Visitors to Shenandoah National Park enjoy a summer sunset view along the Appalachian Trail by Loft Mountain Campground, Sunday, July 12, 2020: Glynn Wilson

Staff Report –

The U.S. Department of the Interior announced that National Park Week – an annual weeklong celebration of America’s national parks – will run from April 17 to April 25, a time when the federal government urges the public owners of the parks to explore the vast network of sacred sites, historical landmarks and parks along our shared heritage that set these special lands aside for preservation and public education and enjoyment.

“Every national park has its own unique story to tell, yet so much of our nation’s shared heritage can be found in the towering forests and vast desert expanses that make up our National Park System,” Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said in making the announcement. “The outdoors has also proven to be a welcome refuge during the past year of the pandemic. I encourage everyone to enjoy the beauty and wonder of our national parks safely and responsibly.”

To kick off National Park Week, every park will have a free admission day on Saturday, April 17. Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to recreate responsibly with a variety of events planned.

An American Robin [Turdus migratorius ], the quintessential early bird, common sights on lawns across North America, where you often see them tugging earthworms out of the ground. Robins are popular birds for their warm orange breast, cheery song, and early appearance at the end of winter. Though they’re familiar town and city birds, American Robins are at home in wilder areas, too, including mountain forests and even campgrounds in places like Shenandoah National Park, where I photographed this one in the Loft Mountain Campground on Sunday, July 12, 2020: Glynn Wilson

“National Park Week is always a great reminder of the wide variety of sites, parks and programs available for the public to explore in-person or online,” said National Park Service Deputy Director Shawn Benge. “Throughout the week, ‘travel’ to national parks through virtual tours and other entertaining and educational digital activities designed to connect visitors with the vast network of historical, cultural, inspirational and recreational parks across the country.”

“The National Park Foundation and our park partners celebrate the full diversity of our parks. They come in all shapes and sizes,” said National Park Foundation President and CEO Will Shafroth. “They are urban and rural, natural and manmade. They each have their own, unique story, perspective and experience to share with all of us that, when taken together, really tell the American story. And each of us has an important role to play in helping to preserve and protect these special places.”

National Park Week theme days

Saturday, April 17: Free Admission and ParkRx Day

Spending time in parks and nature benefits overall physical and mental health and wellness. In honor of the NPS’ century-long collaboration with the Office of Public Health, National Park Week begins with ParkRx Day! Enjoy a free admission visit to recreate responsibly in a national park near you.

Sunday, April 18: VIP (Volunteers in Parks) Sunday

With over 400 national park sites to manage, NPS volunteers play a critical part in helping parks thrive. From clearing trails and providing directions to assisting visitors through museum collections, volunteers help all of us enjoy national parks.

Monday, April 19: Military Monday

National parks provide military members, past and present, with places for reflection and recreation where they can experience the comradery, solace, and healing that nature offers. In gratitude for their service, free annual passes are available for all those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Learn more here.

Tuesday, April 20: Transformation Tuesday

How have parks changed through the years? How will they change in the future? Some transformations in national parks have occurred naturally while others are the result of conservation and restoration projects. From restoring buildings to their historical appearance, to rehabilitating ecosystems, to the maturation of wildlife, to incorporating emerging technology, learn how and why parks and their features have transformed through the years.

Wednesday, April 21: Wayback Wednesday

Take a look at some of your favorite parks then and now. How has the view changed? Who else has stood in the same spot in the past? Learn about the living landscapes, historical battlefields, ancient ancestral structures, homes of prominent people, and buildings that are tangible reminders of the ever-evolving U.S. story.

Thursday, April 22: Earth Day

A global celebration encouraging all people to learn more about and care for the planet, Earth Day is the perfect time to reflect on the natural wonders that the NPS helps to protect.

Friday, April 23: Friendship Friday

Caring for our parks is a big job. Park partners have played an important role since the NPS was founded in 1916, and this tradition of generous, committed support continues today with individuals, groups and communities helping preserve and enhance the national park experience.

Saturday, April 24: Junior Ranger Day

The NPS Junior Ranger program provides fun and engaging ways for young people to connect with our country’s heritage and landscapes, both virtually and in-person.

Sunday, April 25: BARK Ranger Day

National parks are fun to share with those we love – including those of the fluffy variety! BARK Ranger principles ensure a pet’s visit to a park is fun and safe.

The National Park Service invites everyone to participate in a Twitter chat preview of National Park Week on April 16 at 1 p.m. Join the conversation and share favorite memories, tips and stories about national parks using the hashtag #NationalParkWeek.

The public is asked to recreate responsibly when visiting parks, including following rules requiring masks when physical distancing cannot be maintained, or to explore parks virtually through a variety of engaging online activities. Visit nps.gov/npweek for more virtual programming.

More Photos

Great Smoky Mountains National Park –

About to enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a winter Sunday on the way to Cades Cove: Glynn Wilson

A winter Sunday afternoon in Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Glynn Wilson

Taking a break by a babbling brook on a winter Sunday afternoon in Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Glynn Wilson

Yellowstone National Park –

The sign let’s you know you have arrived at the world’s first national park: Glynn Wilson

Boiling paint pots in Yellowstone National Park: Glynn Wilson

A buffalo by the side of the road in Yellowstone National Park: Walter Simon

Shenandoah National Park –

A view of the mountains from the Appalachian Trail by the Big Meadows Campground in Shenandoah National Park: Glynn Wilson

A juvenile black bear in the Shenandoah National Park: Glynn Wilson

A black bear crossing Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Forest and Park: Glynn Wilson

Greenbelt National Park –

A large white-tailed deer buck in the Greenbelt National Park Sweetgum field in Autumn: Glynn Wilson