Spring is here and with it comes a weeklong celebration with the National Parks Service. Get away and discover the magic and beauty of America's national parks during National Park Week, April 16-24, 2011. There are 394 parks and national monuments to choose from offering everything from multi-day backpacking trips to a leisurely picnic in some of the country's most majestic places.
Free Admission
More than 100 parks that charge entrance fees will waive those fees during National Parks Week. Fees that are waived include entrance, commercial tours and other transportation fees. Camping, concession and tour fees remain the same. However, many concessionaires have their own special offers during the week such as Mount Rainier's Park Inn that offers a two-night stay for the price of one, or a two-for-the-price-of-one deal snorkling at Buck Island Reef in St. Croix.
Events
The National Parks Week calendar is full of activities for everyone from volunteers, children programs, demonstrations and hikes, most of which are free. The 2011 theme is “Healthy Parks, Healthy People,” focusing on the connection between environmental and human health and the important role that America's National Parks play in that relationship. The NPS wants everyone to have a chance to experience these treasures and offers several free days throughout the year.
Discover and Explore
You can discover ancient history at parks such as the Chaco Culture National Historic Park in northwest New Mexico that boasts more than one million artifacts from 120 archeological sites throughout Chaco Canyon.
Explore nature in its finest by snorkling near a coral reef or seeing the giant redwoods. Learn how you can help preserve these treasures while you are there. Don't forget about the National Landmarks that are also maintained by the NPS. There are 586 sites that have been designated the best remaining example of their kind including ecosystems, geological land masses and geologic history. Find a national landmark near you today, get out of town and explore and discover!
You can keep up with all of the NPS happenings by following them on Twitter or Facebook
You can keep up with Eric's Hidden Adventures by following him on Twitter or Facebook
Resources:
NPS Calendar
Find a Park Near You
National Parks Reference Books
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