National Park Service celebrates its 100th anniversary with free admission to all national parks

Date: August 19, 2016
Contact: John Kelly, 207-288-8703

The National Park Service (NPS) invites visitors of all ages to join in the celebration of its 100th anniversary with free admission to all 412 national parks from Thursday, August 25, through Sunday, August 28.Visitors to Acadia National Park will have the opportunity to celebrate the park's centennial along with the NPS centennial—both of which were established in 1916.

On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the bill that created the NPS.The founding legislation directed the NPS "… to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of that moment and to look ahead to the next 100 years, the NPS and National Park Foundation launched the Find Your Park campaign. Inspiring people from all backgrounds to celebrate and support America's national parks and community-based programs, Find Your Park invites people to discover and share their own unique connections to our nation's natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history.The NPS encourages everyone to Find Your Park during its centennial and beyond. Learn more about the campaign online by visiting www.FindYourPark.com.

"August—our birthday month—will be a nationwide celebration of national parks, and we're inviting everyone to the party," said NPS Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. "We like to think that we look pretty good for 100, and with so many events and activities to commemorate this milestone, we hope all Americans will join us to celebrate the breathtaking landscapes and inspiring history in our nation's

parks and public lands. Whether it is in a distant state or in your own community, there are hundreds of ways and places to find your park!"

At Acadia National Park, the entrance fee waiver does not cover user fees for activities, such as camping, ranger-narrated boat cruises, concession-operated services, or entry to the Abbe Museum at Sieur de Monts.