Free entry to National Parks, recreation areas tomorrow!
The National Park Service is honoring Veterans Day tomorrow by providing free access to all 391 National Park Service Sites across the US to military veterans and their families. In addition some National Forest recreation areas like these in southern California are offering free admission Tuesday as well.
The National Park Service has a tradition of waiving entry fees on Veterans Day each year and the only other nationwide “free” day at parks comes on National Public Lands Day in September. In addition to the NPS, other federally managed recreation areas managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation and Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service will waive standard entry and usage fees on Veterans Day.
Sadly many veterans (myself included) don’t get the day off work but it’s nice to know those who do have the opportunity to enjoy a day of camping and hiking free of charge. Free entry to historic battlefields and monuments also gives families an opportunity to honor those who lost their lives in military service.
If you haven’t been to a National Park in a while, you may be surprised to know that the more popular parks like the Grand Canyon are charging up to $25 per vehicle for a visit. For many veterans and their families this can be a barrier to experiencing the natural beauty of our parks so a park fee holiday is a great opportunity and a small way to thank our veterans. For those who are able, I say get out there and explore!
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