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Lake Mead NRA offers free admission for National Park Week

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Love Lake Mead? Visit for free during National Park Week.
Photo: Julie Jacobson/AP

The National Park Service is celebrating its centennial anniversary by offering free admission to all national parks during National Park Week April 16 to 24—which means Las Vegans (and tourists) can take advantage of fee waivers at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

“With free admission to parks all week long, National Park Week is the perfect opportunity to check out a new location, revisit one of your favorite parks, and perhaps invite a friend who has never visited a park before to join you," said Will Shafroth, president of the National Park Foundation, via news release. "It's a great time to experience and celebrate our parks and historic places, and discover and share with each other how these treasured places are vital and relevant to people from all backgrounds from all over the country."

In addition to offering free entry, the NPS has a number of special events planned to mark the occasion. Visitors and park enthusiasts are encouraged to share photos of national parks for the National Park InstaMeet (coinciding with the Worldwide InstaMeet) on April 23, in which participants are asked to use hashtags #FindYourParkInstaMeet and #WWIM13 when posting photos. That same day Lake Mead NRA will celebrate Find Your Park Day with a ranger-led dog hike through the Historic Railroad Trail, a hike to Calville Summit, and a handful of outdoorsy demonstrations—think scenic photography, gourmet macaroni and cheese over a campfire and how to catch and clean fish.

The celebration culminates April 24 with National Parks Rx Day, when Lake Mead NRA rangers will “prescribe” healthy activities available in the park that “promote wellness and help prevent and treat chronic disease.” The discussion will take place at the Lake Mead Visitor Center at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

So, ready to explore the nearby great outdoors? If you’re sharing your experiences on social media, don’t forget to include NPS’ #FindYourPark hashtag.

Tags: Lake Mead
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