Western Pennsylvania National Parks Waive Entrance Fees Veterans Day Weekend, Announce Winter Hours

Date: October 31, 2013
Contact: MaryEllen Snyder, [phone]

FARMINGTON, PA – The National Park Service including the five National Parks in Western PA will honor America's veterans with free entrance to all parks for all visitors, over the three day Veterans Day weekend, November 9 through 11, 2013. Entrance fees will not be charged at Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site, Johnstown Flood National Memorial and Fort Necessity National Battlefield. Flight 93 National Memorial and Friendship Hill NHS continue to be "fee free" year round. Even though it may be colder outside, the five Parks have historic homes and/or museums that visitors may tour year round.

Beginning November 1, all five parks will transition to winter schedules. Visitor Centers at Allegheny Portage, Johnstown Flood National Memorial, and Fort Necessity National Battlefield will continue to be open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The grounds of the three parks, including the hiking trails, are open from sunrise to sunset.   

Flight 93 National Memorial will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with last entry at 4:30 p.m.  

The historic Gallatin House, located at Friendship Hill National Historic Site will be open Saturdays and Sundays, November 1, 2013 through April 1, 2014. The park grounds and trails at Friendship Hill will remain open sunrise to sunset all winter for visitors who enjoy walking and/or cross-country skiing weather permitting.  

At Fort Necessity NB in Farmington, the Mount Washington Tavern, Braddock's Grave parking area, Jumonville Glen and the picnic area will be closed from November 1, 2013 through April 1, 2014. Groups of ten or more may call 724-329-5805 and make arrangements for guided group tours of the Mount Washington Tavern during the winter months.  

All five parks will be closed on Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Presidents Day. Allegheny Portage Railroad NHS, Johnstown Flood National Memorial, Fort Necessity NB, and Friendship Hill NHS will also be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday.  

For Western PA National Park information visit the parks websites or visit www.nps.gov/flni/planyourvisit,the Park's Facebook pages, email [e-mail] or call MaryEllen Snyder at 724-329-8131.

                                                                            -NPS-

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