Combine great scenery and history with great savings and visit the Big Thicket National Preserve for free during the 10 fee-free days in 2017. 

The 10 entrance fee-free days for 2017 will be:

  • January 16: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • February 20: Presidents Day 
  • April 15-16: National Park Week Weekend
  • April 22-23: National Park Week Weekend
  • August 25: National Park Service Birthday
  • September 30: National Public Lands Day
  • November 11-12: Veterans Day Weekend

“National parks are known for their priceless beauty,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “They are a bargain anytime but on these 10 days in 2017, they really will be priceless. We want everyone to visit their national parks and the fee-free days provide extra incentive to experience these amazing places.”

During the fee-free days, the 124 national parks that charge entrance fees will waive them for all visitors. The entrance fee waiver for the fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for things such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours. 

Beaumont's closest national park is the Big Thicket National Preserve, which is located just minutes outside of Beaumont. The Preserve consists of nine land units and six water corridors encompassing more than 108,000 acres. Approximately 40 miles of hiking trails wind through Big Thicket National Preserve, allowing hikers to observe many different ecosystems.

Learn more about the Big Thicket here

Paddling Big Thicket

To continue the national park adventure beyond these fee-free days, the annual $80 America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass allows unlimited entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks. There are also free or discounted passes available for senior citizens, current military members, fourth grade students, and disabled citizens. 

The National Park System includes more than 84 million acres and is comprised of 413 sites including national parks, national historical parks, national monuments, national recreation areas, national battlefields, and national seashores. There is at least one national park in every state.

Last year, 307 million people visited a national park. They spent $16.9 billion which supported 295,000 jobs and had a $32 billion impact on the U.S. economy.

In addition to national parks, the National Park Service works with tribes, local governments, and partners across the country to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Programs such as the National Register of Historic Places, National Heritage Areas, National Wild and Scenic Rivers, and the Rivers, Trails, Conservation Assistance Program revitalize communities, celebrate local heritage, and provide places for people to get outside, be active, and have fun.

Learn more at www.nps.gov.