Visit national parks for free this summer--Yellowstone and Grand Canyon National Park included

June 2, 1:15 PMNational Parks Travel ExaminerMarilyn Crain

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Photo: Marilyn Crain

National parks always offer memorable budget-friendly family vacations. This summer, travel to the 391 national parks located across the country in 49 states just got even better. Now is the time to take a Great American Roadtrip through America's national parks. Visit even Yellowstone and Grand Canyon National Parks for free one weekend each month this summer. 

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced that the National Park Service (NPS) will offer three fee-free weekends this summer to encourage Americans seeking affordable vacations to visit these national treasures. The 147 National Park Service sites across the country that charge fees, ranging from $3 to $25 for entry, will waive these entrance fees during the weekends of:

• June 20-21 (Father's Day!)
• July 18-19
• August 15-16, 2009

The waiver does not include other fees collected in advance or by contractors—such as fees charged for camping, reservations, tours and use of concessions. However, many park partners including tour operators, hotels, restaurants, gift shops, and other vendors will offer additional discounts and special promotions on those dates.

Most Americans live within a day's drive of a national park. So, get out and visit of these protected places this summer, especially on the three fee-free weekends. (Example of the savings at Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon National Park where visitors will save $25 as they enter either park.) It's good for you and your family and visiting national parks is definitely great for local economies.

You might also enjoy these:

Some of the best things in life are free in national parks

Why national parks are a great value

Glacier National Park--take a red bus road trip

Yellowstone National Park--take a yellow bus road trip

For more info: National Parks Fee-Free Weekends

The Great American Road Trip

Let Examiner.com's nationwide network of Travel Examiners and Transportation Examiners guide you to America's best roadside attractions, highways, dining, and driving tips of the summer.