In the Dutchess County Spotlight
National Park Service Offers Fee-Free Weekend
On three weekends this summer, the National Park Service offers fee-free weekends to encourage cash-strapped families to visit the parks.
All 147 National Park Service sites charging entry fees waive them for June 20 and 21, (Father’s Day weekend); July 18 and 19, and August 15 and 16. Those fees range from $3 to $25.
In Dutchess County, visitors can tour the Franklin D. Roosevelt Home National Historic Site, Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Sites, FDR's Top Cottage and Val-Kill, the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, all at no charge. The grounds, trails and gardens of the estates are always open to visitors at no charge. Enjoy guided tours of these historic homes for free.
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced the initiative at a news conference at Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio.
"National parks also serve as powerful economic engines for local communities, and we hope that promoting visitation will give a small shot in the arm to businesses in the area," Salazar said.
Many national parks were bracing for a busy summer, and this improves the tourism forecast. Last year, national parks attracted more than 275 million recreation visits. Call 845/229-9115 or click www.nps.gov/hofr
