Date: June 24, 2009
The National Park Service (NPS) is announcing America’s Best Idea—the National Parks—gets even better this summer with three fee-free weekends at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees*.
In the Bay Area, Muir Woods National Monument—the only local national park with an official NPS entrance fee—will waive their entrance fee.
Mark your calendars for the 6 “entrance free” days during these weekends this summer:
Why is the National Park Service doing this?
Many Americans are facing tough economic times right now. This is our way of trying to help, making it easier to visit a national park, to bring your family for a day or a weekend of fun.
Won’t these parks lose money?
Some, but we believe the cost is worth the benefit that these weekends can provide to the American people—who own these national parks.
How much?
Assuming visitation this summer matches previous years, approximately $500,000 each day.
Has the National Park Service done this before?
Yes—Usually in recognition of a special event or holiday. Coming up later this year we will have fee free days on Public Lands Day on September 26 and Veterans Day on November 11.
Come visit a national park this year. These three weekends are a chance for a free visit to a park that has an entrance fee—but every day—there are more than 200 national parks that never charge an entrance fee.
*Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.
