WYOMING — Interested in showing some pride for the country’s national parks? Next week is National Park Week!

Running from Saturday, Aug. 22 to Sunday, Aug. 30, National Park Week is a time to celebrate the anniversary of the formation of the National Park Service (NPS). This year’s theme is “Celebrate America’s Story” in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States. The honorary week includes a fee-free entrance day to all 433 NPS sites for U.S. residents on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Tuesday is the official 110th anniversary of the NPS.

“Come visit where many of America’s important stories are shared — in our national parks,” NPS wrote on its website. “Make your own stories exploring stunning natural landscapes, reflecting on our nation’s inspiring history and rich culture, and enjoying the great outdoors.”

The final day of National Park Week is also Junior Ranger Day. Visitors are encouraged to share their national park memories on social media using the hashtags #NationalParkWeek, #NationalJuniorRangerDay, and #NPSBirthday. According to the National Park Foundation, National Park Week was founded in 1991 to celebrate the 75th birthday of the NPS.

“National Park Week invites us to reflect on what parks mean to us and what they provide for our communities, as well as commit to protecting these cherished places,” the National Park Foundation wrote on its website.

For those interested in attending a national park event, learn more about ranger programs, docent tours and wilderness walks online. Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer a plethora of free events for the whole family. See the following list of themed days during National Park Week to help decide which adventures to pursue:

  • Saturday, August 22: Kickoff Saturday and Freedom 250 Grand Prix
  • Sunday, August 23: Safety Sunday
  • Monday, August 24: America in Motion Monday
  • Tuesday, August 25: National Park Service 110th Birthday and Fee-Free Day
  • Wednesday, August 26: Watch Wildlife Wednesday
  • Thursday, August 27: Thankful Thursday
  • Friday, August 28: Freedom Friday
  • Saturday, August 29: Staff Saturday
  • Sunday, August 30: Junior Ranger Day

Monica is a Staff Reporter who studied journalism at Syracuse University and has been in the valley since 2015. She loves writing about the local food and bev scene, especially craft beer. When she’s not on the clock, you can find her paddle boarding, sewing, or whipping up a new recipe at home.