#FindYourPark- NPS Centennial Celebration

Jackson Hole has caught #FindYourPark fever! #FindYourPark is a world-wide campaign that encourages young and old to get back to nature by visiting the National Parks. This successful campaign has brought more visitors to the area than ever before. The #FindYourPark campaign was launched in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service (NPS). August 25th, 1916, Woodrow Wilson signed an act that created the National Park Service and forever protect these special places for generations to come. There are many events planned at National Parks across the country in celebration of this monumental act.

Inn on the Creek is lucky enough to have two National Parks in our backyard! We look forward to the celebratory events at both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Please read on for details of these events.

Grand Teton National Park Events

To celebrate this special anniversary Grand Teton National Park is waiving entrance fees Thursday, August 25th through Sunday, August 28th! This is a great way to kick off the celebration! Starting on August 18th, Grand Teton National Park will offer Ranger Programs with the focus of celebrating the 100 years of the NPS. Please click this link for detailed descriptions of the different programs available. Check out a couple we thought looked interesting:

• Predators of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem- This talk by Eli Williams of the Cougar Fund will focus on the role the national parks have had in protecting predators and their vital role in predators long-term conservation. Starts at 7pm in the Colter Bay Amphitheater.
• Celebrating National Parks- This half hour discussion with rangers and fellow park visitors will focus on celebrating the legacy of the national parks. Meet at the Colter Bay Visitor Center Auditorium at 11am.

Founder’s Day Celebration at Grand Teton National Park, August 25th, be on the look out for photo booths and Instagram frames through out the park. Don’t miss the cake cutting celebration at all the visitor centers at 12pm! Head to the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center Auditorium at 5pm for a special performance of University of the Wilderness, a score celebrating John Muir’s words. This score will be preformed by Chance Urban Chamber Music.

Yellowstone National Park Events

The main hooray for the Yellowstone National Park celebration of the 100 years of the NPS will take place on August 25th at the Northern Gate. The event is called an Evening at the Arch and will feature such stars as Emmylou Harris, John Prine and Leyla McCalla. Many local, state, and national dignitaries will also speak at the event, as well as, a performance from the children’s chorus The Singing Angelsfrom Cleveland.

Additionally, Yellowstone National Park has many special Ranger Programs planned through out the day on August 25th to celebrate the centennial. Please visit this link for detailed descriptions of the different events. Here are a few that caught our eye:

• The Centennial Stroll Around Old Faithful– Starting at 9:30am at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center, take an easy walk around the geyser boardwalks with a ranger. The discussion will focus on the dynamic past of Yellowstone and celebrate the 100 years of history since the NPS founding.
• 100 Years in the Making Discussion at the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center– Rangers will lead a discussion that will dive into the rich heritage and history of the NPS. Program starts at 2:30pm.

This is an exciting week to visit the area and we are happy to share it with our guests at Inn on the Creek.