The National Park Service announced the dates of the fee-free days this past Monday, October 17th, 2011. This is a continuation of a promotion of waiving entry fees to national parks that was started with the purpose of inspiring Americans to explore the beautiful outdoor landscapes that can be found sometimes seemingly right in our own backyards. Considering the U.S. National Park Service has reported record attendance during these years, it appears that this effort has been a success.
In 2012, the U.S. National Park Service will offer 17 fee-free days throughout the year. These days are to be helds during the following dates: January 14-16 (Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend), April 21-29 (National Parks Week), June 9 (Get Outdoors Day), September 29 (National Public Lands Day), and November 10-12 (Veterans Day Weekend).
Additionally, according to CBS, Channel 6 in Richmond, VA, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest Service will waive their entrance and standard amenity fees on the following dates in 2012: January14-16, June 9, September 29, and November10-12. A number os hotels, restaurants, gift shopts, and tour operators will show their support to this effort as well, as they will offer specials during the National Park fee-free days.
Such promotions were derived a few years ago with the intent of getting the American population outdoors, and they have proved a huge success as the U.S. National Park Service has reported record attendance.
For a complete list of the more than 100 parks that take part in the fee-free program, click here.