To commemorate the 200th anniversary of American independence in 1976, the people of Great Britain gave the people of the United States a gigantic bronze and tin bell presented by Queen Elizabeth II in Philadelphia and engraved with the words “Let freedom ring.”

The Stoney Nakoda First Nation believes everything has a living spirit. Maligne Lake in Canada’s Jasper National Park is a very special living entity to them, where the surrounding mountains are physical representations of their ancestors and tiny Spirit Island provides the beating heart for this living lake as well as a venue for their ceremonies and traditions.

Lodging, campgrounds, and most other public facilities on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will close for the winter on October 15. Visitors exploring the North Rim on, or after, October 16 should plan to be self-sufficient and bring enough food and water for the day.

The National Park Service in late September issued a prospectus for the operation of lodging, food service, and retail in Zion National Park in Utah. The Zion concession has been held by Xanterra Parks and Resorts, Inc., since the company, then called Amfac Parks and Resorts, acquired TW Recreational Services in 1995. The new contract has a beginning date of January 1, 2025.