Shenandoah National Park continues Neighbor Appreciation Day

Shenandoah National Park staff are again inviting community neighbors to enjoy a fee-free day in the park in celebration of Shenandoah Neighbors’ Day. On June 20, entrance fees will be waived for residents living in the nine counties bordering the Park including: Albemarle, Augusta, Greene, Madison, Nelson, Page, Rappahannock, Rockingham, and Warren.  Shenandoah Neighbors’ Day is an annual event held on the third Saturday of each June.

Visitors are encouraged to stop by the “Community Connections Tent” at Byrd Visitor Center to learn about the rich heritage and diverse activities, events, and amenities available in our surrounding communities. The “Community Connections Tent” will also showcase the importance of the Park’s partners and the activities they undertake to support Shenandoah National Park.

Superintendent Jim Northup said, “Shenandoah National Park is one part of the fabric of our communities, providing nearly $80 million in economic benefit, as well as health benefits and recreational opportunities. The Park’s surrounding communities enrich our lives and our visitors’ experiences through vibrant downtowns, agritourism, and historical resources, including Civil War Battlefields and so much more. Each year we take the opportunity to celebrate our adjacent communities and encourage our neighbors to discover more about the park and other communities by waiving entrance fees. We hope many neighbors will take advantage of the activities offered in the Park during Shenandoah Neighbors’ Day.”

Shenandoah National Park’s partners, Delaware North at Shenandoah National Park and the Shenandoah National Park Association, will welcome park neighbors by providing residents of the nine counties with discounts. Delaware North, the park’s official concessioner, will provide a 10% discount on select items in their retail stores and a 10% discount on food and some beverage items at all their restaurants. The Shenandoah National Park Association, which supports the interpretive and educational activities of Shenandoah National Park, will offer a 20% discount on all items in their bookstores located in the Dickey Ridge and Byrd visitor centers.

Visitors wishing to take advantage of these discounts will be required to provide proof of residency by showing their Virginia driver’s license.

For more information about planning a trip to Shenandoah National Park or for information about park activities go to http://www.nps.gov/shen or call the park at (540) 999-3500.