Latest News

The latest news from around the National Park System.

Contest Marking Emancipation Proclamation Carries $2,500 Academic Scholarship For Teens

The National Park Service, in partnership with the National Park Foundation's African American Experience Fund, has launched Expressions of Freedom, a nationwide artistic competition to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation.

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By NPT Staff - June 29th, 2012 3:00am

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Day-Long Celebration Planned To Mark Addition Of Land To Wind Cave National Park

A day-long celebration, complete with chuck wagon dinner and an appearance by President Theodore Roosevelt, is planned to celebrate the addition of more than 5,500 acres to Wind Cave National Park.

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By NPT Staff - June 29th, 2012 3:00am

Neighbor Mountain Fire Forces Trail Closures in Shenandoah National Park's North District

The Neighbor Mountain Fire in the north district of Shenandoah National Park has grown to approximately 200 acres forcing trail closures.

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By Randy Johnson - June 28th, 2012 8:29pm

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Student Conservation Association Marks 55th Birthday With Slate Of New Programs

Young military veterans, youth of color, Native Americans and others will benefit from new programs announced this week by the Student Conservation Association in conjunction with the organization’s 55th anniversary.

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By NPT Staff - June 28th, 2012 3:00am

Summer Of Fun Planned At Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

There's more -- much more -- to explore in Boston than the Freedom Trail this summer. Head into Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area and you'll discover activities for the whole family all summer long.

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By NPT Staff - June 28th, 2012 8:17am

For First Time In 163 Years, Public Can Tour South Vancouver Barracks At Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

For the first time in 163 years, the general public is being allowed to tour the South Vancouver Barracks at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in Washington state.

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By NPT Staff - June 28th, 2012 3:00am

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Celebrate The Fourth Of July In Mid-18th Century Style At Fort Stanwix National Monument

Take a trip this Fourth of July holiday...to the 18th century. You can do that by visiting Fort Stanwix National Monument in upstate New York, where they'll be celebrating like it's 1778.

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By NPT Staff - June 28th, 2012 3:00am

Recovery Of Climbing Ranger's Body On Mount Rainier On Hold Due To Weather, Avalanche Danger

While Mount Rainier National Park officials initially had held some hope Wednesday that improving weather conditions would allow for the recovery of the body of a climbing ranger who died while assisting with a rescue, conditions again forced rangers from to put off an attempt.

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By NPT Staff - June 27th, 2012 7:09pm

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Claim Your Piece Of America

An interactive website just launched this week by the Sierra Club lets you show some love and take some action to protect the places in the country -- the Yellowstones, Yosemites, the Smokies, Acadia and more -- that hold a special place in your heart and consciousness.

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By NPT Staff - June 27th, 2012 3:01am

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Reader Participation Day: How Should The Next President Of The United States Help The National Parks?

Come November, we get to choose the next president of the United States. President Obama might get a second term, or Mitt Romney might get his first. Whoever wins, how best do you think the next president of these United States can best help the National Park System?

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By NPT Staff - June 27th, 2012 3:01am

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A View From The Overlook: Tim Murphy, A Revolutionary Marksman...And Possible Hero

Who was Tim Murphy, and how good of a shot was he at the Battle of Saratoga?

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By PJ Ryan - July 2nd, 2012 10:50am

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Special Photo Workshop This Fall In Mesa Verde National Park

For most of us, capturing great pictures during our national park visits is difficult at best. To help you get that perfect shot at Mesa Verde National Park, a special three-day photography workshop has been scheduled for this fall.

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By NPT Staff - June 26th, 2012 3:00am

Hometown Of Homestead National Monument Attempts To Relive Its History

Beatrice, Nebraska, home of Homestead National Monument of America, tried to entice residents with its own offer of free land.

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By David and Kay Scott - June 26th, 2012 12:39pm

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Traveler's Gear Box: Therm-a-Rest's NeoAir XTherm Coming To Market

After considerable production delays, Therm-a-Rest is poised to bring its NeoAir XTherm to market on July 1, according to the company's public relations folks.

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By Kurt Repanshek - June 26th, 2012 3:00am

Yosemite’s Tenaya Lake Undergoing Major Restoration

The Yosemite Conservancy is funding more than $1.7 million in restoration and improvements to Tenaya Lake's east beach and surrounding wetlands and trails.

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By NPT Staff - June 25th, 2012 3:00am

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Learn To Rock Climb At Obed Wild And Scenic River In July

If you've always wanted to learn how to climb, consider visiting Obed Wild and Scenic River in Tennessee next month to take a class in the site's Fifth Annual Climbing Expedition.

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By NPT Staff - June 25th, 2012 3:00am

Endangered Nene Killed By Vehicle At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

A rare nēnē goose, one 21 years old and which has been somewhat of a prolific breeder, has been run over and killed at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

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By NPT Staff - June 25th, 2012 3:00am

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Weather Continues To Hamper Removal Of Fallen Ranger's Body At Mount Rainier National Park

Snowy and cloudy conditions have continued to hamper efforts to remove the body of a Mount Rainier National Park climbing ranger who died while working to rescue four climbers, though a small window of opportunity was expected Sunday.

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By NPT Staff - June 25th, 2012 7:51am

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Parks Beyond Borders: "Amateur Shooters" To Take Aim In Oz Parks, Big Cats Killed Near Kenya's Nairobi NP, Power Lines To Mar UK Park Vistas?

In a global round-up of park news, the State Parliament of New South Wales, Australia, a bill was passed last Friday after acrimonious, alarmist back and forth from all political quarters, to permit hunting in national parks.

Read more about Parks Beyond Borders: "Amateur Shooters" To Take Aim In Oz Parks, Big Cats Killed Near Kenya's Nairobi NP, Power Lines To Mar UK Park Vistas?

By Randy Johnson - June 24th, 2012 2:57pm

The Atlantic Jewel Of Acadia National Park—And Insider Travel Tips From The Park's Friends!

Planning to visit Acadia National Park? Here are some insider tips from Friends of Acadia on how to get the most out of your visit.

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By NPT Staff - June 24th, 2012 3:00am

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The Essential RVing Guide

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.

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