National Parks Traveler

The Brady Campaign has filed a lawsuit against the Interior Department over its plans to allow national park visitors to arm themselves. While the rule change is set to take effect January 9, the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia also seeks an injunction to prevent that from occurring.

Brady Campaign-Kempthorne.pdf

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By Kurt Repanshek - December 30th, 2008 11:29am

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What's Driving All The Shaking At Yellowstone National Park?

It's no secret that Yellowstone National Park is volcanic in nature. Still, scientists are raising their eyebrows over a recent swarm of earthquakes that have been shaking the park's underpinnings.

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By Kurt Repanshek - December 30th, 2008 10:42am

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What Were YOUR Favorite National Park Stories of 2008?

Back on December 21 we told you what we thought were the top national park stories of 2008. Now, here's a look at which stories YOU thought were the most intriguing.

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By Kurt Repanshek - December 30th, 2008 10:00am

Update: Will a “Chop and Drop” Strategy Rescue the Presidio’s Contemporary Art Museum Project?

Harsh criticism forced the Presidio Trust to rethink its plans for the new Contemporary Art Museum at the Presidio. A new "chop and drop" proposal emphasizes smaller, better located structures built largely underground.

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By Bob Janiskee - December 30th, 2008 4:00am

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Pruning the Parks: The $100 Million National Visitor Center Fiasco

The National Visitor Center was a bad idea that came to a bad end. When it was abolished on December 29, 1981, the NPS breathed a huge sigh of relief. Wouldn’t it be nice to have that $100 million back?

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By Bob Janiskee - December 29th, 2008 4:00am

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Power Outages Lead to Closures in Sequoia National Park

If you were planning a pre-New Year's Eve trip to Sequoia National Park, you might want to check with park officials before you head there. A power outage that hit Christmas Day has forced closure of facilities in the Lodgepole and Giant Forest area.

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By Kurt Repanshek - December 28th, 2008 11:35am

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The Texas White House is Now Open for Visitors

The current occupant of the Oval Office has ties to the Lone Star State, but the term "Texas White House" is normally associated with a former president. Public tours of the Texas White House became available for the first time this year, along with other changes at the park that commemorates the 36th president from his ancestral roots to his final resting place.

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By Jim Burnett - December 28th, 2008 4:33am

Mount Rainier National Park Offers a Snowplay Area and Guided Snowshoe Walks

A snowplay area and guided snowshoe walks are now available at the Paradise area in Mount Rainer National Park. Here's your chance to slide and 'shoe in the world's snowiest place.

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By Bob Janiskee - December 28th, 2008 3:00am

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With Winter Hitting Much of the Country Hard, There Are Many Ski Opportunities in the National Parks

Winter, it seems, is everywhere these days. Even poor Las Vegas has been hammered (relatively speaking, of course) by a snowstorm. And Death Valley National Park has seen snowflakes this winter. So shouldn't you be planning a national park ski trip?

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By Kurt Repanshek - December 27th, 2008 4:06am

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Have You Ever Sneaked Into Shiloh National Military Park?

Established on December 27, 1894, Shiloh National Military Park was transferred to the NPS in 1933. Some Civil War buffs have a very special way of visiting this park and honoring those who fought there.