The United States is in the midst of National Parks Week, a nine-day celebration of America’s cathedrals.
The US National Park Service announced the start of National Park Week last Saturday, April 20. The NPS organizes a series of special events and activities at multiple national parks annually around this time of year as harsh winter weather eases just before the summer crowd rush begins.
Aside from its marketing value in attracting visitors, National Park Week often serves as a showcase of NPS to remind visitors and lawmakers why it’s important to keep the national park network adequately staffed and funded. NPS has soldiered through annual National Park Weeks even as it has struggled to complete a lengthy backlog of needed maintenance projects with limited funds.
The biggest enticement may arguably be free admission to the parks. NPS has waived all national park entry fees from April 20 to 28.
In a statement, NPS Director Chuck Sams invited everyone to come to the national parks “to discover and enjoy the natural, cultural, historical, and recreational opportunities available in national parks and through National Park Service community programs.”
Chuck kicked off the week-long celebration of America’s most famous public parks last Friday with a visit to the NPS-operated Hamilton Grange National Memorial and General Grant National Memorial, both located in New York City. Hamilton Grange was the former home of Alexander Hamilton, a US Revolutionary War figure and Founding Father. The Grant memorial houses the grave of Ulysses S. Grant, a notable US Civil War general.
National Parks across the United States are organizing programs to coincide with the celebratory week and to meet the expected additional influx of visitors.
Channel Islands National Park in California is inviting park enthusiasts to help with beach cleanups. Toward the end of the week, Channel Islands managers will host an “arts in the park” event featuring poetry and a special photography exhibition.
Other parks are joining the week of festivities.
At Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, park officials have organized a special Earth Day celebration for Monday featuring an educational program led by park rangers. Most of the activities planned at Great Sand Dunes for National Park Week are oriented toward children. That park is also planning an arts in the parks-themed event for National Park Week’s closing day on Sunday, April 28.
Mammoth Cave National Park will also be marking the occasion.
Saturday was declared “Wildflower Day” at Mammoth Cave, a way to remind visitors that the park boasts plenty of beauty above ground to complement the main below-ground attractions.
“Naturalists and park rangers will guide Wildflower Day guests on hikes along several park trails and provide kid’s crafts and Junior Ranger activities throughout the day,” Mammoth Cave National Park officials said in a release. Special tours of the caverns are also planned.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, and more parks are planning special events or exhibitions to coincide with National Park Week.
©2024 Public Parks
Park Info
Park:
US National Parks
Location:
USA
More Information:
