National Park Service offers fee-free days
The U.S. National Park Service has announced it will waive entrance fees on August 14 and August 15 to encourage Americans to visit national parks.
"This fee-free weekend provides an opportunity for individuals and families alike to take an affordable vacation or to explore a nearby park they have never visited before," said U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar. "I encourage everyone to take advantage of the free admission to visit not only our greatest natural wonders but also our nation's historic and cultural icons."
Many of the 391 national parks will hold free events during the fee-free weekend. Events include ranger-led programs with equipment loans for snorkeling on Cape Cod, kayaking at DeSoto, or canoeing in Congaree or Big Cypress. Other programs include military encampments and firing demonstrations at Antietam, Gettysburg, Fort Laramie, Fort McHenry, Fort Vancouver, Fort Stanwix, Fort Matanzas, Kings Mountain, Wilson Creek, Kennesaw Mountain and Yorktown.
The entrance fees being waived at the sites usually range between $3 to $25. The free weekend does not include camping, reservations, tours or the use of concessions.
