Denali National Park and Preserve To Honor Military by Waiving 2010 Memorial Day Weekend Entrance Fee

Date: January 5, 2010
Contact: Kris Fister, 907-683-9583

The National Park Service will waive the entrance fees to Denali National Park and Preserve for current and retired members of the U.S. armed forces and their families over the Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 29 – Monday, May 31, 2010 to honor and recognize these individuals for their contributions to the nation. The park’s entrance fee is $10 per person or $20 per vehicle, and is good for seven days.

“Denali has historically been a place of respite and relaxation for members of the military. We are honored to host this opportunity for the men and women who are currently serving, or who have served our nation, to experience the park with their families," said Superintendent Paul Anderson.

Denali National Park and Preserve collects an entrance fee year-round. The majority of the money collected remains in the park to be used for projects to improve visitor services and facilities. Most visitors pay the entrance fee when they make a campsite or bus reservation through Doyon/ARAMARK Joint Venture, the park’s largest concessioner. Entrance fees are also collected at the Murie Science and Learning Center from mid-September until mid-May and at the Denali Visitor Center during the summer visitor season.

The first fifteen miles of the Denali Park Road, as far as the Savage River, are open for travel by park visitors in private vehicles throughout the summer season. The park’s bus systems take visitors further west, and the road will be open for buses as far as the Toklat River (Mile 53) throughout the Memorial Day weekend. The Denali Natural History Tours and Tundra Wilderness Tours will also be in operation. Reservations for shuttle buses and tours can be made at www.reservedenali.com or by calling [phone]. Members of the military should indicate that they are eligible for the free entry when making a reservation for the Memorial Day weekend.

Park entrance area facilities, including the Denali Visitor Center, Morino Grill, Denali Bookstore, and the Wilderness Access Center, will be open for the season. A variety of activities will be available for visitors to enjoy during the holiday weekend, including the popular sled dog demonstrations.

The Riley Creek, Savage River, Sanctuary River, Teklanika River, and Igloo Creek Campgrounds will be open, weather conditions permitting. Campsites can be reserved at www.reservedenali.com or by calling 1-800-622-7275. Members of the military should indicate that they are eligible for the free entry when making a reservation for the Memorial Day weekend.

Additional park information is available at www.nps.gov/dena or by calling [phone] daily from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

- NPS -