Three Fee Free Summer Weekends in U.S. National Parks

Arches National Park

Did you know that entry fees have been waived this weekend (June 20 – 21, 2009) to the more than 100 U.S. National Parks and Monuments that usually charge a fee? Plus many of the National Parks’ partners are offering specials and discounts. How can a baby boomer traveler resist?

Some of my fondest travel memories revolve around visiting a National Park — photo workshops in Arches and Canyonlands, hiking in the Chiricahuas, discovering the beauty of Glacier, introducing my children to Mt. Ranier. And I have so many left on my list to see — Cumberland Island, Acadia, Big Bend, Everglades, the list keeps on growing.

For your trip planning pleasure, I’ve gathered links to sites that will help when preparing for a National Park visit:

National Park Serivce for the latest “official” information on National Parks
National Parks Traveler offers insightful tips
Historic Hotels and Lodges lists historic park lodging as wells as other historic accommodations

Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colordao

A few ideas from the blogging world on visiting a National Park this weekend:

Gadling suggests Five National Parks to hit this weekend.
Gorp lists the Top Ten National Parks for wildlife viewing.
Wandering Educators includes facts and figures you might not know about the National Parks.

Plus a little inspiration:

Flexi Journey’s photos of Yosemite will make you want to be there, now.
Baby boomer, Geogypsy, writes about life as a park ranger. She’s currently stationed at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Can’t make it to a National Park this weekend? That’s OK, there are two more free weekends this summer, July 18 – 19, 2009 and August 15 – 16, 2009.

Do you have tips on visiting our National Parks? Post a comment to share ideas with me.