August 25th marks the 100th birthday of the National Park Service, and along with getting into parks for free on August 25th, 26th, 27th, and 28th, you have many centennial celebrations across the National Park System to choose from if you want to join in the festivities.
On August 22, the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation will illuminate the iconic New York City skyline, continuing the centennial celebration of the National Park Service. With the help of Bill Nye, Questlove, and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell - and with a nod to the innovative spirit of Thomas Edison National Historical Park - the event at Brooklyn Bridge Park will inspire new generations to discover America's treasures, our national parks. The event is the third in the summer long Park Exchange series for the NPS Centennial, and is part of the #FindYourPark/#EncuentraTuParque movement.
The following is just a partial list of the planned celebrations. If you don't see your favorite park on the list, check with its staff to see what is planned.
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, Kentucky
As part of the events across the country the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace NHP will host a special event on the weekend of August 27 - 28 to mark the Centennial anniversary of the National Park Service. A living historian portraying President Woodrow Wilson, who signed the Organic Act (that created the NPS) and the park's Enabling Legislation will be on hand to meet and talk with visitors. A re-enactment of the signing of the park's Enabling Legislation and Organic Act will be held.
Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida
August 25 is Founder’s Day for the National Park Service, when it turns 100 years old. To celebrate, the federal agency and its partners invite the general public to attend a free birthday party at the Coral Gables Museum from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Organizers promise a bona fide bash, complete with a centennial birthday cake, a cash bar and socializing. Sponsored by the Florida National Parks Association, the party will be held in the museum gallery that houses This Land is Your Land: A Second Century for America’s National Parks, an exhibit that features images, videos, and artifacts from the collections of Biscayne, Dry Tortugas and Everglades National Parks and Big Cypress National Preserve.
Biscayne National Park, Florida
August 25 is Founder’s Day for the National Park Service, when it turns 100 years old. To celebrate, the federal agency and its partners invite the general public to attend a free birthday party at the Coral Gables Museum from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Organizers promise a bona fide bash, complete with a centennial birthday cake, a cash bar and socializing. Sponsored by the Florida National Parks Association, the party will be held in the museum gallery that houses This Land is Your Land: A Second Century for America’s National Parks, an exhibit that features images, videos, and artifacts from the collections of Biscayne, Dry Tortugas and Everglades National Parks and Big Cypress National Preserve.
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, Arizona
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument invites you to join park staff and partners to celebrate the National Park Service Birthday at noon on August 25. Cake will be served and the celebration will take place at the visitor center during the lunch hour. The Hon. Stephen Roe Lewis, governor of the Gila River Indian Community, and Coolidge City Council member Steve Hudson have been invited to present remarks at 12 p.m.
Castillo San Marcos National Monument, Florida
Castillo de San Marcos will host a special concert on August 27 by the St. Augustine Youth Chorus. The St. Augustine Youth Chorus is an auditioned choir of 30 singers from around the St. Augustine and St. Johns County area. The Youth Chorus provides motivated young singers with a superior choral experience of learning and performing high quality music literature.
Catoctin Mountain Park, Maryland
Catoctin Mountain Park is partnering with the Catoctin Forest Alliance to present a Centennial Extravaganza celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the National Park Service at Camp Greentop on Saturday, August 27. The event, to be held in an open house format from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., will revisit significant eras in the history of Catoctin Mountain through exhibits, demonstrations, programs and interactive activities presented by NPS personnel, park volunteers and park partners. The first 200 visitors will receive a special commemorative coin designed and produced for this event.
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Georgia/Tennessee
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park's staff is excited to celebrate the National Park Service's 100th birthday on August 25. Park staff encourages you to visit and participate in a ranger-guided tour, take in the scenery, or hike one or more of the many park trails on Lookout Mountain, in Chickamauga Battlefield, or at Moccasin Bend. Additionally, on August 27, visitors are invited to Chickamauga Battlefield to watch a doubleheader vintage base ball game at 12 p.m. and 2:30 pm, where players follow rules harkening back to the 1860s.
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
August 25 is Founder’s Day for the National Park Service, when it turns 100 years old. To celebrate, the federal agency and its partners invite the general public to attend a free birthday party at the Coral Gables Museum from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Organizers promise a bona fide bash, complete with a centennial birthday cake, a cash bar and socializing. Sponsored by the Florida National Parks Association, the party will be held in the museum gallery that houses This Land is Your Land: A Second Century for America’s National Parks, an exhibit that features images, videos, and artifacts from the collections of Biscayne, Dry Tortugas and Everglades National Parks and Big Cypress National Preserve.
Everglades National Park, Florida
August 25 is Founder’s Day for the National Park Service, when it turns 100 years old. To celebrate, the federal agency and its partners invite the general public to attend a free birthday party at the Coral Gables Museum from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Organizers promise a bona fide bash, complete with a centennial birthday cake, a cash bar and socializing. Sponsored by the Florida National Parks Association, the party will be held in the museum gallery that houses This Land is Your Land: A Second Century for America’s National Parks, an exhibit that features images, videos, and artifacts from the collections of Biscayne, Dry Tortugas and Everglades National Parks and Big Cypress National Preserve.
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Colorado
It's the birthday of the National Park Service. Honored guest speaker, the legendary Theodore Roosevelt, will speak at 3 p.m. followed by cake.
Click here for more information.
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, Virginia
Happy Birthday National Park Service! Have you ever wanted to explore all of the aspects of running a national park? Join us for a birthday Open House at Chatham Manor on Saturday, August 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to celebrate 100 years of caring for our national treasures.
Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site, Pennsylvania
To celebrate 100 years of the National Park Service, Gettysburg's two national parks are inviting the public to enjoy birthday cake, a special radio program and take special tours of Gettysburg and Eisenhower's museum collections on August 25th. The day's festivities begin at 9 a.m. with a live radio broadcast of WITF radio's "Smart Talk." Smart Talk's host Scott LaMar will interview Ed Clark, superintendent of Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site, and other guests about the centennial of the National Park Service. This program will be broadcast live in front of an audience from the group tour lobby of the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. The public is invited to enjoy the free live radio show.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park, partnering with the Glacier National Park Conservancy, the Department of the Interior, and Visit Montana, as well as special guest photographers, are hosting an Instameet on August 25 from 6 p.m. to sunset in the Apgar Village Green near the Apgar Village Inn. Visitors are encouraged to come together to connect, explore, and celebrate creativity with a camera, make new friends, exchange ideas, and celebrate the 100th birthday of the National Park Service. All ages, levels of experience and types of cameras are welcome
Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
A long awaited dream will become reality on August 25 when the Huna Tribal House (Xunaa Shuká Hít) opens its doors on the shores of Bartlett Cove in Glacier Bay National Park. Elaborate carvings, hand crafted canoes, colorful regalia, and traditional songs will enrich this very special day, jointly planned by the Huna clans, the National Park Service and the Hoonah Indian Association. The event is expected to attract hundreds of tribal members, is open to the general public, and will be simultaneously live-streamed for all to enjoy. Due to overwhelming interest, an open house is also planned for Saturday, August 27th.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
To celebrate the anniversary, Grand Canyon National Park will waive entrance fees August 25-28. To join in on the centennial celebration, Grand Canyon visitors can explore Centennial Central, visit the Amtrak Trails and Rails Exhibit, and attend free ranger programs.Grand Canyon will also host a naturalization ceremony for new United States citizens on August 25.
Click here for more information.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Chance Urban Chamber Music performs University of the Wilderness, a score celebrating John Muir’s words with accompanying nature-inspired music. This group of musicians is performing at multiple national parks during the National Park Service’s centennial year. The performance will be held August 25 at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center Auditorium at 5 p.m. Additionally, Ken Thomasma will present a family night of storytelling at the Colter Bay Amphitheater at 7 p.m. Thomasma is a local Jackson Hole resident, educator of 44 years, acclaimed storyteller, and award-wining author of young adult books, including The Truth about Sacagawea and Naya Nuki: Shoshoni Girl Who Ran.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, West Virginia
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will host a Naturalization Program on Thursday, August 25, beginning at 11 a.m. in the Lower Town area. In partnership with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services approximately 20 people will take the oath of citizenship in one of our nation’s most unique historical settings. "National parks belong to all Americans," said Harpers Ferry Superintendent Rebecca Harriett, "so what better way to welcome a new generation of American citizens than in our country's most significant places like Harpers Ferry National Historical Park."
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Hawai'i
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park invites everyone to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service through music, culture and science on Friday and Saturday, August 26 and 27…absolutely free!
Homestead National Monument of America, Nebraska
The National Park Service is turning 100 years old on August 25 and Homestead National Monument of America wants you to join the party. Come to the park and join the staff for birthday cake from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. at the Homestead Education Center. Visit the National Homesteading Museum and enjoy the award winning film “Land of Dreams." On August 25, at 10 a.m., the elementary students of Beatrice will join in a celebration honoring the Centennial of the National Park Service. The public is invited to join this celebration featuring music by the String Beans and special presentations.
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana
In celebration of the National Park Service's 100th Anniversary, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and the Dunes Learning Center are bringing the Northwest Indiana Symphony to West Beach on Saturday, August 27, at 7:30 p.m. for a free concert with the magnificent dunes as the backdrop.
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, Missouri
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial has announced plans to celebrate the Centennial, including a commemoration celebration in Luther Ely Smith Square, "Lift Every Voice: The Black Experience in the Heartland" play, performances by the Centennial Band from the New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park and many other free activities. The Gateway Arch is open during this time, and guests can take tram rides to the top of the Arch for a fee. Special interactive programs appeal to all ages, and are family friendly for children and youth to enjoy.
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, Texas
Park visitors are invited to participate in National Park Service Centennial activities on August 25, including signing large birthday cards, eating birthday cake, and making souvenir buttons. Park Ranger David Graveline will present "100 Years of America's Best Idea!" at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the LBJ Ranch. Visitors attending this program will learn about NPS history and test their NPS knowledge with trivia that will have an LBJ twist.
National Mall and Memorial Parks, Washington, D.C.
On August 25, National Mall and Memorial Parks will assemble more than 1,000 participants into a living version of the National Park Service's iconic Arrowhead emblem. The event takes place on the 100th anniversary of the creation of the National Park Service and the public is invited to join National Park Service employees, volunteers and partners in this once-in-lifetime centennial celebration.
Obed Wild and Scenic River, Tennessee
In celebration of the National Park Service turning 100 years old, Obed Wild and Scenic River will be hosting a combined birthday party and an art-in-the-park reception on Thursday, August 25, at the Obed Visitor Center, located at 208 North Maiden Street in downtown Wartburg. The festivities will begin at 5 p.m. (ET).
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan
“We have a very full day of events on Founder’s Day!” said Sleeping Bear Dunes Superintendent Scott Tucker. “We are offering lots of fun activities, as well as behind-the-scene looks at things people have been wondering about. I hope everyone takes advantage of the free days by coming out to join us.” Tucker noted that those who participate in a park-wide scavenger hunt of the Founder’s Day activities can get a prize at the Birthday Party from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Dune Climb.
Steamtown National Historic Site, Pennsylvania
On Thursday, August 25, the park will feature a special "Wish NPS a Happy Birthday – Create a Birthday Card" event. Visitors will create a birthday card to the NPS, which will be displayed at the park from the August 25 through the Railfest event weekend and the week following. Additionally, park visitors will receive a free NPS Arrowhead tattoo (while supplies last) on August 25 and during Railfest weekend.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park and its partners will host a very special Centennial event to kick off the second century of the National Park Service, highlight the importance of public/private partnerships, and recognize the completion of the Gardiner Gateway Project (Phase One). The event features a talented line-up of performers: Emmylou Harris, John Prine, Leyla McCalla, the children's chorus The Singing Angels from Cleveland, Ohio, and Teddy Roosevelt reenactor, Joe Wiegand. Local, state, and national dignitaries will also speak at the event.
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