There's still at least a month of great summer weather to be enjoyed before any thoughts of fall or winter will sneak into your mind. And if you're looking for a national park getaway, here are some deals and packages being offered around the National Park System. Some expire right around Labor Day, some run later into the year.
Denali National Park and Preserve
End-of-Summer Package
This summer and early fall, Denali Park Resorts in Denali National Park and Preserve is offering travelers the chance to vacation in Alaska at an affordable rate. At just $219 per night, per unit at the McKinley Chalet or Grande Denali Lodge, the Colors of Denali package includes a two-night stay, a $50 Denali gift card, 500 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Miles and a packet of Alaskan wildflower seeds.
For just a bit less, $199 per night, you get the same package and a room at the McKinley Village Lodge or Denali Bluffs Hotel. Available through September 20, 2009, this package saves guests more than 25 percent and allows them to take advantage of the scenic beauty and unique wildlife of Alaska before the summer ends. For more information or to book a Colors of Denali package, guests may visit www.denaliparkresorts.com or call (866) 296-0327 and use the promo code: COLORS.
Signal Mountain Lodge, 25th Anniversary Pre-Labor Day Special
Stay in Grand Teton National Park before Labor Day and enjoy the fabulous views of the Grand Tetons at a special price in Lower Lakefront Retreats! Enjoy two queen beds, a sofa bed, kitchenette and a view of Jackson Lake and the Teton Mountain Range. Call Signal Mountain Lodge for reservations: 307-543-2831
$199.00, plus tax
August 23 - September 3, 2009
Not valid with any other offer. Please ask for Pre-Labor Day Special at time of booking. Visit Signal Mountain Lodge at www.SignalMtnLodge.com
Rock Harbor Lodge in Isle Royale National Park
Kayak Ecotours - August 25-29, 2009
Get out and see the island up close! Loons crying in the early mornings, gray wolves and moose telling the story of survival and co-adaptation. Visit world-recognized Peterson cabin, where more than 25 years of wolf and moose research has taken place. This all inclusive ecotour provides transportation, fresh meals, kayaks & accessories, maps, permits and fees, and ecologist/kayak guide.
Highlights: Incredible wildlife sightings, Peterson wolf research station, largest moose skull collection in the world, Edisen Fishery, Lake Superior.
Trip Instructors and Guides - Wildlife biologist, paddling guide
Start Location - Houghton, Michigan, National Park Service Ferry-Ranger III
Includes - Comfortable lodging for 5 days/4 nights provided at Rock Harbor Lodge, all meals, sea kayak gear, and guide.
Grade - Some paddling experience suggested, but not necessary.
» $1,506 Single
» $2,690 per couple/double occupancy
Each trip size is limited to 10 people. Reservations are required. For reservations, summer (5/15/09 - 9/11/09): (906) 337-4993; winter (3/1/09 - 5/14/09): (866) 644-2003. Visit Rock Harbor Lodge, www.RockHarborLodge.com.
Rock Harbor Lodge, Ranger III Ferry Transportation and Lodging Package
Get on board the NPS Ferry Ranger III, and travel to the island park of Isle Royale National Park. The Ranger III transports visitors from Houghton, Michigan, to Rock Harbor Lodge, which offers lodging, full-service dining, sightseeing tours, private fishing charters, and one of America's last remaining Northwood sanctuaries.
Our all-inclusive package includes:
Transportation from Houghton, Michigan to Rock Harbor Lodge on the Ranger III Ferry. Four or five night's lodging at Rock Harbor Lodge. Breakfast, lunch and dinner per person each day. Half-Day sightseeing trip of Isle Royale National Park and free half-day rental of a canoe (availability & weather permitting.)
PEAK SEASON: July 7 - September 1, 2009
» 2 Adults, 4 nights:
$1,793 (peak season)
» 2 Adults, 5 nights:
$2,173 (peak season)
For Reservations, Please Call: Summer (5/15/09 - 9/11/09): (906) 337-4993, Winter (3/1/08 - 5/14/09): (866) 644-2003
Rock Harbor Lodge in Isle Royale National Park, Queen IV Ferry Transportation and Lodging Package
The Queen IV transports visitors from Copper Harbor, Michigan, to Rock Harbor Lodge, which offers lodging, full-service dining, sightseeing tours, private fishing charters and one of America's last remaining Northwood sanctuaries.
Our all-inclusive package includes:
Transportation from Copper Harbor, Michigan to Rock Harbor Lodge on the Queen IV Ferry. Three or four night's lodging at Rock Harbor Lodge. Breakfast, lunch and dinner per person each day. Half-Day sightseeing trip of Isle Royale National Park and free half-day rental of a canoe (availability & weather permitting.) Available weekends only:
PEAK SEASON: July 5 - September 5, 2009
For Reservations, please call:
Summer (5/15/09 - 9/11/09): (906) 337-4993
Winter (3/1/09 - 5/14/09): (866) 644-2003
» 2 Adults, 3 nights:
$1,422 (peak season)
» 2 Adults, 4 nights:
$1,799 (peak season)
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Black Canyon River Adventures – River Rafting below Hoover Dam at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Raft the Colorado River - Save $5.00
Spend a day leisurely enjoying and sharing in the history, desert wildlife, and beauty of the Black Canyon. Raft tours launch from the base of the Hoover Dam and include a box lunch in a souvenir cooler. For reservations call 1-800-455-3490 or 702-294-1414 and requestr Code: WEBSO09. Reservations required. Offer valid for up to four people on trips through 12/31/09. Offer is based on availability and not valid with any other offers or discounts. Offer may change at any time without notice. www.BlackCanyonAdventures.com
59' Deluxe Houseboat Anniversary Special
Celebrate the 10th year anniversary of Forever Resort's most requested houseboat, the 59' Deluxe. Introduced in 1999, the 59' Deluxe Houseboat ushered in a new era of comfort, safety and quality in houseboating. Today, this versatile and popular craft is available for rent and on sale at the below listed marinas. Save $107 to $157 per day! Rent a 59' Deluxe Houseboat for at least four days from August 16th through August 31st, 2009 and save depending on departing marina (see below). Reserve the Early Board Option allowing you to board your houseboat the night before departure at 50 percent off regular rate and save $200!
$599 per Day
Callville Bay Marina on Lake Mead, Nevada
Cottonwood Cove Marina on Lake Mohave, Nevada
Temple Bar Marina on the Arizona shoreline of Lake Mead
To reserve this vacation package or for more details, call 1-800-255-5561 or visit www.ForeverHouseboats.com to reserve online anytime and select departure dates between 8/16/09 to 8/31/09 at the marinas listed above. Offer valid on new reservations departing from August 16 to August 31, 2009 and is subject to availability. This special package rate cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Early Boarding is limited at all marinas so reserve early for best availability.
Lake Amistad National Recreation Area
Forever Resorts' Houseboat Vacation Value package has included the essentials.
59' Deluxe Houseboat rental - large enough for you and up to 9 others! Choose from 2 to 7 day trips
4 Cases of Coke products of your choice
4 Cases of bottled water
5 Bags of Ice
$75 Marina Store coupon you can use for water toys, souvenirs or last minute items for your trip. Free Final Fuel Fill up of the houseboat, upon return to marina
$749 per Day - Lake Amistad, Texas
Lake Amistad Marina near Del Rio, Texas
$849 per Day - Lake Mead and Lake Mohave locations
Callville Bay Marina, Lake Mead, Nevada
Temple Bar Marina, Lake Mead, Arizona
Cottonwood Cove Marina, Lake Mohave, Nevada
To reserve this vacation package or for more details, call 1-800-255-5561 or visit www.ForeverHouseboats.com
This offer is valid for trips departing on or before October 31st, 2009 and cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts. Daily rental rates vary by marina and are subject to availability. Marina store coupons must be used by the completion of your rental term and hold no cash value. Coupons are not redeemable for alcohol or cigarettes, and must be used up on a single purchase (of one or more items). Coupon is non-transferable and expires after the scheduled houseboat return date.
Fall Wolf and Elk Discovery
This four-night Lodging & Learning program offered by Xanterra Parks & Resorts includes four nights at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel; three breakfasts, three lunches and one dinner per person; in-park transportation; a welcome gift and expert instruction by a Yellowstone Association Institute (YAI) naturalist/guide. This program is priced at $619 per person based on double occupancy.
Roosevelt Rendezvous
Participants in this four-night package Lodging & Learning program stay at the historic Roosevelt Lodge, also in the northern part of the park. Guests participate in their choice of daily field trips, many with a wildlife theme. Other field trips include geology treks and guided hikes. There is a maximum of 52 participants. The program also includes all breakfasts, lunches and dinners, in-park transportation and expert instruction by a YAI naturalist/guide. The rate is $679 per person based on two people in a guest cabin.
Wake up to Wildlife
This four-hour early-morning tour explores Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley, often called the “American Serengeti” because of the abundance of wildlife in the region. Participants climb aboard a Historic Yellow Bus, and a trained driver/guide leads the group through the region searching for wildlife. Continental breakfast is included. This tour is priced at $67 for adults and $33 for children between eight and 15 years old.
Picture Perfect Photo Safari
These half-day tours depart daily from Lake Yellowstone Hotel and the Old Faithful Inn. The Lake Yellowstone Hotel tour explores the north shore of Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, while the Old Faithful Inn tour explores thermal features and scenic areas from the Firehole to the Madison River. Like all Xanterra tours, stops along the way vary from day to day depending on wildlife sightings and other conditions. Photographer-guides lead these small-group tours and share information about photo op hot spots and tips for capturing the best images of Yellowstone. The tours are $81 for adults and $40.50 for children 15 and under. Continental breakfast is included.
Other fall tours and activities:
Kayaking Yellowstone Lake. Kayaking Yellowstone Lake was ranked second of the “50 Best American Adventures” by National Geographic Adventure. Visitors with a sense of adventure – and a little upper body strength – can reserve a backcountry shuttle operated by Xanterra to take them to one of several drop-off points from the eastern shore to the Southeast arm of the massive lake. Canoes or rowboats can be rented; visitors need to bring their own kayaks. Once dropped off, travelers can explore the remote park locations by foot or paddle. Pick-ups are pre-arranged. The final drop of the season is Sept. 13.
Circle of Fire tour. Visitors who find the park’s geothermal activity fascinating will enjoy this tour of the lower portion of the park. The tour stops at numerous geothermal hot spots including the Upper and Lower Geyser Basins, Yellowstone Lake, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Norris Geyser Basin. The full-day tour also includes a stop for lunch at a park restaurant. The lunch is not included in the tour price. The tour departs in the morning from one of six park locations. The rate is $63 for adults, $31.50 for children between eight and 15 and free for children under eight.
Bike rentals. Another popular fall activity is bicycling the park. Old Faithful Snow Lodge offers bicycle rentals through Sept. 30. Adult bikes can be rented for $8 per hour, $25 for a half day and $35 for a full day. The shop also offers accessories such as helmets and hip packs as well as bicycles for children.
For more information on the Yellowstone tours and to make reservations, visit www.travelyellowstone.com/summer-tours-activities-199.html. The Xanterra web site also offers a new activities search feature that allows visitors to look for activities by duration, intensity level and region of the park.
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