Homestead/Key West: Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks will have free admission April 19 and 20, opening weekend of National Park Week.
"We hope this celebration will motivate our neighbors and visitors in south Florida and the Florida Keys to get out and rediscover these two wonderful places that are right in their back yard," said Shawn Benge, Acting Superintendent of Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks.
National Park Week, a program of the National Park Service, is an opportunity to engage families and communities in America’s Great Outdoors, reconnecting them with nature and creating close to home opportunities for people to get outside, be active, and have fun.
“Parks are fun and affordable destinations and great places to engage in healthy, outdoor activities, whether for a few hours or a few days. National parks preserve our heritage, promote recreational experiences, and provide places of quiet refuge. Most people live within a short drive so I encourage everyone to spend some time enjoying their much beloved national parks, during National Park Week." Said Benge
At Everglades National Park, entrance fees will be waived April 19 and 20 at the main park entrance near Homestead, and at the entrance station at Shark Valley. The main park entrance is located at 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, Florida. Shark Valley is located at 36000 SW 8th Street, Miami, Florida (on Highway 41, 25 miles west of the Florida Turnpike).
Though it is the end of our busy season there are still a number of Ranger guided programs and great boat tours at the Flamingo and Gulf Coast marinas, Tram Tours or bicycling at Shark Valley. You can find details on these programs on our website or contact the main park number at 305-242-7700.
Ranger Led Programs - https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/rangerprograms.htm
Things To Do in the Park - https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/things2do.htm
At Dry Tortugas National Park, a variety of remarkable experiences await visitors who venture out to this remote national park, including camping, snorkeling, bird watching, fishing, or just enjoying a view from the top of massive Fort Jefferson-- you quickly realize how magical this place can be.
The park is remote and can only be reached by ferry or sea plane. Though the park entrance fee of $5 will be waived please check in with our official providers of transportation to the park for schedules, prices, and reservations, contact: (All transportation departs from Key West.)
For ferry schedules, prices, and reservations, contact: Yankee Freedom II: phone 800-634-0939 or 305-294-7009 or www.drytortugas.com
For seaplane schedules, prices, and reservations, contact: Key West Seaplane Adventures: phone 305-293-9300 or www.keywestseaplanecharters.com.
Fishing and dive charters can be arranged in the Florida Keys and Naples. For a list of service providers check our website plan your visit page or call the main park number at305-242-7700.
WHAT: Fee Free Weekend at Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks
WHEN: April 19 and 20, opening weekend of National Park Week.
WHERE: Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
