Yosemite is the first US National Park, it's land originally set aside by President Lincoln during the American Civil War. Compared to most other US National Parks, Yosemite is small in size, but this gives the visitor a chance to be "up close and personal" with the surrounding scenery. Yosemite is truly a unique place with a character all it's own. It is extremely crowded in summer so the best time to visit is off season.