Saturday is a free entrance day across the National Park System, and there are other newsworthy events and things you should be aware of to make the most out of your national park adventures.
Veterans Day Access
The National Park Service will host a variety of special events and provide free entrance to everyone on Saturday to commemorate Veterans Day. On Veterans Day, and throughout the year, U.S. military veterans and Gold Star Family members can obtain a free, lifetime entrance pass to all of the country’s national parks. Current military members and their dependents are eligible for a free annual pass.
There are more than 100 national parks with strong ties to the U.S. military, including battlefields that recall bravery, monuments that stir patriotism, memorials that remember sacrifice, terrain that provided training grounds, and scenic areas that were set aside for relaxation and recreation. Many of them will hold special events on Veterans Day, including:
Tour a WWII Military Bunker and Searchlight Shelter at Cabrillo National Monument.
Living History Day with 18th century American Militia and Weapons Firing Demonstrations at Cowpens National Battlefield.
Free Guided House Tours at Eisenhower National Historic Site.
Free Lighthouse Tours for Veterans at Fire Island National Seashore.
“War’s Over!”: Armistice Day and the Origins of Veterans Day at Fort McHenry National Monument and Shrine.
Military Living History Timeline and Demonstrations at Fort Necessity National Battlefield.
Veterans Day Living History Event at Fort Pulaski National Monument.
Artillery Demonstrations at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.
Poplar Grove National Cemetery Luminary at Petersburg National Battlefield.
Free Bus Tours for Veterans of Shiloh National Military Park.
Fort Stanwix by Candelight/NPS
Fort Stanwix By Candlelight
On Saturday, November 25, the annual Winter on the Carry candlelight event will return to Fort Stanwix National Monument in New York. This special event highlights the winter traditions of 18th century residents of the Mohawk Valley. From 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., visitors will be invited to explore uniquely decorated rooms inside the fort. A special candlelight evening portion begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m. Both are free of charge.
“Everyone is invited to sing and be merry! This event is unique for winter visitors, who will be able to have amazing opportunities to see the candlelit fort decorated as the soldiers and their families would have remembered from home,” said Ranger Kelly Cardwell. “Bring your family and friends for a relaxing post-Thanksgiving evening!”
Visitors are cautioned to dress for the weather and bring a flashlight, as the fort can be dark and is exposed to the weather. During the evening rooms will be decorated with candles, ivy, and cozy fires. The festivities end at 8:30 p.m., but decorations will be kept on until December 16. Those who are unable to attend the event can view them Tuesday through Saturday between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., weather dependent.
Beginning next week you can making camping reservations for next summer at Voyageurs National Park/NPS file
Camping Reservations At Voyageurs National Park
Beginning on November 15 you'll be able to make a camping reservation at Voyageurs National Park for next summer.
Park staff encourage visitors who wish to stay overnight in the park to make a reservation as soon as they know their plans. Visitors may make reservations by going online at www.recreation.gov or by calling the National Call Center at (877) 444-6777.
Overnight tent campers can find information and policies at this page.
Instructions for making a campsite reservation can be found here.
Houseboat visitors can find a summary of information and policies here. Instructions for making a houseboat reservation can be found here.
All income generated from overnight fees stays at Voyageurs National Park. These fees are used to benefit the visitor experience by funding site cleaning and maintenance, and to improve amenities such as tent pads, docks, bear-proof food lockers, privies, picnic tables, fire rings, mooring aids, trails, backcountry infrastructure, and interpretive media at visitor destination sites.
