United States National Parks Travel Map
- By Joan
- July 10, 2020
- 5 Comments
National Parks Travel Map
I know a lot of you are not doing a bunch of traveling this year, but if you do have a chance to get out and about, National Parks are a great option. And to keep track of where you’ve been or where you might like to visit, how about a DIY stenciled travel map.
This huge United States stencil is from Stencil Revolution. This is the 36 x 24″ size United States map but they actually carry 7 different sizes ranging from 5 x 6″ all the way up to 55 x 35″ which would be fantastic stenciled directly onto a wall.
This project is a slightly different take on the travel map I completed 2 years ago. That one used chalk paint markers to fill in all the states with special spots and landmarks we had visited over the years.
My daughter in law really liked the original map but she had always wanted one to keep track of the National Parks she had visited.
No problem, it’s a super simple modification.
Since I’m just redoing my past map I’ll just remind you of the steps I took when creating my original map.
Cut the shiplap (or pallet wood, or scrap wood) to size, leaving a nice border around the stencil. With the 36″ stencil, my shiplap measured 42″.
On the back, nail on scrap wood to secure the shiplap.
For your background, use whatever color goes with your decor. I’m just using leftover gray bathroom paint.
If you like that somewhat worn, scuffed edges look, grab a sander and soften your edges.
To give your map an even more aged look ,add some vintage antique wax to some of those sanded edges. This is the same Waverly brand of antique wax. that I use with most of my chalk paint. Use sparingly, just dabbing it on to the edges then wiping away the excess.
Tape the stencil in place centering on the shiplap.
Because this stencil is so large, instead of a stencil brush, I’m using a mini paint roller to apply chalk board paint. Load the roller with paint, then use newspaper to roll off the majority of the paint. Using the semi-dry roller , apply several light coats of paint. This is black chalk paint.
From scrap green felt I cut out small pine trees to use as markers for each of the National Parks.
Hang with D-Ring Picture Hangers 
Glue your pine trees on your map.
As I added the pine trees, I also printed out park posters representing each of the visited parks.
The park posters were glued on the bottom of the map with plenty of space to add more all along the border.
This is the map hanging in my son and daughter in law’s house. It’s hanging high on the wall making space for a corner desk and computer below.
They haven’t added many destinations to their National Park travel map since they went and added a baby to their young family. I expect great things in their future.
Until next time, stay safe and stay inspired.
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Hi, this is pretty unique, I was thinking you could do it on a magnetic board also…when you pick up the magnets every destination has…you could have lots of fun filling up the states! Better yet make your magnets! Fun idea!
That would have been a great idea for my mother in law who loved to collect magnets wherever she traveled. I’m wondering if the the magnetic paint would work… hmmm
Really good post, especially for families that like to travel. Even just naming the states and their capitals is a great idea for learning! Very good project for all those folks teaching their kids at home! Stay safe and keep posting. Thank You
Thanks Mary, I still need help remembering the capitals.
Turned out great!! I love reading you blog Joan- it always inspires me! Thank you!