Explore A National Park For Free

This weekend is a great weekend to get out and explore our National Parks. January 14^th through the 16^th offers you the opportunity to explore any of the 397 National Parks across the country at no cost. In commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, all park entry fees are waived.

These are two of 14 other days that the National Park Service will be offering “fee free” days to visitors throughout the U.S. Other fee free days include:

• National Park Week – April 21^st through 29^th
• Get Outdoors Day – June 9^th
• National Public Lands Day – September 29^th
• Veterans Day November 10^th - 12^th

About The NPS

The National Park Service was begun in 1916 in an effort to safeguard the most precious areas across the United States and to educate and share the special stories of these areas. In addition to these key services, the NPS also works to protect the cultures of an area and revitalize local communities by preserving the history, creating opportunities for those nearby to learn and enjoy the outdoors and celebrating local heritage as well.

Some Facts About The Parks and the Service

• NPS is a part of the Department of the Interior
• Woodrow Wilson signed the act that created the NPS in 1916
• Ulysses S Grant was established before the creation of the NPS in 1872 making it the oldest National Park
• NPS today manages almost 400 areas and more than 84 million acres
• In 2010, 281,303,769 people visited National Parks

Popular Parks To Visit This Weekend

Knowing when to visit an area can help enhance your experience for example, special features that make an area unique may not occur during all times of the year. In California, Point Reyes National Seashore can offer you a close up look at the stunning Grey Whales in the area. In Yellowstone National Park, you can see bison as they wander the range just like hundreds of years ago. In Great Smoky Mountains enjoy Wilderness Wildlife Week, a week long series on the history and culture of the area. At Cowpens National Battlefield, enjoy the 231^st Battle Anniversary Celebration.

Parks throughout the U.S. offer great opportunities year round to enjoy the history, beauty and culture of the area for you and your family. Also a cost effect vacation idea, this and the other fourteen free days make it even more affordable and enjoyable. Get out and enjoy the National Parks nearest you and get to know more about the world around you.

Learn more about travel and top destinations for travel with Tradewinds Vacations.