a trace, but tuned out a lot of the 'mystery of the tall trees' segment. Some of the mysteries were quite curious (disappearance of the cave dwellers), others rather dull and pointless (a random old gun find). They were all mixed up in the book, so it was usually a safe bet that a dull story would be followed by one more fascinating. I'm grateful for that, because it did mean that the book didn't really drag despite its less interesting cases.
It is quite thorough for the tourists in the way it explains tracks and trails to follow, and local information such as parking and tours that will help accomplish any trekking goals. So people using it as an inspiring guide book should find it to be a useful, insightful resource.
On the mystery side of things, a lot give only the bare bones of the case and remain inconclusive, with no fresh evidence or unique angles given. I found some to be quite frustrating in that a quick google turned up the same amount of info; yet the fact I felt the need to google in the first place suggests how much my curiosity was piqued. A lot of the cases covered were new to me, so I did enjoy learning about them.
The 'interesting people' stories weren't really for me; some were figures I recognised the name of, but their presence in this book baffled me a little.
The audio was done well. I found the narrator easy to listen to, and his expressive voice conveyed each case quite well. Enunciation was clear, and aside from a creative pronunciation of 'in situ' I followed easily.
I found the mix of mystery and tour guide didn't really work for me, but that's likely because I don't live in the USA so the guide book side of things slowed everything down pointlessly for me. American hikers and outdoorsy folks might appreciate the recommendations for particular trails to follow, and enjoy the immersion into the related stories. Mystery fans will find quite a lot to sink their teeth into.
With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC
Presented by Tantor Audio
What a mixed bag this was!
Part true mystery, part guide book, this examines mysteries related to American national parks and discusses how travellers can experience the related areas of said parks themselves.
For me - an Australian - I wasn't at all interested in the guide book stuff, but I was quite fascinated by some of the mysteries. SOME. I found myself paying rapt attention when the book covered the disappearance of the couple who went rafting through the Grand Canyon and disappeared without a trace, but tuned out a lot of the 'mystery of the tall trees' segment. Some of the mysteries were quite curious (disappearance of the cave dwellers), others rather dull and pointless (a random old gun find). They were all mixed up in the book, so it was usually a safe bet that a dull story would be followed by one more fascinating. I'm grateful for that, because it did mean that the book didn't really drag despite its less interesting cases.
It is quite thorough for the tourists in the way it explains tracks and trails to follow, and local information such as parking and tours that will help accomplish any trekking goals. So people using it as an inspiring guide book should find it to be a useful, insightful resource.
On the mystery side of things, a lot give only the bare bones of the case and remain inconclusive, with no fresh evidence or unique angles given. I found some to be quite frustrating in that a quick google turned up the same amount of info; yet the fact I felt the need to google in the first place suggests how much my curiosity was piqued. A lot of the cases covered were new to me, so I did enjoy learning about them.
The 'interesting people' stories weren't really for me; some were figures I recognised the name of, but their presence in this book baffled me a little.
The audio was done well. I found the narrator easy to listen to, and his expressive voice conveyed each case quite well. Enunciation was clear, and aside from a creative pronunciation of 'in situ' I followed easily.
I found the mix of mystery and tour guide didn't really work for me, but that's likely because I don't live in the USA so the guide book side of things slowed everything down pointlessly for me. American hikers and outdoorsy folks might appreciate the recommendations for particular trails to follow, and enjoy the immersion into the related stories. Mystery fans will find quite a lot to sink their teeth into.
With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC
dnf
June 14, 2025DNF. thought this audioARC would be about mysteries, disappearances etc. but have just DNFd after about 15minutes of listening to info about... trees. yep. trees.
July 12, 2025
This was interesting and well written and researched. I learned about new mysteries. I enjoyed this and would recommend it!
Special Thank You to Mike Bezemek,
Sourcebooks and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Special Thank You to Mike Bezemek,
Sourcebooks and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2025
I’m a road trip junkie and will happily go out of my way for a day visiting a national park or national monument. So, I was excited to come across Mike Bezemek’s blend of travel, history, inexplicable mysteries, and true crimes taking place at various national parks.
Mysteries of the National Parks is formatted separated into regions of the US. Most of the stories come out of the Western region which just happens to be the park region I’m most familiar with. That said, Bezemek brought out little known and unknown stories or natural phenomenon’s that captivated my attention early. Associated with Golden State NP was the tale of a WWII observation blimp crew’s mysterious disappearance or the young honeymoon couple disappearing during their white water rafting trip down the Colorado River, or the female outlaw living in the Dinosaur Nat’l Monument area.
Some of the tales are natural wonders like the odd crater in Canyonlands NP or true crime like a story of Everglades NP and Al Capone, but each entry accompanies travel tips for visiting each of the parks.
Some of the stories were more interesting than others. I was riveted with the story of the boy who disappeared under sand dunes on an Indiana Beach yet moderately interested in the speculation of how the Great Sequoias got so tall and old.
Dean Gallagher was a new to me narrator and I would definitely listen to more of his work. He kept it all lively and interesting with his clear narration and changes to take on the voices of the people in the stories.
What the Mysteries of the National Parks has done is enthuse me to visit even more National Parks and take in the local color as well. If you want a blend of National Parks travel information and stories of local color associated with each of the parks, do put in your earbuds and give this one a listen.
I rec'd a digital audio from Tantor Audio to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer 9.20.25.
Mysteries of the National Parks is formatted separated into regions of the US. Most of the stories come out of the Western region which just happens to be the park region I’m most familiar with. That said, Bezemek brought out little known and unknown stories or natural phenomenon’s that captivated my attention early. Associated with Golden State NP was the tale of a WWII observation blimp crew’s mysterious disappearance or the young honeymoon couple disappearing during their white water rafting trip down the Colorado River, or the female outlaw living in the Dinosaur Nat’l Monument area.
Some of the tales are natural wonders like the odd crater in Canyonlands NP or true crime like a story of Everglades NP and Al Capone, but each entry accompanies travel tips for visiting each of the parks.
Some of the stories were more interesting than others. I was riveted with the story of the boy who disappeared under sand dunes on an Indiana Beach yet moderately interested in the speculation of how the Great Sequoias got so tall and old.
Dean Gallagher was a new to me narrator and I would definitely listen to more of his work. He kept it all lively and interesting with his clear narration and changes to take on the voices of the people in the stories.
What the Mysteries of the National Parks has done is enthuse me to visit even more National Parks and take in the local color as well. If you want a blend of National Parks travel information and stories of local color associated with each of the parks, do put in your earbuds and give this one a listen.
I rec'd a digital audio from Tantor Audio to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer 9.20.25.
May 3, 2025
These were some crazy weird and interesting stories! Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the arc! <3
Read
June 16, 2025DNF at 10%. No Rating
May 26, 2025
You don’t usually expect UFOs, ancient civilizations, and mysterious vanishings to share shelf space with hiking guides and scenic photo books—but that’s exactly where Mysteries of the National Parks plants its flag. Mike Bezemek has put together a collection of 35 tales that turn some of America’s most iconic national parks into stage sets for strange phenomena, unsolved disappearances, and historical oddities that are still raising eyebrows today.
Some of the stories were brand new to me—obscure disappearances in overlooked corners of the park system, for instance—while others deepened my understanding of cases I thought I already knew. Bezemek doesn’t go full “X-Files” with the material, though. He lays out what’s known, what’s speculated, and what’s still baffling in a way that feels more curious than conspiratorial. His writing strikes that sweet spot between informative and engaging, and he’s clearly done his homework. If you’re into true crime, weird history, or the kind of mysteries that don’t need solving to be satisfying, there’s a lot here to chew on.
I also really enjoyed the way the book uses the parks themselves—not just as backdrops, but as characters with their own roles to play. From Yellowstone's bubbling geothermal eeriness to the vast, echoing void of the Grand Canyon, the settings add weight to the stories. Having visited a number of these parks myself—Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and several historic sites—reading about these mysteries made me see them through a new lens. Now I’m eyeing my next NPS passport stamp with a little more suspicion... and a lot more curiosity.
That said, it’s probably not a book you want to binge in one sitting. Somewhere around the two-thirds mark, the pacing starts to feel a bit repetitive—not because the stories themselves aren’t compelling, but because the structure is so consistent. It works better in smaller doses or if you’re cherry-picking based on where you’re heading next. Think of it less as a traditional book and more like a guidebook of goosebumps—something to flip through before a trip or on a quiet night when the woods outside your cabin start getting a little too quiet.
I listened to the audiobook version, narrated by Dean Gallagher, and he does a solid job walking the tightrope between engaging and over-the-top. His delivery is clear and grounded, letting the creepy and uncanny elements speak for themselves. It’s a straight-shooting tone that suits Bezemek’s writing—enough polish to hold your attention, but no theatrical flourishes that would cheapen the stories.
Mysteries of the National Parks scratches a very specific itch—part travelogue, part campfire tale, part history lesson. It reminded me that sometimes the scariest thing in the woods isn’t a bear, but a story that doesn’t quite add up. If you’ve ever hiked through a remote trail and thought, “Something about this place feels... off,” you’ll feel right at home.
Some of the stories were brand new to me—obscure disappearances in overlooked corners of the park system, for instance—while others deepened my understanding of cases I thought I already knew. Bezemek doesn’t go full “X-Files” with the material, though. He lays out what’s known, what’s speculated, and what’s still baffling in a way that feels more curious than conspiratorial. His writing strikes that sweet spot between informative and engaging, and he’s clearly done his homework. If you’re into true crime, weird history, or the kind of mysteries that don’t need solving to be satisfying, there’s a lot here to chew on.
I also really enjoyed the way the book uses the parks themselves—not just as backdrops, but as characters with their own roles to play. From Yellowstone's bubbling geothermal eeriness to the vast, echoing void of the Grand Canyon, the settings add weight to the stories. Having visited a number of these parks myself—Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and several historic sites—reading about these mysteries made me see them through a new lens. Now I’m eyeing my next NPS passport stamp with a little more suspicion... and a lot more curiosity.
That said, it’s probably not a book you want to binge in one sitting. Somewhere around the two-thirds mark, the pacing starts to feel a bit repetitive—not because the stories themselves aren’t compelling, but because the structure is so consistent. It works better in smaller doses or if you’re cherry-picking based on where you’re heading next. Think of it less as a traditional book and more like a guidebook of goosebumps—something to flip through before a trip or on a quiet night when the woods outside your cabin start getting a little too quiet.
I listened to the audiobook version, narrated by Dean Gallagher, and he does a solid job walking the tightrope between engaging and over-the-top. His delivery is clear and grounded, letting the creepy and uncanny elements speak for themselves. It’s a straight-shooting tone that suits Bezemek’s writing—enough polish to hold your attention, but no theatrical flourishes that would cheapen the stories.
Mysteries of the National Parks scratches a very specific itch—part travelogue, part campfire tale, part history lesson. It reminded me that sometimes the scariest thing in the woods isn’t a bear, but a story that doesn’t quite add up. If you’ve ever hiked through a remote trail and thought, “Something about this place feels... off,” you’ll feel right at home.
March 6, 2025
I had to speed through this one and not in a good way. I despised this one. I’m typically all for ghostly haunts and unexplained occurrences but this one just read like a bunch of first hand accounts from kooks and conspiracy theorists. Not great.
April 24, 2025
Mysteries Of The National Parks by Mike Bezemek is divided up into four sections north south east and west I love mysterious stories about our national parts from missing people to UFOs and more but this one was a little bit different although they do have those hot topics in the book 1st he announces the park then he announces the mystery that he tells you about the park and then More than not the conclusion to the mystery but the mysteries are more than just the wuwu and unexplained he explained the myths of calamity Jane the mammoth caves the strange parks in California so do not write this off as your average book about the same old mysteries because there were so many I didn’t know I couldn’t wait to read this book and Mike Bezemek made it so worth reading. this is not a copy and paste collection of stories but well told definitely investigated tales. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #MikeBezemek, #MysteriesOfTheNationalParks,
May 6, 2025
If you love mysteries, unsolved and solved, sinister and curious, you'll love this collection of stories. Learning about the giants of the Redwood Forest, the eerie disappearance of a blink crew, the Hoover Dam's tangled history, and so much more. This book was so well researched and very well written.
May 28, 2025
This collection of stories was, well, an...interesting collection. The title leads one to believe there will be truly unusual accounts, perhaps some true crime and murder or aliens with a little Sasquatch possibly. And while there were a few along these lines, mostly it was random little occurrences, some of which have no determined ending. It was just a little frustrating. Then there were descriptions of the parks current day, such as hours and methods of entrance and routes to take.
I did learn some things and would recommend this for National Park enthusiasts for sure, but overall it was just a little lackluster for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this ARC. All opinions are mine.
I did learn some things and would recommend this for National Park enthusiasts for sure, but overall it was just a little lackluster for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this ARC. All opinions are mine.
April 29, 2025
I was so excited to start reading, as conspiracy theories & the eeriness of national parks are some of my interests! I find myself getting lost in the google rabbit hole when it comes to a case or story I’m particularly interested it. So, when I saw this book, I KNEW it would be up my alley! It had the potential to be gripping and informative, however, the choppiness of the storytelling made me lose interest quite quickly. I wish some cases would have been more fleshed out. Overall, it just felt unorganized and rushed. Still interesting which is why I gave 3 stars, but not the kind of read I would pick up again!
April 5, 2025
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. I was very excited to read it because I am a lover of our country’s National Park System (NPS) and have visited several of the sites. The book contains 35 stories that are related to different NPS sites. The stories range from the mystery of the Upheaval Dome formation (Canyonlands National Park, Utah) to a US Airforce pilot’s disappearance in Kings Canyon National Park and everything in between. Some of the events the author wrote about are well known (Abraham Lincoln’s assassination) while others are lesser known (the disappearance of the crew of an L-8 blimp). Each chapter also has snippets of information about the featured parks. Since each chapter focused on a different mystery, it was easy to set it down and pick it back up without any issues. I will admit that some stories grabbed at me more than others. Overall, I enjoyed this book and think other fans of NPS will find it interesting.
June 27, 2025
This book was extremely fascinating! I learned so many cool and unexpected facts about our National Parks—some stories were so compelling that I was googling them long after the chapters ended.
While I didn’t love all 35 stories, many were truly captivating and kept me engaged from start to finish. The range of mysteries—from cryptids to disappearances to eerie coincidences—offered something for every curious mind.
I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it. Dean Gallagher did a fantastic job narrating—his tone was clear, inviting, and kept the vibe light even when the subject matter got a little spooky.
If you're into travel, history, and a touch of mystery, this one’s definitely worth a listen!
While I didn’t love all 35 stories, many were truly captivating and kept me engaged from start to finish. The range of mysteries—from cryptids to disappearances to eerie coincidences—offered something for every curious mind.
I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it. Dean Gallagher did a fantastic job narrating—his tone was clear, inviting, and kept the vibe light even when the subject matter got a little spooky.
If you're into travel, history, and a touch of mystery, this one’s definitely worth a listen!
May 6, 2025
The book contains 35 stories that are related to different Nation Park Service sites across the country.
Most of the stories I have never heard of before and because each chapter focused on a different mystery, it was easy to set it down and pick it back up. Some stories were more intriguing than others and I did have points where I was zoning off.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and found it interesting. If anything, this book will give some cool trivia to show off.
Thanks to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for my audio arc!
Most of the stories I have never heard of before and because each chapter focused on a different mystery, it was easy to set it down and pick it back up. Some stories were more intriguing than others and I did have points where I was zoning off.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and found it interesting. If anything, this book will give some cool trivia to show off.
Thanks to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for my audio arc!
May 8, 2025
Overall I enjoyed this listen 'cause I love learning the oddities of National Parks. I'm a big National Park documentaries and visiting them; but the way this audiobook was set up was a bit scattered. There would be chat about each park but then it would switch to what to expect when you visited the park and back to the story. I think if the "what to expect" was thrown in after the stories it would have been a better listen.
I am assuming having the physical or e-book would be a lot more enjoyable.
I am assuming having the physical or e-book would be a lot more enjoyable.
May 4, 2025
This is an interesting collection of stories. Some are a lot more interesting and engaging than others. Many stories I had previously heard of, but others were completely new to me! I could tell that the author really did his research. The book is separated in to different regions of the United States. Stories included such things as the sailing stones in Death Valley National Park to whether Pocahontas saved John Smith’s life in Virginia.
Overall, this is an interesting collection of stories. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook and would recommend it if you decide to pick this book up.
Overall, this is an interesting collection of stories. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook and would recommend it if you decide to pick this book up.
November 30, 2025
audio narrator doesn’t know how to say Appalachia
January 7, 2026
These weren’t really mysteries, per se. More like interesting stories and facts about the locations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2025
A fun collection, with more than a few stories I had never heard before. UFOS, true crime, historical mysteries, there's a little bit of everything here.
October 12, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
🏞️ Mike Bezemek’s Mysteries of the National Parks is a genre-blending expedition into the eerie, the enigmatic, and the historically elusive corners of America’s most iconic landscapes. With 35 bite-sized stories spanning everything from UFO sightings to ancient ruins, Bezemek crafts a nonfiction anthology that reads like campfire lore with a journalist’s backbone.
🌲Each chapter is a self-contained mystery, rooted in a specific national park and framed by Bezemek’s signature blend of outdoor expertise and narrative flair. From the stone cities abandoned in Colorado’s mountains to the sliding rocks of Death Valley, the book invites readers to explore not just the geography but the mythology of these wild spaces.
The structure is ideal for both casual dipping and immersive binge-reading. Bezemek’s tone is conversational yet informed, balancing skepticism with wonder. He doesn’t claim to solve these mysteries—he curates them, offering context, theories, and cultural resonance without veering into sensationalism.
What elevates this collection is its subtle commentary on the human impulse to explain the unexplainable. Whether it’s a vanished hiker, a meteorite crater, or a Cold War-era conspiracy, each story reflects our desire to impose narrative on nature’s chaos. Bezemek respects that impulse while also challenging it, inviting readers to sit with ambiguity.
There’s also a quiet ecological thread running through the book: the parks are not just backdrops but characters, shaped by time, tectonics, and human intervention. This framing encourages a deeper appreciation for conservation—not through preaching, but through awe.
Mysteries of the National Parks is a smart, entertaining, and subtly philosophical collection that invites readers to explore the liminal spaces between fact and folklore. It’s perfect for fans of outdoor adventure, historical oddities, and narrative nonfiction that respects its audience’s curiosity.
Recommended for fans of: Atlas Obscura, Into the Wild, and Unexplained podcast.
🏞️ Mike Bezemek’s Mysteries of the National Parks is a genre-blending expedition into the eerie, the enigmatic, and the historically elusive corners of America’s most iconic landscapes. With 35 bite-sized stories spanning everything from UFO sightings to ancient ruins, Bezemek crafts a nonfiction anthology that reads like campfire lore with a journalist’s backbone.
🌲Each chapter is a self-contained mystery, rooted in a specific national park and framed by Bezemek’s signature blend of outdoor expertise and narrative flair. From the stone cities abandoned in Colorado’s mountains to the sliding rocks of Death Valley, the book invites readers to explore not just the geography but the mythology of these wild spaces.
The structure is ideal for both casual dipping and immersive binge-reading. Bezemek’s tone is conversational yet informed, balancing skepticism with wonder. He doesn’t claim to solve these mysteries—he curates them, offering context, theories, and cultural resonance without veering into sensationalism.
What elevates this collection is its subtle commentary on the human impulse to explain the unexplainable. Whether it’s a vanished hiker, a meteorite crater, or a Cold War-era conspiracy, each story reflects our desire to impose narrative on nature’s chaos. Bezemek respects that impulse while also challenging it, inviting readers to sit with ambiguity.
There’s also a quiet ecological thread running through the book: the parks are not just backdrops but characters, shaped by time, tectonics, and human intervention. This framing encourages a deeper appreciation for conservation—not through preaching, but through awe.
Mysteries of the National Parks is a smart, entertaining, and subtly philosophical collection that invites readers to explore the liminal spaces between fact and folklore. It’s perfect for fans of outdoor adventure, historical oddities, and narrative nonfiction that respects its audience’s curiosity.
Recommended for fans of: Atlas Obscura, Into the Wild, and Unexplained podcast.
July 13, 2025
This book really stretches the definition of "mysteries" beyond its limits. At least half of these ~mysteries~ are either a)not very mysterious (ex an old gun found by a tree with no confirmed significance, a face carved in a rock,m...) or b)solved/confirmed, and therefore no longer a mystery (ex the sliding stones).
But some of those stories are still truly interesting, even if not super mysterious, and a few are even on the weird or unexplained end of the spectrum.
I read this on Kindle, and the touring info on the parks was interspersed in a way that broke up the main stories a bit too much. In print they're probably formatted as a sidebar so they don't break up the flow, but I found myself having to skip forward to finish a section, then come back. They might have been better left at the end of a chapter, or as footnotes. I also wasn't super interested in these travel tips, since I'm much more of an armchair explorer.
And few other pet peeves -- the "Northeast" section is made up almost entirely of sites below the Mason- Dixon line. I'm sure West Virginia and Virginia certainly don't consider themselves northeastern. There's one story from DC and one from Niagara, ignoring everything north and west of New York! It felt like the author had to pad out this section so they BROADLY stretched the boundaries of the region, rather than finding anything interesting from the actual Northeast..
Also -- in two separate chapters (21 & 22) the author refers to "imminent domain" being used by the government to take ownership of parklands. The term is EMINENT domain, not imminent. An author writing on this topic SHOULD know the actual term, and a good editor should have caught it. Once could be just a typo, but twice is ignorance, and it makes it feel like the author doesn't really understand what they're talking about.
But overall, this was still a decent read and I found myself invested in some of the stories. It wasn't as exciting as I expected from the title, but I still feel like I learned a lot of fun little fact nuggets.
But some of those stories are still truly interesting, even if not super mysterious, and a few are even on the weird or unexplained end of the spectrum.
I read this on Kindle, and the touring info on the parks was interspersed in a way that broke up the main stories a bit too much. In print they're probably formatted as a sidebar so they don't break up the flow, but I found myself having to skip forward to finish a section, then come back. They might have been better left at the end of a chapter, or as footnotes. I also wasn't super interested in these travel tips, since I'm much more of an armchair explorer.
And few other pet peeves -- the "Northeast" section is made up almost entirely of sites below the Mason- Dixon line. I'm sure West Virginia and Virginia certainly don't consider themselves northeastern. There's one story from DC and one from Niagara, ignoring everything north and west of New York! It felt like the author had to pad out this section so they BROADLY stretched the boundaries of the region, rather than finding anything interesting from the actual Northeast..
Also -- in two separate chapters (21 & 22) the author refers to "imminent domain" being used by the government to take ownership of parklands. The term is EMINENT domain, not imminent. An author writing on this topic SHOULD know the actual term, and a good editor should have caught it. Once could be just a typo, but twice is ignorance, and it makes it feel like the author doesn't really understand what they're talking about.
But overall, this was still a decent read and I found myself invested in some of the stories. It wasn't as exciting as I expected from the title, but I still feel like I learned a lot of fun little fact nuggets.
June 14, 2025
A book that certainly entertained and educated, but didn't stick to what it might have done. Do you count amongst the unexplained mysteries of our life the genetic smarts of the giant redwood and sequoia trees? Does the production history of "Heaven's Gate" stand in the selection of arcane mysteries you'd thought to be reading about? Probably not, but our history with relation to the tree species is reported here, and we go get the low-down on the dubious glories of Hollywood excess. Speaking of Hollywood, the true story behind "The Revenant" is here, so that's hardly a mystery, unless you count the one about that bloke that left him who possibly grew up to be famous.
This is as diverse as the locations, from deep forests and coastal slaver forts to St Louis' arch. Some bits definitely hit better than others, but that is probably down to personal taste – I certainly took to chapters about what is commonly thought of as a mystery, and the stories here I'd never heard of, such as errant aircraft.
Towards the end you see reminders that this is not universally great. The bit on a rock face found in the mid-80s is much more travel guide than mystery writing – each chapter has told us about finding the source of the intrigue ourselves in each specific park. After two such examples of what look like filler to wrap the book up we get Pocahontas, and the truth of the story is countered by this calling her a princess, which remains a clunky shorthand for what the woman actually was. Things close with a perhaps overly-earnest look at the sources, and what the author did with them and why.
All told it's well worth a look, but it's not the tautest study of Fortean things going, by a long chalk. The American audience is, it goes without saying, much better served by the travel guidance than others are, but when the main stories leave the world of meh behind they can be great value for a little frisson of drama. Three and a half stars all told.
This is as diverse as the locations, from deep forests and coastal slaver forts to St Louis' arch. Some bits definitely hit better than others, but that is probably down to personal taste – I certainly took to chapters about what is commonly thought of as a mystery, and the stories here I'd never heard of, such as errant aircraft.
Towards the end you see reminders that this is not universally great. The bit on a rock face found in the mid-80s is much more travel guide than mystery writing – each chapter has told us about finding the source of the intrigue ourselves in each specific park. After two such examples of what look like filler to wrap the book up we get Pocahontas, and the truth of the story is countered by this calling her a princess, which remains a clunky shorthand for what the woman actually was. Things close with a perhaps overly-earnest look at the sources, and what the author did with them and why.
All told it's well worth a look, but it's not the tautest study of Fortean things going, by a long chalk. The American audience is, it goes without saying, much better served by the travel guidance than others are, but when the main stories leave the world of meh behind they can be great value for a little frisson of drama. Three and a half stars all told.
December 10, 2025
We’re reaching the age where retirement is sooner rather than later. We’ve already bought a camper and go camping for more than a month every spring. Our dream is to spend a couple of months out west visiting National Parks, which is why I was excited to read Mysteries of the National Parks. I love all things unexplained and was expecting that from this book.
For the most part, that’s just what it is. Author Mile Bezemek has put together a collection of things that have happened at National Parks in the United States that cannot be explained or just remains a mystery currently. I say “currently” because some of it is about how certain areas were formed. Science can’t explain it all right now, but there’s a possibility of an explanation being figured out in the future as our technology develops. This is the case in regard to Yosemite, where some of the formations defy explanation.
There are plenty of other mysteries to go around. Bezemek brings up UFO sightings, mysterious disappearances, and more. There are great ones, such as a couple who tried to raft the rapids through the Grand Canyon and were never heard from again. During World War II, a reconnaissance blimp was sent out of San Francisco. It eventually drifted back to the city, minus the crew. In Indiana Dunes, a child disappeared beneath dunes that were thought to be solid sand. These sort of mysteries I enjoyed reading.
There were other stories, though, that weren’t really mysteries but more like “interesting facts.” This was especially the case with the blockbuster flop that was the movie Heaven’s Gate. The movie was filmed in and around Glacier National Park. There’s no real mystery or odd happening involved, unless it’s why the movie was greenlighted with little oversight in the first place. The same is true for the story of “Calamity Jane.” It’s an interesting story, but hardly a mystery. Al Capone using the Everglades as a hiding place for his rumrunning? Nothing I haven’t heard about before.
To read my complete review, please go to Mysteries of the National Parks by Mike Bezemek – Some Mysteries, Some Stories
For the most part, that’s just what it is. Author Mile Bezemek has put together a collection of things that have happened at National Parks in the United States that cannot be explained or just remains a mystery currently. I say “currently” because some of it is about how certain areas were formed. Science can’t explain it all right now, but there’s a possibility of an explanation being figured out in the future as our technology develops. This is the case in regard to Yosemite, where some of the formations defy explanation.
There are plenty of other mysteries to go around. Bezemek brings up UFO sightings, mysterious disappearances, and more. There are great ones, such as a couple who tried to raft the rapids through the Grand Canyon and were never heard from again. During World War II, a reconnaissance blimp was sent out of San Francisco. It eventually drifted back to the city, minus the crew. In Indiana Dunes, a child disappeared beneath dunes that were thought to be solid sand. These sort of mysteries I enjoyed reading.
There were other stories, though, that weren’t really mysteries but more like “interesting facts.” This was especially the case with the blockbuster flop that was the movie Heaven’s Gate. The movie was filmed in and around Glacier National Park. There’s no real mystery or odd happening involved, unless it’s why the movie was greenlighted with little oversight in the first place. The same is true for the story of “Calamity Jane.” It’s an interesting story, but hardly a mystery. Al Capone using the Everglades as a hiding place for his rumrunning? Nothing I haven’t heard about before.
To read my complete review, please go to Mysteries of the National Parks by Mike Bezemek – Some Mysteries, Some Stories
May 7, 2025
Mysteries of the National Parks is an interesting overview of different National Parks throughout the United States and some of the occurrences that have happened in them. Mike Bezemek takes us to the different areas of the country – separating the regions by North, South, East, and West – and shares with us tales of mystery and history.
I was not immediately interested in how the story-telling was presented in this book. Some of the stories interested me more than others, and due to the vast subject matter there were more often than not stories that I kind of zonked out about. My favorite story was from the Indiana Dunes National Park where a 6 year old boy was swallowed by a sinkhole. I remember reading about this years ago, so I enjoyed having the added context to the story, with a scientist regretfully being wrong about what she thought she knew about dunes (*hint – they are not solid!).
I found the book enjoyable overall, but I was hoping for a bit more mystery or strangeness. For example, I enjoyed reading about the Mammoth Caves and how they found how different paths connected during a particularly dry season, but this didn’t feel that exciting outside of an explorer lens.
The narration provided by Dean Gallagher was adequate, but left it hard for me to discern one story from the next. I had to take breaks in listening so that I could mentally differentiate parks and stories from one another.
Thank you to NetGalley, Tantor Audio, the author Mike Bezemek, and the narrator Dean Gallagher for an ALC of Mysteries of the National Parks!
This is a review of the audiobook.
I was not immediately interested in how the story-telling was presented in this book. Some of the stories interested me more than others, and due to the vast subject matter there were more often than not stories that I kind of zonked out about. My favorite story was from the Indiana Dunes National Park where a 6 year old boy was swallowed by a sinkhole. I remember reading about this years ago, so I enjoyed having the added context to the story, with a scientist regretfully being wrong about what she thought she knew about dunes (*hint – they are not solid!).
I found the book enjoyable overall, but I was hoping for a bit more mystery or strangeness. For example, I enjoyed reading about the Mammoth Caves and how they found how different paths connected during a particularly dry season, but this didn’t feel that exciting outside of an explorer lens.
The narration provided by Dean Gallagher was adequate, but left it hard for me to discern one story from the next. I had to take breaks in listening so that I could mentally differentiate parks and stories from one another.
Thank you to NetGalley, Tantor Audio, the author Mike Bezemek, and the narrator Dean Gallagher for an ALC of Mysteries of the National Parks!
This is a review of the audiobook.
April 8, 2025
Part fiction, part truth, part mystery, part travel guide, Bezemek takes readers to 35 National Parks across the US. The stories vary from tales about famous people (Calamity Jane and Hugh Glass - of Revenant fame) to more obscure stories about a kayaker going over Niagara Falls and the first known UFO sighting in the US. Interspersed with these stories readers will find helpful advice about how and when to visit these sites.
The stories were of varying interest and length. I found some compelling, others I just skimmed. Most had some historical context, but a few were more current. I found the travel advice useful and important for visitors, but those paragraphs were inserted at odd times within the telling of the stories. I found it sometimes quite jarring (for example) to leave the story of a man who survived a grizzly attack right in the middle to talk about trail access and weather in the park, then back to the survival story. I think that these "sidebars" would be better either at the beginning or end of the story. Just my two cents.
I've visited many of these Parks and hope to visit some of the others in the future. If history and nature and strange or unusual events are of interest to you, This is a worthwhile read. I've read better, but this was an interesting book. I'm glad I read it. I do think some photographs would have enhanced the experience, there were only very few.
The stories were of varying interest and length. I found some compelling, others I just skimmed. Most had some historical context, but a few were more current. I found the travel advice useful and important for visitors, but those paragraphs were inserted at odd times within the telling of the stories. I found it sometimes quite jarring (for example) to leave the story of a man who survived a grizzly attack right in the middle to talk about trail access and weather in the park, then back to the survival story. I think that these "sidebars" would be better either at the beginning or end of the story. Just my two cents.
I've visited many of these Parks and hope to visit some of the others in the future. If history and nature and strange or unusual events are of interest to you, This is a worthwhile read. I've read better, but this was an interesting book. I'm glad I read it. I do think some photographs would have enhanced the experience, there were only very few.
April 9, 2025
The title alone, “Mysteries of the National Parks,” totally enticed me to select this book (which I think would look nice in a national park gift store). It’s a collection of 35 stories set in places administered by the National Park Service. Some are retellings of folktales, some are ghost stories (the JFK rocker in Yosemite mysteriously moving around the lodge after his assassination), and some are tributes to the indigenous tribes and locals who are culturally celebrated. If you have the time to read through all of them, you’ll have a pleasant experience and you’ll possibly retain some of the trivia for conversations about particular parks.
The organization of this book, however, was a mess. I received an ARC, so there’s hope that a detailed Table of Contents will be added beyond just the general geographic divisions. The chapter headings, too, need to be included upfront beyond just a number. I live in Utah, home of “The Mighty Five” and, of course, I wanted to go directly to stories about Zion, Bryce, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands. But I need to page through the section simply called “The West” to find any references. So, as a reference book, this failed me. It’s a nice collection of vignettes and additional park information, but it would benefit from a restructuring for the casual reader. 2.5 stars.
Thank you to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
The organization of this book, however, was a mess. I received an ARC, so there’s hope that a detailed Table of Contents will be added beyond just the general geographic divisions. The chapter headings, too, need to be included upfront beyond just a number. I live in Utah, home of “The Mighty Five” and, of course, I wanted to go directly to stories about Zion, Bryce, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands. But I need to page through the section simply called “The West” to find any references. So, as a reference book, this failed me. It’s a nice collection of vignettes and additional park information, but it would benefit from a restructuring for the casual reader. 2.5 stars.
Thank you to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
April 30, 2025
A little bit of history, combined with a travel guide and a dash of mystery, this is a very entertaining and original look at some of our National Parks. The author explores urban myths, folklore and historical facts, while providing some ideas for visitors. I’ve been to some of these Parks and I could picture the stories unfolding. The ones unknown to me, I had to Google. Which takes me to the fact that the audiobook format may not be the best for this particular book. Dean Gallagher does a great job narrating it, sounding like a knowledgeable but approachable guide who loves to gossip, and the sound quality is outstanding. It’s just that it would benefit from photographs, as well as a table of contents so that you can retrieve the book and search for a location while planning a trip. The mystery part is OK for audio, since many of the stories happened in the past or we don’t even know exactly where (such as the disappearances). Also, a little content warning, there is a bit of animal cruelty, not graphic or gratuitous, but I had to skip these parts. I’m making it sound like I didn’t enjoy this, but I did. A lot. Highly recommended for armchair travelers or those who dream of visiting as many National Parks as possible.
I chose to listen to this audiobook and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Tantor Audio.
I chose to listen to this audiobook and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Tantor Audio.
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