Free Entrance Days to America’s National Parks are coming up next month during National Park Week. During that time, admission fees are waived as a special welcome to Americans visiting their national parks.
The National Park Service offers free entrance to the system of over 100 parks several times each year, starting with Martin Luther King Jr Birthday weekend in January. The no-fee admission period also applies during National Park Week, April 16-24, on September 24 (Public Lands Day) and over Veterans Day weekend, November 11-13, 2011.
During those times, concession operators providing food, transportation, lodging and other services in and around U.S National Parks are offering special opportunities and discounts.
At Buck Island Reef National Park in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, an exploration package that includes snorkeling equipment, flotation, snorkeling vest and lessons is half-price at $65 per person and special discounts are available at Mount Rainier National Park in Washington has a Stay and Play package with rates starting at $110 per person per night.
The National Park Service has been caring for U.S. National parks since 1916. With the help of volunteers and park partners, they safeguard nearly 400 places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year.
Flickr photo by Wolfgang Staudt