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
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.











