On August 15 – 16, 2009 the United States National Park System will offer a fee-free weekend at over 100 National Parks. This is an incredible savings as the fees typically begin at $10 per car but can run over $35 per car. For the weekend, almost every state has a National Park, National Historical Site, or a National Monument included in this special value, so it appears that almost every American should be able to take advantage of this deal.

If you have ever wanted to visit the Grand Canyon, the Everglades, or Acadia National Park, this is a great weekend to do so. This is the third and final weekend this summer that the National Park System will be doing the fee-free weekends, and I hope they bring back this program next year.

Reservations for camping or any other additional services are not included in this offer, but this is still a great deal.

It appears the National Park Service, which falls under the Department of the Interior, has been trying to improve its image with the LGBT traveler. A page on its websites highlights gay and lesbian contributors to its workforce. The website also features the Stonewall Inn, which became a National Historic Landmark in 1999.

As for me, I’ll be taking advantage of this weekend. I will be visiting Olympic National Park in the state of Washington.