Free Admission Sunday August 25

In celebration of the National Park Service's 97th birthday all 401 national park units, including Grand Canyon National Park will waive entrance fees on Sunday, August 25, 2013.

Founder's Day is an excellent opportunity to learn more about national park sites that are just outside your backdoor. Visitors to the South Rim are encouraged to stop by Mather Point and explore the National Park Service beyond Grand Canyon. Park staff will be on hand to show visitors how to use the trip planning feature and other virtual opportunities on www.nps.gov between 10 am and 3 pm. Stop by to explore new places, plan your next family vacation, or begin a virtual vacation and Experience Your America.

Visitor's planning to be at Grand Canyon on Founder's Day can print a coupon for a 20% discount at any of Xanterra South Rim's gift shops. A special treat for Founder's Day also includes a coupon for a free chocolate chip cookie with the purchase of a meal at select Xanterra dining locations http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/.

The parks official non-profit partner Grand Canyon Association will also have a tent set up at Mather Point between 10 am and 6 pm. During the day visitors will be able to learn more about Grand Canyon Association (GCA), hear about the programs and projects that GCA supports.

Founded in 1932 as the Grand Canyon Natural History Association, today the Grand Canyon Association continues to support interpretive and educational programs and publications about the canyon. GCA aspires to touch all those who visit or study the park, deepening their understanding of the park, enhancing their connection to it, and providing philanthropy for science, conservation and visitor amenities.

The National Park Service was established on August 25, 1916. The United States was the first country in the world to set aside its most significant places as national parks so that they could be enjoyed by all. Today, each of the 401 national parks throughout the country- is an important part of our collective identity. The mission of the National Park Service extends beyond parks into communities across the country where we work with partners to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities that revitalize neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life. To see what we do here in Arizona, go to www.nps.gov/AZ.

-NPS-