National Park Service News Release

Gulf Islands National Seashore Announces National Park Week with Free Admission, April 22-26

The National Park Service and the National Park Foundation will sponsor National Park Week 2013 from April 20 through 28 with free admission to all parks Monday, April 22 through Friday, April 26. This year’s theme, “Did you know…,” offers the perfect opportunity for Americans to learn amazing and unique things about their 401 national parks. “From bike tours and concerts to whale watching and living history encampments, the full schedule of National Park Week events offers something for everyone,” said Director Jarvis. “Whether you want to learn, relax, have fun, exercise, watch wildlife, or be inspired, there’s a park for you.”

“National Park Week is a great time to experience all that our national parks have to offer,” said Neil Mulholland, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation. “Did you know it is also the perfect time to become an active steward of these extraordinary places? Together, we can ensure that they remain vibrant and relevant for generations to come.”

• DID YOU KNOW…that Gulf Islands National Seashore has over 5 million annual visitors and is one of the top 10 most frequented national parks in the country, exceeding Yellowstone, Yosemite, or the Grand Canyon?

• DID YOU KNOW…that Gulf Islands National Seashore stretches 160 miles from Cat Island, Mississippi eastward to Okaloosa Area, Florida?

• DID YOU KNOW…that 80% of the Seashore is submerged lands, so take the time to put on a snorkel and fins to explore the seagrass beds and other underwater wonders of the park?

Gulf Islands National Seashore Superintendent Brown encourages everyone to visit the seashore to join us for National Park Week. For more information call the Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center at (850) 934-2600 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/guis.  Follow us on Twitter @gulfislandsnps to receive messages or "tweets" on park programs and information.

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