Did you know that April 17-25 is National Park Service Week? This is an annual celebration of the National Park Service (NPS) that creates an opportunity for families and communities to get outside and explore any of the 392 great National Parks located in the United States...WITH NO ENTRANCE FEES. 

Highlights of National Park Week include the 40th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22 and National Junior Ranger Day on April 24. 

There are 3 National Parks located in the Outer Banks area...Wright Brothers National Memorial, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and, of course, Cape Hatteras National Seashore. 



The Wright Brothers National Memorial celebrates the first successful airplane flight made by Wilbur and Orville Wright after 4 years experimentation.   Here you will find many exhibits, movies and educational programs that tell the tale of the road to the first flight. You can also climb Big Kill Devil Hill for a panoramic view from Sound to Sea.
Wright Brothers National Memorial is located at milepost 7.5 on Highway 158 in Kill Devil Hills, NC.



Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is another park located near the Outer Banks. This park protects and preserves known portions of England's First New World settlements from 1584 to 1590 and the cultural heritage of the Native Americans, European Americans and African Americans who have lived on Roanoke Island. Be sure to visit park partners The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama and The Elizabethan Gardens.
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is located on Roanoke Island, 3 miles north of Manteo, NC.



Cape Hatteras National Seashore is made up of over 70 miles of barrier islands stretching from Nags Head, NC to Ocracoke Island, NC. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore has many historical sites to visit and many, many things to do. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, surfing, fishing, walking or just plain relaxing on some of the best beaches in the world. Hike along any of the several nature trails located along the National Seashore. Birdwatching (not just on the beaches) is a popular passtime. Visit the Bodie Island, Hatteras and Ocracoke Lighthouses and any of the many historical sites along the way. There are so many things to see and do that I can't even list them all here.

If you are not going to be near the Outer Banks during National Park Week remember there are still 389 other National Parks scattered throughout the United States and entrance fees are waived at all of them from April 17th to April 25th.
Please note that while entrance fees will be waived for passengers in both private and commercial vehicles, recreation "user fees" such as permit fees, camping fees and lighthouse tour fees are not waived. Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Cape Hatteras National Seashore do not charge entrance fees.

For more information on National Park Week visit http://www.nps.gov/npweek