Fee-Free Days Category

Five New Mobile Apps Premiere During National Park Week

April 17th, 2013 at 4:59 pm by NPPC
In honor of National Park Week (Apr. 22 – 26), Chimani – a leader developing national park mobile applications – will release a new park app each day of the week.
The new Chimani mobile apps include Grand Teton National Park, Glacier National Park, Olympic National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and Bryce Canyon National Park. These, as well as all other Chimani apps, will be available for FREE on Apple iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon AppStore starting Monday, April 22 – the first day of National Park Week.
Each app delivers constantly updated content, detailed maps, ranger-led event schedules, auto touring points of interest, hiking details, restroom locations, free shuttle bus schedules, and breaking news alerts. Users can also view sunset and sunrise times for the most memorable scenic overlooks, access tide schedules along the coast, review lodging options, and much, much more. And, each Chimani app is designed to work without a cell phone signal.

Chimani’s new Viewport tool – an augmented reality viewer – available as a $1.99 in-app purchase – allows users to pan around scenic outlooks and identify points of interest that are often left undiscovered.  Because cell phone signals are poor and non-existent in most national parks, Chimani apps are designed to function without any type of data connection. This also applies to the new Chimani augmented reality viewer.

 

New to Chimani are topographic maps based on data from Openstreetmaps.org, which allows Chimani to produce rich topographic maps that are updated monthly with the most recent data available.  Chimani users are also able to actively contribute to the national park community and help build better geo-spatial data for each of the parks.  Kerry Gallivan, co-founder of Chimani said, “An example of this is Openstreetmaps.org’s user “Tomthepom” who spent winter meticulously editing park data within Grand Canyon making the data found within the Chimani maps the most detailed and up-to-date available anywhere - digital or print.”  Kerry added that “Many visitors don’t realize how often trail data changes, so having access to the latest details helps enhance the park experience.”

For the Android versions of the apps, Chimani has introduced a beta feature of a social-sharing tool that uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to connect with other Chimani users and share contact information. “We modeled this after the tradition on the Appalachian Trail of hikers exchanging something with people they meet along the trail,” said Gallivan. By touching two Android phones together, the users profile is exchanged using NFC. No cell phone signal is required and when the exchange occurs within a particular park, a unique badge is unlocked between users as a bonus.

Chimani now offers a suite apps from 14 of the most visited national parks in the United States, including: Acadia National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Cape Cod National Seashore, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Glacier National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Olympic National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, Zion National Park and its National Parks app - which is a virtual passport tool for all National Park Service units.

Each of the national park apps deliver constantly updated content, ranger-led event schedules, auto touring points of interest, hiking details, restroom locations, free shuttle bus schedules, and breaking news alerts. Users can also view sunset and sunrise times for the most memorable scenic overlooks, access tide schedules along the coast, review lodging options, and more.

The Chimani apps are available for iPhone, iPad, Amazon Kindle and Android devices. They can be downloaded directly fromApple’s iTunes App Store, Google Play and Amazon AppStore (keyword: “chimani”).  Founded in 2010, Chimani apps have totaled over 450,000 downloads and rank #1 in each of the major app marketplaces for individual parks. For more information visit http://www.chimani.com or view the app demo filmed in the Grand Canyon National Park: https://vimeo.com/58183356

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fee-Free Days, Offers and Deals | Add your comment

National Get Outdoors Day

June 7th, 2012 at 10:26 am by NPPC

Sunset Over Everglades National Park (John Anderson | Dreamstime)

National Parks are getting people outdoors on National Get Outdoors Day, Saturday, June 9, with Fee-Free Admissions and special events.

At the Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites, hike at least five of the Hyde Park Trails and receive a free Walkabout 2012 patch.  The hiking experience is enhanced through six audio podcast tours, downloadable website at http://www.nps.gov/hofr (click on “photos and multimedia”) or call 845-475-3819 to access cell phone tours.

Mammoth Cave National Park is offering free Discovery and Mammoth Passage cave tours on Sat., June 9.  “It is time to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful Kentucky landscapes, above and below ground,” said Park Superintendent Patrick Reed. “A walk in the woods or the cave is refreshing to the mind and body.”  Visitors must pick up the free tickets at the visitor center ticket office prior to tour times.   The self-guided Discovery tour runs between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.; a free Mammoth Passage tour will depart from the visitor center at 4:45 p.m.

At Gettysburg National Military Park, living history reenactors of the U.S. Sharpshooters will present demonstrations and encampments atop Little Round Top on June 9.

Everglades National Park’s daily guided walk on the Anhinga Trail (10:30 a.m.) is one way to experience the “glades” in summer, though insect repellent is advised.  Less “buggy” outings include boat tours out of Flamingo, the Gulf Coast, and Tram tours at Shark Valley or visiting Dry Tortugas by ferry or sea plane from Key West.  Infamous Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas was built to defend the southern coast against the British Navy in the Gulf.  A guided tour visits its batteries, then snorkel and seen all types of colorful sea life.

Gadling reports that, “In addition to fee-free entry to the national parks, there are 122 official National Get Outdoors Day locations spread out across the U.S. Each of these locations will play host to a number of scheduled events throughout the day and they offer further opportunities to celebrate the occasion. For instance, those living near Highlands Ranch, Colorado, can join the First Annual Backcountry Community Campout, while residents of New Jersey may want to visit Field Station: Dinosaurs to get in on the fun.”

President Barack Obama has proclaimed June as Great Outdoors Month and encourages all Americans to share in the natural splendor of which we are all proud inheritors.  Additional Fee-Free Days in 2012 include September 29 (National Public Lands Day) and November 10 – 12 (Veterands Day Weekend).

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Events, Fee-Free Days, Offers and Deals | Add your comment

First Fee-Free Days Of 2012 To Occur This Weekend

January 13th, 2012 at 12:51 pm by NPPC

The first Fee-Free Day of 2012 occurs this weekend, with free admission to all national parks.  With mild weather predicted across much of the United States, areas of parks that would not normally be accessible can be reached, making for a sunny and dry Martin Luther King Holiday Weekend to visit the parks.

Several communities and businesses in and around the national parks are offering special offers and discounts on the weekend.  Though, with fewer park facilities and services open in winter,  they are not as widespread as found later in the year.  Nonetheless, check with local destination marketing organizations for deals and enjoy these Fee-Free Days.  Fee-Free Days in 2012 include:

  • January 14-16 – Martin Luther King Jr. weekend
  • April 21-29 – National Park Week
  • June 9 – Get Outdoors Day
  • September 29 – National Public Lands Day
  • November 10-12 – Veterans Day weekend

Here’s some of what’s being written about Fee-Free Days:

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fee-Free Days | Add your comment

NPS to Waive Admission Fees on 17 Days in 2012

October 17th, 2011 at 10:48 am by NPPC

WASHINGTON – To encourage Americans to explore America’s natural beauty, rich history and culture, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced that the National Park Service will waive admission fees on 17 days in 2012.

“From Independence Hall to our newest national park, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, our national parks tell the story of America, from the beauty of our land to our struggle for freedom and justice,” Secretary Salazar said. “Whether or not it’s during one of the 17 fee free days next year, I encourage everyone to visit a park near them and enjoy the remarkable landscapes and historical and cultural sites that are unique to our great country.”

Salazar emphasized that our national parks and public lands serve as an economic engine for many local communities, supports jobs and driving tourism. Recreation in national parks, refuges, and other public lands fueled nearly $55 billion in economic activity and supported 440,000 jobs in 2009.

The fee free dates for 2012 are January 14 to 16 (Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend), April 21 to 29 (National Park Week), June 9 (Get Outdoors Day), September 29 (National Public Lands Day), and November 10 to 12 (Veterans Day weekend). More information is available at http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm.

In addition, 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 January 14 to 16, June 9, September 29, and November 10 to 12.   The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will also have a fee free day on October 14 in recognition of National Wildlife Refuge Week. The Bureau of Reclamation will waive standard amenity fees on September 29 and November 12.

Many park-related hotels, restaurants, gift shops, and tour operators will offer specials on fee free days.

“The majority of national parks don’t have an entrance fee and those that do charge a maximum of $25 a week for an entire family” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “We realize there are additional expenses when visiting a park so many associated businesses will have discounts and enhancements on the fee free days.”

“One of the great things about a national park vacation is it can be as economical or luxurious as desired,” added Jarvis. “A visit can be a few hours or several days. One could pack their lunch or eat at a snack bar, cafeteria, or gourmet dining room. One could sleep under the stars in the backcountry or stay in a campground, motel, or majestic lodge. There is something for everyone at each of the country’s 395 national parks. So mark the dates, grab a friend or family member – especially one that has never been to a park before – and come visit one of your national parks.”

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fee-Free Days | Add your comment

What Are You Doing on the First Day of Summer?

June 14th, 2011 at 3:17 pm by NPPC

At Mammoth Caves National Park in Kentucky on June 21, they’re taking free Mammoth Cave Discovery tours and a Mammoth Passage tour as part of the National Park Service’s “fee-free days.”  Fee-Free Days is an effort of the National Park Service to encourage Americans to get out and experience their National Park areas.  More Fee-Free offers are found by clicking “Offers” on the Nav Bar atop this page.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fee-Free Days | Add your comment

National Park Week Offers Proliferate

April 5th, 2011 at 10:37 pm by NPPC

Dozens of offers have been posted on this website from national park-related businesses and destinations for National Park Week. To see them, click on “Offers” above.

Posted in Fee-Free Days, Offers and Deals | Add your comment

2011 Fee-Free Offers Now Available

January 10th, 2011 at 10:37 am by NPPC

Crater Lake National Park

The coming Martin Luther King weekend is the first opportunity to receive free admission to our nation’s national parks, as part of Fee-Free Days in 2011.  Many national parks are open on the weekend and businesses at and near these national parks are offering discounts and special values.  To see some of the offers, click on FEE-FREE OFFERS on the green horizontal ribbon above.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fee-Free Days | Add your comment

Interior Secretary Salazar Announces 2011 Fee-Free Days

January 5th, 2011 at 11:03 am by NPPC

WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced that the National Park Service will waive admission fees on 17 selected dates throughout 2011 and encouraged all Americans to make a New Year’s resolution to visit a national park this year.

“Many people have made resolutions to spend more quality time with loved ones and to get outdoors and unplug in 2011,” said Secretary Salazar. “There’s no better place than a national park to help keep those resolutions. Parks offer superb recreational opportunities, making them perfect places to enjoy our beautiful land, history and culture, and nurture a healthy lifestyle.”

Salazar noted that with 394 national parks throughout the country, most Americans live within a few hours of a park, making them places for easy and affordable vacations any time of the year.

“In these tough economic times, our fee-free days will give families many opportunities to enjoy our nation’s heritage and natural beauty in meaningful and affordable ways,” he said.

The 2011 fee-free dates will be the weekend of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 15-17), National Park Week (April 16-24), the first day of summer (June 21), National Public Lands Day (September 24), and the weekend of Veterans Day (November 11-13).

The first fee free days are centered on the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

“Visitors can literally walk in Dr. King’s footsteps at national parks such as Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site in Georgia, Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail in Alabama, or the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis. “They are just a few of the dozens of national parks which trace the history of African Americans.”

“Several parks will also honor Dr. King by hosting volunteer projects for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on January 17,” added Jarvis. “It is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a day on, not a day off.”

Many national park concessions will also offer discounts on fee free days, saving visitors money on food, lodging, tours, and souvenirs. More information is available at http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm.

CLICK FEE-FREE OFFERS at the top of this page, to be taken to some of the many offers being offered at or near national parks during fee-free days.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fee-Free Days | Add your comment

Fee Free Days – Click Here to Comment

November 23rd, 2010 at 10:35 am by NPPC

Having been offered for two years by the U.S. Department of Interior, Fee Free Days offer free admittance to federal public lands on select dates throughout the year.

The National Parks Promotion Council is collecting suggestions on how Fee Free Days can be made better.  To suggest improvements, comment by clicking on the headline to this article or email your suggestion through the email address on the About page.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fee-Free Days | 3 Comments

Interior Secretary Salazar Announces Additional Fee-Free Days

April 30th, 2010 at 4:44 pm by NPPC

Fort Marion National Monument

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has announced a schedule of more free admission days to many of the public lands managed by the Interior Department.  All national parks, national wildlife refuges, and many areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management will offer free admission on June 5-6, August 14-15, September 25 (Public Lands Day) and November 11 (Veterans Day).  These dates are in addition to the previous Fee-Free period coinciding with National Park Week which occurred in April.

Special offers made available for these days will be posted on this site (see Fee-Free Offers above) and at www.parkpartners.org/Special-Offers-for-2010.html.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fee-Free Days, National Parks | Add your comment