Florissant, CO: Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument along with America's 400 other national park units will waive entrance fees from February 15 - Feb. 17, 2014 in honor of President's Day Weekend.
Come and enjoy your park! Consider starting your visit in the Monument's new, state-of-the-art visitor center where you can view the park film "Shadows of the Past", explore hand's on exhibits, and visit the recently remodeled bookstore. Children can earn their Junior Ranger Badge or Patch through the free, Junior Ranger program. If hiking is more your style, enjoy one of the many secluded trails at the park. If there is enough snow bring your snowshoes or cross country skis. There are 14 miles of trails that wind through the peaceful, montane forests of the Florissant valley. The Monument also has two picnic areas where you can enjoy an outdoor lunch. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is open daily 9 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Florissant Fossil Beds will also be provided a variety of ranger-guided activities during the weekend:
Saturday, Feb. 15, Backyard Bird Count, 9AM - 12PM, meet at Visitor Center
Join the Friends of the Florissant Fossil Beds in helping count birds in the park as part of the nation-wide 17th annual Great Backyard Birdcount. For more information contact Sally McCracken at (719) 687-9204
Saturday, Feb. 15, Hike for Your Health, 10AM - 1PM, meet at Visitor Center
Join a ranger for a 4 mile hike for health. Depending on hiking conditions (snow levels) this hike can be moderate to strenuous. Be prepared for weather, dress in layers. Must be 10 years or older and prepared for the hike to participate.
Monday, Feb. 17, Photo Scavenger Hunt, any time 9AM - 5PM, start at Visitor Center
Bring your digital camera, grab a Scavenger Hunt game sheet, and head off on your own into the park to take some great pictures. If you find all the items on the list, you will get a prize courtesy of our Friends group. Be prepared for weather, dress in layers. The scavenger hunt will involve walking up to 1.5 miles.
For additional information visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/flfo or call at (719) 748 - 3253.
Follow us on Twitter at @FlorissantNPS and on Facebook/FlorissantNPS or visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/flfo
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
