The National Park Service is celebrating a milestone today America's best idea turns 100. Many National Park Service sites in the state are celebrating the birthday today and this weekend. Craters of the Moonin eastern Idaho will have numerous presentations including one from an astronaut this Saturday. Admission to the monument will also be free.
"Get out there and find your park find that place that is really special to you and once you find it share that story and invite your friends and family to come see it as well," Said National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis
All more than 400 national park service sites are free to the public starting today through the weekend. America’s first national park, Yellowstone isn’t that far from the Treasure Valley. Click here to learn about 5 awesome things to do in Yellowstone.
A Nampa girl recently found her park and begged her parents to take her there, choosing South Dakota over Disney Land. During spring break little Addison and her parents took a trip to Mount Rushmore.
"I said ok for spring break of your 1st-grade year do you want to go to Disney Land or do you want to go to Mount Rushmore," said Addison's dad Donovan. "And what did you pick?" "Mount Rushmore!" said Addison.
It's this type of family vacation park leaders want to see. Director Jonathan Jarvis says it seems not enough young people are exploring the great outdoors.
"The concern is perhaps this next generation is a little more urban a little more discounted to nature and to history a little more addicted to technology to a certain degree."
That's why the National Park Service created the find your park campaign, an effort to get more young people out exploring their public lands. With the national park service celebrating 100 years, it's the perfect time to do it. Those faces of great American leaders carved on the side of a mountain is Addison's park
"It's a great opportunity to do something as a family," said Donovan.
The family says their next adventure may be the Liberty Bell.
