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National Mall and Memorial Parks

The National Mall: Contents Under Pressure

Over the past decade, the once-gleaming white marble dome of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial has taken on a decidedly undignified appearance. Creeping over the dome’s surface (as well as the monument’s signature columns and Greek-revival pediment) is a black substance known as biofilm, giving a grimy look to this monument to the third president.

Essential Park Guide, Summer 2017: Join The Park Side

Let's face it: at National Parks Traveler, we're excited about summer in the National Park System. This summer will be particularly memorable for folks who are able to visit a park on August 21, when a total solar eclipse will darken a swath of the country, from John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in Oregon, through Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, and eastward into Congaree National Park in South Carolina.

Parking Meters Coming To Make Your Visit To The National Mall A Bit More Expensive

The National Park Service has awarded a contract to Parkeon, USA, to install parking meters on streets and parking areas on the National Mall. Installation of the 90 multi-space pay stations will begin on or about May 1, with operation and enforcement of the meters scheduled for June 12. The new metered parking is intended to create more frequent turnover of limited parking spaces; encourage the use of public transit; and provide revenue to create and improve affordable visitor transportation.

Cold Snap Impacts About Half Of National Mall's Dazzling Cherry Trees

The National Park Service estimates that approximately half of the cherry blossoms on the Yoshino variety of trees have survived the recent cold snap, and will be emerging over the next week or so around the Tidal Basin, in East Potomac Park and on the grounds of the Washington Monument. The Yoshinos are the most abundant variety of cherry trees maintained by the National Park Service, making up approximately 70 percent of the total inventory.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Will Be Earlier Than Usual This Year

The National Park Service will offer a number of special programs and services during the 2017 National Cherry Blossom Festival, including festival-related lantern walks, ranger talks, and tours around the Tidal Basin and National Mall. Park Service events, which are free, will be held from March 15 through April 2. Peak bloom of the cherry trees is expected to occur between March 14-17.

National Park Service Completes Planning For Rehabbing Arlington Memorial Bridge, Needs $100 Million+ To Do The Work

Planning for rehabilitation of the crumbling Arlington Memorial Bridge in Washington, D.C., has been completed by the National Park Service, though the agency is far short of the $250 million estimated to pay for the work.

Road Closures, Logistics Announced For Inauguration Welcome Celebrations At Lincoln Memorial

The National Park Service and the United States Park Police, in cooperation with federal, state and local law enforcement, public safety and transportation agencies, announce security, logistics and access plans for the Voices of the People and Make America Great Again! inaugural welcome celebrations. The events will take place on Thursday, January 19 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the Lincoln Memorial.

When In Washington, Check Out Season's Greenings From The National Parks

One of the holiday season's most colorful displays involving national parks can be found in Washington, D.C., inside the U.S. Botanic Garden where 50 national parks and historic sites are featured amidst wreaths, garland, trees, and thousands of blooms from exotic orchids to a showcase of heirloom and newly developed poinsettia varieties.

Women's March On Washington Could Conflict With Trump Inauguration

A march on Washington to reject the divisive, insulting, and demonizing rhetoric of the presidential campaign could conflict with President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural events, though the National Park Service has not yet ruled out allowing the Gathering for Justice event to include the Lincoln Memorial.

The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

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.