Nation’s Vacation wants to thank our nation’s veterans.
In honor of all those who have volunteered their military service to our country, all national parks are offering free entry on Veterans Day. Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.
If you’re looking for an affordable way to celebrate, consider visiting a national or state park. This is the final fee-free day of 2020 for the National Park Service (NPS).
National Park Discounts for Veterans
Peace, tranquility, and adventure are the perfect reasons to celebrate Veterans Day in a national park. As well, during this time, national parks offer a safe way to spend time with loved ones and friends while maintaining social distance.
There are a few lodges within national parks and public lands offering discounts to veterans this Veterans Day. In many cases, those discounts are also available at other times during the year.
Lake Powell and Lake Powell Resort
Lake Powell is the home of some of America’s most beautiful landmarks.
While most people think of a visit to the lake as a summer vacation, Lake Powell, located within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, is a superb trip even in the late fall/winter timeframe. During the later seasons at Lake Powell, it is the perfect time for fishing, hiking, and renting a houseboat or other watercraft to explore all the side waterways and sights.
Lake Powell is the second-largest man-made lake in the U.S. and is named after Civil War veteran and explorer, John Wesley Powell. While visiting Lake Powell, you can see a number of natural land formations and bridges including Rainbow Bridge Monument, Antelope Canyon, Hole-in-the-Rock, and Horseshoe Bend.
If you’re planning to stay the night at Lake Powell or to rent a houseboat so you can enjoy the water for a few days, you can find lodging and houseboat rentals at Lake Powell Resort. Lake Powell Resort is located in Page, Arizona, right in the middle of all the lakeside activities you might want to do. Before arrival, be sure to check the site-specific closures and safety measures in place for COVID-19.
🇺🇸 Learn more about Lake Powell Resort’s Military and Veteran Discount
Lake Mead Cruises
The Desert Princess on Lake Mead in front of the Hoover Dam.
Lake Mead is a bucket list destination and is known to be the largest reservoir in the United States. If you’re looking for a picturesque outing this November, Lake Mead Cruises is offering a 15% discount on Wednesdays for the month of November.
Enjoy views of notable landmarks such as the Hoover Dam, Fortification Hill, and the Arizona Paint Pots from the spacious Desert Princess. The three-level paddle-wheeler has ample outdoor deck space and is certified by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Desert Princess can house 275 passengers and 10 crew members. Explore Lake Mead Cruises for your next outing.
Olympic National Park and Lake Quinault Lodge
Lake Quinault Lodge is open in the later seasons and is a sight to see.
Olympic National Park is special when it comes to national parks because it has been designated an International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This means that you can find four distinct ecosystems within this one national park; coast, temperate rainforest, lowland forest, and mountains. Olympic National Park hugs the Pacific coastline, offering beautiful, rugged hiking and amazing views.
You’ll also be able to explore forests, glacier-capped mountains, and serene lakes. With so many different ecosystems and landscape options, Olympic National Park has the right adventure for every visitor.
If you’re planning to stay the night in Olympic National Park, consider spending your time at the charming Lake Quinault Lodge, a historic lodge with period architecture and furnishings located just outside of the park boundary. Be sure to enjoy some time in front of the fireplace and consider dinner at the historic Roosevelt Dining Room, currently offering takeout services only. Be sure to check the latest health updates about COVID-19 before your arrival.
🇺🇸 Learn more about Lake Quinault Lodge’s Military and Veteran Discount
Asilomar State Beach and Asilomar Conference Grounds
Head to the west coast for Veterans Day at Asilomar State Beach.
Asilomar State Beach is home to protected coastal dunes, rocky shores, tide pools, and thousands of species of marine plants and animals. A visit to the Pacific coastline is a truly unique experience. The serene beauty of the Monterey peninsula provides a peaceful retreat for visitors who just want to escape for a little while to California’s central coast.
If you plan to stay in the area for longer than just Veterans Day, be sure to consider a stay at Asilomar Conference Grounds. While enjoying the tranquility of the grounds and state beach, you can watch wildlife, stargaze, and simply take in the spectacular ocean views. Before you arrive, check the extra safety precautions that are being taken to protect every guest.
🇺🇸 Learn more about Asilomar’s Military and Veteran Discount
Bridger-Teton National Forest
Hit the snow with Teton Tour Company.
The Bridger-Teton National Forest was established in 1929 and is located near Wyoming’s Grand Teton mountain range. The Bridger-Teton National Forest is home to numerous backcountry trails, breathtaking mountain views, and diverse wildlife. If you’re visiting on Veterans Day making use of the free entrance to Grand Teton National Park or Yellowstone National Park, consider spending time cross-country skiing, snowmobiling day tours with Teton Tour Company, or enjoying a multi-day snowmobiling centered vacation at Togwotee Mountain Lodge.
🇺🇸 Learn more about Togwotee Mountain Lodge’s Military and Veteran Discount
We’re so grateful for the service of our military members. In thanks to military veterans, many national parks offer free entrance on Veterans Day, which is the perfect opportunity to get away and enjoy the serenity of nature.
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