Free entry to U.S. National Parks April 21-29

The week of April 21-29, 2012 is National Parks Week, and as always, entry to all U.S. National Parks and other historic sites operated by the National Park Service is FREE for the entire week.  Take advantage by visiting the National Parks in New York City and nearby, including the Statue of Liberty National Monument,  Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace at 28 East 30th St., Grants Tomb, Gateway National Park in Brooklyn and Queens, and the Vanderbilt Mansion Historical Site in Hyde Park, in the Hudson Valley.  And, of course, national parks a bit further away, including Yellowstone and Yosemite.  Click here for the entire list of fee-free national parks.  The U.S. National Park Service operates millions of acres of picture-postcard views and educational experiences in hundreds of national parks, historic sites, and heritage areas.  An annual pass for a carload is $80, or  $10 for a lifetime pass for seniors.    There are additional fee-free national park days and weekends in 2012 after National Parks Week –  June 9 (Get Outdoors Day), September 29 (National Public Lands Day), and November 10 to 12 (Veterans Day weekend). Many park-related hotels, restaurants, gift shops, and tour operators offer special discounts on fee-free days, too.