Free Admission to Yellowstone Park June 20-21
by Yellowstone National Park
June 16, 2009
You can’t get much closer to nature than in Yellowstone National Park, and what a great way to celebrate summer than with free entrance to the America’s first national park. Visit Yellowstone this Fathers’ Day weekend, June 20 and 21, and receive free entrance.
Yellowstone is famous for its hydrothermal features – more than 10,000, in fact – including over 300 active geysers and 2/3 of the world’s geysers. Yellowstone is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including 61 species of mammals and 320 recorded species of birds.
Fish or take a scenic cruise on Yellowstone Lake, the largest high elevation lake (above 7,000 feet) in North America. Enjoy horseback riding, camping, boating, bicycling or taking day hikes or overnight backpacking trips to see some of the lesser known areas of the park.
Visit historic sites such as the Fishing Bridge Museum, Norris Geyser Basin Museum, Obsidian Cliff, the Old Faithful Inn and Historic District, Roosevelt Lodge Historic District, and Fort Yellowstone at Mammoth Hot Springs.
Yellowstone’s younger visitors will enjoy becoming a Junior Ranger or a Junior Scientist (http://www.nps.gov/yell/forkids/index.htm). Young and old alike will enjoy participating in a ranger-led activity (http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/rangerprog.htm), viewing exhibits or taking in a film at one of the park’s visitor centers, such as the new film at the Canyon Visitor Education Center, Yellowstone: Land to Life. Afterwards, take in the beauty and grandeur of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone along one of its lookouts.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, birdwatcher or photographer or just seeking a relaxing or educational experience, Yellowstone has something for everyone. Take advantage of this free weekend and take in the sites at the world’s oldest national park or at one of the other 146 participating National Parks for family fun, fresh air, and opportunities to learn about our great country.
Fees that are being waived include entrance fees, commercial tour fees and transportation entrance fees. The 244 other parks do not charge entrance fees. 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.
You will also be able to enjoy the park for free during the weekends of July 18 and 19 and August 15 and 16. These Fee Free weekends were established by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to encourage Americans seeking affordable vacations to visit our national treasures. "During these tough economic times, our national parks provide opportunities for affordable vacations for families. I encourage everyone to visit one of our nation’s crown jewels this summer and especially to take advantage of the three free-admission weekends. "National Parks also serve as powerful economic engines for local communities and we hope that promoting visitation will give a small shot in the arm to businesses in the area," he said.
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