PARK WEEK: Beginning Saturday, outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to recreate responsibly with a variety of events in honor of National Park Week — intended to celebrate the nation’s parks and American Heritage.

The Department of the Interior announced National Park Week, which encourages the public to explore the vast network of our national parks, sacred sites, and historical landmarks, as well as our shared heritage contained within them.

“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,” said Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. “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 national park will have a free admission day on Saturday.

The public is asked to recreate responsibly when visiting parks, including following rules requiring masks when physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Visit nps.gov/npweek or nationalparkweek.org for more virtual programming.

The 2021 National Park Week theme days are:

April 17: Free Admission and ParkRx Day

April 18: VIP (Volunteers in Parks) Sunday

April 19: Military Monday

April 20: Transformation Tuesday

April 21: Wayback Wednesday

April 22: Earth Day

April 23: Friendship Friday

April 24: Junior Ranger Day

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.

For more information, please visit NPS.gov/npweek and nationalparkweek.org.