End of Summer Season Brings Fee Free Weekend and Teddy Bear Picnic to Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Date: August 12, 2009

The last chance this year to enjoy a weekend at Theodore Roosevelt National Park without paying an entrance fee will be Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16. As a special treat, a Teddy Bear Picnic will be held on Saturday at 1:00p.m. MDT.

The Teddy Bear Picnic will be held on the lawn of the Visitor Center by the Maltese Cross Cabin in the park's South Unit. Teddy Bear lovers are invited to bring their fuzzy companions to hear stories about Teddy Bear lore. Those traveling without their bears are welcome to attend and take part in the fun. There are also opportunities for kids to play games and win prizes.

"The final fee free weekend is a great way to end a beautiful summer before the kids return to school," said Superintendent Valerie Naylor. "The Teddy Bear Picnic is an added bonus for families."

Park staff invites visitors to participate in the daily interpretive programs offered in both the North and South Units throughout the weekend. Families can learn more about hte park by borrowing a "Family Fun Pack" at the South Unit Visitor Center. The park also offers scenic driving, wildlife watching, hiking, and camping. Regular camping fees will be charged. 

The National Park Service has offered three fee-free weekends this summer to encourage people to travel to and enjoy national parks. Information bout all 391 national parks can be found at www.nps.gov.