National Park After Dark

Today we tell the story of Ishi, the last surviving member of the Yahi people. The Gold Rush of California brought on the mass murder of Ishi's people and indigenous groups throughout the state. After years of surviving alone in the foothills of Lassen Volcanic, he came out of hiding, certain he would be killed just as his family had been. Interactive native land map: native-land.caFor the latest...

After Brad was diagnosed with late onset epilepsy, he and his epilepsy alert service dog Ranger decided to set off on a journey across the US National Park system to prove that living with a disability shouldn't stand as a barrier to accessibility, because the outdoors are for everyone. You can follow Brad and Ranger’s journeys @‌rangerlovestravelLearn about the NPS America the Beautiful Interagen...

*Warning: This episode involves graphic discussion of violent acts and sexual assault*We wrap up our series on the Starved Rock murders by discussing Chester’s confession, physical evidence reports, explore additional possible suspects, hear from an original juror and get up to speed with where Chester Weger’s case stands now. Be sure to listen to part 1 & 2 before diving in. For the latest NPAD u...

*Warning: This episode involves graphic discussion of violent acts and sexual assault*In part 2 of the Starved Rock murders we delve further into the questions posed as the investigation continued including eyewitness statements,  physical evidence and other possible suspects. Be sure to listen to part 1 before hitting play on this one. For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and...

Today’s stories include evil raccoons, love for law enforcement, UFOs over Phoenix shi***ing on a perfect day and vibrating packs. Outsiders Only bonus stories available for Patreon and Apple Subscribers! We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re listen...

*Warning: This episode involves graphic discussion of violent acts and sexual assault*In March of 1960, three friends set out for a girls trip to Starved Rock State Park. When they were discovered brutally murdered inside the park – the pressure was on to find who was responsible. After months of investigation, a state park employee confesses to the crimes and is sent to prison. Despite his initia...

Today’s stories include circling hawks, dumb ways to die, trail angels, Maya Rudolph-ing on Mount Washington, dispatching mamas, shark scares, hallucinating on the dunes and butterscotch smelling pines. Outsiders Only bonus stories available for Patreon and Apple Subscribers! We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back...

Today we are joined again by John Jurko, director and producer of Rhino Man, a film that follows the courageous field rangers who risk their lives to protect South Africa's rhinos. A lot has happened since our first discussion with John. He catches us up with all the developments regarding the film, his life and the legacy work he and his team continue to dedicate in memory of Anton Mzimba. Please...

Join us in South Dakota to witness the screams of the Banshee of the Badlands. Venture to Alaska where a cryptid lurks that disguises themselves as our favorite... otters?  Do you believe in the Lizard Man of South Carolina? Because the police sure do, and one sighting led to manhunts with bounties for his capture. Today we're taking you to several different parks to explore the creatures that lur...

We are joined by author of “Haunted Hikes of New England” Marianne O’Connor to talk all things trail death in the White Mountains. A self proclaimed collector of ghost stories, NH native Marianne is an avid hiker and historian. She shares the stories behind some of the most notable death markers in the White’s and what we can learn from the tragedies they commemorate. You can find more information...

Victorians, they’re just like us! Er, well, kinda. It’s easy to judge a group of people who strapped raw meat to their faces for beauty or fastened taxidermy cats on their hats for fashion, but their obsessions went far beyond beauty and style. They were fanatic about death and speaking to the deceased. Today we dive into the history of Spiritualism and get familiar with one of its most famous and...

Today’s stories include killers in the forest, charging cougars, invisible drums, papa bears, death in the White’s and aliens stalkers. Outsiders Only bonus stories available for Patreon and Apple Subscribers! We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re l...

Andrea Lankford returns! We last spoke with the author of Ranger Confidential last year, but today she is back to discuss her new book Trail of the Lost: The Relentless Search to Bring Home the Missing Hikers of the Pacific Crest Trail. The book outlines the stories of missing hikers Chris Sylvia, David O'Sullivan and Kris Fowler, their families and the lengths they (and complete strangers) have g...

Kathy was just looking for love, but after she found it, she died under suspicious circumstances inside of Acadia National Park. Her new husband was the prime suspect. For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials:Instagram: @‌nationalparkafterdarkTikTok: @‌nationalparkafterdarkSupport the show by becoming an Outsider and receive ad...

Do you really think we could visit Banff and Jasper and NOT come back with some stories to share? Today we are switching it up to bring you two tales we were introduced to on our travels to the park. Get to know Grizzly 122 aka The Boss and learn about Operation Habbakuk - an idea so crazy, it may just have worked - a prototype aircraft carrier for use against German U-boats made out of ... ice? F...

Today’s stories include volcanic adventures, a VAN down by the RIVER, ghostly side hugs, hairbrush shivs in the Badlands and bears, butterflies and birds from beyond. Outsiders Only bonus stories available for Patreon and Apple Subscribers! We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and s...

On October 2nd, 1999, 3 year-old Jaryd Atadero vanished on a group hike in the Roosevelt National Forest of Colorado. His father Allyn has been searching for answers to who (or what) what was responsible ever since. The search for Jaryd set off one of the largest search and rescue missions in the state’s history and has remained one of Colorado’s greatest unsolved mysteries. For the latest NPAD up...

Today we welcome back Wes and Jeff from Tooth & Claw Podcast! There’s a reason we keep teaming up with them - get ready for a fun episode full of stories from their time working with black bears in Bryce and find out why the hell Jeff would want to be Gateway Arch National Park and mushrooms on a cheeseburger. For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodc...

Today we welcome Dave and Ilyssa Kyu, the masterminds behind the books you’ve probably seen at your local outdoor shop - Campfire Stories! Volume II is out now and is full of amazing stories from parks around the country. Dave and Ilyssa speak to us about the inspiration behind the books and share some of their personal favorites. You can find Campfire Stories Volume I and II at your local booksto...

Today we visit the Flight 93 National Memorial to remember 9/11 and how 40 heroic individuals saved the lives of thousands onboard United Flight 93. Please take care while listening. Learn more about the passengers of Flight 93 here For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials:Instagram: @‌nationalparkafterdarkTikTok: @‌nationalpar...

Arthur Kingsley Porter aka “The Indiana Jones of Architecture” seemed to have it all, and although it can be easy to judge the Gatsby’s of the world, appearances can be deceiving – they can prove that sometimes having it all just isn’t enough. What would you do if you had the world, but desperately wanted to leave it all behind? Antarctica Trip   For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details,...

Today’s stories include a near miss with a serial killer, ghost children, feathered signs and finding out what meta means. Outsiders Only bonus stories available for Patreon and Apple Subscribers! We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re listening to N...

John Tornow left the societal world to live a reclusive life within the forests of what today is Olympic National Park. When he is accused of murder, he flees into the thick brush of the PNW evading capture for months. But is he a villain? or a victim? Antarctica InfoFor the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials:Instagram: @‌nationa...

When conservationist Dr. Greg Rasmussen is flying the skies alone above Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe his ultralight plane experiences a malfunction causing him to crash land in the open African bush. Severely injured and without any food, water or emergency kits he must survive his injuries, the elements – and the predators. Just when he is about to give up, the thought of saving the very anim...

Today’s stories include mushy moments, thin veils, searching for friends and getting haunted. Outsiders Only bonus stories available for Patreon and Apple Subscribers! We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsi...