Each year in April, National Park Week is celebrated throughout the country.
“National Park week celebrates America’s treasures,” Yellowstone National Park’s public affairs representative, Linda Veress said.
Yellowstone will kick off National Park Week this weekend. On April 19, select roads will open for the season depending on the weather. On Saturday April 20, the park will have a fee-free day for all visitors. This event is from April 20-28.
The park has many activities and events available during the week. On April 20, National Jr. Ranger Day will be celebrated for children. Veress said kids can pick up a Jr. Ranger booklet and badge at any visitor center and participate in fun activities.
The public can participate in National Park Week online too. “We have a very active Yellowstone Facebook page, and people are welcome to come visit there,” Veress said.
Other activities throughout the week include art in the park, an annual Easter egg hunt, an Earth Day celebration, salmon fest, night hikes, and more.
Yellowstone offers more than just activities during National Park Week. Veress said many people are drawn to the park because of the wildlife, the geo thermal basins, the geysers and mud pots.
In 1872 Yellowstone was established as the first national park. “The park contains about half the world’s active geysers,” Veress said. “The park also became an important sanctuary for wildlife such as bison, wolves and bears in the lower 48 states.”
Hiking is another popular activity during the summer. “People should educate themselves on their safety if they are going to hike in the park.”
Veress explained that April presents a good time to go to Yellowstone because crowds are smaller, and people can still hike in the lower areas and snowshoe in the higher elevations. She further explained that the busiest months in Yellowstone are June through the beginning of September.
There are many ways visitors can get involved at Yellowstone, which is why the National Park Service encourages visitors to take the Yellowstone Pledge.
“It’s a personal promise that they can take to act responsibly and safely and set a good example for others,” Veress said. “It’s just ten tips and ten ways that people can help protect the park and protect themselves.”
The Yellowstone Pledge, along with the events and activities Yellowstone Park is doing next week are found on their website, www.nps.gov\yell.