National Parks Week 2011

Posted on Tuesday, April 19, 2011

We hope you are taking advantage of National Park week!  Below you'll find a list of special events being held at National Parks across the country. 

In addition, The National Park Foundation will be giving away daily prizes including park passes, outdoor gear, and a trip to Shenandoah National Park with the "I Heart Parks" promotion running April 18 - April 22. Visit http://www.facebook.com/nationalpark for more information.

·       Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve (Louisiana)

Monday, April 18

9:30am – 10:30amCT

Take an hour-long stroll along the Mississippi River levee for an overview of New Orleans history. 25 free tickets are distributed at 9:00 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis at the French Quarter Visitor Center, 419 Decatur Street, New Orleans.

·         Biscayne National Park (Florida)

Tuesday, April 19

9:00am- 12:00pmET

Explore Biscayne National Park's mangrove shoreline on a leisurely paddle to learn about mangroves, manatees, fish and more. Bring your own canoe/kayak, or reserve one with our concessioner for a fee by calling (305) 230-1100.

·         Fort Donelson National Battlefield (Tennesee)

Wednesday, April 20

9:00am-4:00pmET

The Stewart County Visitor Center, in partnership with Fort Donelson National Battlefield and the Tennessee State Museum, is pleased to host a traveling exhibit highlighting the story of cavalry in Civil War Tennessee. Photographs, artifacts and stories explain the unique role of mounted warfare in Tennessee during the American Civil War. The Stewart County Visitor Center is located almost across the street from the Fort Donelson National Battlefield visitor center, on HWY 79, in Dover. Call (931) 305-4447 for more information.

·         Muir Woods National Monument (California)

Thursday, April 21 (John Muir’s birthday)

8:00amPT

Start the morning off with a quiet walk through what John Muir called "the best tree-lover’s monument in all the forests of the world."

·         Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)

Friday, April 22 (Earth Day)

9:00am-12:00pmET

Celebrate Earth Day with a 5-mile hike on Ledges area trails and learn how organizations and individuals worked together to plant seeds of conservation in the Cuyahoga Valley.

·         Jewel Cave National Monument (South Dakota)

Saturday, April 23 (Junior Ranger Day)

9:00amMT

Young visitors and their families are invited to take a guided hike on the one-quarter mile Roof Trail and learn about the second longest cave in the world.

National Park Week 2011: April 16-24

Posted on Monday, April 11, 2011

It's back! Starting this Saturday, you can enjoy any of the 400 U.S. National parks for FREE all week.  This year's theme is "Healthy Parks, Healthy People."  They hope to encourage people to enjoy the outdoors and embrace a healthy lifestyle, while enjoying the U.S.'s protected and preserved national parks.  As a bonus, all National Park apps will be free during this week as well.

To learn more about National Park Week visit: www.nationalparkweek.org.

Don't forget Earth Day is April 22nd.