National Park Service 101
After the United States National Park Service turned 100 last year, you probably thought the party was over.
It's not!
The United States National Park Service is turning 101 on August 25, 2017—and no matter where your groups are on the road, parks are celebrating!
You and your groups could enjoy a fee-free day at all national parks sites. There are over 400 national park units to choose from for hiking, biking, stargazing, bird watching and more. Use NPS' Find Your Park to find one near your group's destination.
Check for events in parks near your groups. Several are hosting birthday bashes—from receptions indoors to camping outdoors—as well as ranger-led programs and presentations throughout the day.
Gateway National Recreation Area's Fort Wadsworth Camp Hudson in New York, for instance, is hosting a birthday campout with a marine nature study, hiking and s'mores, of course. The event is free and equipment is provided—a perfect 101 experience for any novice campers.
NPS' 101st birthday is also a great time for your group seniors, ages 62 and up, to purchase NPS' America the Beautiful Senior pass. The price is increasing from $10 to $80 on August 28, 2017, for the first time since 1994.
Written by Cassie Westrate, staff writer for Groups Today.
Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.
