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National
Park Service
2009 Park Visitor Information - Commercial Services
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Tips | Commercial Services
Commercial Visitor Services and Activities in National Parks
Within our National Parks, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of recreational and educational activities—including history tours, whitewater rafting, star gazing, camping, nature walks, bike excursions, and mountain climbing, just to name a few. Visitors also have at their fingertips the broad range of lodging, dining, retail, and transportation services provided by contracted commercial operators. The following highlight some of the many services and activities available through the National Park Service authorized concessioners.
Commercial Services by State
Alaska
Denali National Park
Kantishna Air Taxi Inc.: Provides air tours of Denali Park along with day excursions in Denali. Combine bus travel with the NPS Shuttle buses or local lodge transport through Denali Park to Kantishna and return by air. Overnight accommodations are available in Denali Park. For reservations contact www.katair.com or (907) 683-1223 for more info.
EarthSong Lodge and Denali Dog Sled Expeditions: Open from mid May through mid-September 2009. EarthSong Lodge is located just 17 miles northwest of Denali National Park, above tree line at elevation 2,000 feet with sweeping views of the Alaska Range. We offer four sizes of cabins to choose from, all with private baths, double beds, and many added amenities. Rates include evening Slide Show Programs by our very own Staff Naturalist. We also include tours of our Sled Dog Kennels. We offer winter dog sledding adventures from late November through April of each year. Custom trips range from daily rides to 10-day long adventures in Denali National Park. For additional information check out our website at www.earthsonglodge.com or call (907) 683-2863 Cellular: (907) 460-1452.
Arizona
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Colorado River Discovery: Offers spectacular one-day rafting tours on the Colorado River in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area from March through November. These smooth water float trips are perfect for the entire family (ages four and up). All tours depart from the scenic town of Page, Arizona, and begin with an exclusive ride down the two-mile Glen Canyon Dam access tunnel. For the next fifteen miles, you will experience one of the most dramatic stretches of river in the western United States. Your experienced guide will tell the area’s story and you will stop to view ancient petroglyphs along the way. The river portion of your trip ends at historic Lee’s Ferry, gateway to the Grand Canyon. Here you will board your bus for the short ride back to Page. Call 866-522-6644 or visit www.raftthecanyon.com for reservations.
Glen Canyon Smooth Water Rafting Tour: Colorado River Discovery runs one-half, full and all day tours March through November of each year on the mighty Colorado River. Tours originate out of Page, AZ and make your bookings online at www.raftthecanyon.com or by calling Colorado River Discovery at 1-888-522-6644.
Rainbow Bridge Centennial Excursion
2010 is the Centennial of Rainbow Bridge becoming a National Monument. Commemorate it by enjoying the spectacular scenery of Lake Powell. Package includes:
- 2 nights accommodation- traditional rooms
- Breakfast for 2 people for 2 days
- 2 seats on the 1/2 day Rainbow Bridge Boat Tour
Package valid 4/15/09 - 10/31/09. Rates exclusive of taxes and other fees that may apply. Rates based on availability. Offer subject to change. http://www.lakepowell.com/specials/index.cfm
Family Houseboat Adventure on Lake Powell
Houseboating is a great family activity. Book any one of our houseboats and receive a gas credit.
$50 per day /standard boats, $75 per day/ deluxe boats, and $100 per day/luxury boats.
http://www.lakepowell.com/houseboats/GasOnUs09 or call 800-206-9438 and ask for GasOnUs09.
Family Fun with the Lake Powell Adventure Kit
Ask at the front desk at Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, located at Wahweap, for a complimentary Lake Powell Adventure kit. The program includes age appropriate activities for kids and parents to do together that teaches the family about Lake Powell. Includes a parents docent guide, certificate of completion and Lake Powell Explorer patch.
The Great Lake Powell Water Adventure
There is no better place in the west for water adventure than Lake Powell. The only way to really experience Lake Powell is on the water in a power boat. Explore red rock canyons, and ski or tube in vast expanses of crystal clear blue water.
- 2 nights lodging – traditional
- One full day power boat
- Breakfast for two people for 2 days
Package valid 4/15/09 - 10/31/09. Exclusive of fuel, waiver of liability, taxes and other fees that may apply. Based on double occupancy. Blackout dates may apply. Subject to change
Rainbow Bridge National Monument Centennial Commemoration Youth Art Contest
Rainbow Bridge is one of the most inspiring sights in the United States. Help commemorate the centennial of Rainbow Bridge becoming a National Monument by creating an art project . For information on how to enter the contest, visit http://www.lakepowell.com/rainbowbridge100th/
Powerboat Rentals
Experience Lake Powell's spectacular scenery and stunning landscape and explore scenic coves and canyons on a power boat! Just check out the Rates page for watercraft availability per marina and get on board! Visit http://www.lakepowell.com/houseboats/watercraft.cfm
Family Camping
Lake Powell is a stunning RV and camping destination. You'll find our parks and campgrounds fully equipped to meet your needs - with all the fun and recreation of Lake Powell. You'll be close to marinas and boat rental offices, so you can enjoy those day cruises on a powerboat or fun personal watercraft. Restaurants, gift shops, gas stations and markets are also conveniently nearby.
Scenic Cruise Adventures
Lake Powell offers several scenic cruises complete with interpretive presentations by crew to educate and entertain passengers while cruising scenic Lake Powell. Choose Antelope Canyon, Navajo Tapestry or Rainbow Bridge. http://www.lakepowell.com/activities/tours-overview.cfm
Grand Canyon National Park
South Rim (Grand Canyon Village)
Lodging Inside the park - A variety of lodging facilities are available. Prices range from $52 to $322 per night (subject to change). Lodging is booked well in advance, especially during the summer months. Be sure to make reservations as far ahead as possible. Xanterra Parks & Resorts handle reservations. To read the lodging overview and to make reservations on-line: http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/Lodging-Overview-411.html or call (303) 297-2757 or toll free (888) 297-2757, fax (303) 297-3175.
North Rim
Grand Canyon Lodge: Stay at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, the only lodging inside the National Park on the North Rim. Located at Bright Angel Point, the Lodge became a National Historic Landmark in 1987. It is here one can enjoy the quiet serenity of the North Rim while relaxing in comfortable guest rooms and cabins with close proximity to the Canyon.
North Rim facilities are generally open from mid-May through mid-October. Lodging is booked well in advance, so make reservations as far ahead as possible. Forever Resorts handle reservations. You may obtain information on their website, then call the reservation line for reservations: http://foreverlodging.com/lodging.cfm?PropertyKey=181. Contact Forever Resorts at www.GrandCanyonForever.com to make reservations: 877-386-4383 (877-Fun-4-Ever) or 480-337-1320. During the season you may check at the lodge for last-minute availability.
- The Lodge Dining Room at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon: Dining in the historic Grand Canyon Lodge is truly a memorable experience. With glass walls overlooking the Canyon they serve regional as well as 1930's themed foods are featured throughout the menus. The Lodge takes pride in utilizing only the freshest and healthiest ingredients. The "all natural" beef and poultry products are free of any antibodies or hormones. They serve organic products including salad greens and pastas and a complementing wine menu with dinner including American- organic selections. The elegant cuisine includes hand-cut all natural USDA Choice Grade steaks, American buffalo, succulent roasted chicken, and a variety of other options guaranteed to satisfy your personal tastes. Contact Forever Resorts at www.GrandCanyonForever.com for information.
- The Grand Canyon Cookout Experience: Enhance your visit to the Grand Canyon by participating in the Grand Canyon Cookout Experience. Enjoy educational and fun entertainment while satisfying your evening appetite with our "Chuck Wagon" style dinner. Slow cooked beef brisket, roasted chicken, and freshly baked biscuits are just a few of the many items waiting for you. Enjoy a ride on the Grand Canyon Cookout Experience "train" to and from this outdoor dining experience from the Lodge. Don't forget your cameras! The Grand Canyon Cookout Experience is specifically designed to be the highlight of your Grand Canyon memories. Children are encouraged to attend. This unique dinner show starts daily at 6:30 p.m. Go to Forever Resorts at www.GrandCanyonForever.com
- Historic Ties at the North Rim: From the Rough Rider Saloon and Lodge Dining Room to the historic cabins scattered throughout the North Rim this National Historic Landmark has been a favorite spot for many – yet only 10% of the annual visitors to Grand Canyon actually have the pleasure of visiting this end of the Canyon. For information visit www.GrandCanyonForever.com
- Biking and Hiking Trails on the North Rim: There is a variety of great attractions at the North Rim. The north rim provides trails for beginners to the most avid hikers. Relax and watch the sunrise or sunset at one of our many amazing vistas. Visit the Hike and Bike Outfitters for bicycle rentals or rent a GPS unit to guide you to points of interest at the North Rim. On your adventures in the Park be on the lookout for one of the rarest birds in the world, the California condor. Contact Forever Resorts Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim at www.GrandCanyonForever.com
- Trails for the Energetic Hiking Enthusiast: From an easy half hour walk to more than twelve hours, there are a number of trails scattered throughout the North Rim of the Canyon for hiking options to your stay at the Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim. For additional information visit: www.GrandCanyonForever.com
Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge: General Delivery, North Rim, Arizona 86052
Administration Summer (May-Oct): 928-638-2611 - Reservations 877-386-4383; From Outside the USA for Reservations 480-337-1320 - www.GrandCanyonForever.com Seasonal Operation – May 15 to October 16
PROPERTY SERVICES
Lodging - 218 Total Rooms
Grand Lodge Dining Room - Full Service Restaurant
Grand Cookout Experience - Seats up to 150
Rough Rider Saloon & Coffee Shop
Deli in the Pines - Fast Service Meals
RV Park and Campground & Laundry
Camper & General Store
Gift Store - with Native American Hand Crafts
Service Station Gasoline & Propane Sales
Bike Rentals
Inner Canyon - Phantom Ranch: Overnight hikers may arrange to stay at Phantom Ranch. Reservations for meals and lodging are required. A backcountry permit is not required for overnight stays at the dormitories or cabins at Phantom Ranch. Call (303) 297- 2757 or 888-297-2757. You can also make reservations on-line at http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/phantom-ranch-704.html
Grand Canyon Activities:
Grand Canyon River Outfitters Association: Professionally outfitted river expeditions through the Grand Canyon are one of the true once-in-a-lifetime experiences that everyone who loves the National Parks should experience! Trips in a large variety of types and styles are provided by the Park's sixteen licensed river running concessioners are available from April through October. Please visit www.gcroa.org for more information.
Grand Canyon Mule Rides: Saunter along canyon trails atop a sure-footed mule, and experience a part of the Grand Canyon's history. Used for their strength and stability beginning in the 1920s, mules have carried visitors from around the world (including President Theodore Roosevelt) down the precipitous canyon trails. Contemporary mule wranglers guide the one-hour to half-day rides, and share their extensive knowledge of the canyon. Contact Forever Resorts at www.GrandCanyonForever.com for information.
Canyoneers, Inc.: Offers World Class Whitewater Rafting trips on the Colorado River through Grand Canyon. Trips are both motorized and oar powered, and range from 3 to 14 days long. Run over 100 rapids! Adventures are appropriate for ages 8 to 80, and depart from Flagstaff, AZ, or Grand Canyon, South Rim. These trips are all inclusive (meals, beverages, river gear, transportation, lodging etc.), combine thrilling rapids with spectacular scenery, great side canyon hikes, and friendly, professional guides helping you all the way. Learn about the canyon's history, geology archaeology, human history, and Native American culture, all while having the time of your life! Great discounts are available for the 2009 season. Operating under current ownership since 1957. Call 1-800-525-0924, or visit www.canyoneers.com for reservations or more information.
Grand Canyon White Water Rafting
Whitewater river rafting down the Colorado River is sure to let your spirit soar. Perfect with a group of friends or family, you'll find this is the vacation experience of a lifetime. Wilderness River Adventures expert crew guides you safely through the rapids, entertains you along the way and treats you to delicious riverside meals. Trips range from 5 to 16 days. Chose from motorized or oar boats. http://riveradventures.com/grand-canyon/index.cfm
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Temple Bar Marina on Lake Mead: The marina is on Arizona’s border where the Colorado River, emerging from a sporty trip down the Grand Canyon, turns just in time to miss Las Vegas. Hoover Dam backs up well over 100 miles of lake surrounded by mountains, canyons, buttes and deserts and offers 500+ miles of shoreline with wide sandy beaches and shadowed coves. One of the best ways to explore this region is by houseboat. Houseboat options from Temple Bar Marina run in 50’-to-59’ lengths with a 50’ Forever 8 XT ideal for 2-6 people to larger houseboats that sleep from 9-12 fun seekers. Divide the number of voyagers by the daily rental rate for a weekend getaway and its affordable family fun. www.ForeverHouseboats.com or 800-255-5561; 480-998-1981.
You'll Never Catch Your Limit of Fun: It's hard not to relax when you're on a boat, especially in a National Recreation Area. Out on the water there are no faxes. No computers. No interruptions. There’s the open water, fresh air and the sun warming your face. And a sense of freedom and adventure you can't find anywhere else. Whether looking for blissful, deadline-free days or pulse-quickening adventures, you can find them with recreational boating in a number of destinations like Lake Mead National Recreation Area, AZ/NV. Choose from a fishing boat, ski boat, wave runner or a houseboat for a night or two. After all, you're the captain. Contact Forever Resorts at www.ForeverHouseboats.com or 800-255-5561; 480-998-1981.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area Boating: Recreational family boating is a great way to spend time with your children. Out on the water there are no distractions. You can focus on each other and have conversations. Share stories. Laugh. Reconnect and create memories that will last a lifetime. Freshwater fishing can be enjoyed by experienced boaters and beginners alike. Whether you’re interested in sports fishing or a laid-back jaunt around the lake, freshwater fishing is a classic recreational boating experience that brings your family together. Vacations are really better at the lake. For additional ideas and information on National Recreation Area boating contact Forever Resorts at www.ForeverHouseboats.com or 800-255-5561; 480-998-1981.
For The Thrill of Water Sports at Lake Mead National Recreation Area: Waterskiing. Wakeboarding. Tubing. If you’re looking to get wet and go fast you’ll find there’s no shortage of fun to be had with a boat. Water sports like waterskiing, wakeboarding and tubing offer you and your family the ultimate in thrills and high-energy adventure! Contact Forever Resorts at www.ForeverHouseboats.com or 800-255-5561; 480-998-1981.
Grand Canyon White Water Rafting
Whitewater river rafting down the Colorado River is sure to let your spirit soar. Perfect with a group of friends or family, you'll find this is the vacation experience of a lifetime. Wilderness River Adventures expert crew guides you safely through the rapids, entertains you along the way and treats you to delicious riverside meals. Trips range from 5 to 16 days. Chose from motorized or oar boats. http://riveradventures.com/grand-canyon/index.cfm
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California
Channel Islands National Park
Aquasports' guided kayaking trips to California's Channel Islands are designed to be low rigor but high adventure, captivating both novices and expert kayakers alike. Cross channel passage is by power boat, departing from either Santa Barbara, Ventura, or Oxnard harbors. A fun introductory kayaking lesson is included in all trips; special athletic ability or prior sea kayaking experience is NOT required. The island national park features crystal clear channel waters, many mysterious and eerie sea caves, breathtaking cliffs, abundant wildlife and sheltered paddling areas -- usually without surf or strong winds. All kayaking gear, experienced guides, and cross-channel passage are included in the trip prices. Santa Cruz Island also offers extensive backcountry hiking opportunities on multi-day camping trips. Aquasports has been leading guided kayaking trips in Channel Islands National Park for the past 20 years. Call 800.773.2309, or visit www.islandkayaking.com.
Fort Mason
Celebrate "100 Years of Hostelling" at the San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel in Fort Mason (Golden Gate National Recreation Area)
On Saturday, August 29, the San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel hosts a free, public celebration in honor of the 100th anniversary of Hostelling International, and the 75th anniversary of Hostelling International USA. This event is part of a nationwide series of celebrations held at hostels around the country during HI-USA's Anniversary Week (August 23-29, 2009). Contact the San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel at 415-771-7277 or www.sfhostels.com.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Celebrate "100 Years of Hostelling" at the Marin Headlands Hostel in the Marin Headlands (Golden Gate National Recreation Area)
On Friday, August 28, the Marin Headlands Hostel hosts a free, public celebration in honor of the 100th anniversary of Hostelling International, and the 75th anniversary of Hostelling International USA. This event is part of a nationwide series of celebrations held at hostels around the country during HI-USA's Anniversary Week (August 23-29, 2009). Contact the Marin Headlands Hostel at 415-331-2777 or www.marinhostel.org.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Drakesbad Guest Ranch: Rustic cabins, historic lodge, and central dining hall. Reservations required; phone (530) 529-1512. Located 17 miles north of Chester in Warner Valley, elevation 5600’ (1707 m). Open early June to mid October.
Lassen Café & Gifts: Souvenirs, gifts, and food services. Located in the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center at the southwest entrance to park. Open year-round with limited winter hours.
Manzanita Lake Camper Store: Souvenirs, gifts, basic food and camp supplies, sandwiches, gasoline, coin-operated showers, laundromat, and ATM machine. Located one mile from the northwest entrance at Manzanita Lake. Open late May to mid October.
Point Reyes National Seashore
Celebrate "100 Years of Hostelling" at the Point Reyes Hostel in Point Reyes National Seashore
On Sunday, August 23, the Point Reyes Hostel hosts a free, public celebration in honor of the 100th anniversary of Hostelling International, and the 75th anniversary of Hostelling International USA. This event is part of a nationwide series of celebrations held at hostels around the country during HI-USA's Anniversary Week (August 23-29, 2009). Contact the Point Reyes Hostel at 415-663-8811 or www.pointreyeshostel.org
Redwood National Park
Celebrate "100 Years of Hostelling" at the Redwood Hostel in Redwood National Park and Redwood State Park. On Sunday, August 23 at 2 p.m., the Redwood National Park Hostel hosts a free, public celebration in honor of the 100th anniversary of Hostelling International, and the 75th anniversary of Hostelling International USA. This event is part of a nationwide series of celebrations held at hostels around the country during HI-USA's Anniversary Week (August 23-29, 2009). Contact the Redwood Hostel at 707-482-8265 or www.redwoodhostel.org.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Stores: Shops with a limited variety of basic food supplies and with souvenirs, film, and similar items are available at:
Grant Grove Village: Year-round, separate market and gift shop.
Lodgepole Village: Spring through Fall, market/gift shop.
Cedar Grove Village: Spring through fall, market/gift shop.
Wuksachi Village: Year-round gifts and souvenirs.
Lodging:
Sequoia National Park - Wuksachi Lodge (Delaware North Park Services): Open: All Year, Reservations: Online or by Phone at: 1-888-252-5757.
Located in Sequoia National Park, 4 miles (6.5km) from Giant Forest; 23 miles (37km) from Sequoia Park entrance. Modern hotel rooms in several lodge buildings. Restaurant & gift shop. Elevation 6500 feet (1980m).
King’s Canyon National Park: Grant Grove Cabins & John Muir Lodge (Kings Canyon Park Services) - Open: All Year, Reservations: Online or by Phone at 1-866-522-6966, Front desk: 1-559-335-5500.
Modern rooms in the John Muir Lodge. In summer, rustic and housekeeping cabins are available, all in the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park, 1/2-mile (.8km) to a sequoia grove. Visitor center, market, restaurant, gift shop, & post office nearby. Elevation 6500 feet (1980 m).
Cedar Grove Lodge (Kings Canyon Park Services) - Open: Late April to mid-October.
Reservations: Online or by Phone at 1-866-522-6966, Front desk 1-559-565-0100.
Rooms available in a lodge in Cedar Grove Village, deep in the canyon of the Kings Canyon itself. Counter-service restaurant, market, gift shop in building. Elevation 4600 feet (1402m).
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
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Oak Bottom Marina Boat Rentals: Hourly, daily and weekly powerboat and deck cruiser rentals on beautiful Whiskeytown Reservoir near Redding, California. Whiskeytown Lake, located in the Northern California mountains in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, provides wonderful opportunities for a fantastic day on the water. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the plentiful recreational activities available in the park, whether it be boating, fishing, water skiing, camping, hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding. Take a boat out on the lake for your water-based fun. Contact Forever Resorts Oak Bottom Marina at 530-359-2269 www.whiskeytownmarinas.com
- Oak Bottom Marina Campground: For those who enjoy camping and traveling by RV, the Oak Bottom Marina campground in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is a wonderful location to stay while enjoying the lake. There are 98 walk-in tent sites and 22 dry-camping RV sites, all within walking distance of the lake and swim beach. The campground has a dump station, restrooms, in-season snack bar, swim beach and access to the boat ramp. Call Forever Resorts Oak Bottom Marina 530-359-2269 for camping reservations. The 2009 summer season is April 15 through October 15
Oak Bottom Marina: 12485 State Highway 299 West, PO Box 40, Whiskeytown, CA 96095
(530) 359-2269 - www.WhiskeytownMarinas.com
PROPERTY SERVICES:
Boat Rentals
RV & Campgrounds
Slips & Launch Ramp
Convenience Store & Snack Bar
Fuel Dock
Swim Beach
Yosemite National Park
Lodging:
Ahwahnee® Hotel
The Ahwahnee shines as Yosemite National Park’s distinctive AAA® Four-Diamond hotel. Known for its magnificent façade, and architecture, The Ahwahnee was specifically designed to highlight its natural surroundings, featuring Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Glacier Point. The destination of queens and presidents alike, the Ahwahnee offers a perfect balance of history, hospitality and elegance. The Ahwahnee accommodations include 123 handsomely appointed guest rooms, including 99 hotel rooms, parlors and suites and 24 cottages.
Yosemite Lodge Rooms
As the closest property to Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Lodge at the Falls is an idyllic spot for families, group retreats and visitors seeking the comforts of a hotel after an exciting day exploring the wilderness. In 1998, the main complex was redesigned with an emphasis on glass and wood detailing to blend harmoniously with its surroundings. Landscaping of indigenous trees, shrubs and wildflowers further reflect the natural beauty of Yosemite Valley.Yosemite Lodge at the Falls has 226 lodge rooms, 19 standard rooms and 4 family rooms, each offering daily maid service.
Wawona® Hotel Lodging
Housed in six buildings, in period pieces and antiques furnish our rooms. Fifty of the rooms have private baths, while the rest share central baths. Most of our rooms without bath connect to rooms with bath, making this an ideal accommodation for families. All rooms offer daily maid service. There are no telephones or televisions, allowing guests to completely escape and relax while on vacation. Most of the hotel's 104 guestrooms open onto one of its signature verandas and are reminiscent of European-style hotel rooms.
Curry Village®
Curry Village accommodations include 18 standard motel rooms, 56 cabins with private baths, one Specialty Cabin with bath, and 319 canvas tent cabins. Plus, there are 14 cabins with centrally located bath houses and 91 Signature Curry Village Tent Cabins with custom insulating panels located nearby in the East Orchard.
Tuolumne Meadows Lodge
Many hikers start their High Sierra Camp experience with a night at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, an ideal base camp for day hikes throughout the Tuolumne Meadows area or before backpacking to the High Sierra Camps. Tuolumne Meadows Lodge is located in the largest sub-alpine meadow in the Sierra Nevada at an elevation of 8,775 feet, on the Tioga Pass Road, near the park's eastern entrance off Highway 120. Tuolumne Meadows Lodge has 69 canvas tent cabin accommodations.
Tuolumne Meadows Lodge is open from approximately early July to mid-September conditions permitting and is located on the Tioga Road, near the Park's eastern entrance on Highway 120 East. It is 60 miles from Yosemite Valley. The Lodge is scheduled to open Friday, June 12, 2009, and close Sunday, September 20 after breakfast is served.
White Wolf Lodge
Set back in a quiet spot off Tioga Road, some 30 miles from Yosemite Valley, is the tranquil White Wolf Lodge. The Lodge is an excellent base camp for day hikes to Lukens and Harden Lakes. Nestled in a beautiful sub-alpine meadow generously decorated with wildflowers and fringed by Lodgepole pines, this is indeed a peaceful spot in Yosemite. White Wolf Lodge is open approximately from early-July to mid-September, conditions permitting.
White Wolf Lodge is a small complex comprised of 24 canvas tent cabins and four hard-sided cabins with private baths. A central dining room is located in a quaint wooden building, with a cozy porch overlooking the forest. Free parking is provided on the premises for lodge guests.
Opens: Friday, June 19, 2009
Closes: Sunday, September 13, 2009 following breakfast. All dates are dependent on weather conditions.
Yosemite High Sierra Camps Lodging
The setting of each camp is uniquely spectacular and provides ample opportunities for exploration or quiet appreciation of the area's natural beauty. The following information on Yosemite's High Sierra Camps can help you prepare for your trip into Yosemite's backcountry. All lodging is in canvas tent cabins with dormitory-style steel frame beds with mattresses, pillows, woolen blankets or comforters. To maximize the number of people able to enjoy the High Camps, we make every effort to fill all the beds. That means that if your party does not completely fill a tent cabin, you are likely to share with others. The staff makes every effort to keep members of a party in the same tent(s), but sometimes splitting a party is also necessary.
Yosemite Lodging Reservations:
Online: Make your Yosemite reservation online
Phone: (801) 559-4884
*Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. PST
*Saturday & Sunday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST
For camping reservations, visit the National Park Service website for tips and instruction, the Reservation Website to make a reservation, or call the Campground Reservation Line at (877) 444 -6777.
Activities:
Daytime Interpretive Programs:
- Learn the history and culture that defines Yosemite National Park through a variety of engaging programs and walking tours led by interpretive guides.
- Historic Ahwahnee Tour – Through a 50-minute tour of its magnificent halls and picturesque grounds, take a step back in time to find out why Yosemite’s grand lodge was built, and how it became a national, historic landmark hotel, visited by presidents, kings, queens, and stars of the silver screen.
- Curry Village History Walk - Discover the history and significance of Yosemite’s first lodging facility, and the only remaining tent cabin establishment within the National Park Service.
- Wee Wild Ones – Youngsters six and under will delight in fun stories, songs, games, crafts and activities that promote environmental awareness and an appreciation for Yosemite’s abundant nature.
- Family Stroll - Join us for family fun in the great outdoors while learning Yosemite’s role in our natural and cultural heritage.
Evening Interpretive Programs:
- Explore and engage in interactive educational programs for families by starlight or in the hours of twilight.
- Evening Educational Programs - enjoy a wide range of topics through interpretive discussions, films or slide shows at the amphitheaters of Curry Village and Yosemite Lodge at the Falls
- Starry Skies Over Yosemite – Go on a cosmic journey through the galaxy to view planets and star constellations as you relax beneath the Milky Way in a Yosemite Valley or Wawona meadow.
- Twilight Strolls – The waning light of dusk illuminates your path on this scenic an enlightening Yosemite walk with an interpretive guide.
- Night Prowls – Explore Yosemite under moonlit skies on this guided nocturnal nature journey. Available during spring and fall only.
Trail Rides in Yosemite:
Enjoy the breath-taking views and the majestic scenery of Yosemite National Park by mule or horseback. Our expert staff will match you with a four-legged friend based on your age and riding ability. Then our experienced guides will lead your group on a two-hour, four-hour or all-day excursion along one of Yosemite’s many scenic trails. Stable rides are available at the Yosemite Valley Stable, Wawona Stable and Tuolumne Meadows Stable.
Custom Pack and Saddle trips are also available, offering a variety of services tailored to meet your needs, ranging from delivery of items to back country and High Sierra camps, to extended multi-day journeys, deep into Yosemite’s breathtaking wilderness.
Biking in Yosemite:
An excellent way to explore Yosemite Valley, cycling along the paved trails of primarily flat terrain provides you and your family with an environmentally friendly way to experience Yosemite at your own pace.
Rental bikes of various sizes are available for riders of all ages. Pull-trailers and helmets are also available, with helmets required for riders under the age of 18. Rentals are available at the Yosemite Lodge Bike Stand and at the Curry Village Recreation Center.
Rafting in Yosemite:
Rafting the placid Merced River in Yosemite Valley offers some of the most unique and spectacular views of the Park. The length of rafting season changes from year to year, but typically begins the last weekend of May and ends in July.
Rafts hold four to six people (50-pound minimum for children) and the per person fee covers one three-mile trip down the river, personal flotation devices for each person, two paddles, and return trip by shuttle to the Curry Village Recreation Center.
Open-air Tram and Coach Tours of Yosemite
Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite and learn about its history, geology, and iconic sights. Yosemite offers a variety of two-hour and eight-hour tours, highlighting different regions of the Park, each led by National Park Rangers and experienced guides.
Experience one or all of these spectacular tours: Yosemite Grand Tour, Valley Floor Tour, Glacier Point Tour, Tuolumne Meadows Tour, and the Big Trees Tram Tour. For a unique experience, enjoy Yosemite in the light of the full moon on the Yosemite Moonlight Tour.
Wawona Golf Course
Experience a true California golfing treasure. As one of the oldest courses in the state, and the first built in the Sierra Nevada, the Wawona Golf Course has been challenging golfers of all skill levels since it first opened in 1918.
Designed by Walter G. Fovargue to blend seamlessly into its magnificent setting, this formidable nine-hole, par-35 National Park golf course measures 3,011 yards and includes two par-five holes and three par-three holes. Different tee positions per side afford golfers the opportunity to play a par-70, 18-hole format.
Hours of Operation: Open 9am - 5pm from Spring through Fall, weather permitting.
Rock Climbing & Guided Backcountry Trips
Since 1969, the world-renowned Yosemite Mountaineering School has provided visitors with a fun and exhilarating way to embrace Yosemite’s granite walls through personalized rock climbing instruction and the means to communicate with Yosemite’s unparalleled wilderness through guided hiking and backpacking trips. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, we can recommend a class or excursion to help you hone your skills or get you started on the right track. All of our climbing classes are six hours or longer – so be prepared for a full day of fun. Group and private lessons are available daily for all skill levels. Guided hiking and backpacking trips can be several hours in duration, or multiple days ~ you pick the destination, and we’ll plan your entire trip for you!
For more information on any of these activities call (209) 372-4FUN
or visit www.YosemitePark.com
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Colorado
Mesa Verde National Park
ARAMARK, the park concessioner, offers lodging, dining, camping, gifts, and much more. For more information, visit their website at www.visitmesaverde.com, or call 1-800-449-2288.
Activities:
TASTE OF THE MESA: Sustainable Cuisine Workshop: August 23-25, 2009
Half-Day Guided Bus Tours: Tours depart Far View Lodge at 8:00 am and 1:00 pm. National Park Service rangers partner with ARAMARK, the park concessioner, to conduct the tours and share current interpretation of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Tours stop at archeological sites along the Mesa Top Loop Road and include a walking tour of Cliff Palace. Tickets are $49.00 per person. For more information, visit ARAMARK’s website at www.visitmesaverde.com.
9th Annual Mesa Verde Country® Indian Arts and Culture Festival: Held May 23 and 24, 2009. Festival includes a juried art show, rug auction, and Native American dances. Visit www.mesaverdecountry.com for details.
District of Columbia
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
River and Trail Outfitters, celebrating 38 years as an area outfitter on the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers offers bicycling in the C & O Canal National Park. River and Trail welcomes visitors to pedal through time while absorbing the breathtaking views and historic landmarks along the canal. Bicycle rentals are available daily Monday thru Sunday.
River and Trail also provides single and multi day canoe and kayak trips along the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Overnight camping is available at the C&O Canal hiker/biker campground.
Need transportation? River and Trail offers shuttle service for bikers and hikers along the C&O Canal National Park.
Call 1-888-i-go-play or (301) 695-5177 to reserve your C&O adventure today.
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Park: River Riders offers biking trips along the C&O canal, ½ day, full day, overnight, and multi-day trips, as well as shuttle services. Our tubing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and other guided trips on the Potomac pass by the C&O Canal.
Florida
Biscayne National Park
Scuba and snorkeling trips, canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals, plus food, gifts and convenience items are available at Convoy Point from the park's concessioner Biscayne National Underwater Park, Inc. Please visit their website at www.biscayneunderwater.com, or call (305) 230-1100 for the latest information on other opportunities available. Special charter trips are also available.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Ferry Transportation System: Most visitors come on the concessions ferry that makes the trip daily to the island, weather permitting, from Key West. It is a wonderful day trip, or an exciting beginning to a one-of-a-kind camping adventure - details on camping gear needed can be found on the park website. The ferries will bring you and your camping gear out to the park with a reservation.
For ferry schedules, prices, and reservations, contact:
Sunny Days: phone 800-236-7937 or 305-292-6100; on the internet at www.drytortugas.com.
Yankee Freedom: phone 800-634-0939 or 305-294-7009; on the internet at www.yankeefreedom.com.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park Boat Tours, Inc. (EBT) In addition to ranger-led activities, there are other ways to enjoy a guided tour through the park. The park concessioner provides narrated interpretive boat tours of the Ten-Thousand Islands of the Gulf Coast District area, a retail store, limited food and beverage items and canoe rentals, boat and slip rentals at the Flamingo District of the park. Concession boat captains narrate boat tours along the mangrove coast at both Flamingo and the Gulf Coast. Tours operates everyday, year-round.
Shark Valley Tram Tours
Guided two-hour narrated tram tours are offered along a fifteen-mile loop into the "River of Grass". Tours depart from the benches and provide a great opportunity to see wildlife and learn about the Freshwater ecosystem. Reservations are strongly recommended during the dry, winter season when Everglades National Park is at its busiest. Bicycle rentals are available from the Tram Tour concession. Prices and hours are subject to change. TRF Concessions is the concessioner at the Shark Valley located on the Tamiami Trail, US 41 in Miami, Florida. Please call (305) 221-8455 for current information.
Boat Tours & Canoe Rentals
Narrated boat tours are available at the Gulf Coast and Flamingo areas of the park.
The Gulf Coast boat tour of the Ten-Thousand Islands departs from the Gulf Coast Marina area. Tour operates every day, year-round. The Flamingo area boat tour explores the Whitewater Bay backcountry north of Florida Bay. Canoe rentals are available at both Gulf Coast and Flamingo to explore nearby waterways. Hours and prices subject to change, for current information call:
Gulf Coast – (239) 695-2591
Flamingo – (239) 695-3101
Flamingo Marina: The marina at Flamingo is open with limited services including marina shop, boat rentals (canoe and skiffs) and fuel. Camping facilities are available. Hours and prices are subject to change. Reservations are strongly recommended during the busy dry, winter season. Please call the Flamingo Marina at (239) 695-3101 for current information on boat tours, marina store hours, boat rentals and other services available.
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Kentucky
Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave Hotel: Mammoth Cave is one of the oldest tourist attractions in the United States and Kentucky's number one tourist spot, and with no wonder — it is the longest recorded cave system in the world, featuring more than 350 miles of mapped caves — longer than the distance between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. A visit to Mammoth Cave National Park is an experience that will last a lifetime, and Mammoth Cave Hotel is open year-round to provide guests accommodations with convenient access to the entrance and National Park Visitor Center. Contact Forever Resorts Mammoth Cave Hotel at www.MammothCaveHotel.com or (270) 758-2225.
Staying in the Park: With 92 rooms available for overnight accommodations, Mammoth Cave Hotel makes it easy to enjoy comfortable lodging while visiting the Mammoth Cave National Park and other Kentucky attractions. Conveniently located at the Historic entrance to the world-famous cave, Mammoth Cave Hotel offers traditional rooms in lodges that have picturesque views, or seasonal cottages nestled in and around trees that offer basic accommodations in a woodland setting. Contact Forever Resorts Mammoth Cave Hotel at www.MammothCaveHotel.com or (270) 758-2225.
- Above and Ground Activities: Mammoth Cave is one of the oldest tourist attractions in North America — tours have been offered since 1816. Ever since that first tour, Mammoth Cave Hotel has provided the finest southern hospitality for all visitors looking for accommodations in the Park. Mammoth Cave Hotel makes a great headquarters for anyone visiting the area. Generations of families have returned year after year to immerse themselves in a world Mother Nature took centuries to create. In addition to the cave tours, ranging from a ¾ mile "Discovery Tour" to six hour, 5½ mile "Wild Cave Tour" featuring passages as tight as 9 inches high. Guests can also enjoy hiking or horseback riding in the rugged hills, exploring the deep valleys, or even playing in the water — by boating, canoeing or kayaking the Green or Nolin Rivers. Contact Forever Resorts Mammoth Cave Hotel at www.MammothCaveHotel.com or (270) 758-2225.
- Extraordinary Gatherings in a Remarkable Location: For an unforgettable business meeting, include a totally unique break-out session — a cave tour. Family reunions and friendly get-togethers can also benefit from the hotel's resources: The catering department is available to assist with planning parties, anniversaries, picnics or holiday events at the hotel or in the park. The Woodland Cottages, which can accommodate up to 16 people, are a perfect way to keep the group together in between sessions or outings. The rustic cottages offer basic accommodations in one to four bedrooms and are a great location for retreats. Contact Forever Resorts Mammoth Cave Hotel at www.MammothCaveHotel.com or 270-758-2225
- Kentucky Crafted Retailer: Mammoth Cave Hotel, winner of the prestigious Kentucky Crafted Retailer of the Year Award in 2003 and 2008 is proud to support Kentucky artisans and craftspeople and promote craft entrepreneurs and traditions. The Kentucky Home Gift Shop: features beautiful gifts and works of art and The Cave Company: souvenirs, cave memorabilia, t-shirts, postcards, books & snacks. Mammoth Cave Hotel also offers guests and Park visitors a service center and convenience store located on Mammoth Cave Parkway, near the National Park Service campground. Contact Forever Resorts Mammoth Cave Hotel at www.MammothCaveHotel.com or 270-758-2225.
- Dining at Mammoth Cave Hotel: No hotel is complete without a good restaurant and Mammoth Cave Hotel offers you three of them! Enjoy southern hospitality at its finest while local chefs prepare popular entrees and homemade desserts.
- Travertine Restaurant: Featuring popular local dishes in a casual atmosphere.
- The Crystal Lake Coffee Shop: Stop by for a cup of coffee and one of our homemade desserts.
- TrogloBITES: Our on-site fast food restaurant, delivers burgers, fries and sodas in a jiffy.
Contact Forever Resorts Mammoth Cave Hotel at www.MammothCaveHotel.com or 270-758-2225
PROPERTY SERVICES:
Lodging - 92 rooms
Troglobites Restaurant - Seats 109
Travertine Restaurant - Seats 164;
Crystal Lake Coffee Shop - Seats 61
Retail Stores - 2
Tennis Court
Cavers Camp Store
Rotunda Room Meeting Space - Seats up to 100
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Maine
Acadia National Park
Oli's Trolley Inc. Acadia Island Tours: One and two and a half hour fully narrated trolley tours of Acadia National Park. Tours available daily May through October. Tour includes Summit of Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole on Ocean Drive. Wheelchair accessible. Check us out on the web at www.olistrolley.com or www.acadiaislandtours.com. Contact us at acadiatours@aol.com or 207 288 5443.
Shops/Dining: Park concessions offer services to visitors within Acadia National Park. The Acadia Corporation operates shops at Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, and Jordan Pond House. Visit the Jordan Pond House for traditional tea and popovers, or a full lunch or dinner. For reservations, contact the Jordan Pond House at (207) 276-3316.
Horse Drawn Carriage Tours: Wildwood Stables features horse-drawn carriage tours along Acadia’s historic carriage roads. Private tours and stabling for your personal horse are also available. For information, contact Wildwood Stables at (877) 276-3622. National Park Tours [(207) 288-0300] and Oli’s Trolley [(207) 288-9899] offer narrated bus tours that explore the natural and cultural history of the park and surrounding area. Beginning and ending in Bar Harbor, these tours stop at many popular park sights, including Cadillac Mountain. Reservations recommended. For more information about these tours, visit www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/concessiontours.htm.
Maryland
Antietam Battlefield
River and Trail Outfitters: Celebrating 38 years as an area outfitter offers guided canoeing, kayaking, and fun filled family tube trips down the rapids and riffles of the historic Antietam Creek. Explore the history of the Battlefield while coasting past shaded banks of the Antietam Creek. This spring fed creek stays cool year round. The editors of Canoe & Kayak Magazine chose Antietam Creek as one of the top 60 paddling streams in North America.
For more information, call 1-888-i-go-play or (301) 695-5177.
Michigan
Isle Royale National Park
Rock Harbor Lodge: The Rock Harbor Lodge is located on Isle Royale, a 45-mile long island in the northwest corner of Michigan’s Lake Superior. But the island atmosphere is not the only thing that makes this a special place — the entire island, as well as the surrounding smaller islands make up Isle Royale National Park — one of America's most remote national parks. The Rock Harbor Lodge provides visitors to this roadless wilderness island rooms with private baths, cottages, and services including a dining room, snack bar, gift shop, marina and more. Due to the remote location, the lodge is only open seasonally in the summer and fall, from late May to mid-September. Contact Forever Resorts Rock Harbor Lodge www.RockHarborLodge.com 906-337-4993 (Summer) 270-758-2001 (Off-season)
- Staying Overnight at Rock Harbor Lodge: With two types of accommodations to choose from, Rock Harbor Lodge is well-suited to hosting group tours. The 60 lake view rooms divided into four guest lodges along the Lake Superior shore and 20 studio-type cottages nestled in the woods mean that nature centers, kayak tours and even wedding parties can enjoy the stay on Isle Royale in comfort. Two dining plans are available for guests staying in a lodge room, which accommodates a maximum of four people: the American Plan, which includes lodging and a half-day use of a canoe, in addition to all meals; or the European Plan, which includes lodging and half-day canoe use, but no meals. Cottages are equipped with kitchenettes (including utensils and dishware) and can accommodate up to six. Cottage stays also include a half-day use of a canoe. Contact Forever Resorts Rock Harbor Lodge www.RockHarborLodge.com 906-337-4993 (Summer) 270-758-2001 (Off-season)
- Guided and Self Guided Activities on the Island: With Rock Harbor Lodge as a home base, visitors to Isle Royale can participate in many self-guided activities, including hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and birding. Sightseers and history buffs will enjoy the historic lighthouses, shipwrecks and ancient copper mining sites, while nature lovers will discover plenty of spots to observe moose, otter, loons, beaver, fox and other small mammals that call the island home, and may even hear the howl of the elusive wolves. Experienced Scuba divers can explore the variety of shipwrecks in Lake Superior — some dating back to the late 1800s. Contact Forever Resorts Rock Harbor Lodge www.RockHarborLodge.com 906-337-4993 (Summer) 270-758-2001 (Off-season).
- Tours on Isle Royale: Different guided sightseeing tours and cruises are offered daily, giving visitors a chance to see something new each day they spend on the island. Fully-equipped fishing boats are available to charter for groups of at least four, in half-or full day increments. Water taxi services are also available to help gain quicker access to the backcountry or to transport guests and their gear (including canoes or kayaks) to many of the docks on the surrounding islands. The Rock Harbor Marina can accommodate boats up to 65' and canoe, kayak, and motorboats are available for rental by the half-day, day, or week. Contact Forever Resorts Rock Harbor Lodge www.RockHarborLodge.com 906-337-4993 (Summer) 270-758-2001 (Off-season)
- Getting There is Half the Fun: A vacation on Isle Royale is an adventure that begins well before arriving on the island, because it is accessible only by water or air, and the seasonal passenger service only runs between May and Mid-October. Access points are available in Michigan and Minnesota:
- Copper Harbor, Michigan offers daily services on the Isle Royale Queen IV, (3 hours one-way);
- Houghton, Michigan has two weekly services on the Ranger III (6 hours one-way);
- Grand Portage, Minnesota offers travelers three trips per week on the Voyageur II, which stops first at Windigo on the south end of the island before circumnavigating the island to Rock Harbor (approximately eight hours one-way.)
The island is also accessible via plane – Royale Air provides flights up to six days a week. Each transport service has different fares and schedules, so reservations are a must, especially during the peak summer season. Contact Forever Resorts Rock Harbor Lodge www.RockHarborLodge.com 906-337-4993 (Summer) 270-758-2001 (Off-season)
- Enjoy the Unspoiled Forests and Scenic Shores in a Remote National Park: Isle Royale is the largest island in the world's largest freshwater lake. It has a long history that contributed to it becoming a national park. Native Americans searched for copper here 3,000 years ago. Later French, English, and Americans trapped on the Island. During the 19th century's "copper fever," mining companies left behind more than 1,000 mining pits. Commercial fishing followed mining in the early 20th century. Established on April 3, 1940 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Isle Royale National Park was designated part of the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1976. The park preserves 132,018 acres of land-based wilderness, made up of one large island surrounded by about 400 smaller islands — a total area of 850 square miles. In 1980, Isle Royale was designated a U.S. Biosphere Reserve because the isolated islands have barely 20 species of mammals compared to over 40 found on the surrounding mainland. Contact Forever Resorts Rock Harbor Lodge www.RockHarborLodge.com 906-337-4993 (Summer) 270-758-2001 (Off-season).
- Fishing Charters in Lake Superior: The waters of Lake Superior are great for trout and salmon fishing. Go home with your own "he was this big" story - go out on one of Isle Royale's Fishing Charters. Our guides know the best places on Lake Superior for the best fishing. All charter boats are fully equipped and fishing tackle is provided. Michigan fishing licenses are required for the waters of Lake Superior and are sold at Rock Harbor Lodge and Windigo. Daily licenses are available. Four hours, four person maximum: $382.00; Eight hours, four person maximum: $706.00 Contact Forever Resorts Rock Harbor Lodge www.RockHarborLodge.com 906-337-4993 (Summer) 270-758-2001 (Off season)
Rock Harbor Lodge: Administration: 800 East Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931
Rock Harbor Lodge (Summer Season): Reservations: 906-337-4993, PO Box 605 – Houghton, MI 49931
www.IsleRoyaleResort.com - Seasonal Operation – May 22 to September 12
PROPERTY SERVICES:
Lodging - rooms - 60; Cabins - 20
Restaurant – Seats 90
Snack Bar – Seats 24
Gift Shop
Dockside Store – Marina, gifts, groceries
Windigo Store – Groceries, camping supplies
Windigo Canoe, Boat & Kayak Rentals
Powerboat Rentals
Charter Fishing & Water Taxis
Sightseeing Tour Boat MV Sandy 42 passenger
Canoe, Boat & Kayak Rentals
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Montana
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park, Inc. As you arrive to stay in our historic, full-service Lodges, Inns, and Hotels you will find rustic yet comfortable accommodations that reflect their early twentieth-century heritage. Glacier Park, Inc. (GPI) is a concessioner authorized by the National Park Service to serve the public in Glacier National Park. We operate five historic Lodges, Inns, and Hotels in Glacier National Park as well as the fleet of historic Red Buses offering daily tours of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Our Glacier Travel Center is happy to arrange all of your travel needs as well as book many of the Park’s most popular Activities.
- Scenic Interpretive Red Bus Tours: Take a ride back in time on one of our historic Red Buses. Scenic trips of the Going-to-the-Sun Road can be taken daily from most Park hotels. On each tour, adventure awaits as a Jammer picks you up at you preselected origin and welcomes you onboard the same way they have done for over 90 years with the “roll call”. Once on board, you will enjoy the bus’ unique canvas top, which rolls back allowing all 17 passengers a commanding view of the spectacular scenery within Glacier National Park. Full day tour, half-day tours, and private charters are available. Contact Glacier Park, Inc. at (406) 892-2525 or www.glacierparkinc.com for reservations.
- Boat Cruises: Step onto the classic boats and glide across beautiful alpine lakes nestled among the peaks within Glacier National Park. You will discover a spectacular side of Glacier not visible from the road. The Captains will share with you their love for and knowledge of this incredibly special place during your cruise. Boat cruises are available multiple times daily at most Park hotels Contact Glacier Park, Inc. at (406) 892-2525 or www.glacierparkinc.com for reservations.
- David Walburn Multimedia Entertainment: At Many Glacier Hotel, David Walburn offer contemporary folk multi-media shows which are a blend of original music, scenic photography, slides of historic paintings, and colorful narratives. David’s shows are a truly unique and entertaining Montana concert experience not to be missed! He performs at 9PM Monday through Saturday. Contact Glacier Park, Inc. at (406) 892-2525 or www.glacierparkinc.com for reservations.
- Great Lodges of Glacier Tour: There is something very special about the air in Glacier that you have to discover for yourself. It is clean, fresh, crisp, and beckons you to stay, while you are taking in all of the majestic scenery and infinite splendors the park has to offer. Whether you are considering your first trip to Glacier National Park or your tenth, this 6 day/ 5 night Great Lodges of Glacier Tour offers the most unique and authentic opportunity to experience Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Contact Glacier Park, Inc. at (406) 892-2525 or www.glacierparkinc.com for reservations.
- Glacier VolunTourism Program: Our 2009 Sustaining Glacier’s Treasures Program allows volunteers the ability to enjoy Glacier National Park while working on a preservation and research project. This 5 day/ 4 night program is based in Montana’s Glacier National Park and hubs out of Lake McDonald Lodge, located on the west side of Park. Program dates are June 22-26, 2009 and September 7 -11, 2009. Contact Glacier Park, Inc. at (406) 892-2525 or www.glacierparkinc.com for reservations.
Swan Mountain Outfitters:
Glacier National Park Horseback Rides and Drop Camp Trips. The only horseback rides inside Glacier National Park. Experience the park the way the original visitors did! Choose a one hour, two hour, half day or all day trail ride from any of our three locations in the park: Apgar, Lake McDonald and Many Glacier. For the true adventurer, drop camp services to select areas in the park are also available. Contact Swan Mountain Outfitters at 1-877-888-5557 or http://www.swanmountainoutfitters.com/glacier for more information!
Swann Mountain Outfitters
Glacier Park Boat Company:
Offers tours aboard classic wooden launches, as well as small boat rentals, at five locations in Glacier National Park. Knowledgeable Boat Captains and NPS Ranger Naturalists provide full commentary while gliding over the serene lakes in the Crown of the Continent. Frequent wildlife sightings make for even more photographic opportunities. Optional guided hikes to glaciers, waterfalls, and lakes are offered through a unique partnership with NPS. Schedules, fares, and tour length vary by location and can be viewed at www.glacierparkboats.com, or give us a call at (406) 257-2426.
Little Chief -- Glacier National Park
Guided Hikers – Glacier National Park
Glacier Guides, Inc.:
May through September - Glacier National Park is home to more than 700 miles of trail with an awe-inspiring landscape. We actively promote the preservation of this delicate yet complete ecosystem and support Leave Not Trace ethics on all of our trips.
Glacier Guides offers adventures from beginner to expert:
- Interpretive Day Hikes
- The “Every Tuesday Hike” in July and August
- Backpacking Treks, weekly 3 day to 10 day.
- Sherpa Service to assist in carrying your gear, great for families
- Custom Trips by request
- Multi-Sport Combinations including horseback rides and backcountry chalets
- Rental Gear for your backcountry needs and more
Explore the magnificent “Crown of the Continent” with our friendly seasoned staff. You won’t know if you don’t go! For further information visit www.glacierguides.com or give us a call at (406) 387-5555 or 1-800-521- RAFT (7238).
- The annual “Spring for Glacier” event will be held May 22, with the theme of “Saddle Up for the Centennial!” The evening begins with cocktail reception at Belton Chalet, red “jammer” rides to Lake McDonald Lodge, boat tours aboard the DeSmet, and great entertainment, food, and wine. Glacier Park Boat Company joins other concessioners and local businesses for evening of fun to benefit our non-profit partners in the Park. Proceeds from the live and silent actions go to the Glacier Association, Glacier Institute, Glacier National Park Fund, and Glacier National Park Associates. For further information see www.glacierparkboats.com, or give us a call at 406-257-2426
- Glacier Park Boat Company is a proud to participate in the Glacier Centennial Green Business Program. The National Parks Conservation Association has teamed up with the Centennial Program to launch this program. (https://www.glaciercentennial.org/greenbusiness.html)
We also participate in the Do Your Part for Climate Friendly Parks program. (http://www.doyourpartparks.org/) Through our efforts to reduce our impact on our environment, we have committed to continue best practices to keep our Park green. By running bio-diesel in our tour boats, four stroke engines on our rental boats, and practicing other environmentally friendly methods we are contributing to a concerted effort to be excellent stewards of our Park. For more information see our website at www.glacierparkboats.com, or give us a call at (406) 257-2426.
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Nevada
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
PROPERTY SERVICES:
Houseboat Rentals
Powerboat & Deck Cruiser Rentals
Wave Runner Rentals
Lake View Motel & Fishing Cabins
Restaurant & Lounge
Slips & Dry Storage
Campsites & RV Hookups
Fuel Dock & Launch Ramp
Marina Store & Retail Store
PROPERTY SERVICES:
Houseboat Rentals
Powerboat Rentals
Wave Runner Rentals
Full Service Marina
Slips
Dry Storage
Boat Repair
Marina Store - 2
Snack Bar - Seats up to 34
Lounge – Inside seats up to 250; outside covered tent/patio seats up to 150
RV Park & Trailer Village
Home of Forever Earth – A 70’ Environmental Floating Laboratory Houseboat
PROPERTY SERVICES:
115 RV sites (many pull-thru sites) all with power, water, sewer and cable TV
Group camp area with 13 RV Sites, 4 tent sites, BBQ area and a 12' x 20' covered patio
Outdoor recreation area -Bocce ball court, two horseshoe pits and four picnic areas with a BBQ
Convenience store - Internet access: available in lobby.
Laundry facility: open 24 hours
Shower Facilities
Propane available for purchase onsite
PROPERTY SERVICES:
Houseboat Rentals
Powerboat Rentals
Beach Front Motel –24 rooms
Marina Store
Café – Seats 52; Patio Seating 40
Meeting Room – Seats up to 24
VIP Coach cabin rental
Pedal Boats, Canoe & Kayak Rentals
Full Service Marina
Slips & Buoy Rentals
Dry Storage
RV Park
Auto Fuel & Propane
Marine Repair Shop
Launch & Retrieve Service
- Black Canyon River Adventures: PO Box 60130, Boulder City, NV 89006, (702) 294-1414 - www.BlackCanyonAdventures.com. This is a unique day trip aboard a motor-assisted raft allows the visitor to leisurely enjoy and share in the history, desert wildlife and beauty in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River.
PROPERTY SERVICES:
River Rafting Adventures – Flat water raft trip from 1-350 people
Handicap accessible raft
Lake Mohave Powerboat Rentals on the Arizona shoreline
Canoe & Kayak Rentals
Bus Fleet
Marina Store
Fuel Dock
Black Canyon River Adventures: Hoover Dam is a testimony to a country's ability to construct monolithic projects in the midst of adverse conditions. Built during the Depression; thousands of men and their families came to Black Canyon to tame the Colorado River. It took less than five years, in a harsh and barren land, to build the largest dam of its time that now is surrounded in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Hoover Dam still stands as a world-renowned structure which can be seen from the waters below aboard a Black Canyon River Raft. The Dam is a National Historic Landmark and has been rated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of America's Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders. Contact Forever Resorts at www.BlackCanyonAdventures.com or call 800-455-3490; 702-294-1414
First Floating LEED Certified Structure In Lake Mead National Recreation Area: The world’s first LEED certified floating eco-friendly structure will be built at Forever Resorts’ Cottonwood Cove Marina on Lake Mohave in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The building will feature sustainable modular construction and state-of-the-art energy-efficient and environmentally responsible materials, fixtures and operations practices. The project’s key earth-minded elements and commitments include Forever Resorts Forever Earth Environmental Management System and a mix of new and existing programs. Project launch is planned for May 29. For additional information contact Cottonwood Cove Marina at 702-297-1464.
Lake View or Lake Side Lodging in Lake Mead National Recreation Area: Choose from staying at the Lake View Resort at Temple Bar Marina on Lake Mead or Cottonwood Cove Marina on Lake Mohave to renting your own lakeside fun aboard a houseboat from Callville Bay Marina, Cottonwood Cove or Temple Bar. Step out of your room to see wildlife and the beauty of these Mojave Desert lakes. For vacation experiences of a lifetime contact Forever Resorts www.ForeverHouseboats.com or call 800-255-5561; 480-998-1981
Lake Mead RV Village: The quiet, stark beauty of the Mojave Desert with its dramatic exposed geology and the surprising abundance of specially adapted plant and animals offer a variety of experiences for everyone. Bring your RV or camping gear – you’re within walking distance to Boulder Beach and have access to one of the best bike trails in Nevada. Contact Forever Resorts Lake Mead RV Village at: www.LakeMeadRVVillage.com or 702-293-2540
Boating in Lake Mead National Recreation Area: There seems to be a misconception that less water means less fun. Actually, it equates to more shoreline per visitor and enough water for everyone. In the face of annual desert water woes, concerns swell over shrinking lakes and what they mean for boating recreation in the West. But the bottom line is that once you’re on the water the lake level is the same. See it and boat it for yourself. Contact Forever Resorts www.ForeverHouseboats.com or 800-255-5561; 480-998-1981.
Lake Mead & Lake Mohave Houseboat Rentals: Early explorers traveling from Utah to California crossed through the desert region over land and water that you can now explore in the comforts of a houseboat on Lake Mead or Lake Mohave. Contact Forever Resorts at www.ForeverHouseboats.com or call 800-255-5561; 480-998-1981
Houseboating – An Eco-Adventure on the Water: Lake Mead National Recreation Area’s crystal clear water make it easy to see why protecting this beautiful azure treasure pristine. The houseboat fleet from Callville Bay Marina, Temple Bar Marina on Lake Mead and Cottonwood Cove Marina on Lake Mohave makes an eco-friendly vacation choice easy. Custom-built with the environment and your comfort in mind their green features include energy-efficient or LED lighting throughout, zero water discharge into the surrounding body of water, Safe-CO™ generators that emit minimal amounts of carbon monoxide into the atmosphere, solar enhanced electric systems, and low-flow water fixtures aboard. The carpeting throughout is manufactured from recycled plastic bottles and cabinet tops are made with recycled materials. Recycling bins and environmental guidelines are provided to use at any of the Forever Resorts destinations, including the houseboat vacations. Contact Forever Resorts at www.ForeverHouseboats.com or 800-255-5561; 480-998-1981.
We Love Our Lake: Lake Mohave is easy to love --- to the point that guests from as far as the East coast fly in to participate in the annual WE LOVE OUR LAKE program. 2009 will be the 7th year volunteer ecology efforts to help keep Lake Mohave beaches clean. Selected lake areas are targeted for volunteers who are piloted out in a houseboat to the selected coves and anchored. Forever Resorts provides all the cleaning supplies --- trash bags, picking tools, and gloves. The two- or three-day ecology excursion clean-ups take place during the slower season November-February. The best part --- next to the fact that the environment is being restored to more pristine conditions that make Mother Nature smile --- is, the trip is free. Payment for boat fuel used is all we ask. Contact Cottonwood Cove Marina at 702-297-1464 for additional information.
Forever Earth – Floating Environmental Laboratory: Take one large body of water, add a customized 70-foot-long well-equipped houseboat, and presto --- a floating classroom laboratory for a variety of teaching and research uses. It’s called Forever Earth, a half-million-dollar watercraft designed to support and encourage environmental studies and monitoring at Lake Mead in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Forever Earth has a maximum capacity of 50 people and is equipped with all safety and lake equipment as well as a weather station, global positioning station, computers and a variety of scientific instrumentation to prowl the 181,000 surface acre lake. To-date, several thousand 4th-7th grade students, teachers and biologists have pursued science in the form of monitoring the endangered razor back sucker and invasive zebra mussels in addition to water quality testing. Visit at www.discovermojave.org/forever_earth at Forever Resorts Callville Bay Marina.
Eco Dive Clean Up: If the old deep-sea mythology about Davey Jones’ locker is true, folks at Forever Resorts Nevada marinas will make sure Davey’s locker stays neat as part of their yearly Ecology Dive cleanup events. It happens every fall at Lake Mead National Recreation Area’s Callville Bay, Cottonwood Cove, Arizona’s Temple Bar and Willow Beach Marinas. Certified divers from local dive shops, clubs, and organizations welcome the opportunity to log more hours in the water and help the clean up efforts. Divers head underwater throughout the slips where customer boats are moored, bringing trash to the surface where boat volunteers retrieve it, while others clean up beaches and scour coves. Twelve year collection totals through 2008: 127,574 lbs of trash picked up by 3,281 volunteers working 26,248 hours. Event information can be found by calling Cottonwood Cove Marina 702-297-1464.
New Jersey
Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit
Sea Gulls' Nest Oceanfront Deck Restaurant Parking Lot D: Sandy Hook (Gateway Nat'l Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit) 100 Hartshorne Drive, Highlands, NJ 07732.
Every night between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Sea Gulls' Nest pays tribute to those who have served our country in order to protect American liberty. As the sun sets behind Earle Naval Base on the Sandy Hook Bay, Ed Segall honors American heroes with a special sunset presentation, followed by a rousing sing-along as the sun dips below the horizon.
Nightly, at sunset, Between Memorial Day and Labor Day. For information, call (732) 872-0025 x4 or visit the website at www.HaveYouSeenOurSunset.com
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New Mexico
Bandelier National Monument
Bandelier Trading Company: As a park concessioner, Bandelier Trading Company offers visitors a chance to buy Native American Arts & Crafts from the Southwest, such as pottery, rugs, and jewelry. A small snack bar offers food and beverages. Outdoor picnic tables in the courtyard provide a nice environment for eating when the weather is good. The gift shop is located in a historic CCC building that was at one time the original lobby of the lodge.
New York
Fire Island National Seashore
Park concessioners are invaluable partners to help you get to and experience the heart of Fire Island National Seashore, which is only accessible by water.
Fire Island Concessions, LLC operates the 198-slip marina, 26-site walk-in campground, snack bar, general store and seasonal restaurant at Watch Hill (www.watchhillfi.com), and the 48-slip marina, snack bar and store at Sailors Haven (www.sailorshaven.com), beside Fire Island's intriguing Sunken Forest.
Ferry Service from Patchogue, NY to Watch Hill on Fire Island is provided by a park concessioner, Davis Park Ferry Company (www.davisparkferry.com). Ferry service from Sayville, NY to Sailors Haven on Fire Island is provided by park concessioner, Sayville Ferry Service (www.sayvilleferry.com/sf.htm).
North Carolina
Blue Ridge Parkway
Crabtree Meadows:
The 250-acre site is a cool and peaceful recreation area offering camping, picnicking, nature walks, Crabtree Meadows Gift Shop and the premier attraction - Crabtree Falls. Big Crabtree Creek's 70-foot cascade falls over a rock cliff and is rare in that it does not have a basin or plunge pool at the base. Snugly set amidst views of the Black Mountains, you'll enjoy your stop at Crabtree Meadows. The Snack Bar features freshly made sandwiches, salads and soups to compliment your picnic at the nearby Crabtree campgrounds. Crabtree Meadows Snack Bar and Gift Shop is located at Parkway milepost 339 and is open seasonally from April 30th - October 30th. Contact Forever Resorts Crabtree Meadows www.BlueRidgeResort.com 828-675-4236.
PO Box 175, Milepost 339
Little Switzerland, NC 28749
(828) 675-4236
www.BlueRidgeResort.com
PROPERTY SERVICES:
Deli – Seats 36
Gift/Convenience Store
Doughton Park/Bluff’s Lodge, Restaurant & Gift Store: 45356 Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 241, Laurel Springs, NC 28644
(336) 372-4499 - www.BlueRidgeResort.com
- Doughton Park/Bluffs Lodge: If you have a few extra days to spend on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a stay at Bluffs Lodge is definitely in order. The Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina has some of the most dramatic scenic vistas in eastern America, and Bluffs Lodge provides the perfect vantage point for viewing at its finest. Located at milepost 241, Bluffs Lodge includes a 24-room lodge, dining, gas station, and a gift and craft store. Contact Forever Resorts Bluffs Lodge www.BlueRidgeResorts.com call: (336) 372-4499
- Step Back in Time Bluffs Lodge & Restaurant: For down home country cooking Bluffs Restaurant serves up hefty portions of country ham, fried chicken and homemade biscuits. Themed from the mid 1900s this restaurant has many original fixtures - including its wait staff, several who started their careers as seasonal help in the park over 50 years ago. Contact Forever Resorts Bluffs Lodge www.BlueRidgeResorts.com call: (336) 372-4499
Mabry Mill Restaurant & Gift Shop: Mabry Mill was originally built in 1910, and the historic water-powered grist mill, sawmill and nearby blacksmith shop provide you with a view of pioneer life along the Parkway. Self-guided tours include a sorghum mill, soap making kettle, and an "old time" whiskey still. Mabry Mill is known for its stone ground grits, cornmeal and buckwheat flour, which is why travelers and locals alike come back year after year for the Mabry Mill Restaurant's famous buckwheat cakes, country ham, Virginia barbecue and blackberry preserves. For information on Forever Resorts Mabry Mill call (276) 952-2947. www.BlueRidgeResorts.com
Mabry Mill, 266 Mabry Mill Road, S.E., Milepost 176, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120
(276) 952-2947 - www.BlueRidgeResort.com
Rocky Knob Cabins: Within minutes of Mabry Mill, one of the Blue Ridge Parkway's most popular attractions, spend the night at the historic Rocky Knob Cabins located at Milepost 174. These historic, rustic cabins are tucked in a secluded glade along the Parkway.
Each is equipped with a kitchenette, stove, refrigerator, dishes, linens, and towels, and are an economical way to enjoy the surrounding Blue Ridge scenery. Rooms are available with 2 double beds or 1 double bed with handicapped accessibility. Forever Resorts Rocky Knob Cabins call (540) 593-3503. www.BlueRidgeResorts.com
Rocky Knob Cabins: 266 Mabry Mill Road, S.E., Milepost 174, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120
Seasonal Operation – April 25 to November 1
PROPERTY SERVICES:
Restaurant – Seats 60
Gift Store
Historic Cabin Rentals
Price Lake Boat Dock: Enjoy the day on beautiful Price Lake and soak in the warm North Carolina sunshine! Visit Price Lake Boat Dock and rent small row boats and canoes for relaxing, fishing or cruising around this beautiful Lake. Daily boat rentals: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Weekend rentals: May, September and October. Forever Resorts Price Lake Boat Rentals www.BlueRidgeResorts.com
Price Lake Boat Dock: Milepost 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, north of Linville, North Carolina
Seasonal Operation – April 25 to November 2
PROPERTY SERVICES:
Lodging – 23 Rooms
Restaurant – Seats 100
Gift Store
Auto Fuel
Powerboat Rentals
Canoe Rentals at Price Lake
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South Dakota
Badlands National Park
2009 Concessioner Events and Activities
Cedar Pass Lodge: Once a wooded forest where dinosaurs roamed, prairie winds and centuries of rain have since created deep gorges marked by sharp chiseled spires, ragged ridges, and desert canyons to form what is now Badlands National Park. Located inside the 160 square mile park, the Cedar Pass Lodge provides a comfortable pit-stop for your Badlands adventures. Imagine viewing a land where sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires are blended with the largest, protected mixed grass prairie in the United States. Forever Resorts Cedar Pass Lodge includes cabins, with the best views in the Badlands area, a large gift store specializing in Oglala Sioux handcrafts, and dining in the restaurant that is known throughout the region for its unique Indian Tacos. For additional information contact Forever Resorts Cedar Pass Lodge www.CedarPassLodge.com or call 877-386-4383.
- Cedar Pass Restaurant: No visit to the Badlands is complete without trying the Sioux Indian Taco made from our special fry bread and seasoned buffalo. Whether you grab a mid-day snack or make time for an enjoyable meal, take a break to see the far-spreading views of the Badlands spires from a table at the Cedar Pass Restaurant. The Restaurant is the only Green Certified Restaurant in South Dakota. For additional information contact Forever Resorts Cedar Pass Lodge www.CedarPassLodge.com or call 877-386-4383.
- The Cedar Pass Lodge Gift Store: For visitors looking for a distinctive collection of regional and handmade gifts or Northern Plains Native crafts, Cedar Pass Lodge Gift Store is the place to find them. Visitors have a large selection of regional and handmade gifts of their visit to the Badlands. The Store's wonderful variety of apparel and souvenirs is perfect for choosing a special remembrance of your visit to the Park. Convenience food and snack items are also available for those staying at the campground or wanting a quick meal. For additional information contact Forever Resorts Cedar Pass Lodge www.CedarPassLodge.com or call 877-386-4383.
Cedar Pass Lodge: 1 Cedar Street, Interior, SD 57750, (605) 433-5460 - www.CedarPassLodge.com Seasonal Operation – April 18 to October 11, 2009
PROPERTY SERVICES:
Lodging – 24 Rooms
Gift/Convenience Store
Restaurant – Seats 128
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Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Cades Cove Campground Store: offers grocery essentials, camping supplies, souvenirs, T-shirts, wildlife figurines, educational literature and books as well as providing some of the best express food service you'll find in the Smokies. Locals make special trips to visit on the weekend just for the renowned soft serve ice cream. Contact National and State Park Concessions Cades Cove at www.ExploreCadesCove.com
Cades Cove Bicycle Rental: For those seeking a ride closer to nature, Cades Cove is home to an exciting adventure of scenic biking experience. For persons who are concerned about reducing their environmental foot print, cycling Cades Cove is one of the greenest ways to minimize your environment impact on the Cove and its wildlife. Our diverse rental fleet offers bikes for all ages and levels and provides an enjoyable outing and the ideal way to see Cades Cove. Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to motor vehicle traffic starting the second week in May on Wednesday and Saturday mornings 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., allowing bicyclists and pedestrians the ability to enjoy a pleasurable car-free cruise through the Cove while enjoying the serenity of the mountain air and abundant wildlife. This closure continues through the second-to-last Saturday in September. Contact National and State Park Concessions Cades Cove at www.ExploreCadesCove.com.
Guided Horseback Rides at Cades Cove: Guided trail rides are a wonderful way to explore and enjoy a part of your National Park. Our trail rides are excellent for beginner and experienced riders alike and a perfect environment to enjoy horseback riding. We provide you and your family with well trained horses which suit all skill levels. We have handpicked our horses for their calm temperament, athletic ability, and willingness to please. If you love horses and if you love nature, you will love this rare and exotic opportunity. We offer guided rides up to 1 hour in length. Contact National and State Park Concessions Riding Stables at www.CadesCoveStables.com or by calling (865) 448-9009.
- Guided Carriage Rides at Cades Cove: Looking for something adventurous and exciting to do as a family or a group this year? Take a trip back in time where you can slow down, enjoy, and experience a 30 to 45 minute picturesque horse-pulled carriage ride through mountainous forest of Cades Cove. Our knowledgeable carriage guides will entertain you with tales of the history of the area while showing and describing the native plant and animal life. Meet our beautiful carriage horses and learn how things were done in days gone by. Come discover the old Cades Cove; you might just discover yourself in the meantime. Contact National and State Park Concessions Riding Stables at www.CadesCoveStables.com or by calling (865) 448-9009.
- Guided Hayrides: Our Hayride Trailers carry you on a nostalgic ride through the picturesque Cades Cove Loop Road surrounded by the preserved 19th and early 20th century farming community. You will ride in a hay-filled trailer and tour some of the most scenic areas in the park. These hayrides take a trip back in time where you can enjoy and experience a 1½ to 2 hour leisurely ride through mountainous forest and fields of Cades Cove. This trip is extraordinary and an unforgettable experience which will create family memories which will last a lifetime. Contact National and State Park Concessions Riding Stables at www.CadesCoveStables.com or by calling (865) 448-9009.
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Ranger-Led Hayrides: Ranger-led hayrides are also offered on some evenings. See the Schedule of Events for scheduled ranger-led hayrides. The rate for the ranger-led hayride is $8.50 per person. Contact National and State Park Concessions Riding Stables at www.CadesCoveStables.com or by calling (865) 448-9009.
Sugarland Riding Stables: Highway 441, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, Phone: (865) 436-3535 - The spring and fall hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and the summer extended hours are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Contact the Sugarland Riding Stables at (865)436-5634.
Smokemont Riding Stables: Enjoy guided horseback riding featuring streams and cascading waterfalls within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, NC. Wagon Rides also available. For information call 828-497-2372 or visit www.smokemontridignstable.com
Lodging in the Park: Le Conte Lodge, on top of Mt. Le Conte, provides the only lodging in the park. The lodge is accessible only by trail (5 miles minimum hiking one way). Reservations often must be made a year in advance. Call (865) 429-5704 or visit www.leconte-lodge.com
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Texas
Big Bend National Park
Lodging: Forever Resorts - Concession operated lodge has overnight rooms and historic cabins, and restaurant in the Chisos Basin, as well as four camper stores, two gas stations, and an RV park with 25 full hook-up sites.
Chisos Mountains Lodge: Basin Rural Station, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834, (432) 477-2291
www.ChisosMountainsLodge.com
PROPERTY SERVICES:
Lodging - 72 rooms
Restaurant
Convenience Stores - 4
Gift Store
Gas Station
RV Park & Campgrounds
Bicycle Rentals
Chisos Mountains Lodge in Big Bend: Big Bend National Park is a land of borders. Situated on the boundary with Mexico along the Rio Grande, it is a place where countries and cultures meet, where natural environments merge from desert to mountains. The park covers over 801,000 acres of west Texas in the place where the Rio Grande makes a sharp turn - the Big Bend. The only lodging in the national park, Chisos Mountains Lodge is the place to be in the Park. Contact Forever Resorts Chisos Mountains Lodge at www.ChisosMountainsLodge.com or 877-386-4383; Lodge Phone: 432-477-2292
Big Bend National Park Getaway: This is the perfect place to get away from it all. Big Bend National Park attracts those who have an adventurous soul. And out here in the high desert, there's an ever-flowing stream of new things to discover. Come experience the freedom of the uncluttered, many colored, multi-textured landscapes of west Texas. Contact Forever Resorts Chisos Mountains Lodge at www.ChisosMountainsLodge.com or 877-386-4383.
RV Park & Campgrounds: Overnight RV and campgrounds are offered in the Rio Grande Campground and are available by advance reservations. Contact Forever Resorts for reservations for these sites by calling 877-444-6777.
Big Bend – Chisos Mountains Lodge: The laid back atmosphere allows guests to enjoy life at a slower pace, yet abound in outdoor fun. Whether it's hiking the Window Trail, rafting the Rio Grande or horseback riding, Chisos Mountains Lodge is a perfect home base for your Big Bend escape. Call for Reservations: 877-386-4383 or contact Forever Resorts Chisos Mountains Lodge at www.ChisosMountainsLodge.com
Chisos Mountains Lodge Restaurant: Guests wanting to enjoy one of the best views in the state of Texas, come to see the sun set through the Window Trail in Big Bend and dine. Those early risers who are ready to hit the trail early can order up breakfast on the run to take along the trail. Call for Reservations: 877-386-4383 or contact Forever Resorts Chisos Mountains Lodge at www.ChisosMountainsLodge.com
Chisos Lodge Gift Shop: Gifts made by local artists and a distinctive selection of hiking apparel, clothing, jewelry and Big Bend souvenirs are found in the lobby Gift Store or campgrounds store. Recycled products are also carried in the stores. Contact Forever Resorts Chisos Mountains Lodge at www.ChisosMountainsLodge.com or 877-386-4383.
Far Flung Outdoor Center offers (since 1976) half day, full day and multi-day float trips on the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park. Trips down the Rio Grande give the visitor an opportunity to experience the magnificent canyons of the Rio Grande along 118 miles of Big Bend National Park. Additionally, Far Flung Outdoor Center offers guided Jeep tours and walks both in the Big Bend National Park and surrounding area. Visitors may also rent canoes and arrange private shuttles for a self-guided trip down the Rio Grande. Far Flung Outdoor Center can be reached by calling 800-839-7238 or visiting our website at www.ffoc.net
Lake Amistad NRA
Lake Amistad Marina Houseboat Rentals: With over 850 miles of shoreline and 68,000 acres of sparkling water, it's one of the largest and most popular lakes in Texas. For houseboaters, Amistad may very well be one of the friendliest. In fact, the name Amistad means friendship in Spanish. Humans have lived in this area for over 12,000 years, and there are over 400 recorded archaeological sites throughout the Park. Take advantage of this season's high water levels and explore the excellent examples of 4,000 year-old rock art located in the upper reaches of the reservoir. Pictographs in Panther Cave are local favorites, but pay attention to the high cliff walls throughout the lake as you can see the ancient rock art from the deck of your houseboat. For additional information contact Forever Resorts at www.ForeverHouseboats.com or 800-255-5561; 480-998-1981.
- Boating and Fishing on Lake Amistad: Known amongst professional fishermen as one of the top lakes in the nation for bass fishing, Lake Amistad is quickly becoming a favorite fishing spot for the occasional enthusiast. Considered under-fished now for many years, as well as the recent increase in catch-and-release, Amistad is currently enjoying excellent stocks of America's most popular game fish, Large Mouth Bass, but also the hard-fighting Striped Bass, Crappie, and the popular Sunfish are plentiful. Fishing boat and powerboat rentals are available by the hour, day or week from Lake Amistad Marina at www.LakeAmistadMarina.com or 830-774-4157
- Lessons On The Lake: Although BIG is traditionally the theme in Texas, sometimes it’s the little things that count the most --- such as the “Lessons on the Lake” outdoor classroom exercises conducted by Lake Amistad Marina in partnership with the National Park Service. Encouraging children to be future conservationists is one way the mission is accomplished. NPS engages 4th - 6th grade students in cultural and natural history of the Lower Pecos River Region through educational field trips such as the Lessons on the Lake effort begun in 2001. Forever Resorts supplies a houseboat for students to float and focus on geology, wildlife, and archeology in an area inhabited for over 12,000 years. The houseboat has environmentally-conscious amenities such as carpeting made from recycled plastic bottles and counter tops made from recycled materials. Children respond beyond expectation to the floating, hands-on classroom activities and most have never been on the lake. Contact Lake Amistad Marina 830-774-4157.
- Diving Adventures at Lake Amistad: Lake Amistad boasts some of the best lake snorkeling and scuba in the state. The limestone rock bottom, not mud, gives this lake clarity unmatched in the nation. The calm, aqua-blue water is also helped out by two gushing underwater springs, Indian Springs and Good Enough Springs - which add over 2 million gallons of spring water to the lake every hour. Many divers choose to stay on the water aboard a houseboat during their time at Amistad. For additional information contact: Forever Resorts www.ForeverHouseboats.com or 800-255-5561; 480-998-1981.
Lake Amistad Marina: Highway 90 West, HCR-3, Diablo East, Del Rio, TX 78840, (830) 774-4157
www.LakeAmistadMarina.com
PROPERTY SERVICES:
Houseboat Rentals
Powerboat Rentals
Full Service Marina
Slip Rentals
Dry Storage
Marina Store
Fuel Dock
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Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Marina at Lake Meredith Boat Rentals: Hourly, Daily or Weekly boat rentals on Lake Meredith. Lake Meredith is a fisherman's haven, holding the state Walleye, Yellow Perch and Small Mouth Bass records. Swimming, water skiing, canoeing, scuba diving and sailing are also all great things to do on Lake Meredith. Whether you're fishing or relaxing, Lake Meredith is a perfect venue for any outdoor adventure. Contact Forever Resorts Marina at Lake Meredith www.marinaatlakemeredith.com or call 806-865-3391 to reserve a powerboat or deck cruiser to explore Lake Meredith.
- Fishing at Lake Meredith: Bring your fishing pole to Marina at Lake Meredith and enjoy the great fishing in the heated and cooled fish house. For your fishing pleasure, the fish house is open 24 hours a day, year round. Contact Forever Resorts Marina at Lake Meredith www.marinaatlakemeredith.com or call 806-865-3391.
Marina at Lake Meredith: PO Box 1280, Fritch, Texas 79036, (806) 865-3391 - www.MarinaAtLakeMeredith.com.
PROPERTY SERVICES:
Houseboat Rentals
Powerboat Rentals
Deck Boat Rentals
Wave Runners
Full Service Marina
Dry Storage
Slip Rentals
Marina Store
Heated & Cooled Fish House
Seats 16 indoor; 20 outside
Fuel Dock
Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island Gift Store: Padre Island Park Company located on Padre Island National Seashore, is your one stop gift store on the beach. Padre Island Park Company gift store features a variety of items to help you relax and enjoy your day at the beach. Padre Island mementos and sportswear are perfect for a remembrance of your visit to Padre Island. Forever Resorts Padre Island Park Company www.PadreIslandParkCompany.com or 361-949-9368.
- Padre Island National Seashore: The National Seashore's remote location also makes it one of the few places where the public can find quiet and solitude relatively near a major urban area and where one can observe the night sky with minimal interference from light pollution. The National Seashore is also one of the few places the public can go to see sea turtle hatchlings released into the wild. Forever Resorts Padre Island Park Company www.PadreIslandParkCompany.com or 361-949-9368.
Padre Island Park Company: 20420 Park Road 22, Malaquite Beach, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, (361) 949-9368
www.PadreIslandParkCompany.com
PROPERTY SERVICES:
Retail Store
Regional Gift Items & Camping Supplies
Picnic Area
Showers
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U.S. Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands National Park
Buck Island Reef National Monument
Concession Boat Tours:
Snorkeling trips are available to Buck Island Reef National Monument from the six park concessioners. Each company offers both full and half-day excursions to Buck Island Reef. Each company provides boat transportation to Buck Island from St. Croix at three locations.
- One company operates out of the St. Croix Yacht Club:
Llewellyn’s Charters, Inc. (340) 773-9027 no email address
Half and full day trips vary in price and the type of activities offered. All concessioner’s provide snorkeling equipment, fins, and required buoyancy compensation vests as part of the authorized trip cost. Concessioners offer a range of trips to Buck Island Reef: sailing, power only, or a combination of sail and powerboats. Two boats offer glass bottom viewing for those who prefer to stay on deck.
Please ask for additional information when calling each company concerning the type of trip your family is seeking. Each company can provide an introduction to snorkeling and a visit to the beach to practice your skills, prior to going to the underwater trail.
Utah
Arches National Park
Commercial Guided Tours: There are a few privately operated tour companies authorized by the National Park Service to provide visitors with guided trips into the park:
Canyonlands Tours/ North American River Expeditions
543 N. Main
PO Box 1107
Moab, UT 84532
(800) 342-5938
(435) 259-5865
Desert Highlights
50 East Center St.
PO Box 1342
Moab, UT 84532
(800) 747-1342
NAVTEC Expeditions
321 N. Main St.
Moab, UT 84532
(800) 833-1278
(435) 259-7983
Tag-A-Long Expeditions
452 N. Main Street
Moab, UT 84532
(800) 453-3292
(435) 259-8946
Bryce Canyon National Park
Lodging: Xanterra Parks and Resorts, Inc. operates the Bryce Canyon Lodge, with 114 rooms including lodge suites, motel rooms and cabins. The season begins April 1 and runs through October 31. The dining room at Bryce Canyon Lodge is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinner reservations are required. A gift shop is available at the Lodge.
Additional lodging is available in the local area. Reservations are recommended.
Make reservations this way: Xanterra Parks & Resorts, 6312 S. Fiddlers Green Circle #600 N., Greenwood Village, CO 80111. Phone: 1-888-297-2757, Outside the US: (303) 297-2757.
Canyonlands National Park
River Rafting on the Colorado River in Cataract Canyon – Canyonlands National Park
Great Family Adventure trip. Enjoy breathtaking views of sculpted sandstone deep within Canyonlands National Park, Cataract Canyon. Hike to ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings to view primitive petroglyphs and granaries. Enjoy the relaxing first 49 miles of the trip on the Colorado River in calm water. Once you arrive at the confluence of the Green and Colorado rivers the adventure of Cataract Canyon begins as you raft some of the premier whitewater in the West, 29 rapids in all! Ages 10 and up.
http://riveradventures.com/cataract-canyon/index.cfm
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Virginia
Shenandoah National Park
Skyland Resort:
SHENANDOAH VALLEY CLOGGERS
Tuesdays – April 7 to October 27 - Cloggers have been providing lively entertainment to the Park visitor for many years. Join this popular local dance group as they perform a variety of dances to traditional and current country music. Performances held 8:00 to 9:00pm at Skyland Resort in the Mountain Room (unless otherwise posted). Free.
- 1-DAY GUIDED HIKING PROGRAMS FROM SKYLAND RESORT
Every Tuesday and Thursday – April 7 thru November 5 - Within Shenandoah National Park are a multitude of trails off the main road and footpath that are rarely explored. Each day hike will be to a destination area that is significant because of its natural beauty and/or cultural significance. Waterfalls and wildflower are two environments for which Shenandoah is famous. Meet your guide at Skyland Resort at 9:00am with departure at 9:30am. Anticipated return to Skyland at 4:00pm. A bag lunch is provided. Visit the website for rates and more details. Call the Group Sales Office Monday through Friday at 800.778.2871, Opt. 2 to make a reservation.
Thursdays – April 9 thru November 19 - Sample the fine wines of Virginia vineyards at Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Lodge. One Virginia winery featured weekly beginning at 3pm. A minimal charge of $10.00pp includes assorted cheeses plus a handcrafted glass to take home. Must be 21 to attend. Check website for specific dates at each property. Call for reservations.
Thursdays –May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17 - Skyland Resort is pleased to have the Hi-Horse Cloggers of Stanardsville, Virginia join the list of entertainment. The dancers perform traditional style clogging which is a part of our American heritage along with a few more modern dances. They currently have 32 members, ranging in ages from 6 to 67. The club is presently under the direction of Evelyn Joann Shifflett and three assistant directors, Kathy Ward, David Davis, and Jean Rice. Held 7:30 – 8:30pm in the Mountain Room (unless otherwise posted). Free.
Thursdays – May 28, June 25, July 23, August 27, September 24, - Enjoy old time string music from the southern Appalachian mountains along with a mix of Irish and Scottish music. Fiddle, banjo, guitar, hammered dulcimer, mandolin and autoharp are some of the featured instruments. Held 8:00 to 10:00pm at Skyland Resort in the Mountain Room. Free.
- ROCK CLIMBING/RAPPELLING FROM SKYLAND RESORT
Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday – May 11 through September 11 - This program is designed to be an introductory through intermediate level program in rock climbing and rappelling with Little Stony Man cliffs providing an unforgettable environment for learning. Includes lunch and all required gear. Meet the guided at Skyland Resort at 9:00am departing 9:30am. Approximate return to Skyland 4:00pm. Visit our website for further details. Call the Group Sales Office Monday through Friday at 800.778-2871, Opt. 2 for reservations.
Wednesday – June 17 & 24, July 8, 15, 22 & 29, August 5, 12 & 19 - In keeping with the tradition of “Stony Man Camp” founder George Pollock’s activities of entertaining his guests and telling stories, storytellers Mack & Joan Swift provide a lively 45-minute program of Jack Tales at Skyland Resort. Tales such as “Jack and the Three Sacks of Truth” are great for all ages. Held 8:00 to 8:45pm at the Conference Hall. $3.00pp.
Monday – June 22 and August 17 - Join authors Kat and John LaFevre to follow clues and search for hidden natural and historic “treasures” along a national park trail. This activity is family friendly and suitable for all ages. You can e-mail John and Kat directly at scavengerhike@aol.com if you have questions. The expeditions will leave from Skyland Resort in the morning (9:00 to 11:00am ) and Big Meadows Lodge* in the afternoon (3:00 to 5:00pm- June and August only). Reservations required and complete guidelines and directions will be provided by the authors. Kat and John LaFevre are experienced guides and have led hikes in the Rocky Mountains, Smoky Mountains and will now provide this unique and fun family hiking experience in Shenandoah National Park. Signed and official Certificates validating achievement level of “City Slicker”, Pioneer Scout” or the elite “Frontier Explorer” will be awarded to each member of the expedition. The adventure is fun … and a great way to experience the wonder and awe of Shenandoah National Park. *No hike scheduled from Big Meadows Lodge on April 9. $3.00pp.
Wednesday & Thursday - July 15 & 16 and August 12 & 13 - Traveling Players’ Teen Ensemble performs All’s Well that Ends Well is Shakespeare’s unconventional girl-gets-boy story. A doctor’s daughter labors to win the love of a young count, surmounting class difference, long distance and his own reluctance. Along the way, she’s assisted by royalty, fools and a virgin in this cynical romance that ends happily. Held 9:00 – 10:30pm at the Skyland amphitheater, weather permitting. Check with front desk if inclement weather. Free.
Saturday & Sunday – July 18 & 19 - Travel to Skyland Resort for a summer-filled days featuring lively entertainment along with classic cars on July 18th on display. Come listen to the singers, watch the dancers or participate in old-fashioned games & historic “Cake Walks”. Take a guided tour of historic Massanutten Cottage and stroll among the quilters & basket makers who are on hand to demonstrate their talents and products. And, of course, sample some of the delicious food while there. Held 11:00am to 5:00pm at the historic Conference Hall lower level. (Number of classic cars on site dependent on weather conditions.) Free.
Monday & Tuesday – July 27 & 28 - Traveling Players’ Teen Troupe performs Macbeth, Shakespeare’s tragedy of power, fear and wilderness cooking. The weird sisters’ bewildering predictions incite Macbeth and his wife to seize the Scottish crown and initiate a widening spiral of murder. An elusive dagger, a knocking at the door, voices melting into the mist, an accusing ghost, a drunken doorman and the famously indelible bloodstains tumble together in a nightmarish struggle to secure the Scottish throne. Held 8:00pm – 10:00pm at the Skyland amphitheater, weather permitting. Check at front desk if inclement weather. Free.
Big Meadows Lodge:
- ART GUILD DISPLAY AT BIG MEADOWS LODGE
May and August - Local artists display and sell their works of art depicting scenic, wildlife and historical sites of the area. Oils and watercolors displayed in the Great Room at Big Meadows Lodge. Framed originals and reproductions for sale.
Saturdays –June 13, July 11, August 15, - Jeff Alt, a talented speaker and award-winning author of A Walk for Sunshine, enjoys sharing his 2,160 mile Appalachian Trail adventures with Shenandoah National Park visitors. Jeff uses humor and adventure in a story telling format. His presentations involve music, slides and personal narration. Jeff Alt, an expert hiker, has been featured on ESPN’s Inside America’s National Parks and his adventures have been widely featured in media across the country. Held 3:30pm and 7:00pm at Big Meadows Lodge. Free.
Fridays – May 22, June 19, July 17, August 14, September 11 - National Parks are becoming a refuge for many people from city lights and light pollution. Join amateur astronomers at the Big Meadows area as they present a provocative overview of America’s vanishing night skies and tips on controlling light pollution. Telescopes provided for stargazing following the program. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and discover the heavenly lights. Time of program varies throughout season. Program cancelled in event of inclement weather. Call for information. Free.
- 1930’s/40’s MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT AT BIG MEADOWS LODGE
Sundays – May 24 & 31, June 14 & 21, July 5, 12, 19 & 26, August 2, 16 & 23, September 6, 13, 20 & 27, - Park guests will enjoy entertaining music from the decades of 1930’s and 40’s in the New Market Taproom at Big Meadows Lodge from 3:00 to 5:00pm. Free.
- TEA WITH THE FIRST LADIES
Tuesdays – May 26, June 23, July 28, August 25, September 22 - Journey through the history of two of America’s most spirited women – Lou Hoover and Eleanor Roosevelt – as historian Babs Funkhouser, director of the Museum of American Presidents, presents an informative narrative while desserts from the First Ladies’ favorite recipes and a variety of teas are served. 3:00 to 4:30pm at Big Meadows Lodge. $14.00pp. Call for reservations.
- EAVESDROPPING ON WILDLIFE
Tuesdays – May 26, June 23, July 28, August 25, September 22, - When wildlife talks, nature author/photographer Marlene A. Condon listens! In this 45-minute narrative/tape recording/photo sheets presentation, Marlene shares the wildlife sights and sounds that she has captured around her home in Crozet, Virginia. Held in the Massanutten Room at Big Meadows Lodge at 8:00pm. Free.
- TWILIGHT HIKES FROM BIG MEADOWS
Saturdays – June 13 & 20, July 11 and August 15 - Easy to enjoy, these evening hikes feature the natural world as it settles into evening. Hiking out into the “big meadow” at dusk through the dramatic changing colors of the mountain sky and, eventually, the incredible spread of the summer night sky with its multitude of stars … (at 3,500 ft., you are high above the haze and light pollution of the mid-Atlantic). Truly an unforgettable experience. Distance covered less than 2 miles. $10.00 per adult. $8.00 children 12 yrs. & under. Led by the Shenandoah Mountain Guides. Meet at 7:00pm in the Big Meadows Lobby, depart at 7:05pm. Return to the lodge at approximately 10:00pm. A jacket is definitely recommended and a flashlight can also be helpful.
Sundays – June 14 and July 12 - How do you prepare for a hiking adventure with your children? What do you wear? What should you pack? What are the essentials for a fun and safe adventure? Learn from the experts. Join Jeff Alt, hiking expert, and author of the award-winning A Walk for Sunshine, along with park rangers for a fun and informative event to learn firsthand how families with children can experience nature together using the trails in Shenandoah National Park. Jeff will provide tips on essential gear, types of clothing, trip planning, food, hydration safety and how to keep the kids entertained. This seminar will provide you with the knowledge and inspiration you need to plan a hiking/walking and/or camping outing with your children. Recommended for parents, teachers and children of all ages, including toddlers. Come prepared for a short hike. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Held rain or shine. Reservations are requested. Space is limited to 30 adults plus accompanying children. Held 11:00am to 1:00pm in the Massanutten Room at Big Meadows Lodge. To register, visit www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/resource_seminars.htm
Free with your paid park entrance fee. Seminars are co-sponsored by the Shenandoah National Park Association and ARAMARK, the park’s official concessioner.
Wednesday thru Friday – June 10-12 - Quilting members from the Shenandoah Valley and Charlottesville areas demonstrate their skills as they display and sell their handmade quilted items at Big Meadows Lodge. Demonstrations held from 1:00 to 7:00pm each day. Free.
- 10TH ANNUAL APPLE BUTTER CELEBRATION
Saturday – September 12 - Freshly made apple butter, apple candy, apple art, apple crafts …. apples are just everywhere! Come to Big Meadows Wayside as the staff sets up the copper kettles and stokes up the fire for a day of apple boiling. Watch the process, give the kettle a stir and try a delicious sample. Then take home some fresh-from-the-kettle jars of apple butter. Entertainment and a limited number of crafters on site from 11:00am to 4:00pm.
WORKSHOPS
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BASKET MAKING 101: Thursdays – June 4 & 18, July 16, 23 & 30, August 6, 13, 20, 27, September 3, 17 & 24, - Local basket artisan, Clyde Jenkins, returns to Shenandoah to share his talent of basket making. Clyde teaches participants how to make a Colonial-style white oak basket with techniques handed down through the generations. All materials provided to make one basket. 10:00am to 3:00pm. $40.00pp. Structured for beginners to intermediate. Reservations suggested.
- SHENANDOAH SEASONINGS CULINARY WORKSHOPS: Sunday – Tuesday – June 6-8 and September 20-22 - An experience for the senses! Including your sense of adventure. Our chef will be your guide for these unique food and wine events. Start off with a Meet the Chef Welcome Reception on Day One. Day Two includes morning and afternoon cooking demonstrations with wine pairings. An elegant 5-course dinner that evening is a delectable highlight of the event. Day Three concludes with a Morning Recap with the chef. Recipe cards of the demo foods are included along with a Shenandoah Seasonings Apron. Details of the foods featured and package rates will be listed on our website – www.visitshenandoah.com. Book early to ensure your reservation for this popular event
- WATERCOLOR PAINTING WORKSHOPS: Friday & Saturday – June 12 & 13, July 17 & 18, August 14 & 15 - Join the fun and learn basic techniques of watercolor painting with award-winning artist, Trilbie Knapp. Shenandoah National Park has a unique natural beauty and we will let this scenery inspire us to create lasting memories of your visit. These workshops are designed for beginners and those who have had some art experience. The workshops provide all materials you’ll need. Held in the Massanutten Room at Big Meadows Lodge from 9:00am to 12:00 noon. $30.00pp. Reservations suggested. Visit our website calendar of events page for more info about Trilbie Knapp.
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Washington
Mount Rainier National Park
Lodging:
Paradise Inn: Opens to the public May 15, 2009 at 12 noon. Opening weekend initiates “Artists in the Park” which will showcase local artists in the lobby of Paradise Inn such as Dale Thompson, renowned wildlife painter and illustrator.
- June 14, 2009 brings Sunday Brunch to Paradise Inn, offered every Sunday throughout the summer season. Information and prices are available online at www.guestservices.com/rainier
Sunrise Lodge: Located on the east side of the park, opens to the public July 3, 2009. Explore a new side of the mountain! Call Mt. Rainer Guest Services (360) 569-2400 ext. 1103 for more information.
Summit Ascents and Climbing Skills Seminars on Mt. Rainier: Mount Rainier, at 14,410 feet, is the most extensively glaciated volcanic peak in the contiguous United States. The Mountain, as it is known to locals, offers limitless mountaineering possibilities to both aspiring and experienced mountaineers. Indeed, the combination of high altitude, various route choices, and Northwest weather make climbing Mount Rainier a truly challenging experience. There are three authorized Mountaineering Concessioners who can help you meet this challenge. Alpine Ascents International at www.alpineascents.com or by calling 206-378-1927. International Mountain Guides at www.mountainguides.com or by calling 360-569-2609. Rainier Mountaineering Inc. at www.rmiguides.com or by calling 1-888-892-5462.
North Cascades National Park
River Rafting on the Stehekin River offers something for everyone because of the fast pace of the upper river and the beauty of the entire trip. Like all the rivers, the Stehekin has ever-changing moods, from fast and exciting during the high waters of June to the slower but still thrilling lower water in August. We supply all needed equipment and competent guides. www.StehekinOutfitters.com Contact Stehekin Outfitters at 1-800-536-0745 or info@stehekinoutfitters.com.
Kayaking Tours on Lake Chelan - Stehekin Outfitters offers 2 hour kayak tours of Lake Chelan's upper estuary. We paddle over old Stehekin and the site of the "Field Hotel" as we travel on to see the native pictographs along the western lakeshore. www.StehekinOutfitters.com Contact Stehekin Outfitters at 1-800-536-0745 or info@stehekinoutfitters.com.
Horseback Rides in the North Cascades - 2 1/2 hour roundtrip ride from Stehekin Valley Ranch to Coon Lake on gentle trail wise horses. Enjoy breathtaking views of Agnes Mountain and the upper Stehekin Valley. No experience necessary. www.StehekinOutfitters.com Contact Stehekin Outfitters at 1-800-536-0745 or info@stehekinoutfitters.com.
Olympic National Park
Lake Crescent Lodge: Historic Lake Crescent Lodge, built in 1916 as "Singers Tavern" in Olympic National Park serves as an ideal base camp for the variety of recreational activities in the park while allowing you to experience the charm of a turn-of-the-century resort. The comfortable, spacious guest rooms are nestled among the giant fir and hemlock trees on the shore of beautiful Lake Crescent and offer wonderful views of the lake. The simple elegance of yesteryear in the antique furnished lobby is conducive to relaxation as you unwind by the stone fireplace and the wicker-cozy sun porch. This is the perfect spot for enjoying a spectacular sunset over the lake. Contact Forever Resorts Lake Crescent Lodge at www.LakeCrescentLodge.com or call for Reservations: 360-928-3211.
- Pacific Northwest Fishing on Lake Crescent: While visiting Olympic National Park take time to fish the many lakes in the park including Lake Crescent. Trout is plentiful in the mountain streams and lakes while salmon fishing is popular along the Pacific Coast and in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Although Lake Crescent is a catch and release lake, enjoy fishing for the Beardslee Trout, exclusive to the lake. No fishing license is required in the park, but a state punch card for salmon is required. Contact Forever Resorts Lake Crescent Lodge at www.LakeCrescentLodge.com or call for Reservations: 360-928-3211.
- Historic Lake Crescent Lodge: Most of the original resorts around Lake Crescent have been lost over time. Lake Crescent Lodge after being included into Olympic National Park has continued the tradition of service and hospitality for which Al Singer and others that followed became famous. Having hosted well known guests such as President Franklin Roosevelt, Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas, US Attorney General Robert Kennedy and former First Lady Laura Bush. To stay and dine in historic Lake Crescent Lodge contact Forever Resorts Lake Crescent Lodge at www.LakeCrescentLodge.com or call for Reservations: 360-928-3211.
- Row Boats on Lake Crescent: Explore the beautiful glacier-carved Lake Crescent with a row boat rental from Lake Crescent Lodge or Fairholme Store. Contact Forever Resorts Lake Crescent Lodge at www.LakeCrescentLodge.com or call for Reservations: 360-928-3211.
- Lake Crescent Special Memories in the Park: From a monumental anniversary or a family gathering for a wedding, Lake Crescent Lodge has the Lodge porch, sun room and lush lakeside grounds for a perfect backdrop to your memorable event. Lake Crescent Lodge is also listed as one of the best places to kiss in the Northwest! For inquiries into event bookings and menu planning contact Forever Resorts Lake Crescent Lodge at 1-360-928-3211 x17.
- Spectacular Sunset Dining Overlooking Lake Crescent: Watch the sun set over Lake Crescent from the Lodge's expansive Dining Room or Sun Porch - or sit outside in our Adirondack chairs while enjoying an extensive variety of spirits and wines. The Lodge promotes wines from award winning Pacific Northwest wine regions. Forever Resorts Lake Crescent Lodge has been noted for having received the "Washington Wine First Award for Fine Dining" from the Washington State Wine Commission and the Seattle Post Intelligencer. For dining or accommodations at Forever Resorts Lake Crescent Lodge www.LakeCrescentLodge.com or call for Reservations: 360-928-3211.
- Hurricane Ridge Gift Store: From sea level to ski level, a scenic one-hour drive from Lake Crescent Lodge to Hurricane Ridge provides the best look into the heart of Olympic National Park. This day use lodge sits on the crest of a breathtaking alpine meadow and takes in a vista of lush valleys, snowcapped peaks and the glaciers of Mt. Olympus. Hurricane Ridge Lodge provides several services to enhance your visit including visitor information and interpretive displays. The gift store stocks a variety of Northwest gifts, souvenirs, and Olympic National Park interpretive merchandise to help you remember your adventures. During the winter months, the gift store expands to include downhill and cross country ski rentals, snowshoe rentals, and ski apparel and accessories. www.LakeCrescentLodge.com or call for Reservations: 360-928-3211.
Fairholme Store & Marina: On the western edge of glacial Lake Crescent, includes a convenience store and gift shop PLUS a marina with boat rentals and a boat dock with on-water fueling. Fairholme Store & Marina is open seasonally, late May through September. Rent a kayak or rowboat for an hourly or half day excursion on Lake Crescent. Contact Forever Resorts at www.LakeCrescentLodge.com or call for Reservations: 360-928-3211.
Whitewater Rafting in Olympic National Park: Spend a morning or afternoon enjoying the spectacular scenery and fairly mild whitewater found on the Class II+ Elwha River just 8 miles west of Port Angeles. This is an excellent opportunity to experience the Park from a different perspective.
Ages 5 to 85 can enjoy this guided rafting trip which is offered three times daily. Contact Olympic Raft & Kayak at www.RaftandKayak.com or 888.452.1443.
Special Programs
- Jul 17-19: Coastal Ecology Weekend at Klaloch Lodge - Join experts in coastal ecology from Olympic National Park and the NOAA National Marine Sanctuary to learn about the incredible and abundant marine creatures which inhabit our coastal waters. Take advantage of the low tide to participate in marine walks examining the wonders of a tide pool. See creatures of intensely beautiful colors, shapes and textures while others appear to be an extension of the rocks upon which they spend their entire lives. Bring your camera and coastal sea life field guide and join us for a great weekend of beach combing as we learn about sea life and coastal ecology in Olympic National Park.
- Aug 14-17: Save a Salmon Weekend at Lake Quinault - Every fall adult salmon lay their eggs in the gravel of small streams and creeks in the rain forest. When the young salmon emerge in the spring they often reside in these creeks too long and become captive in isolated pools. As the water table drops and the upwelling fresh water coming through the gravel ceases, the pools become oxygen depleted and dry up. For every 1,000 fry we return to flowing streams from these pools that could equate to 15,000 new fry for the next cycle. Many of these small pools hold several thousand fry that will perish otherwise. Bring your tennis shoes and shorts and help us save a salmon.
- Sept 26-27: Elk at Lake Quinault - Join us for a program presented by Dr. Kurt Jenkins, Roosevelt Elk Biologist for Olympic National Park. In the fall the “Rutt” begins and big bull elk come from miles and miles away searching for herds of females they might claim as their own. During the rutt, bulls bellow or bugle throughout the valley in their attempts to lay claim to specific small herds of females and territories they inhabit. Huge bulls with antlers locked in battle are a common sight and you may be lucky enough to see this wonderful event unfold as the cycle of nature continues.
Lake Crescent Lodge – Hurricane Ridge: 416 Lake Crescent Road, Port Angeles, WA 98363-8672,
(360) 928-3211
Seasonal Operation – May 8 to October 18
PROPERTY SERVICES:
LAKE CRESCENT LODGE
Lodging - 60 rooms
Restaurant – Seats 75
Lobby Lounge – Seats 25
Retail/Gift Store
HURRICANE RIDGE
Retail/Gift Store
Snack Bar – Seats 25
Down Hill Snow Ski Rental (Seasonal)
Hurricane Ridge: Hurricane Ridge Road, 17 miles south of Port Angeles, WA - Seasonal Operation – May 15 to October 18
FAIRHOLME STORE
Retail/Gift Store
Marina – canoe rentals
Fairholme Store: 221121 Highway 101, Port Angeles, WA 98363, (360) 928-3020 - www.LakeCrescentLodge.com
Seasonal Operation – May 22 to September 7
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West Virginia
Harpers Ferry National Historic Site
River and Trail Outfitters, celebrating 38 years as an area outfitter on the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers offers an opportunity for an adventure filled day of rafting on the two rivers. Families and entry level rafters are welcome as the trip will float you along side the banks of historic Harpers Ferry. Rafts will course through the majestic water gap of the two rivers featuring a view Thomas Jefferson wrote was worth a voyage across the Atlantic. Our experienced guides will lead your trip showing you the best routes through the rapids while entertaining you with river lore.
River and Trail Outfitters welcomes injured veterans, special needs, and handicapped customers.
Need transportation? River and Trail offers shuttle service to Appalachian Trail hikers who visit Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
For more information call 1-888-i-go-play or 301-695-5177.
River Riders Harpers Ferry’s location is very unique in that it is the intersection of 4 National Park Service entities; this in turn creates unique opportunities for recreation businesses in the area. For example, River Riders is uniquely able to provide services and/or trips with each of the 4 parks. For each park service entity we have listed the activities and services we offer. All activities are offered daily through September.
Harpers Ferry National Park: River Riders offers white water rafting, tubing, kayaking and canoeing trips on the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers passing through Harpers Ferry National Park.
Appalachian National Scenic Trail: River Riders provides shuttle services, local and long distance to hikers, as well as leading activities while in Harpers Ferry
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail: River Riders offers rafting, tubing, kayaking, canoeing, biking, and shuttles
Event summaries:
White water rafting on the Shenandoah and the Potomac rivers: Enjoy beginner to intermediate white water excitement on our guided rafting trip down the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. You’ll experience playful white water, and breath-taking sights passing through historic Harpers Ferry. Only an hour away from DC and Baltimore. Prices starting as low as $47/person.
Contact info: phone: 800-326-RAFT, web: www.riverriders.com
White water tubing on the Potomac River: This is a favorite trip choice for the 18-30 yr old crowd, and one of our most popular adventures overall. Self guided white water tubing gives you the freedom to go wherever your tube can take you. This trip passes by the historic town of Harpers Ferry, and has class I-III white water excitement on the Potomac River. Minimum to participate is 12 years old or 5 ft tall. Duration: 1-3.5 hrs. Only an hour away from DC and Baltimore. Prices starting as low as $19/person.
Contact info: phone: 8003-326-RAFT, web: www.riverriders.com
Flat water tubing on the Shenandoah River: This trip is idea for anyone looking for a relaxing, refreshing, leisurely float downstream, and is a great trip for younger children who can’t go on the white water. Minimum to participate is 4 years old or 30 lbs. Duration: 1-2 hrs. Only an hour away from DC and Baltimore. Prices starting as low as $19/person.
Contact info: phone: 8003-326-RAFT, web: www.riverriders.com
Flat water kayaking: Come explore the ancient Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers in one of our many recreational, touring, or sit on top kayaks. These light weight crafts are ideal for discovering the abundant wildlife, plants, and geology of these amazing river ecosystems. ½ day, full day, overnight, and multi-day trips available. Only an hour away from DC and Baltimore. Prices starting as low as $30/person.
Contact info: phone: 8003-326-RAFT, web: www.riverriders.com
Self guided and guide assisted white water kayaking: The Shenandoah and Potomac rivers offer a great playground for aspiring thrill seekers paddling inflatable kayaks called duckies. River Riders has several trip options available to suit guests’ level of experience and level of adventure. Duration 1.5-3.5 hrs. Only an hour away from DC and Baltimore. Prices starting as low as $45/person.
Contact info: phone: 8003-326-RAFT, web: www.riverriders.com
Canoeing on the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers: This is the perfect trip to travel through the heart of the Appalachians and put you in the midst of magic and beauty. We have 2 person canoes, ideal for discovering abundant wildlife, plants, and geology. Express, ½ day, full day, overnight, and multi day trips available. Only an hour away from DC and Baltimore. Prices starting as low as $22/person.
Biking along the C&O Canal: Make tracks on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National park. River Riders offers ½ day, full day, multi day, and grab and go services. Trips pass historic towns of Harpers Ferry, Shepherdstown, and more. All of our bikes are manufactured by Specialized, Schwinn, or GT Bicycle Companies and are the best available for rent in the area. Only an hour from DC and Baltimore. Prices starting as low as $20/person.
Contact info: phone: 8003-326-RAFT, web: www.riverriders.com
Shuttle services: River Riders provides local and long distance shuttle locations for conferences, large groups, AT hikers, bicyclers, boaters, and more to and from locations at all of the National Park entities. Please contact us for a free quote.
Contact info: phone: 8003-326-RAFT, web: www.riverriders.com
Specials and EVENTS
College ID Tubing Day, June 3, July 1, July 22, July 29
Receive a standard tube on any half day tubing trip for just $19 per person with a valid college ID!
Child Discount Tubing Day, June 10, July 8, August 5
Children 2-12 years old will receive half off a standard tube on any half day tubing trip with one full paying adult.
Harpers Ferry Amateur Raft Race, June 13, 2009
Done the Doah? Think you're a pro? Prove your raft paddling skills by entering the Tim Gavin River Race! The race begins at 10:30am on Saturday, June 14th. Proceeds go to West Virginia river conservation charities. Rafts will consist of 4 participants plus one of our guides. Only 10 teams can race so sign up now!
Senior Citizen Discount Tubing Day, June 17, July 15, August 12
Senior Citizens (ages 55+) go for half price on any half day tubing trip with standard tubes.
July 4th, Annual Twilight Rafting Trip
At 3 PM on Saturday, July 4, 2009 River Riders will have our annual special departure twilight rafting or kayaking trip in honor of our nations birthday. The trip will include the Shenandoah white water rafting trip and a steak cookout afterwards. Trip will conclude in time for participants to enjoy the fireworks in Baker Park in Frederick, MD - $85 per person.
River Riders will be offering specials and promoting events with the calendar for the 150th Anniversary of John Browns Raid.
Wisconsin
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Cruises and Tours: Scenic, narrated cruises traveling through the 21 island archipelago located in Wisconsin on Lake Superior's south shore. Cruises offered Mid May to mid October. Shuttle cruises available in July, August and September for island camping, hiking and lighthouse touring. Contact Apostle Islands Cruise Service at 800-323-7619 or www.apostleisland.com
- 14th Annual Apostle Islands Lighthouse Celebration - August 26 to Sept. 12, 2009: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is the "Holy Grail" for lighthouse buffs, with its wide variety of styles and architectures. Nowhere else in the country can you find such a wide variety of lighthouses with such a diverse history, in such a small compact area. The six light stations (eight towers total) were built from 1857 to 1929, to provide directions for ships coming into the Chequamegon Bay port towns of Bayfield, Washburn and Ashland, Wisconsin. At one time, they comprised a bustling Great Lakes port, as ships brought lumber, quarried stone, iron ore and grain from those towns, and made the lighthouses necessary. During the Celebration special cruises are offered with the opportunity to take a Ranger led tour of a historic Apostle Islands lighthouse. Discover what life was like for Keepers and their families in this isolated, unique and often dangerous occupation. Contact Apostle Islands Cruise Service (800) 323-7619 or www.lighthousecelebration.com.
Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton Lodge Company: With a mission to preserve, protect and inspire, Grand Teton Lodge Company is the concessioner in Grand Teton National Park operating the lodging, restaurants, tours and activities at Jackson Lake Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge, Colter Bay Village, Jenny Lake and Gros Ventre Campgrounds as well as the Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club, which is located just outside the Park in Jackson Hole, WY. The company’s Envision program represents its commitment to a comprehensive systematic approach to sustainable business practices that preserve the environment, ensure quality service, and provide for the health and safety of its guests and employees. For more information about Grand Teton Lodge Company, call 307-543-3100 or visit www.gtlc.com/pr.
- Jackson Lake Lodge Offers “You Decide” Package: Value-Added Package Lets Guests Customize Their Grand Teton National Park Vacation
Want to go fly fishing? No problem. Would you rather take a scenic float trip down the Snake River? Or is exploring Grand Teton National Park by horseback more your type of adventure? Jackson Lake Lodge is offering the “You Decide” package giving guests a $100 resort credit when they book a two-night stay. Guests can use the resort credit to customize a vacation experience in Grand Teton National Park with an activity that reflects their interests. The resort credit can also be used in the restaurants or gift shops at Jackson Lake Lodge. Some of the many adventures guests can embark on during their “You Decide” vacation include:
- Guided lake fishing on Jackson Lake
- Snake River float trip with experienced guides sharing the human and natural history of the valley while you enjoy the views and catch a glimpse of wildlife along the way
- A wrangler-guided horseback ride through the back trails of the Park
- Scenic lake cruise with a delicious cowboy breakfast on Elk Island complemented by stunning views of Mt. Moran
- Narrated bus tour of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks
- A visual and culinary feast featuring the Mural Room’s sustainable Rocky Mountain cuisine harmonized with breathtaking, panoramic views of the Tetons and the magnificent Rendezvous Murals by acclaimed artist Carl Roters
- Jackson Lake Lodge’s You Decide package is valid from May 18 through June 14, 2009 and August 28 through September 26, 2009 for new bookings only, is based on space availability for single or double occupancy, and is not applicable to groups or conventions. The $100 resort credit is limited to one per family and based upon a two-night stay. The resort credit can not be applied to the room rate or refunded if unused. Room rates at Jackson Lake Lodge begin at $219 per night for a classic cottage. Other restrictions may apply. Advance reservations are required by calling 800-628-9988.
Jackson Lake Lodge: Perched on a bluff overlooking Jackson Lake with the Grand Teton Mountains as a backdrop, Jackson Lake Lodge is designated as a National Historic Landmark and offers 385 guestrooms, suites and cottages with spectacular views. The upper lobby’s 60-foot picture windows frame the Teton Mountain range providing a relaxing place for guests to watch for moose, buffalo and an abundance of other wildlife that gather near Jackson Lake. The full-service resort also offers two restaurants, several gift shops, transportation services, a business center, and complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access in the main lodge. Despite the variety of modern conveniences and amenities that are at guests’ fingertips, Jackson Lake Lodge still retains its historic charm.
- Grand Teton Lodge Company’s Conservation Vacation Volunteer Package: Offers Guests A Chance To Give Back While Getting Away
Not one to sit and read a book on vacation? Looking for an opportunity to give back while getting away? Grand Teton Lodge Company (GTLC) is hosting a Conservation Vacation volunteer package in Grand Teton National Park where guests can explore and enjoy the grandeur of the Park at a discount in return for a few service hours that will benefit future generations. Guests will participate in conservation projects at Colter Bay including brush clearing to reduce fires, trail maintenance and preservation of historical cabins. There will be a variety of work projects for all fitness levels, and kids 16 years and older can participate.
“Grand Teton National Park was founded on the Rockefellers’ vision that natural splendor should be educational, enjoyable and treasured for years to come,” states John W. Rutter, senior vice president and chief operating officer for Grand Teton Lodge Company. “This package reinforces his sentiment, and gives guests a chance to learn while participating in the preservation of this national treasure.”
A welcome reception, three meals daily, accommodations, tools needed for the work projects, and educational presentations by guest speakers and GTLC management are all included in the Conservation Vacation volunteer package. The package is available May 31 through June 6, 2009 and again September 20 through 26, 2009. The package price is $120 per person per night based on double occupancy and space availability at Colter Bay Village, and is inclusive of tax and gratuities. The package is not applicable to groups or conventions. Advance reservations are required and can be made by calling 800-628-9988.
Colter Bay Village: The perfect location for a fun-filled vacation, the family-oriented Colter Bay Village features a variety of accommodations including historic log cabins, tent cabins, campsites and RV sites which sit on the shores of Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park. Colter Bay Village has a full-service marina, two restaurants, a snack bar, a launderette and showers, a grocery store, gift and apparel shops, corrals and service stations. The National Park Service Visitors’ Center, Indian Arts Museum and Amphitheater are also located in Colter Bay Village. Advance reservations are required and can be made by calling 800-628-9988.
Signal Mountain Lodge: In the heart of Grand Teton National Park you'll find unique lakeside lodging at Signal Mountain Lodge - the only lakefront accommodations in the park. Stay amidst the beauty of the Teton Range in a variety of lodging accommodations, from rustic one-room mountain cabins, to suite style units with views and kitchenettes. Contact Forever Resorts’ Signal Mountain Lodge at www.SignalMountainLodge.com or 307-543-2831 for reservations and additional information about visiting the Grand Teton area.
- Free Night in the Tetons in May: Enjoy Spring in Grand Teton National Park in all its splendor stay 2 nights at Signal Mountain Lodge and get the 3rd night FREE! See the Tetons in their glorious snow-capped peaks and beat the summer crowds. Spring time is a wonderful time to visit Teton National Park and enjoy viewing all of the active wildlife. Call Forever Resorts Signal Mountain Lodge 307-543-2831 for reservations or visit www.SignalMountainLodge.com.
- Activities of Forever Resorts Signal Mountain Lodge: Grand Teton National Park has long been heralded as one of the more magnificent National Parks in America. Signal Mountain Lodge places you right in the middle of it all, and, as the only resort on the shores of Jackson Lake, provides recreational opportunities that are as unlimited as your imagination. Enjoy a relaxing float trip, take a guided fishing trip, or just sit and gaze at the Grand Teton Mountains from the porch of a lakeside suite. At the end of the day, let your worries slip away while dining at our restaurant overlooking Jackson Lake. Signal Mountain Lodge provides cabin rentals, several dining options, guided fishing trips, scenic float trips, small boat rentals, and a gift and general store. Call Forever Resorts Signal Mountain Lodge 307-543-2831 for reservations or visit www.SignalMountainLodge.com.
- Philanthropic May Special in the Tetons: Grand Teton Association and Grand Teton National Park Foundation Members can enjoy a one night stay in a Lakefront Retreat and breakfast for 2 people for $189 plus tax between May 8-31, 2009. For every member reservation, Signal Mountain Lodge will donate $50.00 to either the Grand Teton Association or the Grand Teton National Park Foundation. For membership for the GRAND TETON ASSOCIATION, please visit www.grandtetonpark.org for information on how to become a member. For membership information for the Grand Teton National Park Foundation please visit, www.gtnpf.org. Call 307-543-2831 for reservations at Forever Resorts’ Signal Mountain Lodge.
- Scenic Float Trips & Boat Rentals on the Snake River: Whether you're a thrill seeker or just want a place to unwind, Grand Teton National Park offers a tremendous variety of outdoor opportunities for an individual or the whole family. Contact Forever Resorts Signal Mountain Lodge at www.SignalMountainLodge.com or for Reservations call: (307) 543-2831.
- Snake River Float Trips: For relaxation on the water, our 10 mile scenic float trip glides along the Snake River allowing you to see beautiful forests, seasonal wild flowers and possible sightings of deer, elk, moose, bald eagles, and other wildlife. Contact Forever Resorts Signal Mountain Lodge at www.SignalMountainLodge.com or for Reservations call: (307) 543-2831.
- Jackson Lake Boat Rentals: Explore Jackson Lake in your choice of six different types of rental boats. Reservations are accepted for deck cruisers, pontoon boats and runabouts. All motorboats, canoes and kayaks are on a first-come-first-served basis. Whether you bring your own boat or simply rent one, you'll be ready to cruise the lake in search for the best fishing spot. If you have your own ski boat, just bring your skis and enjoy gliding across the glass-like water. Gas and overnight buoy rentals are also available from Signal Mountain Marina. Contact Forever Resorts Signal Mountain Lodge at www.SignalMountainLodge.com.
- Guided Sailboat Tours: Let Captain Tom take you on a guided sailboat tour around Jackson Lake. For incredible views and an adventure few can claim, this is for you. Contact Forever Resorts Signal Mountain Lodge at www.SignalMountainLodge.com. For Reservations call: (307) 543-2831.
- Guided Fishing Tours: From May 16 through September 20 Jackson Lake is a fishermen's dream. The fishing experience of a lifetime is all yours with a guided fishing trip on Jackson Lake. The uncrowded atmosphere and breathtaking scenery provides tranquil moments while fishing. This magnificent lake in Grand Teton National Park is home to Cutthroat, Brown and Lake Trout. Signal Mountain Lodges' experienced guides will take you to the best fishing spots on the lake and provide all the equipment and tackle you'll need. Contact Forever Resorts Signal Mountain Lodge at www.SignalMountainLodge.com. For Reservations call: (307) 543-2831.
- Jackson Lake Camping: Enjoy camping on the shore of Jackson Lake at the Signal Mountain and Lizard Creek Campgrounds. Both campgrounds are first-come, first-serve with no hook-ups. RV's up to 30 feet are permitted. For additional information visit Forever Resorts Signal Mountain Lodge at www.SignalMountainLodge.com.
- Dining at Signal Mountain Lodge: As the sun sets over Jackson Lake enjoy casual rustic fine dining at The Peaks Restaurant, serving an environmentally sustainable menu with regional specialties. Contact Forever Resorts Signal Mountain Lodge at www.SignalMountainLodge.com For Reservations call: (307) 543-2831.
- Leek's Marina & Pizzeria: Enjoy one of the best pizza's in the valley with a local microbrew as you view Jackson Lake and the Teton Mountain Range. Relax in the cool mountain air. Contact Forever Resorts Signal Mountain Lodge at www.SignalMountainLodge.com For Reservations call: (307) 543-2831.
- Deadman's Bar: Sit back and relax with one of our famous blackberry margaritas and a plate of our world famous nachos. The locals love to meet at Deadman's bar for their favorite beverage and to catch up with friends. It's also a great place to hang out before or after a day in the Park. Contact Forever Resorts Signal Mountain Lodge at www.SignalMountainLodge.com For Reservations call: (307) 543-2831.
- Gift and Convenience Shopping in the Tetons: For your favorite Grand Teton souvenir, enjoy the exquisite selection of clothing, accessories, Native American jewelry and gifts in the Needles Gift Shop, The Trails Camp Store or Timbers Gift Store. The stores provides organic and all natural food choices, environmentally friendly product alternatives to remember your fun filled visit to Grand Teton National Park. Plus they have last minute hiking and traveling snacks and drinks. Contact Forever Resorts Signal Mountain Lodge at www.SignalMountainLodge.com or call: (307) 543-2831 for additional information.
Signal Mountain Lodge: PO Box 50, Moran, WY 83013, (307) 543-2831 - www.SignalMountainLodge.com
Signal Mountain Lodge & Campgrounds: Seasonal Operation – May 8 to October 18, 2009
Signal Mountain Marina: Seasonal Operation – May 21 to September 13, 2009
Leeks Marina: Seasonal Operation – May 21 to September 13, 2009
PROPERTY SERVICES:
SIGNAL MOUNTAIN LODGE
Lodging – 79 Rooms
The Peaks Restaurant - Seats 69 Indoors
The Trapper Grill Restaurant - Seats 80 Indoors; 33 Outside Deck
Dead Man’s Bar – Seats 35
Gift Stores – 2
Snake River Float Trips
Fishing Guide Service
Buoy Rentals
Powerboat, Deck Cruiser Rentals
Canoe & Kayak Rentals
LEEKS MARINA
Buoy Rentals
Restaurant – Seats 40 Indoors; 25 Outside Deck Seating
Yellowstone National Park
Xanterra Parks and Resorts - committed to helping you find your ultimate Yellowstone experience, while working to protect and preserve the park for the future. Phone: 307.344.7311 or 1.866.GEYSERLAND (439-7375).
Interpretive Bus and Van Tours
Custom Guided Tours
Historic Yellow Bus Tours
Horseback Trail Rides
Stagecoach Adventures
Old West Dinner Cookout
Yellowstone Lake Scenic Cruises
Guided Fishing, Custom Tours and Backcountry Shuttle Service
Fly Fishing Guide Service
Historic Walking Tours
Xanterra Parks & Resorts offers the only "in-park" lodging and camping, and is your direct in-park source for advance lodging, camping, tours & activities, and dinner reservations for designated Yellowstone restaurants. No booking fees are charged. Be sure to check the Special Promotions & Packages!
Yellowstone Association Institute
The nonprofit Yellowstone Association Institute offers field courses that provide an inside look at Yellowstone National Park. In this remarkable outdoor setting, students gain new appreciation for the value of wild places.
Field Seminars are educational experiences that go deep! Taught by researchers, field biologists, and other experts, field seminars focus on specific subjects such as predator/prey relationships, park vegetation, illustrating the wild, and wildlife watching.
Lodging and Learning Programs mix just the right amount of education and recreation on your vacation. You’ll be based at park hotels and taught by naturalist guides who are intimately familiar with Yellowstone.
Private Tours offer private educational programs that immerse your small group in Yellowstone’s wonders. Choose the program that best fits your needs—a one-day tour or a combination of programs for a multi-day experience.
Backpacking Courses take you on a learning adventure in the vast wilderness of the Yellowstone area. Designed to be both light on the land and educational, backpacking courses are taught by a professional outdoor leader and a content expert.
TOP 10 ADVENTURES IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK FOR TRAVELERS SEEKING THE CURE FOR THE COMMON VACATION
With 2.2 million acres, Yellowstone National Park provides a lot of room for adventurers, no matter what their interest or ability. Adventures range from highly personal experiences, like listening to the howl of a wolf in the early-morning pre-sun quiet to incredibly physical activities such as backpacking into the Thorofare, the most remote geographic area in the lower 48 states. But no matter what the adventure, visitors will find none that are common since there is no place on Earth quite like Yellowstone.
Employees of Xanterra Parks & Resorts, operator of the lodges, restaurants and other concessions in the park, are not only experts on places to go and things to do throughout the park, but they are also adventurers themselves. Off-hours entertainment could be a three-day backpacking trip or a quiet day of fly-fishing in one of the park’s many trout-rich streams and rivers. Here are some of their favorite adventures, compiled below in “top 10” format, ranked from the easiest to the toughest physical experience.
1.Wake up before the critters. Get up before the sun and hightail it out to Lamar Valley to watch the sun rise and listen to the sounds of the world’s first national park greeting the morning. If you are lucky, you might hear the howl of a wolf, possible the wildest sound in North America. Sunset is also a great time to look for wildlife in the valley, often called the “American Serengeti” because of the abundance and diversity of wildlife. Go on your own or join a Xanterra tour such as “Nature of the Northern Range.”
2. Soak in the Boiling River, the only hot spring in the park where it is legal to bathe. A large hot spring enters the Gardner River, creating a steamy pool along the river’s edge where bathers can soak in bubbling warm water. Bathing suits are required, and visitors should be prepared for a half-mile walk from the parking area to the hot spring.
3. Photograph the valleys, mountains, mammals, birds, waterfalls, geysers, rivers, hot springs, mudpots, historic buildings, wildflowers, firescapes and people in the park. Visitors who run out of things to photograph are not looking very hard. For travelers who enjoy the camaraderie of other photographers, Xanterra offers daily “Picture Perfect Photo Safaris.”
4. Walk Norris Geyser Basin. This area is home to the some of the hottest and most acidic geysers in the world. The acid killed most of the lodgepole pines in the area, creating a barren, other-worldly-looking place that many find more interesting than even the famous Upper Geyser Basin featuring Old Faithful geyser. A series of boardwalks – some quite steep – circle the bubbling, mysterious and malodorous hot springs and geysers. Several Yellowstone tours included an extended stop at this popular area.
5. Hike to the Mount Washburn Fire Overlook. Considered by some employees to be the park’s best short hike, the three-mile trail from the Chittenden Road parking lot to the overlook is only 1,000 feet elevation gain, and rated easy. From the summit, hikers can see many park features, including the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Hayden Valley, Yellowstone Lake and even the Grand Teton mountain range.
6. Cast for trout. There are more than 200 streams and rivers in Yellowstone, and many of them have abundant population of wild, stream-bred cutthroat, rainbow, brown and brook trout. Xanterra guides can suggest the best streams for fishing at various times of the year. Xanterra offers a full-day private fishing guide service.
7. Bicycle along the Blacktail Plateau Drive to the park’s Petrified Tree. Offering stunning scenery, this road is one of two in the park that allows two-way bike traffic and one-way car traffic. Mountain bikes are recommended. Bicycles can be rented at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Cyclists hoping to explore the Blacktail Plateau Drive should provide their own bikes or be prepared to transport rented bicycles in their vehicles as the lodge does not provide bike racks.
8. Saddle up and take a two-hour horseback ride in the Roosevelt area of the park. The guided trail ride heads up a wooded hill behind the corral and meanders through and around sagebrush flats, meadows, canyons, lakes and valleys. Horseback rides are also offered at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and the Canyon Lodge.
9. Paddle Yellowstone Lake in a canoe or kayak. Kayaking Yellowstone Lake was named the second of the “50 Best American Adventures” by National Geographic Adventure magazine. Xanterra provides a one-way or roundtrip backcountry shuttle service with five drop-off points for travelers, their gear and boats. Self-sufficient campers/paddlers can explore some of the most secluded areas of the park.
10. Hike to the most remote spot in the lower 48 states – the Thorofare region. Researchers determined the area’s designation because it is at least 20 miles from a road in all directions. Over the course of several days, backpackers are treated to the abundance of Yellowstone – wildlife, rivers, valleys, forest, thermal features and solitude. Travelers with limited time can eliminate the multi-day hike to get to the region by arranging to be dropped off and/or picked up at a location near the region by Xanterra’s Backcountry Shuttle Service.
Reservations at Yellowstone can be made by calling (1) 307-344-7311 or toll-free 866-GEYSERLAND (866-439-7375), or visiting the web site www.travelyellowstone.com
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