National Parks Traveler

Sooner or later we'll once again be able to enjoy visits to parks around the country, and while we're waiting, we can start to compile a list of potential activities in NPS areas. If you'd enjoy a challenging, ranger-guided trip into a section of "wild" cave, the Spider Cave Tour at Carlsbad Caverns National Park may be just what you've been looking for.

Read more about Want A Caving Adventure? Spider Cave Tour At Carlsbad Caverns National Park Worth A Future Visit

By Jim Burnett - October 15th, 2013 2:33am

Around The Shutdown: Which National Parks Are Open Today?

Wondering which national parks have been able to reopen with state funding? Here's a list, and the dates the parks are to remain open...barring some resolution in Washington or more funding from the states.

Read more about Around The Shutdown: Which National Parks Are Open Today?

By Kurt Repanshek - October 14th, 2013 11:57am

11 comments

Guest Column: Government Shutdown Highlights Value Of National Parks

The shutdown of our national government, driven by an extremist minority in the U.S. Congress, is economically reckless and, ultimately, politically self-defeating.

Read more about Guest Column: Government Shutdown Highlights Value Of National Parks

By NPT Staff - October 14th, 2013 3:02am

A Duo Of Dunes: Indiana Dunes And Sleeping Bear Dunes

They share the same lake waters, but you can spot the differences between Indiana Dunes and Sleeping Bear Dunes national lakeshores.

Read more about A Duo Of Dunes: Indiana Dunes And Sleeping Bear Dunes

By Bob Pahre - October 14th, 2013 2:25am

1 comment

Coalition Of National Park Service Retirees Worried About Pressure On National Park Service

National Park Service officials have found themselves turned into political pawns, first as the administration's face of the government shutdown and now by being splintered through a handful of park openings.

Read more about Coalition Of National Park Service Retirees Worried About Pressure On National Park Service

By Kurt Repanshek - October 14th, 2013 2:22am

36 comments

Peaks Of Otter Lodge Along Blue Ridge Parkway Reopens

The Peaks of Otter Lodge has been reopened along the Blue Ridge Parkway, although all National Park Service operations along the Parkway remain closed.

Read more about Peaks Of Otter Lodge Along Blue Ridge Parkway Reopens

By NPT Staff - October 13th, 2013 10:24am

Two Alaskans Survive Plane Crash In Yellowstone National Park

It's a story the two Alaskans will carry with them forever: crashing their single-engine plane in Yellowstone National Park's backcountry and walking out to safety before rescuers could reach them.

Read more about Two Alaskans Survive Plane Crash In Yellowstone National Park

By NPT Staff - October 13th, 2013 10:14am

Seeing The Parks By Webcam During The Shutdown

Among the many casualties of the government shutdown are some of the popular webcam views of locations around the National Park System, since NPS and some other government web services have been disabled for the duration of the dispute. If you enjoy the ability to check in on favorite park locations via those cameras, all is not lost, however, and we'll provide some tips about park webcam views provided by non-government sources.