This weekend is free at our National Parks
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Pack your gear and #findyourpark. The National Park Service is waiving everyone through the gates (free of charge!) to celebrate its 100th birthday.
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE IS CONTINUING ITS BIRTHDAY PARTY and $0 park admission is what’s in the goody bags this Thursday through Sunday, August 25–28.
In the midst of a yearlong celebration of the NPS’s 100th birthday which includes its 16 in ’16 campaign (16 free admission days in 2016), August 25th is commemorated as the actual day in 1916 that President Woodrow Wilson signed a law officially created the National Park Service and tasking it with managing the country’s growing collection of National Parks.
Out of the more than 400 lands now overseen by the National Park Service, visitors will be able to explore any of these 124 parks without entrance, commercial tour or transportation entrance fees. Any reservations, camping, concessions or fees charged by third parties are not waived.
Although many parks are normally free, the NPS regularly charges anywhere between $3 and $30 to visit a park. Yellowstone and Grand Canyon, at the upper end of that spectrum, are at the top of the “best value” list for this week’s free days.
While some wonder if the boom from this year’s anniversary festivities will wear off post-Centennial, the NPS will continue its birthday marketing campaign through the end of the year, giving the non-paying public an additional two days to see these national treasures. Mark your calendars: September 24 (National Public Lands Day) and November 11 (Veterans’ Day) will also be free.
