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A Historian's Take on the National Park Service

Once a decision is made, it's left to the historians to decide how sound it was. After all, history can speak volumes. It can point to incredibly great decisions, as well as point out some horrendous ones. With that understood, here are some thoughts from Dr. Dwight Pitcaithley, a former chief historian of the National Park Service.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area Hosts 150,000 Weekenders and a Hells Angels Poker Run

More than 150,000 visitors enjoyed Lake Mead National Recreation Area on Labor Day weekend. Park officials planned carefully beforehand to handle the throng, which included about 150 Hells Angels bikers passing through on a poker run. Despite a severe thunderstorm and other complications, there were few serious incidents and only one fatality.

National Parks Will Waive Entrance Fees on September 27, National Public Lands Day

You’ll love what they see at the national park entrance gates on Saturday, September 27. It’s the 15th annual National Public Lands Day, and all parks will be waiving their admission fees. It’d be nice if you volunteered to help with the site restoration and cleanup efforts planned for that day.

Visitation Decline at Great Smoky Mountains National Park Has Area Businesses, Residents, and Governments Worried

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the busiest of the flagship National Parks, reports 5% lower visitation at its main entrances and anticipates 250,000 fewer visitors this year. The related decline in visitor-based income and tax revenues has area businesses, employees, and governments fretting.

The Denali Road Lottery Offers Regulated Leaf Peeping at Alaska’s Denali National Park

After the shuttle buses cease operating at Denali National Park, motorists with lottery-distributed permits can take fall color tours on the 92-mile shuttle road. This year’s Denali Road Lottery will take place September 12-15, weather permitting. Up to 400 vehicles per day will be allowed.