Visit National Parks for Free on Veterans Day Weekend

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Date: November 4, 2013
Contact: Public Affairs Office, 307.739.3393

The National Park Service (NPS) began in 2006 to celebrate Veterans Day by offering free entry as a way to honor members of the US Armed Forces who currently serve, or have served, our Nation during times of war and peace.  This year the tradition continues, and all 401 national park units across America will offer free admission on Veterans Day weekend, November 9-11. This relatively simple—yet meaningful—gesture is extended to show our appreciation for the service and sacrifice of military personnel, both active and retired. 

In highlighting the significance of Veterans Day weekend across America, NPS Director Jonathan B. Jarvis stated, "We are grateful for the service and sacrifice of military members, past and present, and honored to tell their story at many of our national park areas."

Please visit the NPS website at www.nps.gov for more information on NPS battlefields, military parks, and historic sites that commemorate the service of American veterans—and for updates on park units that have scheduled special events in recognition of Veterans Day. 

Active duty personnel are encouraged to pick up the America the Beautiful Military Pass at no charge (an $80 value) for use throughout the year at any national park, wildlife refuge or other federal site that charges an entrance fee; this pass allows access to more than 2,000 federal areas. Military members must show a current, valid military identification card to obtain their pass. Dependents of active duty personnel are also eligible for this pass. For information about this special military pass, visit https://store.usgs.gov/pass/index.html.

Although the military pass is not available to veterans and retirees, many of these individuals are eligible for other discounted passes such as the Senior Pass, granting lifetime access to U.S. citizens over 62 for $10, or the Access Pass granting free lifetime entry for permanently disabled U.S. citizens. 

The Veterans Day weekend is the last of the National Park Service free entrance opportunities for 2013. 

NOTE: Highway 26/89/191 that spans Grand Teton National Park is open from the town of Jackson, Wyoming to the south gate of Yellowstone, but not beyond. Other roads in Grand Teton and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway are closed to vehicle access for the winter season. The Teton Park and Moose-Wilson roads are both closed to vehicles, but open as winter trails for non-motorized use; the Grassy Lake Road is closed to wheeled vehicles, but will open to snowmobile use on December 15. The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center closed today, November 4, and will reopen for the 2014 season on April 7. 

The Moose, Moran and Granite Canyon entrance stations are open, but not staffed until December 15. Visitors can drive through these entrance gates to reach park locations for hiking, biking, and snowshoeing or skiing as conditions allow. Visitor services are limited in Grand Teton and the JDR Parkway until the winter season begins on December 15.



Last updated: February 24, 2015

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 170
Moose, WY 83012

Phone:

307-739-3399
Talk to a Ranger? To speak to a Grand Teton National Park ranger call 307–739–3399 for visitor information Monday-Friday during business hours.

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